Bradt Guides have offered to give away a Bradt Guide Book on Madagascar for the best travel story, tip or info. Contact Beetle@globetrotters.co.uk

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!

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.

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!

This year, the US State department suggests that the following destinations really aren’t such clever places to visit right now: the Solomon Islands, Indonesia, Somalia, Yugoslavia, Haiti, Congo, Israel, the West Bank and Gaza

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:

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

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

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!

We have some people in the Bay Area of San Francisco, Los Angeles and Sacramento in the US and also in Sydney and Melbourne in Australia who are interested in starting a branch of the Globetrotters Club. But we need some help! Please contact our Branch Liaison Officer via our Website at Meeting FAQ