Roads in two dozen states have been added to the National Scenic Byways Program by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The designation recognizes roads for their scenery; cultural or historic significance, or because they provide access to unique recreational activities.
The program, started in 1991, is designed to help communities preserve and promote the roads. Details can be found at www.byways.org.
In the Pacific Coast states and Northwest, newly designated byways are Washington’s Coulee Corridor Scenic Byway and Stevens Pass Greenway, Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway in California, Mount Hood Scenic Byway in Oregon, and Idaho’s Western Heritage Historic Byway and Pioneer Historic Byway.
In the East, new National Scenic Byways added Sept. 22 include the Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway in Delaware, the Catoctin Mountain Scenic Byway in Maryland, Connecticut River Byway in New Hampshire and Vermont, upstate New York’s Mohawk Towpath Byway and Virginia’s Skyline Drive. Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike in West Virginia also was added to the list.
In the Southwest, Coronado Trail Scenic Byway and Sky Island Scenic Byway in Arizona were added to the list, along with the Colorado River Headwaters Byway in Colorado, the Trail of the Ancients in Colorado and Utah, and New Mexico’s Geronimo Trail Scenic Byway and Trail of the Mountain Spirits Scenic Byway.
The Talimena Scenic Drive in Arkansas and Oklahoma was designated as national scenic byways, as were Michigan’s Copper Country Trail and River Road Scenic Byway, Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway in Minnesota, and the Flint Hills Scenic Byway and Wetlands and Wildlife Scenic Byway in Kansas.
The portions of historic Route 66 running through Arizona and Illinois were added to the program, along with the Illinois River Road’s Route of the Voyageurs and Ohio’s Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail.
Byways that are worth driving to for no other reason than to experience the road’s scenery and attractions receive an additional designation as All-American Roads. New roads added to that list include Virginia’s Colonial Parkway and George Washington Memorial Parkway, the International Selkirk Loop in Idaho and Washington, and Red Rock Scenic Road in Arizona.
Victoria goes to the ghouls
Experience ghosts and goblins in Victoria, B.C., during two Clipper Vacations Haunted Weekend trips.
Travelers can spend the day exploring Victoria’s historic cemeteries, old buildings and spooky alleys – or enjoy a nocturnal ghost tour of cemeteries.
Trips are offered Oct. 21 and 22 or 29 and 30.
The trips include a round-trip Victoria Clipper cruise from Seattle to Victoria, one night’s accommodation, historic graveyards and ghosts tour, transfers and a continental breakfast on the cruise or at the hotel. Cost is $121 per person, based on double occupancy, with a variety of hotel options.
For information or reservations, call 206-448-5000 or 800-888-2535 or visit www.victoriaclipper.com.
World guide
When’s the best month to go whale-watching in the Mexican Baja? What should you do if you have a week’s vacation in May? When does the great migration of wildebeest take place in the Serengeti?
You’ll find the answers in “Globe Trekker’s World: A Month-by-Month Guide to What’s On in the World and When” (Globe Pequot Press, Pilot Guides, $19.95).
According to the guide, January is the best time to go whale-watching in the Baja, and millions of wildebeest cross the plains of Kenya’s Masai Mara in July and August. Recommendations for May include canoeing the Rio Grande in Big Bend National Park in Texas; rollerskating on the South Bay Bicycle Trail along the beach in Santa Monica, Calif.; diving in the Red Sea, along Egypt’s east coast; and rappelling the cliffs of the Judean Desert in Israel.
Literary guide
Literary pilgrims think nothing of traveling long distances to see the place where a favorite author lived, worked or was buried. A new book, “Traveling Literary America: A Complete Guide to Literary Landmarks,” provides information on more than 200 people and places around the country, from the Dr. Seuss memorial in Springfield, Mass., to the Edgar Allan Poe museum in Richmond, Va., to a walking tour of sites associated with F. Scott Fitzgerald in his hometown, St. Paul, Minn.
Mark Twain sites are found all over the country, from a cabin where he stayed during the Gold Rush in Tuolomne County, Calif.; to the town of Hannibal, Mo., where he grew up; to the house in Hartford, Conn., where he created Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn. Jack London, who wrote “The Call of the Wild,” lived on a ranch in Glen Ellen, Calif. In the South, you’ll find Thomas Wolfe’s boyhood home in Asheville, N.C.; places associated with “Native Son” author Richard Wright in Natchez, Miss.; and the Alex Haley House Museum in Henning, Tenn., dedicated to the author of “Roots.”
Asia guide
Should you tip for a taxi in Tokyo? Is a $36 airfare between Phuket and Bangkok too good to be true? What’s the best time of day to see Angkor Wat or the Taj Mahal?
The October issue of Conde Nast Traveler provides the answers to these and other questions about traveling in Asia. A guide to tipping explains that in Japan, 10 percent may be added to your restaurant bill, but otherwise, leave nothing, and don’t tip taxi drivers.
Conde Nast Traveler checked out booking and flights on the new low-cost carriers serving various Asian cities, and found 12 worth recommending: Jet Airways, Kingfisher Airlines, Air Deccan, Spicejet, Jetstar Asia, Cebu Pacific, Tiger Airways, Nok Air, One-Two-Go, Thai Airasia, Airasia Malaysia and Valuair.
Finally, when in doubt, the doorman or concierge at a decent hotel is your best bet for getting advice and assistance. The magazine warns that Western travelers in Asian cities are easy prey for taxi and pedicab drivers who deliberately take circuitous routes or charge more than agreed upon. Doormen can choose the right cab for you and negotiate the fare.
Autumn in Japan
Observe autumn colors on a tour of Japan that includes Tokyo and Hiroshima.
The 10-night tour begins Nov. 1 for six days in Tokyo and the surrounding area, two in Hiroshima and two in Kyoto.
The group size is limited, uses public transportation and sometimes walks miles. (Participants are warned on the company Web site that they should be fit enough to walk several miles a day.)
Highlights of the trip include visits to shrines in Tokyo, such as the Meiji Shrine and Senso-Ji Temple. The group will visit Tsukiji, the Tokyo Fish Market, the Hama Rikyu Garden and take a boat ride on the Sumida River.
In Hiroshima, the group will tour Peace Park and take a ferry to nearby Miyajima Island to see the floating Torii Gate.
In Kyoto, the group will stroll the grounds of the Golden Pavilion, the Imperial Palace and the Kiyomizu temple.
Cost: $4,995 per person, double occupancy ($600 single surcharge), including hotels, meals, transportation in Japan, excursions, entrance fees and transfers.
Contact: Adelsman Tours, Cottonwood, Ariz.; 928-649-1001, www.adelsmantours.com.
Hong Kong New Year
Celebrate Chinese New Year in Hong Kong.
The six-night trips depart daily Jan. 24 to 27. Participants tour the island, take a tram ride up to Victoria Peak, cruise the harbor on a traditional sampan boat, attend the parade and shop.
Cost: $1,263 ($300 single surcharge), including round-trip airfare from Los Angeles, hotels, daily breakfast, transfers and baggage handling.
Contact: A &E Easy Travel, Whittier, Calif.; 562-908-1194.
Travel classes, seminars
Rick Steves’ Europe Through the Back Door hosts free travel classes most Saturdays at 10 a.m. at the Edmonds Theater, 415 Main St., Edmonds.
* Best of Europe with Reid Coen, Oct. 15.
* Italy’s Art Treasures with Gene Openshaw, Oct. 22.
* South England with Sarah Murdoch, Oct. 29.
* An evening with Rick Steves, 7 to 9 p.m. Nov. 1, $20 reserved, $10 general, Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon.
Classes are free, reservations recommended. Call 425-771-8303 ext. 298 or visit www.ricksteves.com/seattle.
The Savvy Traveler offers travel seminars at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. most Saturdays at 112 Fifth Ave. S., Edmonds.
Classes are free, reservations recommended. Call 425-744-6076 or 877-225-1994.
* On safari in east Africa, 10 a.m. Oct. 15.
* Hiking in Switzerland, 1 p.m. Oct. 15.
* Paris and Provence, 10 a.m. Oct. 22.
The Herald is not responsible for changes in prices, dates or itineraries. These should be confirmed with cruise lines, travel agents or tour operators.
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