NOT SO NEW
In response to the Savvy Traveller article on “the brand new Airbnb” (Traveller, August 6) whereas it could be “new” it definitely shouldn’t be improved. My spouse and I’ve been utilizing Airbnb for greater than a decade and have stayed in over two dozen leases in Australia, Europe and Southeast Asia. There is no such thing as a longer a filter for a raise or elevator and as soon as upon a time there was a “key phrase” choice. We used to have the ability to simply discover an house with both a balcony or a terrace, however alas no extra. As to the latter, we’ve got contacted Airbnb on a number of events and have acquired no passable rationalization. Now you must scroll via a whole bunch of advertisements to try to find these amenities which is irritating and really time consuming. Different platforms resembling vrbo.com have these choices. What has occurred?
Thracy Vinga, Coburg, Vic
LETTER OF THE WEEK
NAME THAT TUNE
Your fulfilling cowl story (Traveller, July 30) about matching America’s basic songs with its best locations contained some gems and some omissions. Might I supply an alternate track record imbued with celebration and likewise romance, nostalgia and introspection? For all of the romantics on the market we should not overlook I Left My Coronary heart In San Francisco. And whether or not you’re 99 Miles from LA or driving alongside the Ventura Freeway chances are you’ll wish to sing-along with John Denver’s ode to West Virginia, Take Me Residence, Nation Roads. Then it is a laborious selection between Midnight Practice To Georgia and Georgia On My Thoughts as each songs supply a deep and poignant narrative. Otherwise you may wish to welcome a brand new day with the uplifting Good Morning Baltimore from the musical Hairspray. For these excited about a extra mystical and darker stroll within the French Quarter of New Orleans then Sting’s Moon over Bourbon Avenue is the track for you.
Peter Khoury, Wyoming, NSW
RIGHT ON TRACKER
I purchased an Apple Airtag tracker for my checked baggage and, consequently, throughout my latest transit via Sydney I may see on boarding my connecting flight to Darwin that my bag was not aboard the aircraft. I advised the Qantas customer support desk I wanted the bag as I had a Qantas worldwide connecting flight out of Darwin and I used to be categorically assured that it will be loaded. It wasn’t. Now I am abroad and after two days haven’t acquired a single phrase from Qantas, not to mention compensation. I am simply fortunate that Alex, an airport worker, says he’ll name me when it arrives so I can gather it from the airport.
Simon Benedict, Docklands, Vic
CARE FLIGHT
My spouse and I have been not too long ago lining up for our return flight again to Sydney from Alice Springs once we acquired unhealthy information from our daughter that our a lot liked nine-year-old Labrador had simply died. It was an important shock and though upset, we continued to board the Qantas flight. From the second we confirmed the boarding cross and continued to seek out our seats, the Qantas workers noticed our obvious misery and requested what was the reason for it. Tearily, we shared the unhealthy information. What adopted was nice buyer empathy and kindness by the on-board crew to the purpose of even sharing their very own canine tales which helped us get via the flight again to Sydney. Qantas could have its detractors and complainers about its present efficiency as an on-time airline, however we will solely reward flight crew for his or her care and consideration proven to us over the 2 and half hour flight dwelling.
Allan Scadden, Earlwood, NSW
JUDI, JUDI, JUDI
For a few years I’ve been consistently requested and at occasions energetically pursued alongside streets by folks hoping I used to be Dame Judi Dench. (Traveller, August 13 and July 30) From the traditional pyramids of Saqqara in Egypt, all through Europe, the UK, Japan and Australia and plenty of different locations we’ve got visited, it has at occasions felt relentless. While strolling within the Yorkshire Dales some years in the past one man known as out as he approached “I’m hoping to go down on my knees and bow to Dame Judi”. A little bit later, as we have been lunching in an atmospheric pub, the wait workers consistently got here as much as our desk to inquire if all the pieces was good. After we went to pay the invoice the maitre’d requested hopefully if I used to be actually Judi Dench — apparently they’d all been taking bets on the likelihood.
Margaret Woods, Fitzroy, Vic
SOAK IT UP
I am with Ben Groundwater, (Traveller, July 16) that among the greatest reminiscences from journey are those whenever you simply sit and be, not racing round ticking off the record of issues to see. It is simply fascinating to cease, soak within the ambiance and watch the world go by whereas sipping on a espresso or an aperitif. Actually there’s nothing higher.
Lisa Clarke, Watsons Bay, NSW
100% PURE FRUSTRATION
After 90 minutes spent attempting to add my Worldwide COVID Vaccination Certificates for my New Zealand Journey Declaration, I rang the NZ Journey Declaration hotline. After half an hour on the telephone, it seems that the utmost variety of doses you must fill within the kind is “two”. In fact, the shape does not inform you that, so if you happen to put in “4”, together with your two boosters, it can refuse to add your certificates. Nevertheless it will not inform you why. And if you happen to attempt to kind within the month of your vaccinations, overlook about typing “08” for August. No, you must kind “Aug” and once more it does not inform you that. You could determine it out after it refuses to load that web page. New Zealand: fabulous nation, totally silly paperwork (and I am allowed to say that because it’s my homeland).
Pam Kershaw, Collingwood, Vic
FIT FOR PURPOSE
Lee Tulloch writes (Traveller, July 30), “if we each have correctly fitted masks, the possibilities of catching something, together with colds, is way slimmer.” My latest return journey Melbourne Coolangatta with two separate airways (three days aside) demonstrates what an vital situation that is with many passengers’ masks not fitted appropriately or not worn in any respect. I examined constructive to COVID-19 two days later. Airways have been allowed to recommence regular operations with out passengers having to social distance, which permits them to fill their planes. Passengers are required to put on a correctly fitted masks, overlaying nostril and mouth, whereas on the aircraft. Airways don’t implement this for some purpose. Why?
Michael Freudenstein, Rosewhite, Vic
TIP OF THE WEEK
BUILDING SOCIETY
For these of you who’ve been to Paris many occasions and are on the lookout for one thing completely different, I can advocate the Museum of Structure (citedelarchitecture.fr) on the Trocadero in Paris. It is a assortment of replicas and authentic buildings and decorations from the Center Ages till fashionable occasions. It has frescoes, sculptures, work, fashions and rather more. A number of the replicas solely exist as the unique constructing has been destroyed. The museum additionally has exhibitions and one to look ahead to is the artwork deco one later this 12 months. From contained in the museum the home windows supply fabulous views of Paris, notably the Eiffel Tower simply over the river and out of doors are the fabulous fountains of the Trocadero.
Elaine Hoyle, Avalon Seashore, NSW
ON THE CASE
As a vacationer information for inbound travellers, through the years I’ve handled many situations of passengers lacking baggage (largely black luggage). My recommendation is do not go for a black bag — let your baggage stand out. Attempt to have a shiny colored case and think about sticking contrasting colored duct tape throughout the entrance, again, sides, high and backside. Your case shall be distinctive and stand out on the carousel at any angle. I’ve used this methodology efficiently and have even acquired compliments from check-in workers. Lastly, title tags can and do come off so connect two.
AngelaTurek, Killara, NSW
BLANK SLATE
This octogenarian is contemplating a three-week go to to Europe however my information of Europe is an entire clean, aside from visiting Paris some years in the past for a selected occasion. The concept of visiting a number of international locations over three weeks does not enchantment as I would favor to spend 4 or 5 days attending to expertise the tradition of every place. Solutions please for a once-in-a-lifetime go to.
David Lloyd, Northwood, NSW
DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT
Following Larry Stillman’s recommendation (Traveller, August 6) ought to you end up in a hospital in Italy, if you happen to do journey there keep in mind to take your Medicare card. The reciprocal association between Australia and Italy meant Medicare lined prices for ambulance and hospital therapy for my mom following a unhealthy bike fall a number of years in the past. She solely needed to declare the price of a neck brace on her journey insurance coverage. If you’re the accompanying traveller and must pay for a lodge to be with the injured particular person in Venice hospital, get a hospital letter explaining the connection to be able to be exempted from paying the native lodge tax. Do verify phrases of journey insurance coverage fastidiously so the physician statements for adjusted return flight prices are reimbursed, as searching for explanatory letters at a later date could be troublesome.
Polly Seidler, Darlinghurst, NSW
YOU PAY, WE ALL PAY
Whereas fancy Bali resorts can organise quick track-style airport service (Traveller, August 6) we must always acknowledge it for what it truly is. Paying $50 money, per particular person, to keep away from 4 separate queues (proof of vaccination, visa cost, immigration and at last customs) offers an incentive for airport authorities to take care of the mess that’s Bali airport. Australians needs to be supporting the Balinese folks rebuild after COVID moderately than paying money bribes to skip airport queues.
Simon Benedict, Docklands, Vic
ON THE RAILS
I’ve had, inside limits, a extremely attention-grabbing journey life and now, at practically 80, I wish to spend time going native. Travelling by prepare is on the head of my record. I want single prepare journey lodging at an inexpensive value however am discovering an inexpensive value laborious to return by. If anybody is aware of which trains worth and accommodate older single folks by way of service and value, please let me know.
Carol Oliver, Carlton, Vic
WRITE TO US AND WIN
The Letter of the Week author wins Hardie Grant journey books value greater than $100. For August, that features Discover Australia 2022; Final Highway Journeys USA & Canada; and World Cocktail Adventures. See hardiegrant.com
The Tip of the Week author wins Lonely Planet books greater than $100. Get below the pores and skin of among the world’s favorite cities with Lonely Planet’s ground-breaking new Expertise Guides. Every information lets the reader uncover the distinctive persona of every metropolis, with first-hand experiences from locals, off-beat day journeys and a contemporary outlook on well-known websites. RRP$34.99 every. See store.lonelyplanet.com
THE FUTURE OF TRAVEL: YOUR VERDICT
Pricey readers, we’re planning a particular 15-year anniversary version of Traveller and we would like to listen to your ideas about the way forward for journey. What are your hopes, desires and, sure, fears and considerations? How can the world journey higher and the way will we be travelling in 15 years time (that’s, 2037)? The place do you continue to wish to go and what do you wish to see and expertise? We’ll publish one of the best letters with the writers every receiving the prize of a Lonely Planet journey e-book. Write to us by no later than Friday, August 12 (see the small print under).
HOW TO WRITE TO US
We give desire to letters of 100 phrases or fewer and so they could also be edited for area, authorized or different causes. Please use full sentences, do not use textspeak and do not embody attachments. E-mail us at travellerletters@traveller.com.au and, importantly, embody your title, handle and telephone quantity.
