Speak to The Savvy Traveler

Letters of the Week

We don't know about you, but travel always makes us want to write long juicy letters to everyone we know. Maybe it's bragging rights, maybe it's a burst of poetic inspiration from seeing the Taj Mahal, but one way or another, suitcases and sunsets in strange places turn us into letter-writing fools. So, if it turns out you're the same way....be sure to include us in your list of people you just have to drop a line to. Don't worry, you will make us jealous...but hopefully we'll also be inspired by your adventures.

Want to see what other Savvy visitors have to say? Read our letters of the week, and be sure to tell us what you think. We'd love to hear from you!

November 16, 2001

A Solution for Long Security Waits
Dear Diana,
I have an idea to address the perception of long security screening waits in airports: Make the wait seem shorter by letting people out of their lines. Use a take-a-number system. The NEXT NUMBER display could be located on existing displays around the airport.
Instead of waiting in line, people could be eating, buying books and souvenirs, and generally helping the economy. This could also reduce the grumbling.
People like me (I'm recovering from a broken ankle) who can't stand for long periods but don't really need a wheelchair would benefit a lot. And parents with small children won't have to worry about keeping their kids occupied while waiting in line.
Michelle Wallace

Iceland: A Great Place to Get Hitched
Dear Savvy Traveler:
After spending months trying to figure out where I could get married in Europe, I discovered that it's very easy and inexpensive to get hitched in Iceland. Iceland has no marriage residency requirements, and you can snag dirt-cheap flights on Icelandair. When I flew, the flights were cheaper than most flights to Europe on other airlines.
Another reason to get married in Iceland: There's so much to see, eat, visit, and do there. It's like going to Ireland, Scandinavia, and the moon in one day.
Here's what we needed to get married: birth certificates, passports, and an affidavit of single status. You also have to pay a small fee, which must be sent a month in advance.
Pitfalls of Iceland? Buy alcohol at the tax-free shops and steer clear of fast-food joints. McDonald's could break the bank. Rent cars BEFORE arriving. Try to rent a furnished apartment in downtown Reykjavik. It's almost as cheap as a hotel room.
All together, we spent less than $2,000 for the marriage and a two-week honeymoon getaway. A steal by any measure.
Spread the word: Iceland is a well-kept vacation secret and a great place to get married.
Steffan Christensen

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