THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, February 18, 1996 TAG: 9602170051
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STEPHEN HARRIMAN
LENGTH: Medium: 68 lines
BRANSON, Mo., tops the list as the Best All-Around City for motorcoach travelers in the American Bus Association's ``Best & the Rest'' survey, appearing in the February issue of ABA's Destinations magazine.
More than 150 motorcoach and tour operators rated cities and other destinations for the fourth annual survey.
Branson also earned first place in the City That Works Hardest To Accommodate Group Tours category.
Hottest upcoming destination for 1996: Myrtle Beach, S.C., which also popped up as home of two of the Best New Attractions - Broadway at the Beach and the Palace Theater.
Guess which city finished No. 1 in the Needs to be Nicer to Groups. Why, New York, followed by Atlantic City and Washington.
The favorite or most popular activities for groups were, in order, theater or shows, gambling and sightseeing. The fastest growing group activities were gambling, outdoor touring or soft adventure and theater or shows.
What about favorite ``secret'' destinations?
Blennerhassett Island, W.Va., the Amish Country of Ohio and Quebec City finished in a three-way tie. IN YOUR BACK YARD
The Greater Norfolk African-American Tourism Network offers historic tours from a black perspective, including two- and three-hour motorized trips in cities throughout Hampton Roads and Colonial Williamsburg. Tours depart from Alive Art Studio, Waterside. Info: (804) 461-1644. YOUR MONEY'S WORTH
Eurobus, the service that links 23 cities in 12 countries with a pass system similar to Eurail, is offering 10 percent off prices on passes bought before Feb. 29. Passes for 14 days are reduced to $170 ($125 for students); one-month passes, $234 or $179; two-month passes, $292 or $225. Travel must begin within nine months of purchase. Eurobus's Volvo buses have toilets and show movies. All passes include a free round-trip crossing of the English Channel and service onward to London. Info: (800) 517-7778; students should contact the American Institute for Foreign Study, (800) 727-2437.
Go Ahead Vacations, which specializes in tours for the mature/ senior market, offers a free 24-page pamphlet with 144 travel tips for the international traveler. Info: (800) 242-4686.
Country Cottages is offering a ``Grandparents' Houseparty'' in Britain or Ireland from $3,494 for a family of six - grandparents, their children and grandchildren, includes round-trip air for all and use of three-bedroom cottage and minivan for one week. Extra person (up to 14 more, sharing a mansion) from $549, including air; extra children under 12, from $449; under 2, from $98. Stay in the Lake District, where Peter Rabbit hopped; or near the woods of East Sussex, where Winnie-the-Pooh and his gang roamed. Grandparents must come; parents may. Info: (800) 674-8883.
Teachers thinking of traveling during the vacation period should get more details on the International Teacher Identity Card. The card, which costs $19, provides teachers with access to discounted air fares, travel insurances and, this year, discounts at hotels, restaurants and commission-free foreign currency exchange. Info: Council on International Educational Exchange (800) 438-2643. MEMO: Travel-wise is compiled from wire-service reports, news releases, trade
journals, books, magazines and the deepest recesses of the writer's
mind. Send comments and questions to Travel-wise, The Virginian-Pilot,
Norfolk, Va. 23501-0449; phone (804) 446-2904. by CNB