We’d like to congratulation President Obama on having been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize today.

Surely this means a trip to Oslo is in his future. As it happens, we’ve dined in Oslo three times this year and thought you might like to read a few reviews from local restaurants. Perhaps the President and Mrs. Obama will have an opportunity to enjoy the same meals we found so appealing.

Restaurant Det Gamle Raadhus
At first blush, Restaurant Det Gamle Raadhus, in Oslo, Norway, might seem a cliché of dusty splendor and stiff service, but lately, regulars have been raving about the revamped, local-inspired menu. The reindeer steak with a ragu of morels is a new take on an old dish – made lighter and given a little port reduction to brighten the flavors.

Any starter featuring the house-smoked red trout is worth ordering; it’s a salty, bracing fillet that’s just right with horseradish cream. Dinner for two, before wine, about $160.
Contact info: Nedre slottsgate 1. Tel: 47-2242-0107. www.gamleraadhus.no.
(Reviewed 4/07/2009 in Passport Newsletter.)

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Those in Europe who are responsible for high-speed rail service are thinking about business travel needs, but leisure travelers can also benefit from ever-improving European rail service.

Why Travel by Rail?
One big advantage of rail is that itʼs a less stressful way to travel, partly because it is more comfortable, and partly because the rail station experience is so much more tolerable than a typical airport. Also, with far fewer weather delays, one can generally count on on-time departures and arrivals. And finally, for journeys of two to four hours, the door-to-door time for passengers is usually shorter via rail than via air.

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Boeing’s “Dreamliner,” or 787, is the first aircraft in a generation to use a suite of new, forward-looking technologies and materials that represent a departure from previous production aircraft. Its new electrical architecture requires miles less copper wiring; its body requires 1,500 fewer aluminum sheets; and for you trivia buffs, each plane will need about 50,000 fewer fasteners than earlier models of a similar size.

Built with advanced carbon fiber construction, the 787 is much lighter than it would have been using traditional materials, resulting in 20 percent fewer emissions and 20 percent greater fuel efficiency, although its speed will remain about the same as a 747.

Inside: Larger luggage bins, bigger windows, and cleaner air.

Outside: Curved wings.

And yet: No telling when you’ll be able to fly in it.

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American Airlines is the next-to-last major U.S. airline to announce baggage fees for international flights. Coach passengers will soon be charged $100 round-trip for a second suitcase to Europe, India and the Caribbean; but first-class passengers will not pay the fee.

United Airlines is the only remaining big U.S. carrier that doesn’t (yet) charge fees for a second bag to Europe; but industry experts expect they will join the party soon. Why? Simple ‒ because airlines make millions of dollars on luggage fees, and they need the cash.

So, how can you avoid the fee?

Strategy No. 1: Fly by private jet, or fly first class with a commercial airline. This is our favorite option for all the obvious reasons.

Strategy No. 2: Use airline miles to upgrade to first class. Another really good option.

Strategy No. 3: If you can’t fly first class, then book a foreign carrier (they don’t levy the second-bag charge).

Strategy No. 4: Conserving cash? The most thrifty solution is to trade US airline mileage points for coach travel on foreign carriers. Expect to make compromises in your preferred flight dates or schedules to make this happen.
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