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Talk About Travel; Trip Tips and Deals
Byline: The Flight Crew
The Post's Travel Section Flight Crew will take your comments, questions, suspicions, warnings, gripes, sad tales and happy endings springing from the world of... the world. Of course, the Flight Crew will be happy to answer your travel questions -- but the best thing about this forum, we insist, is that it lets travelers exchange information with other travelers who've been there, done that or otherwise have insights, ideas and information to share. Different members of the Crew will rotate through the captain's chair every week, but the one constant is you, our valued passengers.
We know you have a choice in online travel forums, and speaking for theentire Flight Crew, we want to thank you for flying with us.
You may also browse an archive of previous live travel discussions.
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Anne McDonough: Happy Monday to all those out there today. Many of us are here today: John Deiner, Gary Lee, Andrea Sachs, Cindy Loose, Steve Hendrix, and your host today, Anne McDonough. Here's hoping you're ready with travel questions and stories...and movie suggestions. I rented "Hideous Kinky" a while back and almost jumped on the next plane to Morocco. Watching "A Room With A View," which I do waaaayyy too often, always makes me want to travel back in time and hop over the pond to both Florence and the English countryside. Now I'm looking for other movies that make me want to grab my passport and go--which ones have you seen that inspire you to travel (or, on the flip side, make you glad you're still at home)? Bonus points for the clickster who actually took a trip based on having seen a movie or read the book...
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Re. Norway (last week): Union Station has their salute to Norway this holiday season, and during the day there is information available at their kiosk by the big Christmas tree.
Anne McDonough: Ah, hope the poster from last week is chiming in again today-thanks!
Also, I forgot to say what the winner of today's chat question contest thingie will get: A travel toothbrush that comes with a special case that supposedly de-bacteriazes it, and a t-shirt and perhaps something else from the box o'junk.
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Gaithersburg, Md.: I asked this a couple of weeks ago. Is there a drinking age on cruise ships. We are cruising the Western Caribbean Dec. 24-29; my 17-year-old thinks he'll be allowed to drink, drink, drink. What are the official rules, and do the ships enforce them? Thanks!
Cindy Loose: Each cruise line has its own rules. We wrote about this in coming and going, but I can't remember which cruise line has which rule. I'm sure you can contact the cruise line you son is using to find out.
Those that have rules enforce them, although if your son is at all coniviving, he can probably find a way to get older friends to carry the drinks. If that's his goal and you're coming along, you will have to be vigilent even if the rules deny him. If you aren't going, maybe he shouldn't either.
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Northern Va: Hi Crew -
Thanks for the great chats. Here's my question: My family is surprising my mom with a trip to Hawaii for her 60th birthday. Problem is, she gets very seasick on boats and somewhat motionsick in cars, and we'd like to drive the Road to Hana in Maui and do a cruise along the NaPali coast in Kauai. We'd like to avoid medications such as dramamine because she is on a number of medications already and we're always worried about interactions between the different medicines. So, any suggestions for non-pharmaceutical remedies for seasickness and other motion sickness? I recently heard about accupressure bracelets, but don't know if they really work. Thanks!
Anne McDonough: Let's open this one up to the chatters--anyone have personal experience with non-pharmaceutical remedies for seasickness? We're not endorsing any of these, by the way. Informational only. PSA over.
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Anonymous: I am planning a long term trip to the Caribbean. Have some places to stay nailed down, want to bounce around a little and island hop. Are there any specific rules I need to know? I have been researching open ended travel and long term stay, but wonder what you travel gurus can share with me! Thank you.
Gary Lee: Your question is very general so am not sure where to start. Having done a bit of island hopping, I did want to offer a couple of thoughts. Keep in mind that most islands are distinct countries that require you to go through customs, etc every time yoo come and go. Since drug smuggling is sometimes an issue, the local authorities can sometimes be more agressive with searches than you would think.
On the positive side, I have found that in most cases, you can find your best lodging options by just showing up and asking around.
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Nervous about Delta in Washington DC: I heard on the news a few days ago something like this: "Delta's cockpit crews are meeting to authorize a strike."
I have booked flights on Delta December 18, returning December 30. Should I be worried, and if so, what specific action should I take? (I chose one bankrupt airline over two others because of convenience and price.)
Thank you.
John Deiner: Good question, DC. And, sadly, not a real good answer at this point. According to a story in The Post this morning, Delta and its pilots have reached a tentative agreement on cuts, and that could helpt "the troubled airline avoid a crippling holiday season strike." Let's hope it does, as a vote on a new contract is skedded to take place by Dec. 28.
Seems as if you won't have any trouble getting where you want to go. From what I've read, a lot of experts don't think the strike is going to take place, as it would pretty much sink the airline. Hope they're right.
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Rockville, Md.: Hi Crew -Any advice on tours of Tuscany by moped scooter (Vespa). We have contacted a few companies, and are working towards going with one of them in September 06 - during the wine harvest festivals in the Chianti region. Has anyone else tried that way of touring - pluses? minuses?
Thanks.
Anne McDonough: None of us have personal experience with this sort of trip, so let's throw this one out to the great beyond. One thing--I hope they have a drunk van going with you to the wine festivals!
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Columbia, Md.: Flight Crew,
Thanks so much for all of your helpful suggestions throught the year!
Perhaps you can help me with a quick question. I'm planning on taking my wife to Greece in the spring to thank her for putting up with me completing grad school the past couple of years. I know we want to go to Santorini for awhile, but we'd also like to see a bit more of Greece. With so many wonderful options, which other locations do you feel would fit most easily into an itinerary with Santorini? Also, any suggestions on the best time to go?
Gary Lee: What a lovely thank you gift. Greece has so many islands and each of them has a distinct character. A couple of years back, I did a tour of some of the islands in the Cyclades circle. The ones I stopped at were Naxos, Tinos, Andros and Syros. All four are great and pretty accessible to Santorini. If you like quiet places with good food and really warm people, move Tinos and Andros to the top of your list.
Any other thoughts about Greece out there?
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St. Louis, Mo.: What Luxury Disney Resort would you recommend, and whens the best time to visit during value season?
John Deiner: Hey St. Louis. One resort that I've heard tons of great things about is the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Rooms overlook parts of the preserve and you can see the critters roaming around outside your window. Plus, it's supposed to be a real nice place to bunk. Very expensive though, but, bless you, you used the magic word ("luxury").
Not sure I understand the value season part o' the question. You mean when it'll be less crowded? My understanding is that Sundays are good days to be in the park as that's a transition day for many travelers. My favorite, least crowded time to be there is in the fall (November particularly) and May, after spring break and before the summer hordes and hot temperatures.
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Re: Seasickness: I was actually watching an episode of MytBusters on TV yesterday where they tried various non-drug solutions to seasickness. Ginger pills worked the best for the guys on the show.
Anne McDonough: That's right, ginger does work. I brought some sweetened ginger candies on my trip last month and it did help with the lonnngggg boat ride from Shanghai to Putuoshan. Thanks for the reminder.
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McLean, Va.: My wife and I will be going to Egypt next April and want to add a separate side trip to Petra, Jordan before meeting the tour in Cairo. What are you hearing these days about the security situation for American tourists in Jordan?
I recognize that the situation has the potential for changing rather quickly, but would appreciate your current insights.
Cindy Loose: The U.S. State Department has been urging Americans to "review" any planned travel to Jordan, and notes that the terrorist attacks indicate that the bad guys have selected soft targets. The State Dept. travel warnings (check reports at www.travel.state.gov) are quite cautious, but then again, they don't have one for Egypt. I think this is one where you have to make your own threat/benefit analysis. Me, I'd skip it.
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Alexandria, Va.: My fiance and I have had an awful two months -- our apartment flooded, insurance didn't think it was bad enough to stay somewhere else, so we're sleeping on the floor on an air mattress. Construction started today, so we'll be sleeping in a construction site on an air mattress.
We've promised ourselves that we'll treat ourselves to a night or two away in a cozy, wintry inn with a roaring fireplace and some nice scenery. But we're stretched thin with holiday travel and meals out due to the construction.
Do you have any suggestions for places that are within a 2 hour drive or so of Alexandria, have a fireplace, maybe a nice restaurant nearby, and won't break the bank? Looking forward to this trip is the only thing that's keeping us sane through the process!
Andrea Sachs: I just stayed at Killahavlin, a wonderful Irish inn in Front Royal, about 75 miles from D.C. (It was for this week's Escapes, which highlights three international-themed B&Bs). The manse on the hill has a main fireplace in the front parlor, as well as electric fireplaces in each room. Best of all for those who are stressed: an on-site pub that is always open, always free (yes, that is not a misprint). Nearby, you can winery tour, hike around the national parks, visit battlefields, antique shop, etc.
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Not a movie but a book: The book "Desert Solitaire" by Edward Abbey inspired my pilgrimage to Arches National Park a few years back. It ranks way up there on my list of favorite vacations.
Anne McDonough: We like books. And ones that inspire favorite vacations, well, they're high on our list. Thanks for chiming in!
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Alexandria, Va.: After a bad experience with a U.S. Air flight cancellation yesterday (on a flight I have to take again in two weeks), I'm anxious to check stats on that flight. Any suggestions for a website on which I could do that?
Cindy Loose: Yes, there is a site called flightstats.com.
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Travel Films: I went to Rio and Carneval after seeing the 60's movie Black Orpheus, which amazingly captures the pulse and rhythm of that great city.
Anne McDonough: Hmm...Rio...
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Washington, D.C.: I'd like to recommend the movie "Motorcycle Diaries" because after you see it, the first thing you'll want to do is jump on a plane (or motorcyle) and travel through South America. It's a fantastic movie for those who love to travel...
Anne McDonough: Did you follow through on that impulse to head to SA?
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Washington, DC: Hello Flight Crew:
I'm interested in taking my family on a vacation, and I'd like to try out an ecotourism trip. Any recommendations on where to start looking? Also, what is the difference between ecotourism and "responsible" tourism?
Thanks.
Steve Hendrix: Start looking with the Ecotourism Society, WDC. This group, which started in Vermont, is now based in Washington and does a fine job trying to cultivate the widespread interest among tourists, tourism owners and development folks in making travel a force for good in the world--or least less of a force for harm. That means everything from hotels designed to minimize pollution to steering some of the tourism profits to the villages being toured.
Go to www.ecotourism.org for a primer on the subject as well as list of tour operators and the kinds of trips that do just those things.
Don't confuse ecotravel with adventure travel, which is about kayaking and rock climbing and other sweaty pursuits.
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kinda crazy, but: City of God made me want to go to Brazil. Not that I actually want to hang out in the crime-ridden, gang-ruled Rio slums, but the vibrancy of the people and the music and the food won me over. I'm going in February, although that's not solely because of the movie.
(I also watched Hideous Kinky before going to Morocco, although I'd already bought my plane ticket, so it didn't count - but it made me very excited about going!)
And, of course, all those silly British romantic comedies (Love Actually, Notting Hill, etc) want me to go to England, but I'm afraid the reality would be more like The Office. Which I also love, but it doesn't make me enthusiastic about visiting.
Anne McDonough: Not one, but four movies. Kinda crazy's in the running for the prize.
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Arlington, Va.: A group of five of us will be staying in Honolulu for a week and March are looking for ideas for an off-island day trip. Two in the group have been to Volcano National Park on the Big Island before (one, me, would certainly go back), so we're open to suggestions about other islands. Thank you.
John Deiner: Hey, Arl. I'm guessing you know you have to pretty much fly to any other island, right? Seems a bit much for a day trip (and expensive!), but you can't go wrong spending a day on Kauia driving around, either exploring the north coast and the NaPali Coast, or visiting Waimea Canyon, the Grand Canyon of Hawaii.
For something completely different, and an island that you can pretty much see in a day, I'd do Molokai, which is beautiful, untouristed and small enough that you can hit on most of the major things in one day.
Anyone else out there with suggestions?
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Reston, Va.: My wife is going with a group of artists to Italy in the spring. They start in Venice, but depart from Rome at the end of the tour. The individuals have to book their own flights I was going to try to use frequent flier miles for her, but everything is so much more difficult if you don't do a round trip. Would it be better to do a round trip to London or Paris and try for cheap one way flights London/Paris to Venice and Rome to London/Paris? Or is there a better alternative? I'm at a bit of a loss.
Gary Lee: You have to do a little scouring around for the best options. I would recommend using London as a hub, since there are usually more low cost carriers out of there tan Paris. Start by checking ryanair, easyjet and europebyair.com to see what low-cost carriers fly from London (or Paris.)
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cancun: Read your article on Sunday. Headed to Cancun Jan. 1 - Jan 8 for a wedding. We're currently booked at Le Meridian - but are rethinking that since there may not be a beach there and we're not really pool people. We're finding it difficult to find solid info about status of hotels. Any recommendations?
Cindy Loose: Actually, I stayed next door to the Meridian. There has definately been erosion so it won't be a big broad beach, but there is water entry--i.e. enough beach to walk out and get into the water. During some tides, there is also enough beach to lay out. But it was odd---one day I looked there wes more beach than on another day I looked. But no matter, you should be able to swim in the ocean from the Meridian. (Not so as of two weeks ago at the Royal Sands next door---there, the steps to the beach are damaged and you can't even go to the beach.)
The places with guaranteed big beaches are from kilometer 0 to kilometer 9, but that's along the bay, not the ocean. After that, the beach is good in one locale, and gone at the next. If you can't trust the hotel to be truthful, I guess you could call the Cancun Convention and Visitors bureau and see what they say.
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For the traveler to Greece: Don't miss Delphi. It's an extraordinary site and only a couple hours from Athens.
Gary Lee: Thanks much for the tip!
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Washington, DC: I was on a long haul redeye to Asia a few weeks ago and
managed to get upped to business class where I could lay
down and get a good nights sleep. Unfortunately,
sometime in the middle of the night I woke up and looked
around only to be startled by the sight of a total naked
guy walking down the aisle to go to the bathroom. At first
I thought it was a mistake, but a few minutes later he
came back and walked to his seat, covered up, and went
back to sleep.
I managed to find a flight attendent and she sort of
cringed but said "yea, it happens a lot. Some people insist
on the right to sleep with little to nothing on."
What? Have you ever heard of that before?
Steve Hendrix: You are making that up.
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Pride and Prejudice : The cinematography in Pride and Prejudice with Keira Knightly was so gorgeous that it immediately sparked an interest to fly to England and walk along the countryside (skirts billowing in the wind, optional).
Anne McDonough: I can see it now...the Kiera Knightly Billowing Skirt, now available at airports across the UK.
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Maryland: Ok, no one asked for this, and maybe this is more of a Hax issue, but . . . if my mom got motion sickness on cruises and cars, I'd seriously re-think taking the poor lady on a trip that is intensive on both or either counts. Is this trip really for HER? Or are you just bringing her along on a trip you want to do.
Anne McDonough: That's a good thing to point out, thanks Maryland.
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Bethesda, Md.: Hey guys. Things to do in Paris this week on a budget? I leave tomorrow and can't wait, but then I'm thinking, man, between Christmas shopping and Paris, my credit card is going to melt!
Anything you could suggest that's inexpensive (ha, it's Paris so let's try, uh, reasonably priced) other than the museums would be much appreciated.
washingtonpost.com: In Paris, Living Large for Less , (May 6, 2005)
Gary Lee: We attached an article with a few tips. As a longtime homeowner in Paris, I can offer these tips: www.pariswalks.com, reachable at www.pariswalks.com, does quite a few walking tours that are well done and typically cost around $12.
The churches often have free holiday concerts that are spectacular. Start with Notre Dame and the small church at St. Germaine des Pres.
Do a self guided tour of Pere Lachaise, probably the world's most elegant cemetary. Edith Piaf, Oscar Wilde and many other lumninaries are laid to rest there.
Any other Paris on the cheap tips?
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Bethesda, Md.: Hi,
I'm flying out of Dulles the Friday before Christmas and I'm wondering, is it even going to be possible to find long-term parking there? If not, what's the best way to get to Dulles from Bethesda?
Thanks for your help!
John Deiner: Hey, Beth. I'm going to say, yes, it will be possible. Over Thanksgiving, a busier time to fly, there were lots of spaces available at the area airports. Not to say it will definitely happen again, but I'd call ahead of time to check the parking situation then head out that way. From Bethesda, you can take the Metro to the West Falls Church station and jump on a Washington Flyer bus ($8), which provides roundtrip service to the airport.
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Northern Va: So I am going to be travelling around India this Feb., and my "home base" will be Bangalore. From there I will be going to Mumbai and then Goa. I am nervous about having my passport with me in those places, esp goa where we will be staying in a hut on the beach. I have friends will be leaving my large suitcase with in bangalore. Is it OK for me to travel without my passport once I arrive in the country, or do I need it with me at all times???
Also, I had noticed a number of discussions about anti-malarial meds here, and no mention of malarone... it is a new anti-malarial with none of the side effects of the older drugs... no vivid dreams, etc. the only drawback is that it is EXPENSIVE... and must be taken daily...but well worth it.
Anne McDonough: Going away for a weekend I'd say, sure, leave your passport with friends whose apartments are secure, and have a copy of it with you. But anything longer than that, no. Keep it with you. Personally, I am never for a minute without my passport when I'm traveling. I wear a money belt that becomes practically second skin, and my passport, emergency travelers cheques, a credit card and cash are with me at all times. The other stuff is stashed around secret pockets in my bag. That's just me, but I wouldn't be traveling around India without passport in hand.
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Washington DC: Hello Flight Crew,
The zipper on my bag was broken during a recent flight. The airline said they don't take responsibility for anything on the outside of luggage that is damaged, including zippers. They also added that even if if they did take responsibility for broken zippers, I would have had to bring the bag to the airport within 24 hours of arrival, which I was unable to do.
My questions are (a) is there any way I can get reimbursed for the repair or replacement of my luggage (my flight was for work, booked on a government credit card rather than my own) (b) are there any places around here that repair luggage for a decent price?
Thank you!
Cindy Loose: Theoretically, you could engage in a major battle to get someone to take responsibility for your luggage zipper, but much as I sympathize, I think it would turn out to be more trouble than it's worth. Since the TSA started inspecting luggage, it's impossible to even determine who damaged luggage--TSA or the airline. That makes a buck to pass, and pass it they will.
For fixing luggage: I've had reasonable work done by go to a guy who fixes shoes and luggage and whatever in a small shop at the Sagamore shopping center (with a Safeway anchor) in Bethesda. Also gone to the luggage shop on Connecticut Ave. just north of K St--sorry I don't remember the name at this second. At any rate,I recommend forgetting wasting time fighting to get someone to reimburse you, and call a shoe repair or luggage shop and see if their charge makes the fix worth it.
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Maryland: not sure who you are using, but I took an Air Italia flight via a Delta, (think) using Delta FF miles. Went into Milan and out of Rome, and it was no more trouble than booking a round trip. Sometimes if the person you are speaking to can't help you, you are best off to hang up and try with another rep.
Gary Lee: That's a good thought...
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Washington, DC: For Motion Sickness Mom,
First, for the car trip, have Mom sit in the front seat. Avoid renting some big lurchy vehicle like a van. What really has worked for me is a set of wristbands. They have a little plastic knob in them which pushes on pressure points in your wrists. They help a lot and can be found at any travel store or online. Also, I think there is an ear device for water sickness, although I am not sure about that - I have never tried it. Have fun!
Anne McDonough: Thanks, DC, for this tips straight from the source.
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St. Louis Disney Fan: We have done well doing January after MLK day, up until President's Day in Feb. Before spring break and not too many of those "serious students" and the parents that won't let them skip school at the park. Dress in layers, and take rain gear because it can be chilly in the morning.
Don't let rainy days keep you out of the park, it cuts down on the crowds. Take advantage of Fast Pass, and hit the popular rides early. Also, the parks open for the Disney hotel guests only earlier on a rotating basis. This can give you first divs on the parks.
(yes, that story we read a few months back about taking Disney by storm (and as seriously as boot camp is US!) -- my husband & I laughed!)
John Deiner: Hey, great stuff. Can't say that I share your enthusiasm for the park in the rain (hate to see a wet Winnie the Pooh strollin' around), but any day without big crowds in the kingdom is a good day. Thanks for the wunnerful advice.
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Re: Sea sickness: The scent of citrus is very helpful for short term motion sickness. I read at one point that sailors used to rub juice of lemons under their noses to combat sea sickness. I've actually kept a few of those hand-wipe packets to rip open when I didn't feel so hot in a car.
Anne McDonough: Let's hope they also ate the lemons to ward off scurvy.
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Bethesda, Md.: I saw The Third Man and just had to visit Vienna. Even though the Vienna in the film is post-war and bombed out, it's possible to trace much of the film's action today, so I did a Third Man tour of the city a couple years ago, including the sewer system, the Riesenrad, and listened to as much zither music as my ears could stand.
Steve Hendrix: I was in Vienna a few years ago, Bethesda, and only failed to go see the eternally showing "The Third Man" because I was too hung over from my glitzy ball the night before. Love the movie though (favorite scene: the weird bouncing shadow of the man running down the street), and like Vienna quite a bit.
We actually ran a story on this. Here comes a link.
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washingtonpost.com: Vienna, With a Twist of Lime , (Dec. 12, 2004)
Steve Hendrix: Thanks, Kim.
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Book trip I want to take: The Time Machine by HG Wells.
Dying to see what an Eloi actually looks like.
Steve Hendrix: You know what would be cool? Taking a trip to Eloi on a REAL TIME MACHINE!
THAT would be cool.
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Fairfax, Va.: Can you make any travel themed gift suggestions for my in-laws? They recently purchased an RV and are planning a trip cross country (to Alaska) next summer. Any gift ideas to fit this theme would be greatly appreciated.
Cindy Loose: A nice atlas is essential, but then, that's a little on the cheap side. If they haven't already bought them, they could use some nice chairs for storing in the bottom of the RV for relaxing once they set up camp. Also, a nice grill they can use when they don't want to cook inside. With a grill of course you can add all kinds of grill tools and bbque sauces. How about some games to pass the time? Or go with the RV food theme, and get em a grill, nice sauces, food treats that aren't terribly perishable.
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Bethesda, Md.: Ooooooo! After reading Marian Keyes "Last Chance Saloon" I just had to go to Dublin. Granted the book wasn't set in Dublin but all the characters were from Ireland. And with the way they all drank every night in that book I decided that I had to see it for myself! She wasn't kidding about the drinking every night thing and now Ireland is an annual trip for me!
Anne McDonough: Sounds like that book was a real life-changer. Let's hope your liver is as happy with that as you are ;)
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Ballston, Va.: I'm planning a trip to hong kong for april and would love to get the all asia pass from cathat pacific, but it's not avail right now.Do any other airlines offer a similar deal?any suggestions of how to work in sydney or new zealand? we have 3 weeks and really want to take advantage of this trip.
Andrea Sachs: One World Alliance is a consortium of airlines that offer a passes based on mileage or zones. There is one for Asia that includes 20 cities in 12 major Asian countries and another for cities in New Zealand and Australia. However, none for the two regions, since, well, they aren't exactly neighbors. Malaysia Air also has a pass for 23 Asian cities. And Qantas has an Aussie pass.
Since you only have three weeks, you should maybe stick with the Asian pass and explore the cities it includes; For example: Hong Kong-Osaka-Taipai-Seoul, or Hong Kong-Mumbai-Bangkok-Karachi
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Petra: I wouldn't write off Petra unless there's a strong warning not to go there. It's an amazing place, like no other in the world. If you don't think you'll ever be back there, you might want to give it a try. (it's only a day trip)
Cindy Loose: Re Petra.....
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Washington, DC: A really basic question...
I managed to get a great rate on a flight over the holidays, but I'm getting KILLED by Hertz, Avis, and so on. They all want $200 or thereabouts for two days worth of an economy rate rental car. Any tips on discount car rental?
thanks!
John Deiner: Hey, D.C. Gonna toss this out to the masses to see if they have any experience and/or suggestions on this, but one thing I have to suggest is to ask when you book a discounter where the heck they are in relationship to the airport. I've used some lesser-known agencies, and the trouble getting to the office (way infrequent shuttle service) or finding the place upon my return wasn't really the trouble.
Plus, in my experience at least, the bigger companies yield the nicer cars and the better service if something goes wrong.
But, wow...$200 for two days is a real ripoff. One company I've had pretty good luck with for less money is Dollar.
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New York, NY: What have you heard about safety in Rio and the rest of Brazil? I have tickets to go next month, but I'm having second thoughts because of all the horror stories I keep hearing.
Cindy Loose: Odd you should ask, cause I went through the same soul searching when deciding whether to allow my child to go to Brazil, including Rio, with her chorus. The warnings at the State Dept. site (www.travel.state.gov) gave me huge pause once they mentioned the word "kidnapping." But in the end, my husband and I decided to let her go. We do plan to attend the meetings when the counselors going on the tour get their instructions and make lots of noise about how careful they should be. But bottom line: If I let my kid go, I'll not try to discourage you. One question: are you big on night life? Cause I'd be more worried about going out at night that during the day.
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Washington, DC: Having read Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" and seeing every movie version, I always wanted to spend Christmas in London. Well, 2 years ago, my wife bought us tickets to watch Arsenal's Boxing Day Match. We stayed in a very cool, hotel (MyHotel Bloomsbury), and on Christmas Eve, while wandering around the Bloomsbury area, found Dickens' home - and it was snowing!
Steve Hendrix: Christmas in London...it's on my list.
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Washington, D.C. Re: books and travel: I loved the Anne of Green Gables books when I was a kid (still do, actually), and this past summer I went to Prince Edward Island as part of my vacation. It was beautiful and rural and looked pretty much like I imagined it from the books, except now the roads are paved.
Anne McDonough: I never cared about how my name was spelled until reading those books. Now those who leave off the e...watch out!
We did a story about PEI a few years ago, a link should be coming up.
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Philadelphia, Pa.: For the traveler to Greece:Do go to Rhodes. There is so much to see there. Rhodes Old Town, built by the Knights of the Order of St. John in 1309. Best of all on Rhodes is the Acropolis of Lindos. It is far more breathtaking then the Acropolis in Athens.But it is not an easy walk to the top.
Gary Lee: I second Rhodes; it has a stunning historical aura.
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For Paris-bound re Pere LaChaise: If you do a self-guided tour of Pere LaChaise, BUY THE MAP! And pay attention to the time. We didn't being cheapo college students. And were we sorry.
After a few hours of daring each other to go into the open mausoleums and generally putting our nerves on edge, we realized we hadn't seen any people other than statues for a good while. And we didn't know where the gates were. And we did know that the cemetary is locked at night (and that some people choose to be locked in at night for their own reasons.)
It took us a while to find a gate, which we ran toward with great relief until we discoverd it was guarded by dobermans chained just outside it. Gulp. We found some small stones, and my friend threw them away from the gate in the opposite direction from our planned escape. They ran after the stones and we positively flew out the gate and around the corner- where we all but collided with a tall man clad all in black complete with a tall hat and very very white skin. We both screamed and ran off at full tilt. (Poor man, what must he have thought to have two girls see him and start screaming in terror?) It took a while to calm down enough to revive our French and get directions to a metro station. Where we pretended to be calm by singing carols. When a woman came to give us each a few francs, we decided it was time to head home for the night.
The moral of the story is BUY THAT MAP, and pay attention to the time. It took a while before that turned into a funny story.
Been there, won't do it again.
Gary Lee: That's a good idea; take along a guidebook of Paris -- some of them include maps of the cemetary.
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Cheverly, Md.: Even more than our love of Scottish music, our love of Scotland dates from the 1970's comedy "Local Hero." My husband and I just finished our "Local Hero"-"Monty Python and the Holy Grail" tour of Scotland. Highlights were photographs with the call box in the tiny village of Pennan, walking along the beach at Casmuisdirach from "LH"--while staying at a castle hotel saw on BBC that "Local Hero" was just voted #1 movie use of Scottish settings, and buying coconuts in the Monty Python castles Doune (yes, they say in the gift shop, this is the Castle Anthrax), and spotting Stalker emerging from the late afternoon rains. We also took time to climb the Bonny Prince Charlie monument at Glinfinnan and ambush with cameras the Jacobite Steam train clossing the viaduct (AKA Harry Potter train).
I also made a literary pilgrimage to Toronto (while attending a conference) paying homage to Michael Ondaatje's "In the Skin of a Lion"--drove across the Bloor Street viaduct, dined in Greektown, and visited the waterworks, aka "Palace of Purification." An obscure work but very beautiful.
Anne McDonough: Those trips sound awesome. Coconuts: Not the standard Scottish souvenir.
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washingtonpost.com: The Anne That Ate P.E.I. , (Aug. 10, 2003)
Anne McDonough: For the poster back from PEI...to bring back memories. Thanks, Kim.
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Petra, Jordan: Cindy: I just got back from Jordan and I would not advise the person to skip Petra. What a wonderful place to visit and I never felt "threatened"
Wonderful country and wonderful hospitality.
Why are you so hesitant to advise someone to visit a country in the Middle
East? I go there every year and have never felt afraid of my surroundings. Now when I was in Athens, I did...
Cindy Loose: Another vote for visiting Petra.
I guess the Middle East gives me pause because the U.S. is involved in a war there, it's not too popular with a lot of people who live in the area, and while I'm sure the vast majority of people in the area are warm and loving, it is the home of a virulent brand of terrorism. I'd go there in a second to do a job, but I look at vacation as a time to enjoy peace and not worry about being "vigilent in public places."
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Re: Paris on a budget: For the poster headed to Paris just 1 quick comment: museums are actually not cheap, only those belonging to the city of Paris are free and there are very few of them. All churches, synagogues and mosques are free and some of them are really beautiful. Take a stroll in the Marais. Some buildings such as the Archives or some embassies/foreign cultural centers (Sweden among others) are free and beautiful. Go window shopping on a Sunday avenue Montaigne (luxury fashion, evrything is closed so no temptation). And grab the Pariscope or Officiel des Spectacles from a news stand. They cost about $1 and are packed with info
Gary Lee: I like all these suggestions. However, just because the museums are not cheap doesn't mean you should skip them.
Don't!
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non-pharmaceutical remedies : Please realize that herbal and other "natural" remedies aren't necessarily any more safe than "drugs". If they work, it is because some substance (yes, chemical) in the "natural" herb is acting in your body just like the chemical in a pill would. You still have to think about interactions (i.e. St John's wort and birth control pills comes quickly to mind).
I am talking about "natural" remedies you eat, drink or otherwise introduce into your body, not physical tricks like watching the horizon which may be more what you have in mind.
Anne McDonough: PSA number 2.
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Movie that inspired travel: Two movies actually -- My Father's Glory and My Mother's Castle, based on French author Marcel Pagnol's autobiographical account of his childhood. Made me want to see the rugged hills of Provence for myself, and I so fell in love with it that I've now paid my third visit. Of course, Provence is a lot more touristed now than in Pagnol's day, but on the plus side, there's no longer a need to carry your furniture and kitchen utensils when traveling to your rented cottage in the hills!
Anne McDonough: I'm going out and re-renting these two this week. Thanks for the reminder about such wonderful movies!!
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re. zipper: I had my luggage pull/handle broken on a flight, got home only to realize there was also a gash in the back of the bag...I attempted to report the handle part in person (as I didn't know about the gash) and got no as my answer. Long story short, I called the baggage people at the airport at least 3 times (and got no answers, so I would leave two call back numbers and offer to stop in with said suitcase) before I finally wrote a letter to the airline. I received two choices -- they'd pay for the repair or give me $50. I took the $50 and put it toward a whole new set...If you're wondering -- Southwest was the airline, Islip was the airport.
Cindy Loose: Thanks for the insight....Glad you got something in the end for your efforts.
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re: Ecotourism: Head to Dominica (not the Dominican Republic) in the Caribbean. It's a beautiful island with no huge resorts. They cater to ecotourists, probably because the beaches aren't so great. You can hike in the jungle, snorkel and scuba, and they say they have enough rivers to visit a new one each day of the year. I've been 3 times and think it's awesome.
Steve Hendrix: Love the rec, but traveler beware...not all resorts and tours that throw the word ecotourism, ecolodge, nature and other greeny words are really doing anything different than the Sandals down the beach. If you really care about this stuff, do a little digging to see what they mean when they tout their committment to all things environmental (that may just mean reading their website).
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Travel Insurance: We're off to the Galapagos Islands & the rainforests of
Ecuador next Saturday for our honeymoon and Travel
Insurance is highly recommended. I feel so intimidated by
what is available. I just really want our stuff (photographic
equipment, etc.) to be covered, and basic flight delay. Do we
need coverage for trip cancellation? We're not planning on
cancelling. Do we need medical coverage? I think it is
covered by our health insurance. Help!!
John Deiner: Hey, there. Sounds like a great trip, and it's probably pretty darned expensive. Most travel insurance includes a wide range of coverage, and is particularly effective if you've booked a long time in advance, as just about anything can happen between then and trip time. Remember that your medical insurance may not cover all your expenses overseas, like the cost of transporting you somewhere if you get hurt (Galapagos would cost a fortune to have to be evacuated from). You can check a site like www.insuremytrip.com to compare different policies, then I'd have a good talk with my travel agent or booking company to see if it's truly necessary.
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Passport in India: Many hotels in India require your passport (passport number) when you check in...
Anne McDonough: Yes, good reminder, thanks. Sometimes it's just the info for the person paying for the room, other times it's for each person staying in the room. By the end of the trip you'll have the number memorized!
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RE: long term trip to the Caribbean: I was wondering more about entry into and out of different islands. I know there is a need for a passport and a return ticket, but will we have any problems taking ferries, inter-island flights, etc, as we feel the urge to more from island to island? I know that with bareboating and Windjammer cruises there are not issues, just wondering about other things I might not think of if I. Thanks for the thoughts on drug smuggling - that is good to be aware of and exactly the type of thing I am interested in knowing about before I go.
Gary Lee: There is some form of ferry travel to most of the islands. You've got to do the research before to see whether the cost and time of the ferries makes them worthwhile. For example, I travel quite frequently between Trinidad and Tobago. There is a ferry that takes four hours but I always take a plane which costs US $25 and takes 15 minutes.
Routes where I have island hopping by ferry fun and worthwhile are: between Martinque, Guadaloupe, St. Lucia and Dominica.
As for entry requirements, in all the cases I know if you have a valid US passport you'll have no trouble getting in or out.
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Washington, DC: Question regarding Expedia: for the first time ever, I booked a trip (air and hotel) through expedia for the xmas holiday. Usually, I book all travel directly with the provider (air, hotel, car) and while I occasionally have received travel itinerary updates in the past, that is rare. Since the expedia booking, however, i have received at least 8 itinerary changes, with the last two requiring lenghthy phonecalls to expedia to discover/okay the changes. i am curious if this is typical? or is it because the travel is to somewhere outside the US (jamiaca) or simply because it is during the holidays? i think i will revert to booking everything separate in the future, unless this is really an anomaly. thanks!
Cindy Loose: I've not heard of people getting more changes on flights because they've booked through Expedia, or any other on line agency for that matter, so I'm guessing it was an anomoly bred of bad luck. (The airlines would have generated the changes, so I'm guessing it wouldn't have mattered how you bought the ticket.)
On the other hand, I have heard complaints of people who bought air tickets from a third party online, like Expedia, and didn't get notification of changes. Not that any online agency or airline gets their kicks out of changing flights and not telling you, but once a mistake is made and someone forgets to inform someone, it's hard to know whether it was the airline or the sales company that screwed up.
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Bethesda, Md: The following advice "From Bethesda, you can take the Metro to the West Falls Church station and jump on a Washington Flyer bus ($8), which provides roundtrip service to the airport." pretty much assumes that the traveler has LOTS of time (have you ever taken the Metro from Bethesda all the way to W Falls Church?! - the Metro website gives a conservative estimate travel time of 51 minutes - and that's JUST for the Metro trip). One way the total cost of this trip (bus plus Metro) is $10. I'd say - save time, spend a few more bucks and take a shuttle service such as "Montgomery Shuttle." (I'm not a fan of Super Shuttle, as I've had a couple of real bad experiences w/them.) But my favorite way of getting to the airport - beg a friend to take you, then repay the favor when they go on vacation - or bring them a nice suvenir from your destination.
John Deiner: True enough..it does take a long time. Then again, last time I drove to Dulles it took me 90 minutes on the Beltway because of traffic. Your suggestions are both stellar, though the last thing I'd want to do is to ask a friend to drive me to the airport during the holidays. (Mostly because I'd hate when it came time for me to return the favor!)
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San Juan (usually NW DC): Have you considered writing an article about different guidebooks and their target audience? I have a fodor's with me in Puerto Rico, and its not helping much -- suggesting Ruth's Chris for a treat dinner and shopping at Marshalls. I bet a lot of people would like help finding the guide for them. We're 30-something with a toddler, staying at the Ritz Carlton, BC (before child) we would love to stay at small independent hotels, for example -- I think I picked the wrong guide, but my cursory scan in the bookstore didn't really make one stand out. Anyway, just a thought -- thanks.
Steve Hendrix: It's a great idea. Not all guides are reliable, independent critics. I don't know a thing about Fodor's, but lot's of them -- *gasp* -- take money and freebies and are little more than paid adverts for those who pony up.
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Washington, DC: To the person going to Paris this week, can I stow away? But seriously, Paris is great for cheap activities. Just walking the streets (Marais, Faubourg St. Honore, left bank, etc., etc.) is worth the trip, though it's less easy in cold weather. But you can always stop in a cafe to keep warm. Even if the coffee is overpriced, it doesn't cost that much, and you can stay and people watch indefinitely. Concerts in churches you mention aren't free, but they're not too expensive, and if you don't want to spend money on museums, you can go to galleries (e.g., rue de Seine, rue du Bac) for nothing.
As for movies and travel, I just saw the Third Man on TV, which certainly is no inspiration for traveling to Vienna -- but it's slightly outdated.
Gary Lee: You make a good point: window shopping is always a major thrill in Paris and it's free.
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Washington, D.C. : Crew:
I have a 2 hour layover in LAX. Know any good restaurants in the airport?
Thanks
Andrea Sachs: I think the best place to eat is at the international gate. Though it's kind of mall food court, you can get lots of international cuisine, like udon noodle soup, sushi and Mexican beans and rice. Wolfgang Puck also has two locations (Terminals 2 and 7), and if you have lots of time to sit around and drink and gab with other travelers, head to Karl Strauss Microbrewery (No. 7), Redondo Beach Brewing (6) or Gordon Biersh Brewery (1). There is also a nice spot across from the airport that is shaped like a starship and has great views(can't think of the name right now, sorry).
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Deep Valley, USA: Alamo is often cheap too.
Three good ways to get a cheaper car:
Hotwire - only deals with national comapanies so you can trust the low rate isn't from Podunk
buy that Entertainment discount coupon book. Lots of usable car rental discounts. In my experience they are genuine discounts.
Get to the center of the city some other way and rent your car there. Maybe at the hotel. Rates can be way lower than airport.
John Deiner: Those suggestions ROCK, DV. Great idea to try to book away from the airport; then you can avoid those horrible airport fees. Thanks for chiming in.
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Washington, D.C.: I have an overnight (12 hour) layover at Heathrow in January. Do you have any advice about convenient hotels near the airport? It seems like Orbitz and Expedia offer the best rates only if you pre-pay, but I'm worried that my flight could be delayed or cancelled. What would you recommend? Thanks for your help!
Steve Hendrix: Well, if you want both convience AND economy, you may have to bite the cyanide and pre-pay.
Any Heathrow vets have an alternative suggestion?
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Car Rental Locations: Some airports locate their rental places off airport property, so you need to take a shuttle no matter what! One thing we do is find what we think is reasonable, and then use the toll free number on the rental web site, or www.bigyellow.com to locate the local office and get the local scoop on the details. Some of the longest shuttle rides we have had have been Hertz and Avis. (Don't call early a.m. or during the evening rush at the local airport (busy times), the rental people need to get the cars in/out and the renters on their way)
John Deiner: Good stuff, CRL. I never mind taking shuttles to car rental lots, but I hate to wait 15 or 20 minutes to do so. You made some great points, though...I'm sensing a little story in the works. Thanks.
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Accupressure bracelets: My older son was horribly carsick as a toddler. We bought a set and had no more problems. A doctor acquaintance told us they did not work, but I said I would continue to use them - although it might have been that the day we started using them was the day he outgrew the motion sickness, but I was not willing to risk it. After a year or two we did stop using them and had no problems. Why not buy a set and take mom ou for a test drive stateside?
Anne McDonough: Glad to hear he grew out of it!
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Calgary, Alberta: Cindy's respinse about why she doesn't recommend travel to the Middle east speaks volumes. It is everything that is bad about America's view of the world. I lived in Cairo for the last 4 years and I felt safer than in any big US city.
Anne McDonough: Cindy's gone for the day, so she can't respond, but point taken. Thanks for chiming in.
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Rental Car: I was having a hard time finding a reasonable car rental rate in Chicago over Christmas, and then I got a message last week from Hotwire offering much better deals than what I was seeing on other sites. Give Hotwire a try.
John Deiner: Another vote for Hotwire...thanks much.
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re: Ecotourism: Another tip for the ecotourism travel: some places have certification programs that can help you distinguish between lodges that say they are doing ecotourism, and the ones that really are. For example, there is the CST program in Costa Rica, Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa, and Green Globe 21 in other parts of the world.
Steve Hendrix: Good stuff. Thanks.
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re: car rental: A couple of times when I reserved cars with Hertz at an airport, I was told that they can give me a better deal if I just walk up to the counter when I arrive, than if I reserve in advance. I've also been able to get upgrades to larger cars just by asking...
John Deiner: You're gutsier than I am, but man, if it works . . .And yeah, it never hurts for an upgrade, whether you're at a hotel, renting a car, boarding a cruise. The worst they can do is say no, right?
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Movie Travel: I'm glad I did not see Muriel's Wedding" before I went to Australia. It would have made me think twice before going!
Silly as it sounds, my wife is determined to hit the Austrian Alps to follow the "Sound fo Music" tour.
Anne McDonough: MW is one of those great but uncomfortable-to-watch kinda movies. Let's hope your trip to Australia was of the great and comfy variety.
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Washington, DC: When I finished turning the last page of "The Pine Barrens" by John McPhee, I called a friend in NYC and begged her to meet me the next morning in the mysterious bogs of southern New Jersey. I was pretty sure no one had ever had that urge before. John McPhee can make a sumtuous story about any place.
Steve Hendrix: Ahh, the Land of Dwarf Conifers and Mob Cadavers. Love that place.
That was my introduction to McPhee, too, and a long affair it's been (He finally lost me about 150,000 words into his Geology trilogy).
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Maryland: i did a trip to maine based on my love of Stephen king novels. I visted areas where a few of the novels are set (ogunquit, etc.). I'm not as creepy as a person I met once who actually went looking for the poo man's HOUSE. But maine is fantastic.
Anne McDonough: Things to think about when we all right the Next American Novel: What will the tourism inpact of my novel be?
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Delta deserves to die: My husband was going to the WTO meeting in Hong Kong on Korean Air, booked through their partner, Delta. He needed to get there by Monday for meetings and a reception he was hosting Monday evening. When he arrived at Dulles on Saturday morning at 10, he inquired at the Delta desk about whether he should check in there or Korea Air. The attendant replied, "Don't you know Korea Air is on strike?" He did not, as we do not do a lot of Asian travel and do not follow the carriers' woes in that area. Upon checking, the attendant found they had made (w/out notifying him) an alternative arrangement to get him there: Northworst to Minneapolis, then to Tokyo (24 hr layover; no booking at hotel), then to Hong Kong. The problem was that, not having notified him, the 8:45 a.m. flight had left and they could not get him to Hong Kong on alternative flights until late Tuesday evening--way after the reception had concluded. Oh, and they had him booked as coming back on Korea Air on Friday night. Yes, they gave a full refund even tho the ticket was technically unrefundable. The only other way to get to Hong Kong by then was a first class ticket through SF on United--for $12,000. He finally cancelled his trip and spent most of the weekend doing cleanup, including cancelling a prepaid $4800 hotel package which may not be refundable. This example of gross incompetence is an excellent illustration of why this bad airline should be allowed to die. Not even a phone call to the office or an email. Unbelievable. Lord knows how many other people had this happen to them as my husband was one of the first to check in.
Steve Hendrix: Horror Story of the Week. Gulp.
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Anne McDonough: Thanks for all of the movie and book suggestions: Now I know what I'll be doing when the next snow storm hits. They were all great, but Cheverly's Monty Python-inspired trip is what did it for me. Send your full name and address to mcdonougha@washpost.com and we'll send out your goodies. Thanks, all! Make sure to come back and chat next Monday.
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