Wikivoyage:Tourist office/Archives/2013/October

Finding Major US Airline

Cannot locate an airline named Major US Airline although flights are listed under FlightNetwork. Somewhere I found out this is a CANADIAN company. Does this exist? Many thanks. Asked by: 64.229.93.192 17:33, 2 October 2013 (UTC)

I think what they are saying is not the name of an airline -- often on booking sites they will not tell you the name of the airline you will actually get, but they are telling you that it will be one of the major airlines in the US, all of which should be covered at Airlines in the United States. Texugo (talk) 17:40, 2 October 2013 (UTC)

Canadian-USA Border Laxity?

Strange question:
I'm in the US.
I've applied for a Canadian visa but it's going to take 60 days.
I heard 1 story that the Buffalo border is usually lenient in letting people through.
Is there a place I could try to drive / walk into Canada where:

1) They may not check for a visa, or

2) They may be lenient and then grant me a visa

I have all the documentation from my Visa application (invitations etc). Thank you! Asked by: 76.88.25.23 21:04, 3 October 2013 (UTC)

For quite a few passports -- American, Japanese, most of Europe, perhaps others -- you would not need a Canadian visa. Just turn up at the border with the right passport & you're in. Twenty years ago, an American or Canadian could (usually) cross that border with just a driver's license, but they tightened up after 9/11 and you now definitely need a passport.

I assume you have some other passport, in which case I think your chances of getting across the border without a visa are near zero. Pashley (talk) 21:27, 3 October 2013 (UTC)

Yup, a South African passport, Australian Permanent Residence Visa, 10-year USA B2 Visa. I'm wondering if they check every person at these land borders, or if they just do random inspections. 76.88.25.23 21:29, 3 October 2013 (UTC)

They certainly look at every passport, but I have no idea what or how thoroughly they check. Pashley (talk) 21:32, 3 October 2013 (UTC)

Thanks for your input. 76.88.25.23 23:05, 3 October 2013 (UTC)

They check everyone these days. They may not look too closely at American (or Canadian, I assume) passports when crossing into Canada, but any other country's passport I would bet on getting strong scrutiny. And all the moreso coming back from Canada; you definitely don't want to risk being rejected at the American border, then sent back into Canada and encountering an agent there who's having a bad day. Then neither country lets you in and you have to live under the Peace Bridge. LtPowers (talk) 23:17, 3 October 2013 (UTC)

Thanks! I've got a US visa so I'm not worried about them. But as someone else pointed out, maybe I have to get lucky twice: once on the US side (not checking if I have a Canadian visa) and the Canadian side (the same). 76.88.25.23 23:30, 3 October 2013 (UTC)

The U.S. doesn't have an immigration check when leaving the country, so you will only encounter Canadian immigration/customs when crossing into Canada. I would expect Canadian officials will not let you in without a valid visa at any border crossing or airport. AHeneen (talk) 09:56, 4 October 2013 (UTC)

That depends how you travel... there are no US exit controls walking across CanUSA Street but attempt to board a commercial airline and you will be carded on your way out as the airline otherwise can be penalised. That said, you will have problems with the Canadian entry point in any case. K7L (talk) 17:49, 4 October 2013 (UTC)

Round trip via sailboat

Is it illegal under US law for a US citizen to sail from the US to Somalia and back without neither a passport nor any visas? Asked by: 108.240.77.215 18:11, 10 October 2013 (UTC)

It is illegal to enter almost any country without a passport and visa. Whether the US might let you in without a passport if you had some other proof of citizenship I do not know. I do know that Americans used to (usually) be able to visit Canada and return without a passport, but for at least the last ten years they have been strongly advised (I think required) to use a passport.

For sailboats, see Cruising on small craft. Pashley (talk) 18:29, 10 October 2013 (UTC)

See also State Dep't travel warning. Pashley (talk) 18:34, 10 October 2013 (UTC)

wikipedia:Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative#Implementation also has some info. US law won't demand a visa of a US citizen, but will impose passport restrictions just to let Americans back into their own country. Even if they live on this street. K7L (talk) 02:52, 11 October 2013 (UTC)

Cruising on small craft is valid for motorboats also, but says little (or did I miss it?). Generally I think you might be allowed to sail international waters and return without formalities - but only given the authorities know you have not been abroad (or met foreign crafts). You might be able to sail to Somalia without meeting any authorities interested in your passport, but you have any opportunity to get contraband, illegal immigrants etcetera, which the coast guard at home has no intention to ignore. You might be able to convince them you are indeed a citizen there, but not without a lot of trouble if you left your passport. --LPfi (talk) 10:40, 11 October 2013 (UTC)

Leaving Somalia to enter a country with no functional central government would appear a risky proposition at best, but there are additional logistical considerations. A transit of the Suez Canal puts you through Egypt and introduces more strange customs. Stopping anywhere for provisions, repairs or anything else would introduce additional border controls.

In theory, a lengthy sea-faring voyage from Bangor to the Aleutian Islands is merely domestic cabotage. Take the Panama Canal, though, and the minor detail crops up that the canal zone eventually was returned to Panama - a sovereign nation. K7L (talk) 16:18, 11 October 2013 (UTC)

Nudist colonies?

location of nudist colonies in foreign countries Asked by: 75.10.158.181 04:13, 13 October 2013 (UTC) wry

airline ticket prices, please help

I am planning to travel from Corvalis Oregon to Ninoy Aquino international Philipinnes some time in the summer of 2014 I am trying to find out how much ticket would cost me? Asked by: 2601:7:400:24E:9811:420D:4115:16AD 15:43, 15 October 2013 (UTC)

See Philippines#By_plane and perhaps Discount airlines in Asia. Note that Manila is not the only place with international flights. On the North American end, consider going via Vancouver, San Francisco or LA as well as the obvious Seattle/Tacoma.

Personally, I find Asian airlines generally have much better service than American or Canadian. The first thing I'd check is whether Korean Air have any good deals at the right time. They sometimes offer very good discounts.

In general, though, flights across the Pacific are often expensive, considerably more than across the Atlantic or other long hops like Singapore-London. Getting a good price may be difficult. Pashley (talk) 21:59, 15 October 2013 (UTC)

Price will depend on the airline, airports, dates, and if you book a round-trip (return) or one-way flight. Delta Air Lines flies from Portland to Tokyo-Narita and from Tokyo-Narita to Manila (they also serve both Portland & Manila from Detroit, but that would add a couple hours of flying time to your trip). No other airline flies Portland-Manila with just one stop. AHeneen (talk) 01:44, 17 October 2013 (UTC)

Kenya to Somalia via taxi

With a Latvian passport, a Koran, having a "big beard" and baksheesh, how risky is it to cross the frontier by private car or taxi from Kenya to Somalia carrying a disassembled ultralight and cans of fuel sufficient to fill the ultralight's fuel tank. Asked by: 108.240.77.215 10:45, 16 October 2013 (UTC)Sc0t0ma

"The FCO advise against all travel to the whole country." UK "We continue to strongly advise you not to travel to any part of Somalia because of armed conflict, the ongoing very high threat of terrorist attack and dangerous levels of violent crime, including kidnapping." AU Canada "advises against all travel to Somalia. If you are currently in Somalia despite this warning, you should leave immediately." CA "The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens against all travel to Somalia, including the self-proclaimed “Independent Republic of Somaliland” " US warning. This almost sounds worse than trying to drive across Detroit, at night... in a w:Toyota. Entry overland is particularly problematic as the nominal "government" controls nothing outside Mogadishu - so the only way is to be dropped directly into the capital (ie: by aircraft) surrounded by $500/day worth of security - presumably armed guards.[1] As much as Wikivoyage in general hates to make broad "don't go" statements (instead presenting current info and leaving the traveller to judge), yes, Somalia overland is suicide and you may want to get your last will and testament in order. K7L (talk) 13:54, 16 October 2013 (UTC)

To second K7L's remarks: How many Muslims do you think get killed in Somalia every day? You think pretending to be Muslim is likely to protect you?! If you really want to visit a Somali country, how about considering Somaliland and Djibouti? Ikan Kekek (talk) 00:02, 17 October 2013 (UTC)

As folks say above, Somalia is very dangerous, many governments have issued strong warnings, and your plan seems obviously foolish. I'll just add a few other points.

You cannot rely on baksheesh. Quite likely the first armed group you encounter will take all your money, so you will be unable to bribe anyone else.

The notion of bringing an ultralite plane & fuel takes this from merely insane to utterly bonkers. You are very likely to be searched repeatedly and by different groups. The fuel is almost certain to be stolen or "requisitioned"; it is extremely valuable in a chaotic country. As for the plane, will they consider it spy equipment? Or take you for a journalist (almost as bad to some governments)?

Do you speak either Somali or Arabic? Fluently? That would help, though it would not make the trip safe.

A Koran & beard may help, but do you look the part otherwise? Can you actually pass for Arab or some other group the armed fanatics would consider friends? Would that be likely to make some other group treat you as a dangerous outside agitator? To some, an uncircumcised fellow trying to pass as Moslem would be committing sacrilege; the fanatics might execute someone for that. Do you look European, a potential hostage or subject of a ransom demand? Pashley (talk) 00:52, 17 October 2013 (UTC)

It is my wish that they read me as a fellow muslim on his way to Mecca. I will spend the next 2.5 to 3 yrs growing my beard. It will be the longest, biggest beard they have ever seen and it will give them pause. In the interim, learning to speak but not read Arabic and Somali, I will contact Somali refugees and discover potential allies. Finally I will treat the Somali people with respect and kindness.

We have a Hajj article about the pilgrimage to Mecca. It covers only the Saudi Arabian part of the trip. Pashley (talk) 12:13, 17 October 2013 (UTC)

ROFL. Nurg (talk) 06:22, 13 November 2013 (UTC)

World passport

Inspired by Peter's odd question about playing around with one's passport I also have an unusual question about travel documents: Does/has anyone here own(ed) /has anyone traveled with a so called "World passport"? (Yes, you don't need to tell me that the document looks and feels suspicious, that's pretty obvious! It's not like I'm filling in an application in another browser tab, I'm just asking out of curiosity if someone of you actually has used one).

Asked by: ϒpsilon (talk) 11:15, 18 October 2013 (UTC)

I checked the official website for this and they say in their FAQ:

The WSA has on files photocopies of visas, entry, residence and exit, from over 160 nations stamped on its passports sent by actual bearers. These are case-by-case, or de facto acceptance. A few nations, Togo, Mauritania, Ecuador, Zambia, Tanzania, Burkina Faso have accepted the WSA passport on a de juris or juridical basis.

The whole point seems to test a specific UN resolution on the right to citizenship, and apparently with some measured success. --Andrewssi2 (talk) 12:03, 18 October 2013 (UTC)

Quite interesting. 180 countries means almost all countries in the world, and even places like Belarus and Saudi Arabia. The users are probably quite experienced travelers so I wonder if some Wikivoyager has a WSA passport. ϒpsilon (talk) 15:57, 18 October 2013 (UTC)

The one obvious problem is that this document's issuer isn't on the visa exemption list for any country. Entering Sault Ste. Marie (Ontario) on a Sault Ste. Marie (Michigan) passport is possible without the 'V' visa (on the assumption the traveller can be put back on I-75 once they wear out their welcome) but the "World Service Agency" is not a geographical nation able to take back its expatriates once their tourist status runs out abroad. It has no territory.

Historically, there have been international travel documents (such as the w:Nansen passport) issued to identify refugees with no homeland to which they can return but these are severely limited in the mobility which they confer on their holders. K7L (talk) 23:06, 18 October 2013 (UTC)

Why are there so many flights to/from London?

Hi all!

I used to work for Ryanair in two cities and London was the only destination with 2 or 3 flights every day (from small airports). Now working for Emirates in Dubai and London is the biggest destination (I lost track but at least 7 flights a day, not including the other airlines). Same if you check other airports like Budapest, London is the number 1 destination. What is the reason for that? Do British people travel more than the rest of Europeans? London is a tourist destination but not really in winter and not as much as Paris or Rome. Is tourism a good reason? I also wonder how come this city has 6 airports where most big cities in Europe has 1 or 2 max. Thanks for answering my question ;)

Asked by: 92.97.101.170 21:49, 20 October 2013 (UTC)

Part of it is just a me-too effect; if a destination already has many flights, then others want to come there to connect. Dubai is a good example. The British built the first jet airliners; did that give them a head start?

Others things I can think of: London was in effect the capital of the world 100 years ago when the British Empire was at its peak, it is still one of the greatest financial centers, and there are still Commonwealth ties. It is an English-speaking city, which may make it easier than other European cities especially for travellers who speak only English, but also for second language speakers. Pashley (talk) 23:30, 20 October 2013 (UTC)

There are really many factors, and the following are just a few:

*The UK is an island, therefore flying is usually the most practical way to get there.

*London is still the capital for financial services in Europe, and many European professionals work there and visit their home countries frequently. London is also seen by young professionals around Europe has having a more merit driven culture and with it better career opportunities.

*British people do like to leave the country for their holidays / short breaks.

*London Heathrow airport is a major hub and busiest airport in Europe. It makes sense to connect there to travel to far-off destinations

As to why there are six airports, basically it is about politics and confused planning. It makes sense to have one major hub airport (Heathrow) however this airport only has two runways, is always at full capacity, and seems impossible to get the political will to expand it. Gatwick is the only other airport that serves significant non-European destinations, and that only has one runway. London City airport is very small, and its location is for financial executives wanting fast access to the city's financial sector. The rest of the airports are for low cost carriers. In summary, there are many airports because nobody can agree on a strategy to expand/create one airport to serve the entire city. Andrewssi2 (talk) 00:08, 21 October 2013 (UTC)

Budget airlines are much bigger in britain than in other european countries. Various reasons: Bad weather means the british go abroad for almost all holidays; britain is an island, so going abroad by other means is slow; britain has no high speed rail network, so flying has a high modal share of inner british traffic. It is logical that Easyjet and Ryanair have London as their number one distination. Otherwise, your view may be biased by the cities that you have visited: While London Heathrow handles the largest numbers of passengers of any airport in Europe, both Paris and Frankfurt have more plane movements (i.e. flights arriving and leaving) than Heathrow. 31.52.245.172 23:22, 26 October 2013 (UTC)

When I first started travelling, an agent told me that certain cities are cheaper to fly into because of traffic volume, which in turn is because of "bucket shops" (ticket consolidators) in places like London, New York, Amsterdam, and many other big cities. These places evolve as transit hubs for various reasons, usually chosen by certain big airlines as hubs, good stops for connecting flights, and other infrastructure factors. And I believe they also compete with each other. 76.17.125.137 06:28, 5 November 2013 (UTC)

Allegedly haunted locations

Is there anywhere within easy reach of London, that is holding special events for Hallowe'en?

I'm more interested in hearing about cultural events than US Style Fright Nights...

Asked by: Sfan00 IMG (talk) 13:50, 22 October 2013 (UTC)

Village of October

Where is the village of October, Ukraine or Russia, any ideas how I find that, is it a city of village? Asked by: 184.97.139.102 03:31, 25 October 2013 (UTC)Art Hancock

I wouldn't be surprised if there were plenty of places like that: there are several rural locations in Russia named Oktyabr (Октя́брь), meaning October in Russia, but sadly here at WV we don't have a guide for them as yet. Also there is October Revolution Island (Остров Октябрьской Революции) in the Russian Arctic, which could be easily rated as an Off the Beaten Path destination, but that is probably not what you are looking for ;) --Danapit (talk) 06:19, 25 October 2013 (UTC)

"Baby You Can Drive My Car" or Lowering my insurance premium

Writer and skier Bob Baer, and retired 4-star General and Secretary of State Colin Powell have both written about special driving training they received prior to being posted overseas. Please illuminate as to the group of techniques these gentlemen acquired. Thank you. Asked by: 108.240.77.215 17:50, 27 October 2013 (UTC)

We have some information, not much, at War zone safety. Try a web search for "combat driving", "emergency driving", "hostile environment" and similar strings. Pashley (talk) 18:26, 27 October 2013 (UTC)

Cargo ships Buenos Aires-Southampton ---- Southampton-Buenos Aires

Can anybody help me with that? What companies operate such route? Thanks.

Asked by: 190.178.141.62 23:48, 27 October 2013 (UTC)

Grimaldi Lines used to run freighter cruises from various European ports to Buenos Aires. Now they seem to sail to Montevideo, Uruguay (from where you can continue by ferry to BA). And their UK port of call is Tilbury, not Southampton. ϒpsilon (talk) 07:44, 28 October 2013 (UTC)

Is there a city called Btar Syria?

Immigration records for my grandparents say they came from Btar Syria. But when I use Google maps to find that location in Syria, it does not pull up any such location. Wikipedia shows no listing as well.

Asked by: 65.60.247.174 14:15, 29 October 2013 (UTC)Gary

Google search gives a map and several other links. Looks like a small village, off the main roads. Pashley (talk) 14:26, 29 October 2013 (UTC)

The Wikipedia entry is w:Al-Bitar. Texugo (talk) 14:29, 29 October 2013 (UTC)

I read the news today, O Boy

Am considering a round trip trip to Saudi Arabia. As a US citizen, my preference of mobility is to drive an automobile. While driving in the Kingdom, I would like to wear a niqāb (and a hijab). (I'll send them ahead by post.) What is the best color of niqāb (and a hijab)to wear? P.S. I prefer not to wear black as it absorbs too much solar energy. In order to not stand out must the niqāb and hijab be the same color? P.P.S. Beneath my niqāb I will have a huge beard similar to ZZ Top, not so long but wider. Thanking you in advance for your assistance on this sad day. Asked by: 108.240.77.215 11:01, 28 October 2013 (UTC)

This is crazy. Women are not allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia so why on Earth would you want to wear feminine garments and drive? Pashley (talk) 11:25, 28 October 2013 (UTC)

Moreover, have a look at the visa rules for Saudi Arabia - AFAIU it's one of those countries you can't really enter as an independent traveler. ϒpsilon (talk) 13:08, 28 October 2013 (UTC)

Hi ϒpsilon, I can't really see that particular restriction in the Visa rules section. If this is really the case, I would suggest that it has to be made more clear. Andrewssi2 (talk) 13:35, 28 October 2013 (UTC)

When I was there in the 1980s tourist visas did not exist. Working visas required a Saudi sponsor and Hajj visas a letter from your mosque; in general getting in was not easy. Current text has "Tourist visas ... were "suspended" in late 2010 with vague promises of being reinstated at an unspecified later date", which I think is what Ypsilon is referring to. Pashley (talk) 14:01, 28 October 2013 (UTC)

I agree that was probably the reference in that it only refers to group travelers and not individual. I'd still suggest something more explicit for individual travelers. Andrewssi2 (talk) 14:38, 28 October 2013 (UTC)

Yes, I was referring to that part, and really, when I'm reading what you need for a simple transit visa and the lack of visa information on Saudi embassies' home pages have given me the picture that Saudi Arabia is one of the countries you cannot visit "just for fun", but you need to have an official reason of some sort. The visa section also said that most Western people visit the country on a work visa. It sounds like 108.240.77.215 would like to go to Saudi Arabia on a vacation, am I right? ϒpsilon (talk) 15:47, 28 October 2013 (UTC)

BTW, 108.240.77.215, you have (or someone from your IP has) earlier asked questions about traveling to Somalia in a small boat or by taxi. With all due respect, if you are not specifically interested in some attractions of Somalia or Saudi Arabia, there are other countries in the region with similar nature and culture that are relatively easier and safer to visit, like Ethiopia (maybe Djibouti too) and the Gulf states. ϒpsilon (talk) 15:47, 28 October 2013 (UTC)

Considering the renowned enthusiasm of the Saudi Religious Police, any bearded male dressed in female clothing (whether apparently driving illegally while female or not) is likely to be quickly apprehended. I'm not up with the current Sharia Law penalties for cross-dressing, but I wouldn't be surprised if they cut your tonker off on the spot and then began to get creative with pointy things. 84.21.130.203 17:36, 1 November 2013 (UTC)

The Ha'ia (religious police) are no longer allowed to carry sticks. There was some court case in around maybe 2011 about some Swiss woman outside of Sahara Mall who did not have her hair covered. The religious police told her to cover her hair, in what language I don't know, but when she did not, he hit her with a stick. She took the stick away from him, beat him with it, and put him in the hospital. So he sued her. She told the court, through an interpreter I would presume, that she did not understand what he was saying, and thought he was a crazy person. She won. This is doubly amazing when you consider that Saudi Arabia doesn't have any laws.

You might check the beard length, though. I believe it has to be longer than what you can grasp in your hand, according to hadith, although I doubt they would say anything to a non-Muslim.

Saudi women wear black from head to toe, with only the eyes showing. Men wear ankle-length white robes, with a red and white head-dress, held in place with a circular black rope. Men and women do not mix in this culture--for example, if you go to McDonalds, there will be separate entrances for men and women, with a barrier across the counter. Likewise, the food courts in the shopping malls have screened-off areas where women may eat unobserved. The toilets might also present a challenge, assuming you are a man, and not just a woman with a beard. While you might find many cab drivers who would show deep appreciation for your abaya and niqab outfit, the official penalty for cross-dressing is likely to be severe. I do not believe this is a plan that has any chance of success.

If you do manage to get in (and get out), come back and let us know how you did it.

Quite frankly, I wonder whether OP isn't pulling our leg. It doesn't read as believable, especially the "P.P.S." part where s/he goes off about the ZZ Top beard and "thank you for your assistance on this sad day". -- AndreCarrotflower (talk) 05:57, 13 November 2013 (UTC)

Or perhaps an armchair traveler, one who aspires to the life of a Richard Burton or a Burckhardt. Alas, those days are gone.

The "man in burqa" bit is problematic as this sort of full covering can be used as a cover for possible criminal activity, from a terror suspect's escape [2] to jewel store [3] and bank [4] heists. Given the already ridiculous level of paranoia post-9/11, I'd be hesitant. K7L (talk) 15:59, 20 November 2013 (UTC)