Registration
Print
TRANSCRIPT

Trip Coach: March 6, 2007

Budget Travel editors answered your general travel questions.
Tuesday, March 6, 2007 |

_______________________

Los Angeles, CA: My husband and I will be taking our daughters age 15 and 33 to Ghana this August. This is the 50 liberation anniversary. We want to know what is the most economical way to go and what should we do? The 15 year old is a bit nervous about shots and or mosquitos. Your suggestions are appreciated. Lori

Budget Travel editors: Lori, What a gift to give your child! First, a practical matter. Single-entry visas require a $50 fee. Contact the Embassy of Ghana, 3512 International Drive, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/686-4520, ghana-embassy.org). Plan your trip out with care. Start in Accra with tours of the National Museum, Makola Market, Kwame Memorial, and the W.E.B. DuBois Center for Pan-African Studies. Then travel to Cape Coast, with visits to the African Historical Museum and a tour of the fifteenth-century slave dungeons inside Elmina Castle. Sadly, from L.A., there is no economical way to get to Ghana. Only British Airways and Ghana International Airlines are competing via London, and fares don't often dip below $1,100 in May/June. The advantage of London is that your family may be able to get a discounted round trip ticket to London, then switch planes to a separate flight from London to Accra. You may pay less that way than by buying a single trip that includes all legs of travel. However, be wary of taking this option if it involves switching airports in London. That's too much of a hassle, given that your family will be carrying many bags for an overseas trip. Afriqiyah Airways is a Libyan airline, which is uses the capital of Libya, Tripoli, as a layover between Gatwick airport in London to Tripoli, They're cheap, and the Airbus aircraft are new. Learn more at afriqiyah.aero. Again, note that this airline departs from Gatwick, while many international flights from L.A. arrive in Heathrow. Research your options for traveling between airports--with sufficient time between flights--before you make a purchase. If you'd like to be coached in more detail on your trip, send an email to Letters@budgettravelonline.com.

_______________________

Astor, FL: I'm a senior traveling by bus into Canada in July, 2007. Will be there for 3 days and returning to the USA. I see lots of information regarding air travel to/from Canada but not much pertaining to bus travel. I do not have a passport. What documentation will I need to enter Canada and return during the July, 2007 timeframe? I am thoroughly confused about this and time is running short. Thank you.

Budget Travel editors: To quote from the U.S. State Department, "For Canada, you'll need either a passport or a proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate or a naturalization certificate. Also bring a photo ID. Visas are not required." This policy applies whether you're crossing into Canada by bus, train, plane, or automobile. If you have further questions, look at the Canadian embassy website. canadianembassy.org

_______________________

Lockport, LA: I'm going to Rome and Paris for a week each beganning march 28th. Can you give me info on places to eat and things to do. Alfred

Budget Travel editors: Lucky you! We have lots of resources and recent articles online that can help you plan your time in Rome and Paris. For an insider take on the best places to eat, shop, and sightsee, download our free Rome Snap Guide and Paris Snap Guide. In Rome, one of the latest attractions is the Ara Pacis Museum designed by American architect Richard Meier as a new home for the ancient Altar of Peace. Our favorite walking tours are run by Context Travel's team of historians, archaeologists, and foodies. They can get you into underground tombs and other normally restricted sites. You can find more suggestions--from the best gelato to a lovely medieval church--in the article Rome Sweet Rome. As for Paris, we highlighted a flurry of new museum openings in Face-Lift: Cultural News in Paris. You can even take an interactive tour of the Musée de l'Orangerie from home!

_______________________

Budget Travel editors: Thank you for joining us. Please come back next Tuesday!

Note: This story was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

Print

Get E-Newsletters
Subscribe to the magazine now!