All posts by The Beetle

Travel Scams – Zanzibar

The Beetle spent some time beetling around in Zanzibar last year and noted that unsuspecting travellers at the Dar es Salaam port were being told by unscrupulous individuals that they had to pay an additional $10 or $15 for port tax. This is completely untrue as port tax is included in the price of the ticket. You now know what to say to these vermin!

Be On T.V.! Don't Be Shy!

Emma needs you!!! Only 8 people have replied to Emma so far and she needs 90 contestants!!! If you live in the UK, are knowledgeable about travel and countries, and would like to be a contestant on the Geo Quiz – it goes out on the National Geographic Cable Channel, then contact Emma: thomase@meridiantv.com or call her on 02380 712 118.

Universal Language

During WWII, Frank of Alabama found himself in Samoa and even today, he can still speak some Samoan. He paid a visit back in 1999 to Samoa and surprised a lady who called him something rude by returning the compliment back in her own language! The woman’s 350 lb daughter was not amused, but the mother laughed and said that she would watch her language in future!

Travel Quiz – Tahiti

We have a Berghaus Freeflow 23 kindly donated by Mike of the YHA Shop in Ludgate Hill (10m from St Pauls Cathedral), London to give away to the person with the correct answer to:

1. Ruahatu is the Polynesian god of what?

2. Gauguin’s intended patron, King Pomare V, suddenly died, a victim of many years of excessive what?

3. What are known as “spat”?

4. What is the name of the International airport in Papeete?

5. What is the French abbreviation for the currency used in Tahiti?

Your email address:

Mutual Aid

Need help? Want a travelling buddy or advice about a place or country – want to share something with us – why not visit our Mutual Aid section of the Website: Mutual Aid

Who Knows Ischia?

Marilyn from the US was in Ischia 2 years ago and fell in love with the place. It is just a short ride from Naples, Capri and Almalfi. Marilyn asks if anyone has any information on living there? The Beetle will pass all info to Marilyn: Beetle@globetrotters.co.uk

Discounts to Globetrotter Members

Watch this space! We have a small but highly dedicated team investigating obtaining discounts for members of the Globetrotters Club. We’ll keep you up dated as deals are signed!

Nuggets from Evan in California ~ Backpacking in Britain

Evan recommends visitors to Britain to see the intricately carved 15th century ceiling beam (remnant of original rood screen) in the church in Llangattock Lingoed near Abergavenny, Wales. Visit the friendly owners, Alan and Liz Evans at the remote Star Inn, Llansoy, near Raglan, Wales, and to capture the mystique of Avebury, enter the monument along West Kennett Avenue. Evan also just completed a walk following Offa’s Dyke on the Welsh/English border. Despite the foot and mouth scare that is currently blighting our otherwise beautiful country, he says that although he had to keep to the tarmac, it was a small price to pay for a wonderful time.

Best Beach in the World

Best beach in the world (3) is Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman. Situated (strangely enough) in the west part of the island, about a 15 minute drive from the capital, George Town. Driving is British style, in other words on the left, and it is preferable to hire a car as the local minibus service can be cramped and infrequent, although cheap. It’s a great place to take children as it is a reasonably safe place. The beach itself is golden yellow is flat and gently sloping ~ no rogue waves here. Activities include sunning, swimming, snorkelling and diving. Most of the hotels and timeshare apartments are also in this area. The only downside is that it can be quite expensive to lodge, eat and drink.

Next month: The Beetle’s Top 3 Wreck Diving sites.