One of the best train networks in the world is now in disarray

Germany’s Deutsche Bahn rail system is not what it used to be, wrote a Traveler reader this week. Photo: iStock

ICE IS NOT VERY HOT

The once mighty Deutsche Bahn (German Rail), a symbol of punctuality, reliability and other German stereotypes, has fallen into a heap of ruin. Weekend trips on the main Berlin-Kologne route on DB’s flagship high-speed ICE had our trains canceled on the way there and again on the way back. For the latter, passengers are advised to board the next highly booked ICE, which is then completely overloaded. The highlight of the glory was the announcement that the train would not depart until people had unconditionally disembarked, and if not, the federal police would be called in to clean the train. Avoid as much as possible.

Carsten Roever, Brunswick, Vic

THIS WEEK’S LETTER

AGE AGE

In response to Lee Tulloch’s column (TravelerJuly 9), in 2021, my wife and I will be attending a family reunion at Airlie Beach. When we tried to rent a car, we found there was very high demand at the time, probably due to our answers to online questionnaires, including our age. I was 82 years old and my wife 75 at the time. One rental company added, in red type, a line suggesting that if we had someone in our party who was under 65 to drive, they might be able to help with our case. Both my wife and I are licensed Queensland drivers with a few points of shortfall shown in our history and I have an annual exam to verify my competence. In addition, we were made aware that we would pay a large excess in the event of an accident. Then, where is the justification for refusing our ministry? That’s ageism. Now, at 83 I have surpassed the average age for Australian men, and I believe that I am no closer to death or serious illness than anyone else, and therefore no more burdening insurance companies’ profits than other travelers, especially when every illness disclosed attracts an additional premium or exclusion clause.

Warner Dakin, Riverhills, QLD

MULTIPLE VISION

Photograph of the statue of Mount Everest conqueror Sir Edmund Hillary, in “Where On Earth?” test (Traveler print edition, July 16), brings back memories. Many years ago, while on business in New Zealand as I was leaving my slightly dark, wood-paneled hotel room in Dunedin, a housekeeper opened the door and exclaimed, “Oh, Sir Edmund, I’m sorry. go.” In 2009, while doing the Scenic Tour, we visited The Hermitage lodge in Aoraki/Mount Cook. I was persuaded by others in our group to pose in the same way, next to his statue. “What’s it like on the other side?” shouted a fellow tourist.

Bill Matthewson, Doncaster East, Vic

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FULL RESPONSIBILITY

My wife and I ended up contracting COVID-19 in Switzerland recently, just before our scheduled return to Sydney. We found that, as long as our vaccination certificates were fine, nothing but our own sense of responsibility prevented us from getting on the plane while still fully infectious. Even this protection has now been abandoned. We put off a week until we both had negative RATs and triggered our travel insurance which paid off immediately.

Lewis Kaplan, Birchgrove, NSW

LOST CAUSE

In April, I discovered my Qantas mileage points, around 170,000, had been removed by Qantas because I hadn’t used them since 2020. I informed Qantas that it was not possible to fly to and from Japan (my work destination) between 2020 and early 2022 due to the COVID lockdown -19 and border closures in Australia and Japan. I was told that I can redeem my points if I reach certain shopping and activity goals in September. However, this goal is impossible for me to achieve, so it looks like my points will be lost. Under these circumstances, this makes no sense after years of loyalty to Qantas. Any suggestions will be appreciated

Ikuko Tanaka, Darlinghurst NSW

In February I had a points flight, booked through Qantas on Qantas points canceled by the airline. No points are returned. After three two-hour phone calls, multiple online “customer service” forms submitted, and letters to Olivia Wirth (chief customer loyalty executive) over the next period, no refunds, not even an acknowledgment. At least twice, the telephone consultant promised to call me back, but they didn’t. And in March I had to cancel Qantas points plus paid flights (because Qantas connecting flights were cancelled). I’ve gotten a few refunds but not the points. Qantas has received hundreds of millions of dollars in taxpayer-funded support in recent times. Isn’t it about time they returned the favor with just a little bit of customer service?

Peter Burton, South Melbourne, Vic

WAITING GAMES

Having been a huge Qantas fan for decades, I am both displeased and frustrated to write a response to Petrushka Owen (Traveler’s Letter, July 12). He said he had to defend Qantas, after receiving a prompt refund. Good for you, Petrushka, except we are still waiting for a refund starting in 2020, and are on the verge of giving up because the anxiety involved in taking our money may not be worth the $1750 we owe us. It seems the pattern that emerges is one that is poor, uneven and I feel purposefully unhelpful customer service results in hits and misses. Canceled flights with Cathay Pacific in May 2020 are immediately refunded. Big Qantas fans are not anymore.

Jennifer Ingall, Leura. NSW

AT THE STREET HOUSE

On a recent trip to Western Australia, we stayed overnight in a hotel unit at Cocklebiddy Roadhouse. The room was fine but on leaving the next day I realized we had left my jacket in the room. I contacted Roadhouse and they confirmed they had found it. After a brief chat, we determined that heading back about 600 kilometers was not an option. They suggested that they send it back to my house. I asked how I could pay for it and was told they would get back to me. About six weeks later, I returned home and there was a package containing my jacket. The best service, Cocklebiddy Roadhouse and your manager, a long distance fuel stop with accommodation that provides the best service.

Geoff Lindsay, Thurgoona, NSW

WELL NOTED

Regarding the letter from Vicki Tennant (Traveler’s Letter, July 16), going cashless may be the way to go in some countries but, just back from a week at The Algarve, in Portugal, cash is king. “No credit cards accepted, there’s an ATM nearby,” signs apply. The opposite is true in Hawaii, where we are given payment options and receipts for all purchases (note that your fair menu prices change when you add the recommended 18, 20 or 22 percent tip).

Carol Gibson, Maroubra, NSW

TIPS OF THE WEEK

BAY HOLIDAY

My son and I recently drove more than 2,000 kilometers from Darwin to Lorella Springs (lorellasprings.com.au), a family of more than 400,000 hectares owning a remote coastal wilderness sanctuary near the western edge of the Gulf of Carpentaria. We spent six nights camping and taking short trips during the day to scenic spots such as hot springs where swimming pools are available, rocky outcrops with great views and beautiful billabongs covered with water lilies with melaleucas and pandanus lining the banks. Four wheel driving is challenging along the trails, but if careful it is manageable. There are a variety of camping sites throughout the reserve but the main ones are large with excellent amenity blocks. Barramundi fishing is popular at fishing camps along coastal rivers. The Lost City of Limmen National Park (see nt.gov.au/parks) is well worth a visit for its spectacular towering sandstone pillars that house the park’s famous wildlife.

Helen Lewsley, Springwood, NSW

ALL CREDIT OBTAINED

Traveling in London via Underground has never been easier. No need for a ticket or even an Oyster card which we had used on previous visits. Just tap and pass through the turnstile with a credit or debit card and the card of your choice will be charged for the journey when you exit at your destination. It’s very efficient with the best part never waiting more than a minute or two for your train.

Diana Doig, Hampton, Vic

QUICK TRACK TO SLOW ROAD

Just returned from holiday in London traveling through Heathrow airport the best advice I can offer is to pack some patience. Upon arrival at Heathrow, wait approximately one hour to collect your luggage. When leaving Heathrow at the end of your vacation, allow two to three hours to check in and go through security. Using the “fast track” route to get through security took an hour and 10 minutes. Then give it extra time to get to your gate. With patience and the right attitude, the waiting time will be noticeably less.

Mandy Morgan, Malvern, Vic

MOBILE PLAN

Be careful who you ask to take your travel photos with, especially in busy or crowded areas. My smartphone is in a case that carries my bank cards, cash and ID, so remember to take your phone out of the case first, if handing it over. Ask someone to take a photo of you, who have family with them, or lots of bags, as they are less likely to do a jogger with your camera or smartphone, which is already unlocked.

Nicole Edgar, Narre Warren South, Vic

CABLE GUY

Instead of using a lock on the suitcase, which can be a little tricky to open (and forget the code, too), I used a small cable tie on the zipper. If I am required to open a case at customs, I carry a pair of nail clippers (which are allowed) in my handbag for this purpose, along with a spare cable tie for later use. Simple.

Daryll Gigg, Chiswick, NSW

SERVICE STATION

If you ever travel in Mauritius, always keep an eye on gas stations. You pay the clerk at the pump so make sure they actually enter the amount you paid, or if filling, check your change carefully. It’s a common scam to put in $10 less than you asked for and then pocket it. With COVID-19, you are required to stay in the vehicle, so make sure you can see the pump clearly.

Jason Alexander, Shellharbour, NSW

WRITE TO US AND WIN

The author of The Letter of the Week won a Hardie Grant travel book worth over $100. For the month of July, it includes Vantastic by Kate Ulman; Wonders of the Great World by Michael Turtle; and Ultimate Weekends Australia by Emma Shaw.

See hardigrant.com

The author of The Tip of the Week won a set of three great Lonely Planet travel books, including Ultimate Australia Travel List, The Travel Book, and Armchair Explorer.

See shop.lonelyplanet.com

HOW TO WRITE TO US

We give preference to letters that are 100 words or less and can be edited for space, legal or other reasons. Please use complete sentences, do not use textspeak and do not include attachments. Email us at travellerletters@traveller.com.au and, most importantly, include your name, address and phone number.

29 July 2022

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