Traveller Letters: Smart Traveller's advice on travel to the US is a joke

Doug Boleyn states in his letter (Traveller Letters, March 23) that he doesn't know where the federal government's Smart Traveller gets its information about "reconsidering your need to travel to Iran" (Traveller 23 March).

At a wild guess, they probably get their information from the Australian embassy in Tehran, plus the resources of the Department of Foreign Affairs, plus from a range of other government departments charged with monitoring these matters.

When balancing this against Doug's – "My wife and I spent over three weeks in Iran in 2017" – I think common sense would dictate taking more notice of the former, professional and somewhat more recent, advice.

Greg Williams, Bilambil Heights, NSW

SMART THINKING

I read Doug Boleyn's letter. A word of warning.

From my research, most if not all travel insurance excludes countries or parts of countries classified as "reconsider travel" (orange) and "do not travel " (red) on the Smart Traveller website.

Iran is classified as "reconsider travel", as are parts of Lebanon. It is a pity that insurance companies don't actively alert people to this fact other than allowing us to read the terms and conditions, which of course most people don't get around to doing.

Sue Bruce, Elphinstone, VIC

VOICE OF EXPERIENCE

I too visited Iran in 2017. I travelled solo for a month, using local buses and trains, stayed in budget hotels and had a wonderful time.

The people were very friendly and hospitable, everything was inexpensive (except the visa which cost $US185!) and the food was excellent.

The country felt very safe and was often quite beautiful. I often travel to Egypt, which is also safe, friendly and inexpensive, and much improved now.

Dan Forrester, Ultimo, NSW

PLANE SCARY

Sue Williams' delightful article last week (Traveller, March 16) on Guangzhou and its 40 (count 'em) inward flights a week from many Australian cities encouraged me to take a nostalgic look at an old (1984, that is) China travel guide.

That was when there was just one China flight a week by Qantas from Sydney to Beijing. On arrival, you could say a quick prayer, cross your fingers and hop on the antiquated Soviet-era planes of the monolithic state-owned and operated C.A.A.C. to a few other Chinese cities.

John B. Quinn, Avoca, VIC

MEMORABLE MEMORIAL

I read with interest Alison Stewart's article about the Sir John Monash Centre in France (Traveller, March 23). I spent a day in the area last September visiting my great-uncle's war grave. The centre has been sympathetically designed and is tucked behind the memorial.

My biggest regret was that we only had two hours there and my 15-year-old, who had been studying World War I history, pleaded for us to stay longer.

The interactive displays brought it to life for her and the staff were so helpful that we had no issues with downloading or using the app.

I would highly recommend anyone visiting the area to allow half a day to explore this wonderful and informative centre.

Amanda Reid, Brighton, VIC

PERU VIEW

Having just returned from an extensive trip to Central and South America, I echo Robert Pallister's comments about including Trujillo in any trip to Peru (Traveller Letters, March 16).

However, he forgot to mention the most awe-inspiring site in the region – the Moche Temples of the Sun and Moon. Excavation of these monumental sites only started in the 1990s and what has been uncovered so far rivals the pyramids in Egypt for scale, beauty and historical significance.

In general, Australians learn little about pre-Columbian cultures, yet there is so much to see, learn and experience that I expect South America will increasingly become a destination of choice for many of us.

Ed Cooley, Pyrmont, NSW

LEST WE FORGET

I enjoyed your cover story guide to Berlin (Traveller, March 23) and can recommend the Berlin Wall exhibit along Bernauer Strasse. While reading on the board display about the first person shot in front of the watch tower beside the Spree River we got speaking to a local who knew him and his brother.

Just back along the river from there and towards the Berlin Hauptbahnhof is the Invalidenfriedhof Cemetery and history enthusiasts will find some familiar names, many with links to Prussia, the most prominent being that of Manfred von Richthofen (the Red Baron).

One disappointment was the Jewish Museum on Libdenstrasse. It had some impressive architecture but just seemed empty. As for Checkpoint Charlie, walk on by.

One other recommendation is to book in for breakfast in the cafe at the top of the Reichstag and then walk up and down the glass dome (just ensure you have your passport with you).

Berlin is a great city.

Tony Sullivan, Adamstown Heights, NSW

END NOTE

I sympathise with others who have been caught with €500 notes in Italy (Traveller Letters, March 23).

On a previous trip, following several unsuccessful attempts to use the note at restaurants, I ventured into a local bank in Ravenna where they initially said the exchange service was only for clients of the bank.

They suggested exchanging at the hotel, but once they realised that this would not be possible at an Airbnb, they graciously relented (thanks, La Cassa di Ravenna).

The fallback position is to visit the central bank, Banca d'Italia , which is obligated to exchange notes and replace damaged notes, and has branches in all major towns.

Stephen Kovacs, Bronte, NSW

EDITOR'S NOTE We now declare correspondence on this subject closed. Thanks to everyone for their letters.

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