Travel news you can use
By Judy Newell

Travel News from Europe

Vatican launches charter flights for pilgrims

The Vatican has territorial limits, its own post office and even a football tournament, but it has hitherto lacked what all real states offer: an airline. That will be put right this month as the Vatican launches its first charter flights for pilgrims from Rome to Lourdes, with some of the world’s top religious destinations to follow, including the shrine of Fatima in Portugal and the shrine of the Madonna of Guadalupe in Mexico. 

The flights come thanks to a deal with Italian charter airline Mistral, whose blue and yellow colors coincidentally match the Vatican's. CEO Valerio Vaglio noted that headrests on passengers’ seats would sport the logo “I’m Searching for Your Face, Lord.” Religious guides will travel with the passengers alongside the usual stewards. 

Mistral was launched by the Italian action and comedy film star Bud Spencer and today it is controlled by the Italian post office. Mr. Vaglio said that at night the aircraft flying pilgrimage routes will have their seats removed and be converted back to flying sacks of mail.

Etruscan tomb discovered

Archaeologists have discovered a 2,000-year-old Etruscan tomb perfectly preserved in the hills of Tuscany with a treasure trove of artifacts inside, including urns that hold the remains of about 30 people. The tomb, in the Tuscan town of Civitella Paganico, probably dates from between the 1st and 3rd centuries B.C., when Etruscan power was in decline. 

Inside the tomb, a narrow corridor leads to a small burial chamber, which is completely intact. It houses about 80 objects. including vases and mirrors in bronze and ceramic. 

One of Italy's first and most mysterious civilizations, the Etruscans lived north of Rome in the present-day regions of Tuscany and Umbria. Their civilization lasted for about 1,000 years, reaching its height roughly from the 7th to the 6th century B.C., before its cities were replaced by Roman settlements. (The word “Tuscany” is derived from “Etruscan.”)

Check baggage regulations before you fly

The US Tour Operators Association (USTOA) is advising that record air traffic is causing airlines to increasingly enforce their regulations, especially for checked baggage weight. It suggests that you go to the “Smart Travel Planning” section of USTOA’s website at www.ustoa.com before you fly. 

An online chart provides baggage allowances for both checked and carry-on luggage for various parts of the world. For instance, most domestic US and transatlantic flights allow two checked pieces with a maximum linear measurement (height + width + depth) each of 62 inches. 

Maximum weight for coach-class passengers is 50 pounds in the US, but may only be 44 pounds for flights within the European Union and South America. 

Carry-on baggage allowances are usually 45 linear inches, with maximum weight varying from 40 to 50 pounds, depending on the airline. While some parts of the world allow a personal item and an additional bag as carry-on, flights departing to or flying through the UK only permit one carry-on item.

(Sources: Modern Agent, TravelWire, ARTA)

Judy Newell, a writer and travel industry executive, heads the custom tour company Perfect Journeys that specializes in luxury and adventure travel. Contact her with comments or suggestions at JudyNewell_03@msn.com or go to her website www.PerfectJourneys.net.