Take-off
Sydney Morning Herald
Saturday March 20, 2004
Tassie surprise
My husband and I and two friends returned to Tasmania for a week's break. As we had not had problems arranging accommodation on the previous trip, we elected this time to book each day as it came. Well, Tasmania these days is a very busy place, so on arrival we realised we needed to book accommodation
in advance and did so with the help of the staff at Stanley information centre.
One of the nights was a wonderful surprise: Tranquilles, a deluxe bed and breakfast in Port Sorell. We hadn't intended to go to Port Sorell, but as there was no accommodation in the surrounding towns we had no choice.
Tranquilles (www.tranquilles.com or 03 6428 7555) is run by a lovely couple who have had a sea change from Melbourne. It's very tasteful and exquisite accommodation. From Thursdays to Sundays they have a teahouse which adjoins the accommodation. It is well worth a stay if you are in that part of Tassie.
C. Blackshaw, Epping.
Stuck in Melbourne
Madeline Howell (Letter, March 6-7) complains about the inadequate signposting in Melbourne. As anyone familiar with Melbourne will know, it's well nigh impossible in that city to find a road sign indicating the way to NSW - this is undoubtedly to prevent everyone leaving.
Iain Walker, Kingsford.
Credit watch
In January last year we bought two holiday packages to London, which included a $300 "land content" credit in each ticket price. We did not require hotel accommodation or car hire, so we decided to spend the credits on a deluxe theatre pass, at $182 a theatre seat. We bought two each.
We received the vouchers with our tickets in June, a week before we left, but then found out that the London Reception Centre in Piccadilly would not accept a booking from Australia, or even from the outer London area. You had to front its office in person.
The Phantom of the Opera was the most expensive show, and the best seat was #42.50 (about $106), which excluded the champagne and stage tour we would have received with our deluxe passes. We paid $728 for four theatre passes, and received four tickets valued at $425 - a rip-off of more than $300.
Our advice to travellers to London is to buy your theatre tickets either at the theatre or from a reputable ticket agency in London, and avoid buying tickets with a "land content" portion as the value is not there.
David J. Appleby, Orange.
Slovenia is buzzing
Reading "When small is beautiful" (Travel, February 28-29) reminded me how much we enjoyed a visit to Slovenia a few years ago. "Europe in miniature" is an apt description of this tiny country, where there are forest and mountain walks, vast limestone caves, beautifully cultivated farms and the sophisticated, busy city of Ljubljana.
On the road from Ljubljana to Lake Bled we stopped at the charming town of Radovljica, where the town square is lined with 16th-century painted houses, including Thurn Manor. This historic building houses the Beekeeping Museum, probably the only one of its kind in the world.
Inside are interesting displays on the history of beekeeping in Slovenia. The highlight of a visit is the display of painted beehive panels showing scenes from the Bible and from everyday life of the time. It is charming folk art unique to Slovenia.
Sue Hutchins, Cremorne.
Smooth sailing
We returned from Tasmania in huge seas on the Spirit of Tasmania (which was surprisingly stable even in five- to six-metre swells), having had a super smooth voyage down on the very day you published your article (February 7-8). We enjoyed very different experiences from your unhappy writer.
On each of our voyages the ship left early and driving on and off was a breeze. On board the fresh fitout of welcoming lounges and cafe, reading room and a spacious, comfortable cabin (with large square porthole) were all very inviting. On each voyage we requested a shore-facing cabin - no trouble at all to the friendly, helpful telephone staff.
Travelling down Sydney Harbour on the top viewing deck was sensational, as was the very close view of the dramatic NSW coastline on our voyage home. The dining room provided great food (too much!) and Tassie wines and offered an excellent brunch.
A. and M. Harris, Pymble.
Snapped
This photo is of my son, Richard, just after he jumped into the water at Lady Elliot Island in Queensland. You can see coral in the background and the water at this point is full of turtles and exotic fish.
John Croker, Lindfield.
For your chance to win a $30 voucher from Dymocks, the travellers' bookshop, send your best travel photo to: Take This, SMH Travel, GPO Box 506, Sydney 2001, or email in jpeg form at least 15 cm wide to travel@smh.com.au. The Herald regrets that it is unable to return individual snapshots.
READERS RECOMMEND
My wife and I have just returned from a visit to Paris to celebrate a milestone birthday for her. We stayed in an apartment in the Montparnasse area which we had booked through the website www.yourparisaddress.com.au
It was comfortable, well equipped and convenient to the metro, good shops and restaurants. It provided us with an ideal base for sightseeing.
One of the best deals in Paris was L'Open Tour bus (see www.paris-opentour.com), which, for 27 euros a person (about $45) for two days, allowed us unlimited travel on four tourist routes in Paris, with commentary in English. These routes visited all the major sights and were a great orientation for us. It allowed us to decide what attractions we wanted see at our leisure.
Don Swanborough, Denistone.
Herald Travel welcomes readers' letters. Write to us about the places you enjoyed and those you didn't and tips that may help others. Send them to Travel Editor, GPO Box 506, Sydney NSW 2001, fax 9282 2481 or email travel@smh.com.au. Your letter should have fewer than 200 words and must include contact details.
© 2004 Sydney Morning Herald
