African Safari

Question:

Hi All, What do people do about money in East Africa. Have read you have to worry about robbery which sounds like keeping little cash. Can you get cash advances from banks easily? Do you need to have a load of travelers checks? Do people just carry lots of cash? Many thanks, John

Response:

>Hi All, >What do people do about money in East Africa. Have read you have to >worry about robbery which sounds like keeping little cash. Can you get >cash advances from banks easily? Do you need to have a load of >travelers checks? >Do people just carry lots of cash?

Most people that I met in the first half of the year were carrying quite a lot of cash.  It’s hard to avoid.  East Africa is very much a cash society.   Credit cards are almost useless.  There are few opportunities to use them for purchases and, when you can, a 5% surcharge is pretty much standard.  And, as you probably know, cash advances are always expensive. Travelers checks are of limited utility.  You can almost never spend them directly.  Foreign exchange bureus give substantially poorer rates for TC then cash, when they change them at all. ATM cards are probably the best method but you have to keep in mind that machines are few and far between. Tanzania has something like 4 between Arush and Dar Es Salaam.  Kenya is much better.  Uganda has no useable ATM’s.  Carry at least 2 cards from different banks and make sure they have the visa/plus logos.  Machines that take Mastercard/Cirrus are quite rare in East Africa.  Also make sure that you have a checking account with that banks.  Some ATM’s don’t recognize savings accounts. A few things pretty much have to be paid in US$ cash. gorilla tracking fees in Rwanda (I don’t know about Uganda) visas transport down Lake Tanganyika on the MV Liemba Park fees are a little complicated.  In Kenya, they must be paid in cash but they take local curency.  In Tanzania, foreigners must pay in hard currency but they take travelers checks. If you run out of US$ cash, it’s straight forward to get local currency from a ATM and convert that to US$ inside the bank.  You’ll take a hit from the double conversion but it’s not too hideous and it’s less expensive than using travlers checks.  No one converts US$ travelers checks directly to US$ cash. If I were doing the trip again, I would bring enough US$ cash for things I knew I would need it for, a small amount in travelers checks and mostly rely on ATM’s.  You may not even need US$ for places like Uganda.  You can get cash from an ATM in neighboring Kenya and convert Kenyan to Ugandan in Uganda. — Real courtesy requires human effort and understanding.   Never let your machine or your habit send courtesy copies.

Response:

> Hi All, > What do people do about money in East Africa. Have read you have to > worry about robbery which sounds like keeping little cash. Can you get > cash advances from banks easily? Do you need to have a load of > travelers checks? > Do people just carry lots of cash?

It depends what sort of trip you’re doing. If you’re doing a standard safari, travellers cheques can be exchanged and credit cards can be used in all the main lodges, though not in some of the smaller camps in Kenya. You can’t use TCs as cash like in USA. Cash was much more necessary in Tz, as even the biggest lodges like Seronera didn’t seem to have money at their foreign exchange desk, for three nights in a row!  Also US dollars are more welcome in Tz than UKP – the tourist circuit is dual currency – Tz shilling and US$. I don’t know about Uganda, or non-safari trips.   It seemed easy enough to change travellers’ cheques in banks in towns and cities in Kenya. Credit cards can be used at most dukas (small shops) in Kenya and on Zanzibar.   Difficult, but not impossible, to change TCs on Zanzibar – even the airport bureau de change was closed on two occasions when we passed through in the middle of the day! (This was 1998 – maybe someone has more up-to-date info on Tz?) Liz — Virtual Liz at http://www.v-liz.co.uk Safaris (Kenya and Tanzania); India, Seychelles "I speak of Africa and golden joys"

Response:

>Travelers checks are of limited utility.  You can almost >never spend them directly.  Foreign exchange bureus give >substantially poorer rates for TC then cash, when they >change them at all.

Oops. I neglected to mention one significant exception: Safari’s generally will take travelers checks. And, since their rates are normally defined in US dollars it pays to do so.

Response:

> Hi All, > What do people do about money in East Africa. Have read you have to > worry about robbery which sounds like keeping little cash. Can you get > cash advances from banks easily? Do you need to have a load of > travelers checks?

You can use your credit card to pull cash out – in Uganda – go to the main Barclay Bank – in Kampala – the only place to go. Can’t remember if all of East Africa is like this but in Uganda: Regarding US$ – they don’t accept old bills – crisp clean new ones only.  50.00 and 100.00 get a higher exchange rate value the small denominations. hope that helps. mick — Mick Farmer – Training Director On Course Uganda "4wd & Defensive Driving Courses Designed For African Roads" Visit Our Website: <a href="http://www.oncourse4wd.com">http://www.oncourse4wd.com</a>

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>You can use your credit card to pull cash out – in Uganda – go to the >main Barclay Bank – in Kampala – the only place to go.

Interesting.  Is this recent?  I’m pretty sure I tried that machine in January and it didn’t work with either of my cards.  I know I tried *a* Barcaly’s ATM in central Kampala.  Maybe there is more than one? — Real courtesy requires human effort and understanding.   Never let your machine or your habit send courtesy copies.

Response:

> >You can use your credit card to pull cash out – in Uganda – go to the >main Barclay Bank – in Kampala – the only place to go. > Interesting.  Is this recent?  I’m pretty sure I tried that machine > in January and it didn’t work with either of my cards.  I know I > tried *a* Barclay’s ATM in central Kampala.  Maybe there is more > than one?

Its been around for at least 8 years.  Don’t use the ATM machines you need to go into the side entrance at the Barclays and speak to the tellers.  it the Barclays exchange section that processes credit cards. Mick. On Course Uganda Driving COurses Designed for African Roads

Response:

Will you be on safari? I advise my Tanzania safari group members to bring travelers cheques, some US$ and a couple of credit cards. On the first day, we stop by an exchange in Arusha where each person buys enough shillings for the two week safari. The amount is relatively small since most purchases are inexpensive. The few shops in Arusha where members shopped generally accept credit cards. Most safari companies will accept travelers cheques. — Harlan —- Soft Adventure tours, the way to go, at http://softadventure.net    Japan in Autumn 2002, http://softadventure.net/japan2002.htm    Windjamming in the Caribbean, http://softadventure.net/windjammer2003.htm    Argentina/Chile/Easter Island in spring 2003, http://softadventure.net/argentina-chile2003.htm   Hi All,   What do people do about money in East Africa. Have read you have to   worry about robbery which sounds like keeping little cash. Can you get   cash advances from banks easily? Do you need to have a load of   travelers checks?   Do people just carry lots of cash?   Many thanks,   John

Response:

Question:

Hi, Heading off to Africa in 2 months and wondering if anyone has advice on the best form of currency to take eg trav cheques, US bucks etc, and also looking for anyone who has climbed Mt Kilimanjaro.  What’s the weather like in Oct, how cold does it get up top, that sort of thing.  Actually any experiences would be appreciated.  Also what other places do you strongly recommend visiting?  Thanks Nat

Response:

>Hi, >Heading off to Africa in 2 months and wondering if anyone has advice on the >best form of currency to take eg trav cheques, US bucks etc, and also >looking for anyone who has climbed Mt Kilimanjaro.  What’s the weather like >in Oct, how cold does it get up top, that sort of thing.  Actually any >experiences would be appreciated.  Also what other places do you strongly >recommend visiting?  Thanks >Nat

Alot of questions! Just got back from 10 weeks in Africa.  I was in Tanzania and climbed Kilimanjaro exactly 1 month ago. 1) If you’re a mountaineer, you will not find it a difficult challenge.  I would recommend the Machame-Arrow Glacier route.   If you’re not a mountaineer, take a 6 day climb.  I recommend the Machame route if that’s the case.   It is required that each person has 1 guide and 2 porters.  Go to Arusha or Moshi to arrange this.  Prepare to spend USD $500-700 to climb the mountain.   The park fees are about USD $400. As for currency.  Travellers cheques worked for me.  Just go to a bank and you’re OK.  They got a Barclay’s bank and a Standard Chartered Bank in almost every town.  Cash is OK too.   Temperature.  IT GETS COLD UP THERE.  Bring LOTS of layers.  Prepare for Alpine conditions and you’ll be fine.  Its better to OVER-DO it than under-do it up there.  Altitude will be your problem for sure.  If you have the time, climb Mt. Kenya first, then do Mt. Kili. I actually recommend you AVOID the entire NORTHERN corridor of Tanzania (Serengeti, Ngorogoro, Kilimanjaro, etc).  If you like waiting on line with other tourists to go to the top of the World Trade Center in NYC, then you’ll love Mt. Kilimanjaro.  I think you get the picture – tourist hell. The Arrow Glacier route on Mt. Kili is usually EMPTY, which is definitely a repreive, because there are BILLIONS of tourists and porters out there on the mountain. I RECOMMEND YOU VISIT the southern corridor of TANZANIA…Parks like RUAHA NP   get 4000 visitors a year.  There’s a 5 day hiking safari in the northern edge of the park where you HIKE witha guide with a gun and see elephant, hippo, crocodile, lion, zebra, girrafe, etc.  You also may like UDZUNGUA FOREST.  Be careful, they try to GLOM you for an additional $10 for a guide (not required) and the trails are pretty easy. Basicly, find places tourists DON’T go to EN MASS and you’ll have a great time. Enjoy.

Response:

Just got back from Tanzania on sunday and had a fantastic time.  I was on safari for a week in the north and then climbed Kilimanjaro by the Machame-Mweka route. Climbing Kili was an awesome experience – it’s a BIG mountain.  There are alot of people on the hill but the numbers are only really noticeable in the camp sites, on the trail everyone goes along at a snails pace so you don’t pass/get passed by many people, aside from porters of course.  I would definately recommend going for a 6 day trek, it helps acclimitisation. As for the Arrow glacier route, yes there are fewer people on it, but rock falls are common and it is only the summit part of the route which is different to the Machame route. The weather at the summit was -12 degrees centigrade, which apparently was mild, but it was also quite windy.  If you have a down jacket take it!  You walk so slowly that you need as many layers as you can to keep warm.  Wind proof trousers are also a bonus. I definately recommend going to Serengeti, yes they are a fair number of other tourists but the area is huge so it doesn’t feel crowded (unlike Ngorogoro which has a more safari park type feel to it du to its enclosed nature). Dollars work fine everywhere, though using Tanzanian shillings you sometimes get a better price. Have fun! Anna. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi, > Heading off to Africa in 2 months and wondering if anyone has advice on the > best form of currency to take eg trav cheques, US bucks etc, and also > looking for anyone who has climbed Mt Kilimanjaro.  What’s the weather like > in Oct, how cold does it get up top, that sort of thing.  Actually any > experiences would be appreciated.  Also what other places do you strongly > recommend visiting?  Thanks > Nat

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Question:

I know it’s not Africa but can’t seem to find much on Middle ease and figure some of you guys might have popped in there at some point. Anyway i was thinking of heading to UAE to visit a friend, prob to Dubai and was wondering, mainly how expensive a place it is to visit, i would be staying in the budget end of things, how cheap to hotels and hostels go, are there many of the latter there? plus generally how cheap did people find it when they were there? living eating, doing stuff, are there any particularly interesting things to do there? i’m not a shopping person, or a laze around the beach for more than a day chap. dont’ think i’d be crazy about a desert safari, find safari a bit inactive. possible mountiain climing or hill walking, saw a brief mention of this. Plus any thoughts on the social aspect of a trip would be appreciated. i may be there during Ramadan, any ideas what this is like for a non-muslim. i think it may be a good time to go to see the culture. as you can see, my inquiries are fairly general, anyone’s experiences positive negative or neutral would be welcome, thanks in advance, Dennis suit me best)

Response:

Hi I went to Dubai in March this year and stayed there for about 9 days and we had a great time.It looks like you have different intrests compared to my intrests but maybe you can get some useful information from my homepage. I have posted some pictures and a travelogue which contains a bit information about the cost in connection with our stay. Feel free to visit my page on www.gardkarlsen.com Have a great trip Regards Gard

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I know it’s not Africa but can’t seem to find much on Middle ease and figure > some of you guys might have popped in there at some point. > Anyway i was thinking of heading to UAE to visit a friend, prob to Dubai and > was wondering, > mainly how expensive a place it is to visit, i would be staying in the > budget end of things, > how cheap to hotels and hostels go, are there many of the latter there? > plus generally how cheap did people find it when they were there? living > eating, doing stuff, > are there any particularly interesting things to do there? > i’m not a shopping person, or a laze around the beach for more than a day > chap. > dont’ think i’d be crazy about a desert safari, find safari a bit inactive. > possible mountiain climing or hill walking, saw a brief mention of this. > Plus any thoughts on the social aspect of a trip would be appreciated. > i may be there during Ramadan, any ideas what this is like for a non-muslim. > i think it may be a good time to go to see the culture. > as you can see, my inquiries are fairly general, anyone’s experiences > positive negative or neutral would be welcome, > thanks in advance, > Dennis > suit me best)

Response:

Hey Gard, Very nice site, been meaning to get somehting like that orgainsed myself, but have been too busy (lazy). your trip to Dubai sounded interesting, definetly helping me solidify my intention to go there, Thanks for the info and good luck with rest of your travels wherever they take you, Dennis

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi > I went to Dubai in March this year and stayed there for about 9 days and we > had a great time.It looks like you have different intrests compared to my > intrests but maybe you can get some useful information from my homepage. I > have posted some pictures and a travelogue which contains a bit information > about the cost in connection with our stay. Feel free to visit my page on > www.gardkarlsen.com > Have a great trip > Regards > Gard > I know it’s not Africa but can’t seem to find much on Middle ease and > figure > some of you guys might have popped in there at some point. > Anyway i was thinking of heading to UAE to visit a friend, prob to Dubai > and > was wondering, > mainly how expensive a place it is to visit, i would be staying in the > budget end of things, > how cheap to hotels and hostels go, are there many of the latter there? > plus generally how cheap did people find it when they were there? living > eating, doing stuff, > are there any particularly interesting things to do there? > i’m not a shopping person, or a laze around the beach for more than a day > chap. > dont’ think i’d be crazy about a desert safari, find safari a bit > inactive. > possible mountiain climing or hill walking, saw a brief mention of this. > Plus any thoughts on the social aspect of a trip would be appreciated. > i may be there during Ramadan, any ideas what this is like for a > non-muslim. > i think it may be a good time to go to see the culture. > as you can see, my inquiries are fairly general, anyone’s experiences > positive negative or neutral would be welcome, > thanks in advance, > Dennis probably > suit me best)

Response:

Question:

> Hate to leave the safari > experience but am looking forward to the luxury of the ship. Imagine ice cubes > & air conditioning. I never thought those 2 things would be so important.

What was the weather there like?  I’m assuming that even though you went in Feb. the temp is relatively constant.  It’s probably similar to the Caribbean where the seasons are differentiated by "Dry" and "Rainy".  Am I right?  How hot was it? –Tom

Response:

Tom, Yes, you are right. The weather is pretty consistent. Although this is the dry season, they had some rains just before our arrival. Temps were between 80-85 and the humidity was high. It did cool off in the evenings. Well worth the discomfort. Happy Stitching Norma

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> Happy Stitching

With Linda having previously worked for Ethicon (J&J’s division that makes sutures) … "stitches" brings a few shudders around here … –Tom

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> Hate to leave the safari > experience but am looking forward to the luxury of the ship. Imagine ice cubes > & air conditioning. I never thought those 2 things would be so important.

What was the weather there like?  I’m assuming that even though you went in Feb. the temp is relatively constant.  It’s probably similar to the Caribbean where the seasons are differentiated by "Dry" and "Rainy".  Am I right?  How hot was it? –Tom

Response:

Tom, Yes, you are right. The weather is pretty consistent. Although this is the dry season, they had some rains just before our arrival. Temps were between 80-85 and the humidity was high. It did cool off in the evenings. Well worth the discomfort. Happy Stitching Norma

Response:

> Happy Stitching

With Linda having previously worked for Ethicon (J&J’s division that makes sutures) … "stitches" brings a few shudders around here … –Tom

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Question:

Has anyone heard of this tour company?  Is it legitimate? Allie — Posted via http://britishexpats.com

Response:

I posted the same question just a week ago and absolutely no one has replied. I’ve asked my contact at SFL to provide me with references that are publicly available on the web so I can judge. Instead he provided me with a private email address. (His cousin?  ;) Honestly I can’t say if they’re good. But I know I decided not to take the chance to find out they’re not and went with someone else. SFL did have the best itinerary though. Sad. Incidentally, they are not listed as members of KATO or the guides association. js – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Has anyone heard of this tour company?  Is it legitimate? > Allie > — > Posted via http://britishexpats.com

Response:

> Has anyone heard of this tour company?  Is it legitimate? > Allie

I haven’t heard of this company, but generally on safari, you don’t get what you don’t pay for. —   Virtual Liz at http://www.v-liz.co.uk Safaris (Kenya and Tanzania); NEW: Kenya 2002 ‘rushes’ now up "I speak of Africa and golden joys"

Response:

>> Has anyone heard of this tour company?  Is it legitimate? > Allie >I haven’t heard of this company, but generally on safari, you don’t get what >you don’t pay for.

But you can easily pay lots for things you don’t need.   Guides and vehicles are the critical parts.  You can spend an awful lot on comfort and convenience without improving your game viewing experience one iota. Not that I can really help with "Safari for Less".  But the mere existence of a budget safari operator is not unusual.  There are lots of them.  Most have no reputation one way or the other.  Gametrackers is noteworthy for having a good reputation.  Come to Africa is noted for a bad reputation.  Virtually everything else is just a gamble. —

Response:

I’ve seen their buses in Kenya… you can always contact them and ask them for more info.  See what kind of vibes you get.  

: : Has anyone heard of this tour company?  Is it legitimate? : Allie : : — : Posted via http://britishexpats.com — Vandit Kalia "How do your divers see the fish?  Do you have a glass-bottomed boat?" – Director of Tourism, Andaman and Nicobar Islands

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Question:

As it worked out, I fly into Nairboi on New Years Day.  Are there any special difficulties getting transport, lodging, etc, on the holiday? — Real courtesy requires human effort and understanding.   Never let your machine or your habit send courtesy copies.

Response:

> As it worked out, I fly into Nairboi on New Years Day.  Are there any > special difficulties getting transport, lodging, etc, on the holiday?

New Year’s Day is not a major event in Nairobi.  Perhaps a few hangovers from the night before.  As we are a city that depends in tourism, all hotels and transport services are operating as normal. If you planned to travel on city busses (NOT RECOMMENDED), you might find them on a ligher schedule. If this is your first visit to Africa, I very much suggest you arrange a taxi for the trip into town and settle on the price before hand. Top price should not exceed $30.00 (2,400/- Kenya shillings). Arriving can be a bit daunting, especially after several hours in flight. If you would like information on Nairbi, please visit: http://www.safari.cc Warm regards, Gary

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Could I get somewhere the city map of Nairobi? — Kopernik http://syc.republika.pl

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Question:

> Hey, Benj!  Did you know that the little bass solo in "You Can Call Me Al" > is actually the first half played regular and the last half is the first > half played backwards?

No! You are having me on! Get away! Er, hang on, but I have this weird sense of d

Question:

Hi TaShy There are a couple of detailed itineraries listed here, they seem very reasonably priced http://www.africaguide.com/country/mali/safaris.htm as well as links to safari companies operating to  Mali.  This section also has useful travellers information Regards Vera – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >I’d suggest calling "Adventures Abroad" at 800-665-3998.  They are >located at Vancouver, Canada.  I went on their 2 wk. trip to Mali and >Senegal about 3 years ago.  It was well conducted.  I learned a lot, >saw a lot, and met some nice people on the trip.  I didn’t care for >the heat, but that’s part of going to Africa.  If you need any other >information on the trip, let me know.  Hope it works out for you. >Mali is a great place to visit. >Regards, >Chad >I’m looking for any information on Mali tours (on a budget) for approx. >9-14days, anyone know of any reputable companies out there?  I have looked >at the Explore and Dragoman tours but they are way too expensive. >or, if anyone has any other ideas on how to travel this area let me know. >thanx in advance >TaShy

Response:

Hi, Our cie, Mali Arts Tourisme et Traditions organize a lot of tours in Mali. You can see our site www.bienvenueaumali.com

Response:

I’d suggest calling "Adventures Abroad" at 800-665-3998.  They are located at Vancouver, Canada.  I went on their 2 wk. trip to Mali and Senegal about 3 years ago.  It was well conducted.  I learned a lot, saw a lot, and met some nice people on the trip.  I didn’t care for the heat, but that’s part of going to Africa.  If you need any other information on the trip, let me know.  Hope it works out for you. Mali is a great place to visit. Regards, Chad – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I’m looking for any information on Mali tours (on a budget) for approx. >9-14days, anyone know of any reputable companies out there?  I have looked >at the Explore and Dragoman tours but they are way too expensive. >or, if anyone has any other ideas on how to travel this area let me know. >thanx in advance >TaShy

Response:

I’m looking for any information on Mali tours (on a budget) for approx. 9-14days, anyone know of any reputable companies out there?  I have looked at the Explore and Dragoman tours but they are way too expensive. or, if anyone has any other ideas on how to travel this area let me know. thanx in advance TaShy

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Question:

>> > But I-66 is HOV-2 part of the day, so you’d need to ride with a friend > > to use it to/from Dulles. > It’s only HOV-2 during certain times of the day (afternoons westbound, > mornings east bound) and at least going TO IAD in the afternoon, there is > an HOV-2 amnesty for those travelling to the airport.  I take advantage of > that every weekday I go to the airport. >Why didn’t I know about that?  Is it stated in some public place?

Just on the same permanent signs that say that there are HOV-2 restrictions. Seriously, its "HOV-2 or Dulles traffic" or some similar wording. Nick Laflamme Tysons Corner, VA

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> > > But I-66 is HOV-2 part of the day, so you’d need to ride with a friend > > to use it to/from Dulles. > It’s only HOV-2 during certain times of the day (afternoons westbound, > mornings east bound) and at least going TO IAD in the afternoon, there is > an HOV-2 amnesty for those travelling to the airport.  I take advantage of > that every weekday I go to the airport. > Why didn’t I know about that?  Is it stated in some public place?

As somebody else said, in the same place that it states that Westbound I66 is HOV0-2. –Dan

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>I’ve never felt the same about National since we were going to fly to >Denver … and we got stopped at the WW bridge because it went up and >got stuck and couldn’t get down.  We did make the plane >but doing an OJ through the airport with two children, luggage and >sleeping bags was not fun

I’ll say! What was the final body count, and did the children help?         -Kenny "that Hertz" Crudup — Kenneth R. Crudup   Sr. SW Engineer, Scott County Consulting, Washington, D.C. Home2: 38010 Village Cmn. #217  Fremont, CA 94536-7525          (510) 745-0101 Work: 5141 California Suite 200, Irvine, CA 92612               (949) 737-6200

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>>> where someone lives isn’t that important.  I personally would always use >> BWI given a choice.  I’ve never liked National – I always get lost driving

Although the OP did not state that he was flying in, I thought that anyone who lived in the area would KNOW what airports there were – only someone from the hinterlands or someone who if local was completely clueless wouldn’t know the 3 local airports. >You are probably in the DISTINCT minority then.  DCA is extremely convenient, >is >muc more pleasant than BWI or DCA and is NOT difficult to get to. >I like DCA too, but access from Maryland to DCA sucks.  (Especially from Prince >Georges.) I’m talking about driving not Metro by the way.  Don’t forget that >when traffic is congested it’s also difficult to get there.

We are coming from St. Mary’s Co.  I’ve never felt the same about National since we were going to fly to Denver to go to my daughters graduation from USAFA, and we got stopped at the WW bridge because it went up and got stuck and couldn’t get down.  We did make the plane, but doing an OJ through the airport with two children, luggage and sleeping bags was not fun, and the plane pulled away from the gate with us still standing in the aisle. And it is almost impossible to get to Dulles in any kind of non-traffic way from here, plus I went to pick my mother up from there and she was in a wheelchair because she’d broken some ribs when she was an safari in Africa and stood up through the sun roof to take a photo and the vehicle started off and threw her against the side.  She hadn’t written anything about that at all, so it was a complete shock. For 8 or 9 years we lived less than 5 miles from BWI, so it is our home airport, and I think it is still easier to get to for us than National. Although of course I haven’t been there since it was remodeled, except to drive by and pick someone up. I really do hope it gets back on line soon though because my daughter is coming to visit and it will be harder to get here if she can’t use National. grandma Rosalie

Response:

>I think its dependent upon where one lives.  Having access to I-66 one mile >away, IAD and the Access Road would make IAD the winner.  Folks in PG would >disagree. >Folks in Alexandria

… and Montgomery County (MD) >might call it a toss up.

        -Kenny — Kenneth R. Crudup   Sr. SW Engineer, Scott County Consulting, Washington, D.C. Home2: 38010 Village Cmn. #217  Fremont, CA 94536-7525          (510) 745-0101 Work: 5141 California Suite 200, Irvine, CA 92612               (949) 737-6200

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> >I think its dependent upon where one lives.  Having access to I-66 one mile >away, IAD and the Access Road would make IAD the winner.  Folks in PG would >disagree. >Folks in Alexandria > … and Montgomery County (MD) >might call it a toss up.

But I-66 is HOV-2 part of the day, so you’d need to ride with a friend to use it to/from Dulles. And even from western Montgomery Cty, I feel that it’s roughly a tossup between IAD and BWI.

Response:

> But I-66 is HOV-2 part of the day, so you’d need to ride with a friend > to use it to/from Dulles.

It’s only HOV-2 during certain times of the day (afternoons westbound, mornings east bound) and at least going TO IAD in the afternoon, there is an HOV-2 amnesty for those travelling to the airport.  I take advantage of that every weekday I go to the airport. –Dan

Response:

> > But I-66 is HOV-2 part of the day, so you’d need to ride with a friend > to use it to/from Dulles. > It’s only HOV-2 during certain times of the day (afternoons westbound, > mornings east bound) and at least going TO IAD in the afternoon, there is > an HOV-2 amnesty for those travelling to the airport.  I take advantage of > that every weekday I go to the airport.

Why didn’t I know about that?  Is it stated in some public place?

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I like DCA too, but access from Maryland to DCA sucks.  (Especially from >Prince > Georges.) I’m talking about driving not Metro by the way.  Don’t forget >that > when traffic is congested it’s also difficult to get there. > ——- > Scott >Probably dependent upon where in PG you’re coming from.  If from College Park >or >Hyattsville, I’d guess NY Ave to 395 to GW Parkway.  If from Andrews AFB >area, >Beltway (across the hated Wilson Bridge) to Rte. 1. >Rich

I know all the routes to DCA having used all of them a hundred times. NY Ave.?  No way!  If crossing the Wilson Bridge the George Washington Parkway is better. For those interested: Use the Baltimore-Washington Parkway to DC-295 to Howard Road merge onto Capitol street and then onto 395 to GW Parkway south.  Sounds east vut it sucks not having an exit from 295 south onto SE-SW freeway and 395. ——- Scott

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->> where someone lives isn’t that important.  I personally would always use >> BWI given a choice.  I’ve never liked National – I always get lost driving >You are probably in the DISTINCT minority then.  DCA is extremely convenient, >is >muc more pleasant than BWI or DCA and is NOT difficult to get to. >Rich >I like DCA too, but access from Maryland to DCA sucks.  (Especially from Prince >Georges.) I’m talking about driving not Metro by the way.  Don’t forget that >when traffic is congested it’s also difficult to get there. >——- >Scott

Even if you don’t like using Reagan National yourself, having it closed down is inconvenient because BWI and Dulles, which were already pretty much running at capacity, have to pick up the slack. Those two airports simply cannot handle the 16 million people that fly in through DCA every year. For people who are trying to get into the city itself, it’s the easiest airport to use because it’s close, and right off the metro. Plus, having National closed is hurting the economy in the DC area. Already, many local businesses are suffering from the closure. Restaurants and hotels that operated at full capacity only a month ago have had a sharp decline in customer traffic because would-be visitors travelers simply aren’t able to come to the city. I encourage anyone who lives in the DC area or anyone who has thought about visiting to write a free letter today urging the President to take the necessary steps to re-open Reagan National Airport with the appropriate security standards. You can write a letter by visiting http://letfreedomsoar.com

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>> where someone lives isn’t that important.  I personally would always use > BWI given a choice.  I’ve never liked National – I always get lost driving >You are probably in the DISTINCT minority then.  DCA is extremely convenient, >is >muc more pleasant than BWI or DCA and is NOT difficult to get to. >Rich

I like DCA too, but access from Maryland to DCA sucks.  (Especially from Prince Georges.) I’m talking about driving not Metro by the way.  Don’t forget that when traffic is congested it’s also difficult to get there. ——- Scott

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->> where someone lives isn’t that important.  I personally would always use >> BWI given a choice.  I’ve never liked National – I always get lost driving >You are probably in the DISTINCT minority then.  DCA is extremely convenient, >is >muc more pleasant than BWI or DCA and is NOT difficult to get to. >Rich > I like DCA too, but access from Maryland to DCA sucks.  (Especially from Prince > Georges.) I’m talking about driving not Metro by the way.  Don’t forget that > when traffic is congested it’s also difficult to get there. > ——- > Scott

Probably dependent upon where in PG you’re coming from.  If from College Park or Hyattsville, I’d guess NY Ave to 395 to GW Parkway.  If from Andrews AFB area, Beltway (across the hated Wilson Bridge) to Rte. 1. Rich

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>Not familiar with the area, what alternative airports is everyone using >(or driving/using Amtrak?)

If I have to go to Harrisburg anytime soon I’ll probably fly to PHL (instead of IAD as usual — if DCA reopens I’ll reconsider IAD) and take the Turnpike…  (DL is cutting mainline flights ATL-MDT [and ATL-ABE] and replacing them with DL Connection service, probably on RJ’s to *CVG* — I expect fares to go up and seat availability to go down…) -SC — Stanley Cline — sc1 at roamer1 dot org — http://www.roamer1.org/ … "Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today.  There might be a law against it by that time."  -/usr/games/fortune

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->> > Not familiar with the area, what alternative airports is everyone using >> > (or driving/using Amtrak?) >> BWI – it’s a bit farther from downtown DC than Dulles but a whole lot easier >> and faster to get to (especially on weekdays when MARC runs). Also much >> faster to get through the airport itself. >> — >> Hit The Road! Photos and tales from around the world: http://travel.u.nu >I think its dependent upon where one lives.  Having access to I-66 one mile >away, IAD and the Access Road would make IAD the winner.  Folks in PG would >disagree.  Folks in Alexandria might call it a toss up. > Since the person was talking about flying in, and not about flying out,

Don’t know what you’re talking about.  Here’s the original post: "Not familiar with the area, what alternative airports is everyone using (or driving/using Amtrak?)" It says nothing about flying in. > where someone lives isn’t that important.  I personally would always use > BWI given a choice.  I’ve never liked National – I always get lost driving

You are probably in the DISTINCT minority then.  DCA is extremely convenient, is muc more pleasant than BWI or DCA and is NOT difficult to get to. > there, and Dulles is too far away from anywhere except Northern VA.

Folks in DC would disagree with that. Rich

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > Not familiar with the area, what alternative airports is everyone using > > (or driving/using Amtrak?) > BWI – it’s a bit farther from downtown DC than Dulles but a whole lot easier > and faster to get to (especially on weekdays when MARC runs). Also much > faster to get through the airport itself. > — > Hit The Road! Photos and tales from around the world: http://travel.u.nu >I think its dependent upon where one lives.  Having access to I-66 one mile >away, IAD and the Access Road would make IAD the winner.  Folks in PG would >disagree.  Folks in Alexandria might call it a toss up.

Since the person was talking about flying in, and not about flying out, where someone lives isn’t that important.  I personally would always use BWI given a choice.  I’ve never liked National – I always get lost driving there, and Dulles is too far away from anywhere except Northern VA. The problem for us is that getting to and from Miami on AA was much easier via National than it was via BWI which only has one flight in and one flight out a day. grandma Rosalie

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> Hey, Washingtonians–Where exactly was Hoover Field (the airport that DCA > replaced in 1941) located, and what is there today?

I believe it was just to the NW of the 14th St Bridge (on the VA side, of course). Part of it is now Pentagon, and part is parkway. miguel — Hit The Road! Photos and tales from around the world: http://travel.u.nu

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> Not familiar with the area, what alternative airports is everyone using > (or driving/using Amtrak?)

IAD. Rich

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> > Not familiar with the area, what alternative airports is everyone using > (or driving/using Amtrak?) > BWI – it’s a bit farther from downtown DC than Dulles but a whole lot easier > and faster to get to (especially on weekdays when MARC runs). Also much > faster to get through the airport itself. > miguel > — > Hit The Road! Photos and tales from around the world: http://travel.u.nu

I think its dependent upon where one lives.  Having access to I-66 one mile away, IAD and the Access Road would make IAD the winner.  Folks in PG would disagree.  Folks in Alexandria might call it a toss up. Rich

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IAD – Dulles, and BWI – Baltimore

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Not familiar with the area, what alternative airports is everyone using > (or driving/using Amtrak?)

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> Not familiar with the area, what alternative airports is everyone using > (or driving/using Amtrak?)

I used to use DCA because it was closer and metro-accessible, but now I use IAD.  Partly, it’s 25 minutes door-to-parking lot, and partly because of job related reasons. –Dan

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>> Not familiar with the area, what alternative airports is everyone using > (or driving/using Amtrak?) >IAD. >Rich

Hoover Field. Hey, Washingtonians–Where exactly was Hoover Field (the airport that DCA replaced in 1941) located, and what is there today? Given the oft-told story that FDR pushed for National’s construction after having a nightmare that a DC-3 from Hoover crashed into the Capitol, I’m guessing that it must have been even closer in than DCA, which was considered to be out in the ‘boonies’ 60 years ago. Jus’ wondrin’….

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Not familiar with the area, what alternative airports is everyone using (or driving/using Amtrak?)

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> Not familiar with the area, what alternative airports is everyone using > (or driving/using Amtrak?)

BWI – it’s a bit farther from downtown DC than Dulles but a whole lot easier and faster to get to (especially on weekdays when MARC runs). Also much faster to get through the airport itself. miguel — Hit The Road! Photos and tales from around the world: http://travel.u.nu

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> Not familiar with the area, what alternative airports is everyone using > (or driving/using Amtrak?)

The DC area (code WAS) has three airports, DCA, IAD, BWI. Each has had its specialty. BWI had been going for 20 million pax in 2001, the other two each in the 15 to 17 million pax per year range. BWI – some transcontinental and transoceanic service.  The local "focus" for Southwest Airlines, and a major crew base for them as well. Has its own stop on AMTRAK with shuttle buses to the terminal. 20+ miles from downtown DC on either I-95 or I-295 highways. Light rail to downtown Balitmore. DCA – slot-limited and distance-limited to about 1250 miles except for a few recently-added transcontinental routes. The eastern businessman’s airport with two hourly shuttle flights to LGA for NYC, and turboprop service to the other NYC airports. Also shuttle service to BOS. Very frequent service to Chicago, and much service to DFW, MIA, ATL, STL, etc. Lots of corporate jets. A few minutes to downtown DC by Metro subway or car/cab. Within walking distance for Miguel Cruz. IAD – THE international airport. United’s main east coast gateway for Europe. Served by a couple of dozen foreign airlines. A major United hub. Daily nonstop to Japan. Most of the area’s transcontinental service. Literally hundreds of United Express departures per day (see Dan Larsen’s messages).  Some low-price airline service. 20 miles from downtown DC on limited access highway. Airport limo, cab, etc. Also bus to West Falls Church Metro subway, quite afew miles away. Because of the specialization of the airports, I hardly ever used DCA. To Europe it was IAD. To the Caribbean it was BWI or IAD – AA has a 7am departure from both to their SJU hub.

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> DCA – slot-limited and distance-limited to about 1250 miles except for a > few recently-added transcontinental routes. The eastern businessman’s > airport with two hourly shuttle flights to LGA for NYC, and turboprop > service to the other NYC airports. Also shuttle service to BOS. Very > frequent service to Chicago, and much service to DFW, MIA, ATL, STL, > etc. Lots of corporate jets. A few minutes to downtown DC by Metro > subway or car/cab. Within walking distance for Miguel Cruz.

The importance of this last point for the DC flying public cannot be overstated. miguel — Hit The Road! Photos and tales from around the world: http://travel.u.nu

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Question:

I plan to go to Africa. For thr firs and probably last time. I have to choose a region and been thinking about west or south Africa. Could anyone of the experienced travellers advice me which region is more interesting and cheaper. Thanks for any help and tips — Marcin Mi