-- B. Feder, Toronto
A: Yes, the "Vienna Card" provides more than 210 discounts on admissions to museums and attractions plus free bus, tram and underground transportation across the city. Good for 72 hours after validation, the card (18.50-euros, about $26) can be purchased online from the Vienna Tourism Board, from various hotels, at the tourist information centre on Albertinaplatz (open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.) and at the tourist info kiosk at the airport (open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.). The card comes in a 120-page booklet of coupons with instructions. See wien.info/en/travel-info/vienna-card.
Q: We recently booked a trip to Costa Rica and will be flying home through New York City. I was planning to buy some Costa Rican rum and would like to know how much I can bring back.
-- D. Leon, Toronto
A: The federal government has specific rules for bringing alcohol back from abroad. The legal limit for alcohol such as rum is a total of 1.14 litres or 40 ounces.
"If the value of the goods is more than your personal exemption, you will have to pay for both the duty and taxes, as well as provincial/territorial assessments," states the Canada Border Services Agency website, cbsa-asfc.gc.ca.
If you buy rum in Costa Rica remember to pack it in your checked baggage. You will need to go through security in New York City, which like all airports, prohibits liquids in your carry-on except those that conform to the 3-1-1 rule (3-oz -- 100 mL -- or smaller bottles of liquid that fit inside a 1 quart-sized -- or 1 litre -- bag and limited to one bag per person.
Many people buy alcohol at duty free shops in airports then find they can't carry the item aboard their connecting flights. For more on what you can and cannot bring back to Canada, read I Declare, an online document you can download at cbsa-asfc.gc.ca.
Q: I plan to visit New York City's Morgan Library and Museum in November or December. Do you have any information on their upcoming exhibitions?
-- G. Broome, Toronto
A: Founded in 1905, the Morgan is a museum, independent research library, concert venue and architectural landmark. It has a star-studded list of exhibitions year-round.
David Delacroix and the Revolutionary France: Drawings from the Louvre continues through Dec. 31. This period in French history (1789-1852) produced an incredible amount of artistic talent, and the exhibit has excellent works on paper on loan from the Louvre in Paris.
These pieces are rarely permitted to travel and the Morgan is the only venue for this important show.
For fans of Charles Dickens, the Dickens at 200 exhibit showcases the library's collection of Dickens' manuscripts and letters. Continuing through Feb. 12, 2012, the collection is the largest in the U.S. and one of two great collections in the world.
Another fascinating show features the New Years' standard Auld Lang Syne. Written by the great Scottish poet Robert Burns, the original 1793 manuscript will be on view at the Morgan along with rare printed editions, and multimedia displays.
A few years ago, the Morgan underwent a massive restoration of the original building designed by American architect Charles McKim as well as Pierpont Morgan's private library. It's open Tuesdays through Sundays (closed Mondays). Admission is $15 US for adults and $10 US for students and seniors, 65 years and older. (Free on Fridays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.) Contact themorgan.org or 212-685-0008.
Q: Can you snorkel around Trunk Bay in the U.S. Virgin Islands?
-- B. Deardon, Toronto
A: Yes. Part of the Virgin Islands National Park (nps.gov/viis/index.htm), Trunk Bay has one of the world's first marked underwater snorkelling trails. The self-guided trail is well protected and showcases coral reefs with a variety of tropical fish species.
Q: With the dollar so strong, our cross-border shopping trips have been more frequent. Besides malls, we are wondering what else is worth checking out in the Buffalo area this fall.
-- J. Frost, Mississauga
A: There are plenty of exhibits, festivals and other events in Buffalo year-round. For full details, consult the online events calendar from the Buffalo Convention and Visitors Bureau visitbuffaloniagara.com.
ilona@mycompass.ca
