Wikivoyage:Tourist office/Archives/2016/February

Travelling in Ice and Snow
A recent spate of cold weather in the UK got me thinking, What's the advice of other Wikivoyage contributors in respect of traveling in (milder) winter conditions as opposed to the hard winter conditions we already have articles on.

Asked by: ShakespeareFan00 (talk) 11:40, 19 January 2016 (UTC)


 * From personal experience involving both road and rail: expect delays. Especially if it is the first snow of the year. Other than that, good shoes go a long way as do good clothes in general. If news reports are anything to go by, air travel is even more sensitive to weather delays or even cancelation. Or was your question aimed in a different direction? Hobbitschuster (talk) 14:38, 19 January 2016 (UTC)
 * Matches my experiences. Otherwise it depends very much on what region it is about. Where people are used to winter conditions, mild conditions just mean milder variants of the same precautions and less problems. But "mild" as in "about freezing" also means more slippery roads, more moisture (and thus wetter clothing and more ice in problematic places) etc. than in "hard" winter conditions. And where people are not used to real winter (including up here when winter comes early, and at first snow), things will get somewhat chaotic. --LPfi (talk) 21:51, 19 January 2016 (UTC)


 * Wear several thin layers rather than a couple of thick ones. That will keep you warmer (because there are more layers of air trapped between them), and it's easier to add or remove layers as the ambient temperature changes. If snow is likely, take your sunglasses. Carry high-energy snacks. Andy Mabbett ( Pigsonthewing ); Talk to Andy; Andy's edits 12:09, 2 February 2016 (UTC)


 * One problem will be to keep your feet warm. Few urban travellers will use rubber boots (or other proper boots with thick woolen socks) and with snow and temperatures about freezing you will have plenty of slush. Normal shoes will get wet and make half-an-hour waits very uncomfortable at those temperatures – with considerable risk of catching a cold. --LPfi (talk) 12:33, 2 February 2016 (UTC)
 * Exposure to cold temperatures or dampness doesn't appreciably increase one's risk of catching a cold virus. Powers (talk) 16:02, 2 February 2016 (UTC)

Buying a train ticket in Austria
This year it looks like I don't have the time to go by InterRail all the way from Stockholm to Pörtschach. So I'm thinking of going by flight from Helsinki to Vienna and then by train from Vienna to Pörtschach. What's the best way of buying the train ticket? Can I somehow buy it in advance over the Internet or do I have to actually be at the train station to buy it? Or does the Finnish VR sell tickets to foreign trains?

Asked by: JIP (talk) 13:28, 31 January 2016 (UTC)
 * Austria says you can buy tickets online or at stations (ticket vending machines or over the counter). Not sure if VR sells them (I remember reading in a forum about the Trans-Siberian railway that some Russian tickets would be available from VR and they sell Interrail passes which makes it likely that they may have other foreign tickets too) but if they do, I have a feeling they are much more expensive. ϒpsilon (talk) 13:38, 31 January 2016 (UTC)
 * I'd say try your luck here. If I understand the system correctly, early booking can save you a lot of money. The early booking scheme of ÖBB is called "Sparschiene". Good luck. Failing that you might ask your airline whether they have an air rail alliance covering Austria. Hobbitschuster (talk) 16:59, 31 January 2016 (UTC)
 * Consult [fahrplan.oebb.at fahrplan.oebb.at], choose your connection and buy a ticket online. It can be paid with credit card, you receive a PDF to be printed out. ÖBB online tickets are not transferrable. You may get cheaper tickets online, but don't buy discounted tickets that are available only for users who possess a discount card ("VorteilsTicket"). Alternatively, there are ticket vending machines at the Vienna airport.--149.244.249.9 11:26, 4 February 2016 (UTC)

An brief evening visit to Dubai
In a few days, I have a six hour layover at Dubai airport - long enough to visit the city. I'll be arriving one hour after sunset. What should I see? How do I get to it? How much cash will I need? Will any museums be open? Asked by: Andy Mabbett ( Pigsonthewing ); Talk to Andy; Andy's edits 12:02, 2 February 2016 (UTC)


 * Just bear in mind that you have 6 hours before the immigration line. This article has some handy tips to use the smart gates and maximize your time. --Andrewssi2 (talk) 11:39, 4 February 2016 (UTC)


 * To be perfectly honest, given what's written at our Dubai International Airport article about the endless lines and waiting for every service, if I were you I'd play it safe and assume that you do not, in fact, have enough time to visit the city. -- AndreCarrotflower (talk) 20:44, 4 February 2016 (UTC)


 * Actually, if I may make the assumption that this is your visit from the UK to Australia, then that time (for me at least) would be far better spent taking a shower and resting in a lounge without ever leaving airside. Andrewssi2 (talk) 23:13, 4 February 2016 (UTC)


 * When I had a similar length layover, I went to the airport gym. The equipment is good enough to burn off some energy and the showers are great. After that I found a quiet bench for a nap - I don't think the hotel there rents rooms by the hour, which I would have taken. --TrogWoolley (talk) 11:28, 5 February 2016 (UTC)

flights to anjouan
Hello

I am looking for flights to Anjouan. any airline flying from moroni or Madagascar?

I only found flights from Dzaoudzi with Ewa air

thank you

Asked by: 197.225.146.135 11:22, 28 January 2016 (UTC)


 * Hi. I'm doing a search with http://matrix.itasoftware.com/, which shows most possible flights, though you may not find them all on airlines' websites and actually be able to book them. Apparently, there are no scheduled flights between Moroni and Anjouan. I'm not seeing anything from Antananarivo, either, and I even did a search of airports within 1,000 miles of that city with no results. That included Dzaoudzi, so your source seems to be better than Matrix. Good luck! Ikan Kekek (talk) 11:36, 28 January 2016 (UTC)


 * Hi! AB Aviation (link is in French) has flights everyday from Moroni to Anjouan, leaving at 8am and arriving at 8-30am, their flights are listed here (link in French). I can't seem to find any prices on this website, but apparently there's a special offer for a return flight from Mayotte to Anjouan for only 229€. I suppose you could contact the airline to ask: the Anjouan office's number is +269 7710459 and the email address is anjouan@undefinedflyabaviation.com . The Antananarivo airport website says that Air Madagascar flies from Antananarivo to Anjouan, but I can't find anything on Air Madagascar's website.  Seagull123  Φ  16:36, 6 February 2016 (UTC)

Mumbai CST to Pune Junction (Maharashtra)
Most trains from Mumbai CST to Pune Junction go via Kalyan, and the travel time is 3:15. Why don't they route the trains through Vashi bridge? It would save about an hour in travel time, right? Asked by: 203.199.213.3 17:30, 26 February 2016 (UTC)

Travel by Eurail with mobility impairments
Hello, I am 65 years old and, while I am not in a wheelchair, I can only walk short distances and can only climb a few stairs. Haven't been to western Europe in many years, but would love to visit again. Would love to travel via Eurail. Is a trip possible, or am I relegated to my armchair? Thanks for your suggestions. -Georgia

Asked by: TampaBayPeach (talk) 23:31, 8 February 2016 (UTC)
 * Going around by train is certainly possible for mobility impaired persons (you may wish to call ahead if you need getting on and of the train or with luggage). However, old town in Europe are quite rightfully famous for being a bit difficult to navigate if you are not good on your feet. Cobblestones, winding alleys and all that. That being said, you can still get many places by cab and public transit is increasingly aware of its role in providing mobility to people who cannot walk long distances and act accordingly. It would of course help if you could get a bit more specific as to your plans. Hobbitschuster (talk) 00:14, 9 February 2016 (UTC)
 * Bear in mind that Eurail is the name of a family of rail passes. The actual transportation is provided by various railways, mostly national railways, and not only may the facilities they offer be different from one to another, they may also be different from one city to another.  If you can mention where you're interested in traveling, people might (or might not) be able to provide more specific advice.  --76.69.45.64 05:07, 9 February 2016 (UTC)


 * I think there are two questions: Can you go on a tour of Europe? - Yes. Is Eurail the best way of doing this? - possibly, but maybe not.
 * As you are less mobile, and I expect not keen on standing for a long time, you should plan the trip in a lot more detail than you might have done when getting about was easier. I would recommend booking a seat on the train if possible, and where this is not possible, plan to use off-peak trains. I would also recommend booking accommodation well in advance so that you can get a ground floor room. You will also need to research what you are going to see, as some historic sites may have difficult access. You may want to start by exploring countries where you know some of the language, so that it is easier to ask for help and thank people.
 * As you may be booking the whole trip weeks in advance to get reserved seats and good hotel rooms, you may find that it cheaper to just buy advance purchase fixed time train tickets rather than buy a pass. Longer journeys may be easier for you by plane rather than on the train - airlines are often better at looking after the less mobile than train companies.
 * In the United Kingdom, Public facilities built in the last 30 years or so will generally have some provision for disabled access. This means that most trains have disabled access, but the station (which is usually much older) may not. See National Rail information and example of the information on one station Modern hotels will have lifts to every floor, but older (cheaper) ones may have several flights of stairs.
 * Take a look at: European rail passes, Rail travel in Europe and Rail travel in the United Kingdom. AlasdairW (talk) 23:43, 10 February 2016 (UTC)
 * Also a general piece of advice on any travel in Europe, especially concerning Americans (who are rather more likely of doing this); Don't try to many things at once. If you only have two or three weeks, don't try to "do Europe" by visiting five or six countries. Try figuring out a (small) number of cities / sights you absolutely want to see on this trip - preferably close to each other. Europe is rather densely packed with a lot of stuff and I can truthfully say of myself that I have not even visited half the places worth going to in my own country. Don't go for the picture postcard and take a bit more time to do it. That's my personal advice and experience, but there are of course those who cram fifteen places into two weeks and are just happy with that. Hobbitschuster (talk) 00:56, 11 February 2016 (UTC)
 * I have to agree with Hobbitschuster. Europe is vastly culturally diverse for its size. Heck, it's where western civilization started from. I've usually had about two weeks of holiday and visited two to three European countries, and sometimes even that has seemed to be too little time. If you just go around from country to country you never get familiar with any of them. JIP (talk) 20:49, 16 February 2016 (UTC)

Getting to Pörtschach am Wörthersee
I've usually visited Pörtschach am Wörthersee by train, going all the way from Stockholm to Pörtschach and back. The trip takes a bit over a day per direction. And on top of that, there's the additional day per direction between Stockholm and Helsinki (either directly or via Turku).

This year it looks like I won't have the time. I have to go directly to Pörtschach. The problem is, Pörtschach doesn't have an airport, although it has a train station. I'm currently thinking of going by flight to Vienna and then by train to Pörtschach, but is there a better option? Is there any airport closer to Pörtschach that wouldn't have quite much more expensive flights from Finland?

Asked by: JIP (talk) 21:31, 14 February 2016 (UTC)
 * Not sure if any better then to Vinenna but maybe look at flights to Graz or Ljubljana via Munich or Frankfurt. --Traveler100 (talk) 21:54, 14 February 2016 (UTC)


 * I ended up buying a flight to Vienna anyway. The train trip from there to Pörtschach takes four hours per direction, and I have to allow for about two hours per direction to get between the airport and the railway station. Thus my only option was a flight departing from Helsinki-Vantaa airport at 6 in the morning. It looks like I have to take a taxi at about 4 in the morning to the airport, or alternatively book a hotel in Vantaa and go straight to the airport in the middle of the night. There's a direct RailJet connection between Vienna and Pörtschach, so the train trip will be easy, when I finally get on the train. On my return trip, I have to leave Pörtschach at 9 in the morning (easily doable) and I will come back to Helsinki-Vantaa airport at 10 in the evening, so I can take a taxi home. There's a taxi station right in front of the airport. JIP (talk) 19:28, 16 February 2016 (UTC)


 * So does anyone have any recommendations of what I should do to get from central Helsinki to the airport before 6 in the morning, short of skipping sleep during the night? JIP (talk) 20:50, 16 February 2016 (UTC)
 * Trains start running at about 4 AM, bus line 615 in practice runs around the clock. ϒpsilon (talk) 21:04, 16 February 2016 (UTC)
 * OK, it looks like I have to go straight to sleep after work the previous day, and set my alarm clock at 3 to 4 in the morning. I'll have time to sleep on the airplane, and once I get to Pörtschach and sign up at my hotel, I can go out and drink beer. My actual program only starts in the next morning. JIP (talk) 21:20, 16 February 2016 (UTC)

Further question: What is the easiest way of getting between Vienna Airport and Vienna Railway station (Wien Hauptbahnhof)? Will two hours per direction be enough time to go between them? JIP (talk) 20:29, 18 February 2016 (UTC)
 * So far, I have been searching for trains between Vienna and Pörtschach at the end of February. I'm only going there at the end of June. Do the same timetables hold? The best I can do allows for a transfer time of about three and a half hours per direction, that is, between Wien Hauptbahnhof and the airport. The four-hour travel time between Vienna and Pörtschach is already accounted for. Will this work? JIP (talk) 20:47, 18 February 2016 (UTC)

Train from Interlaken to Italy
Wondering if there is a train from Interlaken, Switzerland to Florence, Italy?

Asked by: 24.108.106.146 22:58, 17 February 2016 (UTC)
 * Take a look at the on line SBB timetable. The trip lasts about 5 hours. --Gobbler (talk) 23:42, 17 February 2016 (UTC)
 * With at least two changes of train (so in other words, the answer is no), at least on the day I looked at. (I used the German timetable server, which I'm more familiar with.) --69.159.9.222 01:18, 18 February 2016 (UTC)

Riga at Midsummer
This year, I'm thinking of travelling to Riga, Latvia for Midsummer. I don't have any spare days off work, so I can only be there for Friday 24 June to Sunday 26 June. I'll be spending most of my time at the city centre. Travelling elsewhere in Latvia is out of the question because of lack of time. What is there to see and do in central Riga at that time?

Asked by: JIP (talk) 21:17, 16 February 2016 (UTC)
 * As nobody else has replied, I'll make an attempt. Firstly, there's always the beautiful old town of Riga. Moreover, Latvians also celebrate Midsummer, it's called w:Jāņi there and celebrated on June 24th. Probably they celebrate it in some form in Riga too. ϒpsilon (talk) 21:07, 21 February 2016 (UTC)

Two week Car trip from New York to Mackinac Island, MI. Two week Round trip through Canada. Routes and places to stay.
<Hello. I am planning a trip by car near the end of July from New York City to Mackinac Island for a three day meeting. I would like to drive through Canada round trip. I have two weeks to travel. The trip should be about 1000 mile in length. We like B&B's and Inns. We like interesting views, towns and interesting experiences, Hiking fine but not required. Swimming ditto. Your expertise appreciated.

___Martin Lederman —The preceding comment was added by 108.6.34.250 (talk • contribs)


 * Well, for starters, here are some travel guides for significant cities along that route: Scranton, Binghamton, Corning (New York), Rochester (New York), Buffalo, Niagara Falls (New York), Niagara Falls (Ontario), Hamilton (Ontario), London (Ontario), Windsor (Ontario), Detroit, Flint, Mackinaw City, Mackinac Island. Powers (talk) 19:25, 21 February 2016 (UTC)


 * I'm assuming you plan to cross from the U.S. into Canada at Buffalo or Niagara Falls, and to cross back into the U.S. at Sault Ste. Marie en route to Mackinac Island. I took a trip last summer from Buffalo to Winnipeg via the northern shore of the Great Lakes, and it sounds to me like the second half of your proposed route coincides more or less with the first half of mine, so I can help you out with information on points north and west of Buffalo/Niagara Falls along that route.


 * The fun begins once you pass the northern fringe of Toronto's exurbs. The Bruce Peninsula comes to mind in terms of cute towns and B&Bs, especially if you're after something with a "beachy" ambience. A good place to go in that region is Flowerpot Island, which is located off the peninsula's northern tip in Fathom Five National Marine Park and accessible by boat from Tobermory. A word of advice I have: if you don't like sharing the trails with very many other tourists, take the earliest boat out to the island. When I went, I booked a 9AM departure on Bruce Anchor Cruises, which makes the trip in a glass-bottomed boat and stops in Tobermory harbor en route to the island, where you can see the remains of a pair of shipwrecks through the bottom of the boat. Reasonably priced by comparison to the competition, and highly recommended.


 * Parry Sound is another place where you'll likely find some B&B's, but head much further north and west from there and the number of towns at all, let alone cute ones, begins to diminish steadily. Between Parry Sound and SSM, accommodation consists of either limited-service chain hotels (Best Western and the like) in the two places along your route that can properly be called "cities" (Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury), and old-fashioned, mom-and-pop roadside motels (of variable but sometimes surprisingly good quality) everywhere else. Distances between cities are extremely long, so if you want to stick to name-brand lodging, plan out your itinerary carefully.


 * In terms of hiking: if you're willing to deviate from your route a little bit, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Pukaskwa National Park, on the shore of Lake Superior about four-and-a-half hours by car past Sault Ste. Marie. The terrain there is some of the most breathtaking I've ever seen in my life, and the trails range from quick loops that you can do in an hour or two to multi-day backcountry adventures. If you don't want to veer that far off course: from the perspective of the drivers seat as I headed down the Trans-Canada Highway, it certainly looked like Lake Superior Provincial Park (about halfway between SSM and Pukaskwa) had some opportunities on offer for the hiker, but I didn't visit the park and can't comment on it specifically.


 * Sadly, Wikivoyage's coverage of any of these places is sparse to nonexistent. If you have any specific questions, drop me a line at my talk page and I'll be happy to further enlighten you.


 * -- AndreCarrotflower (talk) 20:54, 21 February 2016 (UTC)

How to reach from Manali to Dalhousie?
1.) How to reach from Manali to Dalhousie? 2.) Prices of taxis, bus, trains etc. 3.) Best route...

Asked by: 1.39.15.112 18:09, 25 February 2016 (UTC)

bike ride from Kanyakumari to Goa along western Ghats,
If anybody has an Idea,could you share.Please. —The preceding comment was added by 27.116.17.3 (talk • contribs)


 * Prof tpms, do you have any thoughts about this or the previous question? Ikan Kekek (talk) 18:20, 27 February 2016 (UTC)
 * Yes, 27.116.17.3 and Ikan Kekek, you can drive from Kanyakumari to Goa through Madurai, Coimbatore, Ooty, Mysore, Madikeri, Chikmagalur, Shimoga and finally reach Goa. The entire route is through forest road.  The coastal route through Kerala takes you to Goa in half the time, but, there is no forest and the traffic is heavy. Regards, --Prof TPMS (talk) 01:22, 28 February 2016 (UTC)

ˑ

Mumbai CST to Pune Junction (Maharashtra)
Most trains from Mumbai CST to Pune Junction go via Kalyan, and the travel time is 3:15. Why don't they route the trains through Vashi bridge? It would save about an hour in travel time, right?

Asked by: 203.199.213.3 17:30, 26 February 2016 (UTC)


 * Hello, and thanks for your question. However, it would probably be more appropriate to put this question to the authorities who make decisions about train routing in India. On Wikivoyage, we simply inform travellers of how to get to their destination. It's generally considered beyond the purview of a travel guide to suggest how a rail line can be improved.


 * All the best,


 * Ikan Kekek (talk) 18:17, 27 February 2016 (UTC)


 * Another forum for transport infrastructure questions (if they're outside our "how do I get in to/get around X?" travel scope) might be the science and technology desk? K7L (talk) 21:39, 27 February 2016 (UTC)

In general there are two common answers to this sort of question: (1) The other route is already being used by as many trains as can operate on it; (2) The railway managament thinks more people will ride the trains if they take the route they do -- remembering that not everybody is traveling the full distance. Both of these might be irrelevant in this particular situation; I have no familiarity with railways of India. --69.159.61.172 23:27, 27 February 2016 (UTC)