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 Driver Michael Schumacher practises for a previous Monaco Formula One Grand Prix. -- Reuters file photo |
Q: When is the Grand Prix in Monaco and how do I go about getting tickets?
-- R. Pietersen, Toronto
A: The upcoming Grand Prix will take place on May 19-22, 2005.
This spectacular car race, organized each year by the Automobile Club of Monaco, is considered the last true street circuit in the Formula One World Championship.
The event usually has more than 3,000 seats available for sale on the circuit. The Monaco Government Tourist Office says the best sections are A1, A4, V, Z1, Z2 and O.
Contact the Automobile Club to get a map of the circuit so you can see where your seat is located. Call 377-93-15-26-00 or visit their French-only website at acm.mc.
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During the race there are many businesses and residents that make their balconies and roadsides available to fans.
Monaco residents have been known to rent out their terraces for sky-high prices starting from about 4,769 euros ($7,200 Cdn.) to 9,538 euros ($15,400) for the four days.
In addition, restaurants and hotels along the course offer special lunch menus that include views of the race.
So you get a meal and birds' eye seat for the same price. Prices tend to range from 95-461 euros ($154-$744 Cdn.) on race day.
There are also a couple of tour operators in the United States with special packages. These companies come recommended by the Monaco Government Tourist Office.
For more details on their offerings, contact Grand Prix Tours based in Newport Beach Calif., 1-800-400-1998 or 949-717-3344 or visit gptours.com
Tours F1-The Grand Prix Club Inc. from Florida can be reached at 772-382-0216 or log onto ToursF1.com
For ticket reservations, you can also contact the Automobile Club of Monaco directly. Ticket sales have been available since November, but there are still some tickets available.
Tickets are also available from booths set up during the race. Prices range from 46 euros ($74 Cdn.) to more than 323 euros ($523 Cdn.) for really good seats.
For latecomers and budget-conscious fans, lawn spaces are available on the hillside grounds just below the Palace for about 30 euros or $48 Cdn.
Q: My girlfriend and I are planning to go to Cuba in early September. Should we be concerned about hurricanes around that time? Also, what kind of currency should we use there -- Canadian, U.S. or Cuban? Thanks
-- A. Thompson, Toronto
A: Karen Puebla, a representative from the Cuba Tourism Board, says that October is usually hurricane season around Cuba.
But that "doesn't mean that there will be hurricanes at that time," she notes.
You can exchange Canadian currency for Cuban convertible pesos at any bank, hotel or airport.
For other travel-related information contact the Cuba Tourist Board at gocuba.ca or call them at 416-362-0700.