While our own publication, Consumer Reports Travel Letter, focuses on comparing travel services and locating the best travel deals, we know that many travelers are interested in up-to-date information on destination areas and specific types of travel. If the annual guidebooks aren’t current enough for you, consider one of the specialized travel newsletters. Here are four that are especially good:
Single-destination (U.S.): Las Vegas Advisor (monthly, 12 pages, $45 per year; 5280 S. Valley View Blvd., Suite B, Las Vegas Nev. 89118). Although comparatively few good newsletters confine their coverage to the United States, the Las Vegas Advisor does a top-notch job of covering the nation’s premiere gaming city. Each issue lists the “top 10 deals” of the month-where you can get steak dinners for $2-6, which casino has the best 99-cent shrimp cocktail, which hotel has the best show-and-dinner combo. The letter covers hotel deals, including short-term promotions. And, of course, it lists the town’s shows, tournaments and other events. Price information is specific and detailed. A “must” for any serious travel publication.
Single-destination (Europe): Gemutlichkeit (monthly, $47 per year, $67 after Oct. 1, eight pages; Up Country Publishing, 2892 Chronicle Ave., Hayward, Calif. 94542; 800-521-6722). Travelers heading for the German-speaking areas of Europe will find a lot of good information in Gemutlichkeit about Austria, Germany and Switzerland, with some branching out to the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia. Typical issues cover hotels and restaurants at all price levels, plus suggested touring itineraries.
Multi-destination: Passport Newsletter (monthly; $65 per year, 20-22 small pages; 350 W. Hubbard St., Suite 440, Chicago, Ill. 60610; 800-542-6670, 312-464-0300). This publication is focused mainly on reviews of hotels and restaurants toward the higher end of the price spectrum, plus coverage of such topics as theme tours and cruises. Each issue features one “special report” on an area, plus less-detailed reports on other areas. There’s a balance between domestic and international destinations, with good price information.
Special-interest travel: Bicycle Travel Review (six times a year, $44 per year, $54 after Nov. 1, eight pages; Box 3220, Manhattan Beach, Calif. 90266; 310-546-7651). Travelers who bicycle in the western United States will find a great deal of useful information in this publication. It lists top bicycle destinations and bike routes in the West, with points assigned for ride quality, natural beauty, historic or cultural significance, accommodations, dining. It also lists bike rental and repair facilities, and even available medical care. Each issue focuses on one area, with several suggested rides.
It’s apparently difficult to write a newsletter about very expensive hotels and restaurants without appearing arrogant and snobbish, but two of the several newsletters that concentrate on the top end manage to carry it off well:
– Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report (monthly, $100 per year, eight pages; Box 300, Whitefish, Mont. 59937) specializes in deluxe accommodations worldwide, with emphasis on exclusive, quiet hotels.
– La Belle France (monthly, $87 per year, eight pages; Box 3485, Charlottesville, Va. 22903) does for France what Andrew Harper does for a wide range of destinations: provide extensive details and ratings for deluxe accommodations and restaurants throughout France, with prices provided.
