Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Vietnamese trains
I love Vietnam and have lived here for 20 years. It is a very “binary” country; visitors either love it or hate it with a passion.
For tourists, the biggest hassle is transport. Having ridden many times on the “Reunification Express” – the 1,726km railway between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City – while doing hotel inspections, I can say the 33-hour journey is bad. There is but a single track between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Through a very capable exercise, performed daily, the Duong Sat (“Road of Steel”) shuffles trains into sidings while others, “speed” past in the opposite direction at all of 40mph.
JaitcH
Is it OK to book Iberia to Bogota?
I think Iberia will not drop routes like Bogota – if anything they will boost long-haul routes to Latin America (which are the most profitable) and most of their cuts will be in short- and medium-haul flights.
The fact that Iberia is planning to buy all the shares of Vueling indicates what its strategy will be: merge Vueling and Iberia Express and almost get out of such European routes as “Iberia”.
David Griffiths
BA’s Avios programme
Does Simon Calder now work for Emirates? This is supposed to be an article on BA’s loyalty scheme, yet it’s nothing more than an advert for a rival (non-British) airline.
Karl
Come on, Simon – you know full well if you’ve got plenty of Avios you’re not restricted to BA – you can get to Sydney with Qantas (whichever route they fly), JAL or Cathay. There really is plenty of choice.
Simon
Compensation for Superstorm Sandy
The only people flying out close to the hurricane should have been residents flying back to protect their loved ones and property. Tourists booked on those flights should have cancelled and claimed on their insurance for the cost of replacement tickets.
Ollie Clark
Sometimes nature spoils our plans, but it doesn’t always mean that someone else has to pay.
HebdenBiker
American culture
What about Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Arkansas? It’s a new gem that’s been open for just a year. People should definitely check it out.
Stacy Amling
B&B and beyond: Sheringham, Norfolk
Montague House is lovely, however this article omits the large and popular Saturday market in Sheringham which runs all year round. The market has been held on Station Road car park for around 40 years and is well worth a visit!
“Myriad”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments