hollombe@ttidcc.UUCP (Jerry Hollombe) (12/31/84)
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This is in response to numerous requests for information I've seen posted
to this news group. I hope the more experienced travellers will bear with
me stating what may seem obvious to them. Here is a general travel tip
I've found very useful:
When planning to visit any foreign country, call or write to the embassy or
consulate of that country before you go. Tell them where your planning to
go and ask them to send you any appropriate tourist information about
sights to see, places to stay, etc.. They'll be happy to send you pounds
of travel brochures and lists of hotels, bed and breakfasts, campsites,
etc., all for FREE. It's a great aid in planning itineraries, lodging, and
generally not missing the things you'll want to see.
--
The Polymath
(Jerry Hollombe) Opinions expressed here are my own
Transaction Technology, Inc. and unrelated to anyone else's.
3100 Ocean Park Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
United States
(213) 450-9111, ext. 2483
...{garfield,lasspvax,linus,cmcl2,seismo}!philabs!ttidca!ttidcc!hollombeken@rochester.UUCP (Ken Yap) (01/01/85)
I second that opinion except that I would try that country's tourist
bureau first before their embassy or consulate. They are the more
appropriate people to contact.
--
Ken Yap
UUCP: (..!{allegra, decvax, seismo}!rochester!ken) ARPA: ken@rochester.arpa
USnail: Dept. of Comp. Sci., U. of Rochester, NY 14627. Voice: Ken!allyn@sdcsvax.UUCP (Allyn Fratkin) (01/02/85)
In article <176@ttidcc.UUCP>, hollombe@ttidcc.UUCP (Jerry Hollombe) writes: > > When planning to visit any foreign country, call or write to the embassy or > consulate of that country before you go. Tell them where your planning to > go and ask them to send you any appropriate tourist information about > sights to see, places to stay, etc.. They'll be happy to send you pounds > of travel brochures and lists of hotels, bed and breakfasts, campsites, > etc., all for FREE. It's a great aid in planning itineraries, lodging, and > generally not missing the things you'll want to see. This also works when travelling in the United States. Most, if not all, states have travel bureaus and such that are also happy to send brochures and hotel lists, etc. for FREE. Be sure to write far enough in advance for the brochures to reach you. Many places send them third class mail, so leave a few weeks for delivery. -- From the virtual mind of Allyn Fratkin sdcsvax!allyn@Nosc UCSD Pascal Project {ucbvax, decvax, ihnp4} U.C. San Diego !sdcsvax!allyn "Generally you don't see that kind of behavior in a major appliance."
2141smh@aluxe.UUCP (henning) (01/05/85)
**** **** From the keys of Steve Henning, AT&T Bell Labs, Reading, PA aluxe!2141smh > Though it may be worth getting the material provided by the country > tourist bureaus, one should remember that this is sales brochure > type material. I would never decide where to go based on this material. > Also, the lists of accommodations are always very incomplete, and the > maps are laughably useless for serious motoring. When contacting tourist bureaus ask for complete listings of lodgings with prices and detailed maps. Usually the complete listings are free and some- times the maps cost a small amount but are worth it. Also if you are into camping, ask for a complete listing of campgrounds with fees. These are available for most countries in Western Europe and Canada, Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Taiwan, and numerous other countries. Also if you are an AAA member, check on the Passport agreement which provides you with services in many foreign countries comparable to those in the US. If you just ask for general information they will send you the junky tourist literature that they hope will convince you to buy a tour. If you are travel- ing on your own you have to tell them that and give dates and ask for specific information. My experience has been that going through an American travel agent for foreign accommodations and tours just about doubles the cost of doing it yourself when you get there or going through their US representative before you leave. An example is the Japan Travel Bureau in San Francisco. They are great. Regarding books and bookstores, 1) They are designed to make money for the author and publisher. 2) They are designed to appeal to a specific audience (budget, luxury, etc) 3) They contain material that is at least 1 year old and not guaranteed. 4) They can only comment on those places which they have time to visit. 5) They miss many if not all small but nice places. In some places like Northern Europe, I have never found a place that was not clean. The only choice is price and convenience. P.S. That junky literature about tour routes is great in planning your own route and gives you an idea as to what one should look for.