32 - Sunday, January 10, 1988 - North Shore News

WHEREVER YOU’RE going you will want to take the
right clothes. Two major factors influence what you'll need

to pack.

The first is weather. The fortu-
nate traveller is the one who is go-
ing to either the Arctic or the
Amazon. Hardly any surprises arc
in store — the climate is bloody
awful, however predictable, and
the bugs are worse. (That's assum-
ing you visit the Arctic in the
summer). Winter. visitors need no
help from me, but perhaps a visit
to a psychiatrist might be in order.

travel
wise

by Barbara
McCreadie

The first-time traveller to any
new destination needs all the help
he can get. Perhaps the best start is
a visit to the library to check on
the climate and possible aberra-
-tions thereof.

Remember, no tourist pamphlet
is likely to tell you that both Los
Angeles and Miami can get frost in
January.

Talking to friends who have
“been there’? can be a big help.
Despite all propaganda to the con-
trary, Hawaii can have days of
steady rain during the winter.

The problem, is that the
temperature doesn’t change much
so raincoats need to be almost in-
visible or you’re better off without
one. :

Another topic the brochures
don’t discuss is the matter of cen-

hk

tral heating. Did you know that by
Jaw, central heating cannot be
turned on before Nov. | in Italy? |
spent one of the coldest nights in
my life in Rome, mid-October,
sleeping in my nightgown, robe,
two sweaters and a pair of socks.

Wind is another problem. The
best rule is: When travelling to any
temperate climate, no matter what
time of year, pack a windbreaker.

A seasoned traveller consults the
daily weather reports and forecasts
for a week before he leaves home.
Anyone leaving for Southern
California in the next lithe while
would be a fool to expect heat.
That part of the country is having
its coldest winter on record.

I spent a few days in Palm Spr-
ings mid-December and gave
thanks for my windbreaker. We
had a dust storm that uprooted
trees and added whitecaps to the
swimming pools.

Remember, too, that places such
as Arizona can be balmy, even hot,
during the middle of the day. But,
as in all desert areas, the
temperature drops sharply at night
and a coat or heavy sweater is
essential,

The subject of ‘‘bugs’’ is closely
related to the climate.

Have you ever read a tourist
board release that refers to the
subject? How about this? ‘‘We'd
love to have you visit beautiful
Bongo-Bongo, and to ensure that
your vacation is a pleasant one, we
suggest you include five cans of
mosquito repellent in your hand
baggage. [t is also advised that you
bring along clothing to protect
every inch of skin during the hours
of dusk until dawn.”’

No, you'll never read it in the
ads. But here’s the truth. Bugs can
be a plague, especially in underde-
veloped, tropical countries.

Unless you are absolutely sure
that the mosquitoes are on a
break, pack a couple of loose,
comfortable shirts with high necks
and long sleeves. Pants with tight
cuffs may not look too classy but
neither do itchy red welts.

Don't count on buying a good

COMING SCON
The North Shore News’
all new Entertainment
and Restaurant Guide

RIDAY

Bee

brand of repellent at your destina-
tion, Instead, visit your nearest
hunting-fishing outfitter and take
his advice. Anything that will dea!
with the myriad of critters a fish-
erman encounters ought to do the
job.

It’s also a good bet that if your
destination has had some
unseasonable rain the bugs will be
out in armies. Here again, check-
ing the weather bulletins will alert
you.

The second major influence on
your packing is local customs. It’s
fine to throw your jeans and T-
shirts in a bag and head for a
summer cabin or even to Hawaii if
you plan to live like a beach bum
for a couple of weeks. But you'll
need a bit more in Majorca.

The best way to find out what to
expect is to ask a lot of questions.

For example, in some countries
no one can enter any religious
building without both arms and
head covered.

In other countries, a woman
with any skin showing will be
treated like a slut if she appears in
public.

These are extremes, of course,
but every area you may visit has
some small local customs that you
need to aware of,

For example, Bermuda is a very
formal island. Don't be surprised
if you must wear a jacket and tic
after 5 p.m. in a bar or restaurant.

poe Sry oe

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“A WALK

CLOISTERS.

You must wear a shirt on the
Streets or be embarrassed by the
local police.

Thong sandals are unacceptable
in Hawaii if the restaurant you
choose has a dance floor.

During the winter months
Californians look at you funny if
you wear what you'd wear here in
the summertime.

Don't be surprised to see fur
coats in Los Angeles, even if the
temperature is registering 75°F.
They recognize the seasons, even if
we don’t.

Although every second shop in
Hawaii sells matching muu muus
and Aloha shirts, did you know
that most of the locals and regular
visitors have contests to count the
number of idiots in this getup on a
daily basis?

In Europe, our bright colors set
us up as immediate marks. For or-
dinary street wear, colors are much
more subdued and for the most
practical reason. Dirt.

Anyone who has travelled the
European rail system will tell you
to re-think the white pants. San-
dals, too, can be impractical in
many places. How I cursed the
pair I wore in Greece!

So, before you start hitting the

shops for your next vacation, do
your homework — and bring along
a little extra cash in case your
choices were absurd.

CLOISTERS”

NEW YORK ART TOUR - APRIL 21-26/88

P. LAWSON TRAVEL in conjunction with the
VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE of the VANCOUVER
ART GALLERY is very pleased to present this unique
tour , which coincides with the 50th Anniversary of the

METROPOLITAN museums.
INCLUDED FEATURES:

® Round trip airfare to New York
° Ist Class accommodation at the

Warwick Hotel
¢ 2 Dinners, 1 Lunch

We will also visit the FRICK and

® 1 Broadway musical, 1 Performance
at Lincoln Centre

® Museum entrances, transfers,
sightseeing tour.

PRICE PER PERSON - $1650.00 CAD.,
BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY

Art Historian Belle Muholland will accompany the group.

For full details and brochure, please cali Juliet Strauss at 682-4272
Ste. 150, 409 Granville Street, Vancouver, B.C. V6C 1T4

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