Return To The Summer Of Love
It’ll be a season late, but never mind. On Oct. 12, nostalgia buffs plan a celebration commemorating the 30th anniversary of San Francisco’s 1967 Summer of Love.
Aging hippies will find the counterculture alive and well in the city’s Haight-Ashbury district, at the edge of Golden Gate Park. Coffee houses now serve new ‘90s concoctions and ‘bladers weave among the walkers on Flower Power tours, but some ‘60s haunts remain.
The free multicultural anniversary gathering - featuring ‘60s political speakers, poets and spiritual leaders, as well as music spanning the generations - is scheduled for the park’s Beach Chalet Meadows. For information, call (415) 487-4628.
Slow boat to 2000: The longest millennium celebration announced so far is undoubtedly Marine Expeditions’ 114-day around-the-world cruise that will visit all seven continents and include a gala New Year’s Eve ball in Buenos Aires.
The line’s 621-passenger Ocean Majesty is scheduled to set sail from Athens, Greece, on Nov. 19, 1999, and return March 12, 2000, after visiting 22 countries.
The voyage starts at $8,888 including airfare. Optional shore excursions will be available. For details, call (800) 263-9147.
Train travel tips: Two tips on train travel abroad from guidebook author Rick Steves, via National Geographic Traveler:
“When you’re traveling in Europe by rail, never assume the whole train is going where you are.” Some cars may be uncoupled en route and joined with a train bound for somewhere else. Check each car’s nameplate, which lists its final destination and some interim stops.
And to better spot empty seats, stand on a bench as the train pulls in.
Snuffed out: Two U.S. airline giants, United and American, banned smoking on all their international nonstop flights last month, which means nearly all such flights operated by U.S. airlines - 97 percent, according to the Transportation Department - are now smoke-free.
Other major airlines offering completely smoke-free international service are US Airways, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Trans World Airlines, Alaska Airlines and America West.
Many foreign airlines also have sharply curtailed smoking, although a number still have flights on which smoking is allowed. Air France has introduced stand-up smoking lounges on some of its long flights.
Smoking has been banned on flights within the United States since 1990.
Lebanon ban lifted: The U.S. State Department has lifted its 10-year-old ban against travel to Lebanon.
Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said she still did not consider it safe for Americans to go to the country, but did not think going there should be illegal. The State Department still advises U.S. citizens to exercise extreme caution.
Wheelchair-friendly tour: Roll Around Britain is a new company specializing in arranging holidays in England, Scotland and Wales for wheelchair users and their friends and families.
Roll Around Britain uses wheelchair-compatible vehicles and arranges suitable lodging and meal locations. Tour itineraries resemble those for able-bodied travelers, including medieval castles, picnics, garden visits and historic sites.
The guided tours are generally one or two weeks long, but custom packages can be arranged. Information: (215) 969-0542.
Busiest airports: The busiest airports in the United States in 1996, based on passengers arriving and departing, according to the Air Transport Association: Chicago O’Hare: 69,153,528; Atlanta, 63,303,171; Dallas/Ft. Worth, 58,034,503; Los Angeles, 57,974,559; San Francisco, 39,251,942; Miami, 33,504,579; Denver, 32,296,174; New York JFK, 31,155,411; Detroit, 30,610,993; Las Vegas, 30,459,965.