Talk About Travel; Trip Tips and Deals
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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.
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Andrea Sachs: The entire flight crew's here, for the spooky edition of our weekly Travel chat. Your pilot (Andrea) has just returned from Disneyland, in case any of you need some Halloween costume ideas (harried parent, perhaps?).
And for the trick-or-treat question of the week: Tell us your scariest, most "Psycho"-screaming travel story, whether it be a stay at a haunted hotel, a moonlit cemetery tour or meeting Phyllis Diller in Hollywood. The winner gets a month-by-month guidebook to world festivals and events. So, if Halloween's not your cup of cider, perhaps you'd prefer Yap Day in Micronesia or the Pancake Day Race in England. No costume required, except running shoes and shorts.
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Alexandria, Va: I'm submitting early cause I have a meeting (sniff)
I will be in southern India in Feb and wanted to take a tour of Rajasthan while I was in India. However, all of the tours that I have found are going to end up costing me around 4,000 for a 10-12 day tour. Does that seem unreasonable? They seem to include mostly hotel, guides and flights between cities. And that terrible "single supplement". Am I just insane that I think 4 grand is far too much for that kind of tour. Palace on Wheels is not that much more expensive!
Should I just go it alone or pick destinations closer to my origination point of Bangalore (like Mumbai and Goa).
Thanks!
Anne McDonough: That seems astronomical to me. Rajasthan is awesome, but $4,000 without even handling the international airfare just seems crazy. I'd suggest either doing Rajasthan on your own, using Lonely Planet, Fodor's, etc. as guides, or going with your second plan, which is exploring the south. I've not been in the south, but have heard wonderful things about and am dying to go to Kerala--that's where I'd recommend you go; Goa I could skip. The north is often where first timers (like myself) go because of Rajasthan, Agra (the Taj) and Varanasi. All are WONDERFUL but I think the south gets short shrift. Help its ego and stay south.
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Travel to India safe?: My family and I have been planning a trip to Rajasthan (with a tour company) for January. We are, however, feeling a bit skittish now due to the terrorist bombings in Delhi (where we will spend a few days). An opinion piece in today's Wall Street Journal (by Brahma Chellaney, a professor of strategic studies at the Center for Policy Research in New Delhi) paints an alarming picture of how poorly the Indian government deals with terrorists. What are your thoughts, and those of other chatsters, about travel to India now? I've checked travel.state.gov, which has not issued a warning for India.
Anne McDonough: Personally, I'd still go. But I'd say go with your gut because even if it is safe, if you're not going to be able to relax it's hardly a vacation. As a comparison, would you mind sharing how much per person the Rajasthan tour cost? the previous poster might like to know. Clicksters? Weigh in if you wish...
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Herndon, Va: My college student son is flying solo for the 1st time from Raleigh/Durham through Dallas to Phoenix for Thanksgiviing on American. He only has 40 minutes between connections at DFW. If he has to switch terminals at DFW do you think that will that be enough time? I believe there's a train system that runs between the terminals at DFW.
John Deiner: Hey, Herndon. I was hoping to tell you that all of the American flights arrive/depart from the same terminal, but I think you already know they don't (I just looked at the DFW Web site).
Anyhow, I've been through there about a half-dozen times and have never missed a connection, but maybe the chatters out there have other suggestions. And yes, there's a train between the terminals. As long as he has his boarding pass and isn't lugging a ton of stuff, I'm thinking he should have no trouble getting to his next flight, as long as pays close attention to the train signs.
Anyone out there with some sage advice?
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Arlington, Va.: We had an unexpected death in the family over the weekend. We need to travel to Fort Wayne, IN tomorrow. From a quick internet search, flying to Fort Wayne is expensive. It might make more sense to fly to a larger city and drive the rest of the way.
What would you recommend? Should we try to get bereavement fares instead? How do we go about requesting bereavement fares? Do we need to contact the airlines directly? Thanks.
Carol Sottili: Bereavement fares may save you a little money, although some airlines have discontinued them. You can probably do better by going with a discount fare. I'd try pricing Indianapolis and Toledo (both are about two hours from Fort Wayne). Because Southwest goes to Indianapolis, I think it'll cost you about $300 or so round trip, which is about half the fare to Fort Wayne.
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NE Washington: Greetings crew! I'm traveling to Ethiopia in December. I will have 10 days in-country. Do you have recommendations on preferred airlines from DC and any tips on things to see and do while in Addis and nearby places? Thanks!
Anne McDonough: Lucky you! Coming up is a link to the last piece we did on Ethiopia with lots of great suggestions.
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washingtonpost.com: Into Ethiopian Air , (April 3, 2005)
Anne McDonough: Thanks, Kim!
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Washington, DC: My fiance and I are getting married in October, 2006. We are investigating honeymoon locations and both of us would like to go to Ireland. What's the weather like around Dublin in late October/early November? We don't necessarily need or desire warm weather, but don't want it to be too cold! Also, any recommendations on where to stay? We'd like to stay a few nights in a castle, if possible. Thanks!
Cindy Loose: Ireland has quite a few castles with rooms to rent. An online travel agency at www.goireland.com lists 13, and while you may or may not decide to use this agency, it's a place to start looking at what type of thing is available, with ideas about prices. The Ireland Tourist board can probably give you more options, as could many travel agents and all decent guide books.
As for weather--we happen to be right now in just the time frame you're considering. Cool and damp would be a reliable guess. Today in Dublin, the high is 59 F, and it's raining.
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Montgeomery Village, Md.: For the chatter last week looking for restaurant recommendations on St. Thomas, I have three. In Charlotte Amalie, try the Tavern on the Waterfront for a special occasion, great steaks and ribs and the view is splendid. For casual dining, try Hook, Line and Sinker in Frenchtown by the waterfront. Great seafood and sandwiches. For fun, go to The Green House in Charlotte Amalie. Great drink specials, music, and sports on the big screens. For the chatter looking to overcome a fear of flying: I had never flown until about eight years ago. The more I would fly, the less of a problem it was. My tips early on were an aisle seat (so I couldn't see how far up I was) and a good book plus a good CD. Now I don't mind the window seat. Now if they could do something about turbulance...I hate that stuff.
I'm looking for restaurant recommendations on Oahu, near Waikiki. Anyone on the crew got one? I'm going in about 4 weeks if that helps.
Thanks.
Gary Lee: If you like Thai, Keo's, in Waikiki, is a good choice. If you want to go upscale, try the Diamond Head Grille in the W hotel. Pricey but worth it.
Anybody else got suggestions for Oahu restaurants?
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Denver, Colo.: This isn't necessarily a "scary" travel story but we did do a creepy walking tour in London on Jack the Ripper. We met the group in the evening at a designated address and the tourguide walked us around London to all of the sites where he killed his victims. Midway through we stopped at a pub for a pint - same pub where he most likely met many of his victims who were prostitutes. It was a chilly January evening and there was definitely a scary factor to it all - but very fun and different.
Andrea Sachs: Great fun! At least there wasn't a re-enactment; that would've been macabre.
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Baltimore, Md.: Hi - I love you chat. Try to never miss it. I had a situation last week. Want your opinion on wwhat I should have done. Flying from BWI to an East coast city. AFTER I went through security I realized I had a small pocket knife on my key chain. I put my keychain through security in the little basket but I guess they missed it. It was totally unintentional on my part. I usually take it off the chain but in my rush I forgot. What should I have done? What I did was never took my keys out of my pocket and was paranoid the whole flight thinking I would be selected for more screening. I thought about saying something but wouldn't that have cause a tumoil? Would appreciate you comments. Thanks
Carol Sottili: Yes, it could have caused quite a commotion had you approached a flight attendant saying, "I have a knife." You did the right thing - nothing. You weren't going to use the knife, so it's a non-issue, although it does point out that the screening process is not foolproof. So I'm guessing you checked a bag with the knife on the way home.
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Washington, DC: Thanks for the inspiring article on Guatemala yesterday -- and it's particularly timely, since I have tickets to depart for Guat. City on Saturday.
A couple of questions -- post-Hurricane Stan, what are the road/trail conditions like around Lake Atitlan? In particular, is it possible to hike from San Pedro to Santa Cruz?
And, do you have any closer-to-mid-range hotel recommendations for Antigua? I'm past the true backpacker stage in life (except when I am trekking in the wilderness!), but $75 or $85 per night still seems steep for Central America.
Thanks!
Steve Hendrix: I don't know firsthand about the path between San Pedro and Santa Cruz. But I did see (at least from the water) most of the sections between San Marcos and Santa Cruz, and even where slides had blocked it, the way seemed to be open now. Outside of Jaibalito, they'd even built a section of new stone steps through a new river ravine. This is the way many local folks get around, so the work has been quick.
There are plenty of mid range hotels in Antigua, but I haven't stayed them (Given the size of the groups we travel with--two families of four, at least, we find it pretty economical to cram into the big rooms at Santa Catalina or a place called Casa Capuchinas). Have a look at Lonely Planet for plenty of midrange recs.
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Scary travel story: I opened the door to my hotel room in Rome when I was traveling in Rome as a teenager, and there was a naked man lying in my bed! They double booked the room by mistake. Definitely scary for a 17 year old, but I don't think he was a ghost...To be honest, I think he was more freaked out than I was.
Andrea Sachs: Yikes, that's fodder for Roman nightmares.
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Rockville, Md.: Will there by any fall colors left by Veterans Day weekend within about 4 hours from DC? We would love to take a driving trip over the weekend.
Anne McDonough: I'd hate to mislead you and have a drive wasted: Call the USDA Forest Service's Fall Color Hotline: 1-800-354-4595.
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Left Field: Hi Flight Crew!
It looks like I'll be in Columbia, MO next month. What are the top things to do in that area? (Interests include art, history, the outdoors, culture, the quirky, etc.) What does this part of the Show-Me State have to show me?
Left Field
John Deiner: Hey, LF. Good question there, as I've spent all of zero days in Columbia, Mo. But here's what the tourism folks say on the Web site: "We may be a little city, but Columbia's eclectic mix of restaurants, shops, art galleries, music venues, sporting events, and coffee houses means there's never a shortage of things to do."
That said, I'm sure there must be someone out there who knows everything about Columbia. Looks like a fun place from the Web site (www.visitcolumbiamo.com), and it's a college town (always a plus!).
Any Columbia experts in our midst?
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Washington, DC: My spooky story:
Last year, my dad and I took a ghost tour in Alexandria. We learned that one of the Christmas shops in Old Town was supposedly haunted by a ghost who had lost his wife, and strange things would happen to women who came into the shop with shoulder-length brown hair, because they resembled his wife. My mother has shoulder-length brown hair, so we decided to bring her to the shop, without telling her the story. Shortly after we walked inside, her brooch fell off her sweater, and landed with a rattle in a tin pail. It had an elaborate clasp, was not loose, and had never fallen off before.
So, it was only local travel, but still spooky!
Andrea Sachs: Ooh, that's spooky!
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Go to India: I spent nearly a month in India (North) last year and more than a week of that was in New Delhi. For the tour person, it shouldn't cost that much. I did part of my trip with a tour operator and could have easily arranged the trip on my own for half as much. The trains are very reliable and comfortable (go 1st/2nd class) and use taxis.
Anne McDonough: Thanks for the info-did you make it to Rajasthan?
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Saratoga Spring, NY: Hello Guys,
I was wondering what the best way to take a journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway from St. Petersburg to Vladivostok. I am going to be in Helsinki on business in April '06, and then have a few weeks of vacation time. Is there a connection to St. Petersburg from Helsinki via train? Do I have to find a travel agent in the U.S. to book this journey? Is there a reliable ferry from Vladivostok to the Japanese Islands where I can take a flight to the U.S.?
Thanks, I love these chats.
Gary Lee: Since you're going to be on the train from St. Pete through to Vladivostock (five + days) I would recommend flying on the Helsinki-St. Pete leg.
You probably should secure this with a US agent before departing for Finland. In the past, I have used a company called Eastern Tours LTD, based in New York, for my Russia travel. Or you can check with Tour Designs (ask for Mary Lou) in Atlanta. I'm not sure about the ferry but Mary Lou will know about it. She'll give you an ear full about me, her and the KGB. Half of it is true.
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Vineland, NJ: Hi Crew,Am in the process of planning my vacation for next fall. Thinking about a Russian River cruise and would like to know the Crew's suggestions for finding a company that handles this type of trip, and how much time I should allow for touring. Thanks.
KC Summers: That's a beautiful part of the country, Vineland, but there aren't any cruises on the Russian River -- you can kayak or canoe it, but no big boats. The best time to go is roughly the end of May through October. For a list of outfitters, go to www.russianriver.com.
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Columbia, Md.: I am planning a wedding in January at the hotel Santo Domingo in January. Many members of my family have expressed doubt as to the safety of travelling in Guatemala...some have already shortened their stay after initially planning to stay several weeks. What can I do to alleviate their concerns. I have been there 4 times and I know that you are safe if you use common sense.
Steve Hendrix: Safety, or more specifically, a person's sense of safety, is such a personal thing. I go to Guatemala all the time, usually with my wife and young daughters with me, and I have never once felt unsafe. There are places in the capital I wouldn't go at night, and I there are backroads in the countryside where I wouldn't go alone. But not many.
I'm fully aware of the robberies, rapes and murders that have occurred in the country, but I don't find the odds any different there than I do in my own city of Washington or the places I travel in the United States, where robberies, rapes and murders occur with distressing regularity.
Having said that, it's not my place to talk somebody into feeling safe. But like the statisticians always say, I think the most dangerous part of trip to Guatemala is the drive out to Dulles.
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Arlington, Va: Hi! Thanks for taking my question. My boyfriend and I will be traveling to Munich and Innsbruck this December (2 days after Christmas) to stay through the New Year! I was hoping you (or other chatters) could recommend a hotel in Munich for the first 2 nights of our trip (we'll then be heading to Innsbruck to stay with some friends).Thanks!!
Gary Lee: The hotel Eden Wolff, next to the train station, is a lovely old style hotel where rooms go for around $100 a night.
If you want something moe upscale, I'm a big fan of the five star Vier Jaheszeiten (Four Seasons.)
Anybody else with Munich hotel ideas?
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Springfield, Va.: I have a great recommendation for last weeks traveler asking about restaurants in St Thomas. A few years ago my family and I vacationed there and happened upon The Agave Terrace restuarant at the Point Pleasant Resort. I enjoyed it so much that I returned there this past January and got married on the resorts pool deck with the reception at the Agave Terrace. It sits on a cliff overlooking St John and the British Virgin Islands. Watching the lights come on on the other islands while dining outside listening to a live steel drum band would be a great way to celebrate an anniverary. And no, neither of us work for the restaurant, just had an amazing experience.
KC Summers: Thanks, Spring -- that's quite a recommendation! When I was in St. John recently we had dinner at an open-air restaurant overlooking St. Thomas, watching the lights come on just like you did from the other side. What a perfect Caribbean experience, whatever island you're on.
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Burke, Va.: I wish to purchase a ticket for my mother-in-law to fly from Los Angeles to here on United. She does not have the money to pay for this ticket, nor even a credit card. United has the most convenient flight for the visit. However, the website and an agent both said that I as the cardholder would have to go to an airport before my mother-in-law could board the plane to verify the card. I live at least a half hour from an airport so this is inconveneient. This did not used to be the case. Is there a way around this such as using a agent or a website such as Orbitz?
Carol Sottili: I haven't heard of this one. I know that some international airlines ask for the credit card when you check in, but I've not heard of this for domestic flights. When my daughter traveled to Europe this summer, I had my credit card company issue her a card with my number and her name, so she could present it at check-in. Perhaps this would work. I'd also give a travel agent a call to see if they have a way around it.
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Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.: Hi, I've decided to travel to Australia and maybe Jakarta. Partly I'll be visiting friends, partly trying to hang out on my own. I could travel on or before Christmas or I could wait until Jan 2nd. Is it likely prices will change dramatically?
I'd like to travel within Australia (Sydney to Melbourne mainly) and have heard there are cheap airlines to do so or bargains. Where do I find out about that? What if I want to take 4 days and fly to Jakarta Indonesia - can that be done?
Finally, I don't actually know that much about Australia, what do you and or your readers think I should do ... the outback sort of appeals to me, I like city life, not into diving so not so sure about the barrier reef.
Cindy Loose: As to prices: I haven't priced it out, but am willing to bet that Christmas is more expensive than just after New Years--it certainly is for most of the world from here, and I'd assume it's the same for Australia. But pick a couple dates and test the theory to be sure.
As to getting around Australia---think vast distances, something like the U.S., but with bigger patches of nothing in between cities. I'd say your best bet for internal flights is to check out the Quantas "Kangaroo" passes, but provide a given number of in-country hops for a given price.
You don't say how long you'll be there, but even seeing the highlights is something like seeing the highlights of the U.S., so unless you're there for an extended period, you'll have to choose wisely, and that's a personal choice. I really liked Kangaroo Island, but that's cause I'm into nature and wildlife and countryside. The Outback is about countryside and vistas. You don't have to go diving to appreciate the Great Barrier Reef, but if you don't like snorkeling, you might as well skip it. I'm guessing you're pre middle age, and you'll find Port Douglas kind of boring if you aren't going underwater. Carnes, the other gateway, is more lively, but it's kind of like a more upscale Ocean City, and if you don't like getting your head under water one way or another, you'd be better off replacing the reef with something else.
You can get to Jakarta, but are you sure you want to? If it were me and I had enough time to visit a second place, I'd choose New Zealand. Read the travel warnings about Indonesia at www.travel.state.gov.
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Washington, DC: Thanks in advance for taking my questions. I'm wondering what the best/worst days will be for Thanksgiving travel, both in the air and on the ground?
Carol Sottili: Worst days will be Wednesday outbound, Sunday return. Best is Thursday outbound, Friday return.
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Man vs. Vegas: This is aimed for your Vegas expert:
I am thinking about making my next vacation to Las Vegas, and amidst my research, I happened to catch "Man v. Vegas" on CMT. I always thought that Vegas was supposed to be glitzy, but the dives that he has been gambling in have been dumps! I guess one place is The Aladdin (which seems a bit downscale- waay downscale) and Planet Hollywood (I thought they were bankrupt). Are there places that are MUST SEE, even if we aren't high rollers?
John Deiner: Hey there. If I'm not mistaken, Planet Hollywood bought the Aladdin (a billion-dollar boo-boo on the Strip) and is retheming the place. It's not downscale at all, but it's a bad design all around, from the dark shopping mall to the parking that requires you to walk about 20 minutes to get to the front desk, to the small standard rooms. Casino is a confusing mess, as well. Does have the best buffet in town, though.
As far as places (and I'm assuming you mean casinos here?) that you must see, I'd say Bellagio (snooty and expensive but beautiful--just look around, then leave), Paris, Mandalay Bay, Luxor (now that's downscale, but the place is neat to look at) and the Venetian. Go downtown for a touch of Old Vegas--casinos are ancient, as are the guests down there, but it's awfully fun. Skip Wynn, which isn't worth the walk to get there or the valet parking tip to park there.
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Jamaica bound!: I am going to Jamaica the week before Christmas. I want to go on day trips like hiking, biking, snorkeling, kayaking, etc. Do I need to book these before I go or can it wait until I arrive? Anyone have suggestions of reputable tour operators? Thanks!
Andrea Sachs: You should be able to book once there, through your hotel. Though trips leave frequently, since it's the busy time of the year, you might want to plan some in advance. Check Jamaica's tourism office for tour operators(www.visitjamaica.com). Also, you can also reserve through your resort's activities desk, especially if you are staying at an all-inclusive.
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DFW help: DFW is a huge airport and 40 minutes could be a problem depending on the arriving/departing gates. The best thing to do is to make sure your seat is in the front of the plane so that when you get to the gate, you don't spend 20 minutes trying to get off the plane. Just getting ahead of the crowd helps tremendously with making it on the trAAin and getting to the gate on time.
John Deiner: Wow, that is such a great suggestion. Man, been watching the folks on "Amazing Race" do the same thing for years. Thanks for the tip.
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Woodley Park, Washington, D.C.: Travel Insurance question: I'm leaving in a few weeks for a four month long trip to Oz/NZ, SE Asia, India and China and I'm trying to pick a travel insurance company. Does anyone have any experience with Worldnomads? Or a recommendation of another company? Thanks.
Carol Sottili: I don't know anything about Worldnomads, although that doesn't mean it isn't a good choice. Try www.insuremytrip.com or www.quotewright.com for other choices, although your trip is so unusual, the better known companies, such as Travel Guard and Access America, may not provide the best coverage.
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Herndon, Va: Some time in the 1970s, I was driving cross-country and waited too long to get a motel room, so ended up in a dump, which, I swear, reminded me of the Bates Motel. When I checked in the owner mentioned there had been problems with the electricity, to which I paid little attention. I slept poorly (horrible mattress) so turned on "Johnny Carson." He had Orson Bean on, who launched into a long story about a ghost in his house. He me hanging on every word, and, just as he said ". . . a ghostly presence started moving down the hall toward me. . . " all the lights went out. I went straight up in the bed, leapt for the door, then remembered the "electricity problem" and crept back to bed. I finally fell asleep about two hours later. No doubt the best, and most effective ghost story I ever heard.
Andrea Sachs: But were you brave enough to take a shower?
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Travel partners: I used to travel with my sister or my best friend, but they both have babies now and it's not as easy to pick up and go on a whim. I am always tempted by the last-minute trips listed in Budget Travel magazine, but the singles supplement makes me mad! Most of my other friends are broke or in school, or people I know I would not enjoy going on a trip with. Do you know of any resources to find a travel partner? I know there's always craigslist, but I am looking for something a little more "organized".
Anne McDonough: Check out our handy dandy Way To Go issue (always in September) which has a list of companies that are geared towards single travel. A link to the specialty travel story should be coming up, but a few companies that come to mind include Travel Chums and O Sole Mio. Anyone have any firsthand experience with companies that match you up with like-minded travel partners?
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Falls Church, Va.: Hi! I'm going on a business trip to Trinidad & Tobago in December. Any suggestions of places not to miss? I'd love to get into the rainforest, but time is limited. thanks!
Gary Lee: Are you going to be in Trinidad or Tobago?
If you like birding, go to the Asa Wright Nature center in Trinidad. There is also a lovely little beachside hotel in the town of Grand Riviere in Trinidad.
In POS, there's a lovely little restaurant called Veni Y Mange...
Over in Tobago, where I have been a homeowner for 11 years, you should check out the beaches at Crown Point (you can go out snorkeling on a glass bottom boat from there), go to Kariwak Village (near the airport) for dinner, Jemma's restaurant in a tree (in Speyside) for lunch, check out the beaches in Charlottesville, check out the lush flora at Anos Vale, etc.
A lovely rain forest hike in Tobago is easily doable in half a day. Ask the folks at the tourism office at the airport for details.
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Afton, Va.: On Guatemala, how is security in the countryside? The State Dept. advisory seems overly grim, but is there risk in daytime travel off the beaten path?
Steve Hendrix: Afton! Is the Inn at Afton still open? Best pool view in the Blue Ridge.
Yes, these State Department communiques are always grim; State doesn't want anyone to say they weren't warned of all possible dangers. The "Public Announcement" you're talkig about--due to expire next Thursday unless extended or renewed--came in response to a string of highway roadblock robberies. I have heard that the number of these has fallen, but I haven't seen hard stats. An embassy guy I talked to about it several months ago said day time travel was fine, especially on the main highways (i.e, the PanAmerican). I've been on lots of backroads in recent months with no problems, and have seen a big increase in the number of uniformed police. I think they must have gotten some aid money for police vehicles.
But most of the tourist shuttle services stick to the main roads.
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Philadelphia, Pa.: I'm traveling to Buenos Aires for a week in November. Is it realistic to fly to the Andes. Can you recommend an estate to visit? Is it worthwhile to take a day trip to Uruguay? Other than leather goods, what items should I shop for?
Cindy Loose: There is an easy day trip by ferry to Colonia, Uruguay, which I haven't seen but am told is an attractive colonial town. I think roundtrip out of a convenient port in B.A.is something in the neighborhood of $50.
As to estates--are you talking about the former homes of wealthy cattle ranchers? There are tons of these all over the country, referred to commonly as estancias. There are several quite close to B.A.--about a two hour drive. I'll post a story I did which gives contact info for those three. If you wish to go further afield, the tourism bureau should be able to send you a brochure listing all sorts. listand sned ns hless thwithin .
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Bethesda, Md.: Travelling to Grand Cayman this week. There's no big storms brewing, but the weather report does seem to be calling for scattered storms. Is that a typical Caribbean forecast?
Andrea Sachs: Yep, it is. The Caribbean has a great weather system, in which just when you think you are going to melt in the sun, a quick shower sweeps in, sweeps out, repeat. Often, the rain lasts no longer than the time it takes to fetch your umbrella.
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Munich Hotel: I've recommended this hotel in the past, I think maybe even on this chat. Hotel Jedermann is a 10 minute walk from the main train station in Munich, and was a very nice and affordable place. Rates included breakfast, and there was a PC in the lobby for guests to check email.
Gary Lee: Great, thanks
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Atlanta bound: Hi Crew-
I'm going to Atlanta next week for a conference. Not too much free time, but I want to see a bit of the city. What are you're thoughts on Altanta with a spare 1-1/2 days? High Museum? World of Coke? Zoo Atlanta?
Thanks in advance!
John Deiner: Hey, AB. You can actually hit a lot of the high points in Atlanta in that time frame. Start at the High for certain; it unveils its new wing to the public on Nov. 12. It's just a beautiful museum. World of Coke is okay, but just a big ad for Coke, and the zoo is nice enough.
Instead, I'd try to get to the King Center, which traces the life of Martin Luther King Jr. Also, the Jimmy Carter presidential library is fascinating as well. If you have a car, Stone Mountain is a beaut of a park about a half-hour from downtown with all sorts of activities. And if you're a media buff, you can take a tour of CNN at the CNN Center.
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College Park, Md.: Why is it that tax/airport fees can be so different when flying into/out of/through different airports? The difference seems to be larger when looking at European airports. Any ideas? Thanks!
Carol Sottili: I think taxes/fees are fairly steep going into most European cities. And now there are fuel surcharges, which are adding $100 and more to the typical fare. Each country has its own set of taxes, so that may explain the differences you've noticed.
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Alexandria, Va. - Spooky!: My husband and I traveled to Scotland on our first overseas trip many years ago. It was in March to cut costs so it was cold. We had decided that a trip to Scotland was not complete unless we stayed in a castle.
We booked a night at Borthwick Castle south of Edinburgh. Due to the fact it was off season it turned out we were the only guests in this enormous, hulking, ancient pile of stone. The pigeons cooed spookily in the arrow windows as we ascended the stairs to our room. It was enormous and the walls were 12 feet thick so the thin wintery light barley penetrated the room. The only person working there took us on a tour. It occurred to me when we visited the dungeon, that no one on the planet would ever know where we were should we get locked in that dungeon or worse! killed!
During the night I woke several times listening to the silence and knowing that the one employee had left for the night and we were alone with the ghosts. bwaaahhhaaa.
Andrea Sachs: Did you break out in the "Time Warp" dance?
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Anonymous: Has "The Washington Post" published a comprhensive list of new baggage weight limits for airlines? I'm not sure if all lines have acted uniformly. We found on a recent United flight from Dulles to Sao Paulo that the previous limit of 70 lbs. for each of 2 bags had been reduced to 50 lbs. for any traveler ticketing after Sept. 7. Of course, many try to get around this by taking on board increasingly large "carry-on" bags, which most lines still seem not to limit like they do checked baggage.
Cindy Loose: I wrote about baggage limits being reduced some months ago, but since details can change frequently, all I can tell you with certainty right now is that airlines have been reducing, and none have been increasing weight limits, and 50 lbs is pretty standard.
While you're not likely to have your carry on weighed, it can't be too large, so unless you're carrying gold or something, you won't be able to smuggle aboard too much extra weight.
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New York, NY: My family is going to China and Thailand in December/January. We were curious as to whether or not you think we need a guide for Beijing and Bangkok. My dad and I have travelled extensively, though less so in Asia and no one speaks either language. Thanks - I LOVE these chats and you guys are always so helpful!
Anne McDonough: I've done both guide-less but speak Mandarin so my Beijing experience probably isn't that helpful for you. I don't speak a lick of Thai and got around Bangkok and environs just fine with guidebooks. If you're thinking of doing one city with a guide and one without, try Bangkok on your own and then Beijing with a guide. But I know plenty of folks who've had a blast (gotten lost, but had a blast) in Beijing sans guide. Make use of the concierge at your hotel; they'll give you cards with the hotel's address in English and Chinese and write down your destination in Chinese to give to taxi drivers, etc. It just depends on how much relaxing you want to do vs. figuring it out on your own.
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Arlington, Va.: I am planning a trip to Thailand for next autumn, probably September. How should I go about finding a reasonable business class airfare? I'm not sure I could survive a day in the air in coach. Right now the cheapest biz class fare is about $4000. I have heard iot should be possible to get a seat for around $2500. Thai Airways has a direct flight JFK to Bangkok that I hear is a good one to take, but they don't publish fares at this point beyond April. Should I wait until springtime to book? Is there some rule of thumb to use?
Carol Sottili: There are consolidators that specialize in business and first-class fares (www.1st-air.net comes to mind). Unless you need to travel on specific dates, I'd wait and track the fares for a few months.
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kinda scary but in retrospect...: my first solo trip to Europe was right before law school. I had a backpack with all my worldly possessions for that month.
My camera (a big carbuncle Canon AE-1) was hanging around my neck as I entered a deserted train platform in Berlin near the Brandenburg Gate (shortly after the wall came down, so it was still a little sketchy in the area). It was dusk and I hesitated a little before going down into the maw of the station but didn't have a lot of choices. There were several teenagers on the platform, apart from me, and I heard them talking.
the only thing I picked up very clearly was CAMERA and I decided maybe it was better to make myself scarce. so I took off. luckily no one came after me, but my heart was pounding.
in retrospect maybe I was being a ninny.
Andrea Sachs: Dark tunnel in Berlin--sounds pretty Jason to us.
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San Diego, Calif.: My boyfriend and I are going to Paris (!) in February, and would like a comfortable hotel under $100 a night. Any recommendations?
Gary Lee: You should check out the Comfort Inn in Mouffetard, for one.
Also, you might check out apartments. At the website www.parisnet.net you'll find some reasonably priced flats.
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Brooklyn, NY: This is in response to the Hawaii bound traveler. I've been to Hawaii four times. I love Roy's which is about 30 minutes from Waikiki. Alan Wong's is also top rated. For a great beach front restaurant/bar try the famous Duke's. You can always check www.tripadvisor.com for more restaurant reviews.
Gary Lee: Good ideas, thanks.
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Baltimore, Md.: I have an invitation to visit a friend in Bogota. Have there been any recent WP travel pieces about Colombia (within the last year or so)? Any general things to know about better times to go or to avoid? I know little about S. America in general and Colombia specifically, other than the sort of stuff in news headlines relating to crime and politics.
KC Summers: We had a good piece by Darryl Fears of the Post's National desk a couple of years ago, and another by Scott Wilson of the Foreign staff about coffee plantations. Not sure how helpful either will be to you, since Darryl focused on Caragena, a resort town, and Scott wrote about the phenomenon of coffee plantations being opened up to tourists, but they will at least give you an idea of the flavor of the place, and they address the safety issue. Links coming up.
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Frederick, Md.: I was just "traveling" through the internet and saw a picture of Prince Charles and Bridezilla. Is that scary enough? Do I win the prize? PLEEEZE!!!
Andrea Sachs: Sorry, but only if you traveled with Charles and Bridezilla on their honeymoon would you qualify. You need to actually leave your chair to qualify.
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Herndon, Va.: I have a friend (who lives in Vegas) who is getting married out here next May. All of us girls want to fly out to Vegas to throw her a bachelorette party - what's the best time (before may) to go for good rates - and what are some things not to miss - we're not a big partying/gambling group - but we like to have fun!
John Deiner: Hey, Herndon. Best time to go is .... hmmm. That place is always packed these days. It's unbelievable. I've actually found that early May isn't so bad, but you have to watch when all the trade shows and big events are. I always go to www.luxor.com and look at the room prices on its rate calendars to see when it's cheaper to stay there. It's almost always the case for the other casinos as well. Weekends almost always cost more; try to stay over on a Sunday for a bit of a price break.
And you can have fun anywhere in Vegas! Lot of fun free shows at the casinos (we're fans of the Rio sky parade), and the lounges in most places are usually reliably entertaining. Again, downtown has wonderful entertainment on the stages under the big roof, and the big roof itself shows the spectacular Fremont Street Experience after it gets dark. The younger crowd tends to head toward Mandalay Bay/MGM these days. Check www.vegas.com for info on the nite scene.
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Indian Tourist, again: Well I am a woman travelling alone, and my finace (who is Indian) seemed to think I should not wander around Rajasthan alone. Dunno what to think. I wanted to travel around north India because I will soon be living in southern India...
Woudl I be safe getting an itinerary which gives me a driver/tourguide but not a group? Any single women travelled North India solo???? Anyone have suggestions on tour companies?
Anne McDonough: Ah, you're moving there--that's a key bit of info you left off before! In that case, keep your eye out for an upcoming story here in the Travel section about a woman who traveled solo in norhtern India with help from a tour company...it'll appear in the next few weeks. Clicksters, whom among you is a woman who has travled solo in northern India and wants to weigh in on this?
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washingtonpost.com: Cartagena: Safe Haven? , (Dec. 29, 2002), Colombia , (Nov. 23, 2003)
KC Summers: Two views of Colombia. Thanks Kim!
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washingtonpost.com: Buenos Aires, Always in Style , (July 10, 2005)
Cindy Loose: For the Argentina bound.
By the way, I hit send before I answered the "is it realistic to visit the Andes" part. I'd say that with only a week, you need to limit excursions. The most common trips to do during a weeklong trip flying into B.A.--Iguazu Falls, or Colonia, or skiing in the mountains. Unless you are deciding to skip B.A., at which point you could fly off to just about anywhere in Argentina.
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Herndon, Va: Ref the "Bates Motel." I did use the shower, and the hot water cut out after about 30 seconds. I didn't need to worry about someone with a knife pulling back the shower curtain - it was missing.
Andrea Sachs: Wow, your story just turned into the (shower) "Swamp Thing."
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Washington DC (for Herndon and others): Your relative probably will make the 40-minute connection at DFW, but check to see what happens if he misses it (are there several later flights?). I will accept such short connection times if there are later flights, otherwise I look for an alternative, but again, 40 minutes is probably OK.
As for India, there's no easy way to go there and back, as far as I can tell, and airfares can range from $1,200 RT from the US to $4,000; all economy. I think the flights all arrive and leave at awful wee hours and the airports are chaotic, as is the country, but fascinating.
John Deiner: Good stuff all around. Thanks for chimin' in.
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Arlington, Va.: Flights in Australia. The person looking to travel in Australia should also check out the low fare carriers. A couple of years ago I flew on Virgin Blue from Melbourne to Sydney for about US$50 one way. I think there are also a couple of other small low fare lines there as well. If they're only doing a flight or two it might be cheaper than the QANTAS thing.
Cindy Loose: Thanks, on behalf of the Australian traveler.
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washingtonpost.com: Specialty Travel Resources , (Sept. 25, 2005)
Anne McDonough: For the solo traveler looking for a way to drum up a traveling companion...Thanks, Kim!
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Scary at the time: On the second day of our honeymoon in Hawaii, my new husband turned into the grouchiest, most unpleasant person possible. I was very scared that he'd be that way the whole week, and the rest of our just-committed lives! Thank goodness it was just the jet lag kicking in, and he became much more tolerable for the rest of the week in paradise.
Andrea Sachs: A little Jekyll and Hyde. Thankfully, you married Hyde.
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Capitol Hill, Washington, DC: Just rented a condo at Whistler/Blackcomb for holiday week. They suggest booking activities in advance, such as dogsledding, sleighrides, etc. Anyone know what things other than skiing are worth doing? Any restaurant favorites? Is hiking possible in the winter?
KC Summers: How about it guys? Anyone got good Whistler/Blackcomb recommendations for C.H.?
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Washington, DC- scary travel story: I guess this doesn't seem as scary now as it did when it happened, but here goes: when my twin sister, our best friend, and I were studying in England, we took a trip to a rural part of Wales. We walked a good distance to a pub in daylight, but when we were ready to leave, it was totally pitch black outside. Four times the 3 of us attempted to walk back to our B&B, but it was SO dark out with no moon, that we all got totally freaked out and just couldn't force ourselves to walk down that road. We found ourselves getting increasingly desperate as there were no buses to get us back to town, and the cabs that we called said we were too far out and they wouldn't come get us. Thankfully a very kind staff person at the pub took the time out of her work schedule to drive us back in her own car. It all ended well, but boy was that a scary hour or so!
Andrea Sachs: Lost in rural Wales, that is pretty frightening.
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Washington DC: For person looking for cheaper tour in Rajasthan, a couple of years ago Frommers Budget Travel magazine had an article about booking tours at the destination rather than from the US. He used the examples of Kenyan Safari and Nile Boat Tour, to demonstrate that there are many local, reputable tour groups at the destination country, who are often the subcontractors for the tours booked from the US, which are much cheaper when booked abroad. Perhaps you could do an internet search or ask Indian friends or contacts about reputable groups.
Anne McDonough: That's a good idea--going straight to the source can eliminate some fees.
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scarry travel: Okay, this isn't spooky, per se, but it was kinda scary. I was 19 and went to Puerto Rico on spring break wiht a couple of friends. We were supposed to be picked up at the airport by our friend who lives there but, after waiting a while, we learned she wasn't able to come til the next day. as poor college students we got someone to take us to a cheap non-touristy hotel. we got 2 room and went to open our door. there were things in there. We had opened the wrong door. we then realized, after some testing, that our keys for 2 different rooms opened every door in the hotel. We slept with the furniture pushed up against the door all night.
Andrea Sachs: Did the keys open the bar, too?
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Travel to India again: I'm the poster with the earlier question about safe travel to India in light of the recent bombings and other incidents. The company my family and I have been working with is General Tours, and for a 2-week tour of Rajasthan (covering a car and guide, all hotels, some meals, airfare from Jaipur to Delhi at the end of the trip, and admission fees) they charge around $3,400 for me--including that dreadful single supplement, excluding airfare.
Anne McDonough: Thanks for giving the details. I understand why it is, but I hate hate hate the single supplement.
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Psycho story: A couple of decades ago, friends and I were in Amsterdam. We stayed at a B&B in one of those narrow row houses common there. The B&B operator looked exactly like Anthony Perkins (I think that's his name) and had photos of scenes from Psycho all over the place. Arriving home late at night, (after a few drinks) to walk up the darkened steep staircases and sometimes encounter the Psycho guy at the top of the stairs was freaky. (In fact, the guy was quite nice.)
Andrea Sachs: That's what the Bulldog will do to you, if you breathe in too deep.
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Pittsburgh, Pa.: In response to the poster about the Jack the Ripper tour being great fun - it always amazes me that a person can think walking in the footsteps of a number of women who were brutally raped and murdered was "great fun". Yes, no one is alive today that lived through that period; no that doesn't make it "fun" today. What's next: A Holocaust theme park after all those who lived through World War II are gone? People amaze me...
Steve Hendrix: Well, plenty of people base their travels on history, even the worst horrors of history. Go to Gettysburg any weekend. Or, to use your own example, consider the hugely popular Holocaust tours. They're not theme parks, fortunately, but they do play on a mix of repulsion, reverence for the victims and native curiosity about one of humanities greatest crimes.
"Great fun" may be a flippant way to describe the experience (Jack the Ripper, like Lizzie Borden, has been largely drained of its specific horror by time and media caricatures), but the impulse behind the interests isn't necessarily as condemnable as you say.
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Camp Hill, Pa: Vegas question for a friend. Her and her boyfriend will be staying at the Excalibur. They are going to rent a car to go to places like Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, etc. However information on the net about the cost, if any, of parking is nonexistent. Do you have any insight?
John Deiner: Hey, Camp Hill. Good news: Unlike Atlantic City, the parking is free just about everywhere in Vegas (okay, you have to pay at some of the downtown lots). And the best deal is the valet parking--it's free. All you have to do is throw a couple of bucks at the valet parking person when you retrieve your car. Because of the vast lengths between some garages and the casinos/hotels, it's really worth it.
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Washington, D.C.: I'm traveling to Nairobi for a week of meetings, but I'm going to have Saturday and Sunday to myself before I fly back. I hear there are safari parks quite close to the capital, but this has kind of come up out of nowhere, and I have nearly no time to plan. What do you suggest for a lone, adventurous woman with 1.5 days to kill near Nairobi?
Anne McDonough: Clicksters, help! The Nairobi bound needs answers!
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Scary story: We were in Charlotte Amalie at night looking for a restaurant, and decided to take a shortcut through a dark alley. About 50 feet into it we noticed the rats scurrying ahead of us, so many of them that they were moving like grasshoppers do on a country road. They were filling in behind us as we walked so we couldn't go back. Couldn't run because they weren't moving out of the way fast enough. Better than a Willard movie.
Andrea Sachs: So, how did you get out of there, don't leave us hanging.
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Seattle, Wash.: My scary travel moment -- I was thirteen years old traveling with my family in Italy. We flew into Milan, and then spent a few days in Venice. For some reason, I sometimes would sleep-walk in my early teen years, and the first night in Venice was no exception. I remember dimly being startled awake by a nighttime thunderstorm and wandering around my darkened room, not knowing where I was, with a huge storm raging outside. A very surreal experience! At some point, I "came to" and realized where I was and managed to get back to sleep, but my sleepwalk in the storm left a creepy memory with me. I also get creeped out whenever I see Nicholas Roeg's gothic Venice movie adaptation of "Don't Look Now"!
Andrea Sachs: Thankfully you didn't hop in a gondola and float off in your sleepy state.
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Dupont Circle, Washington, DC: Scary and then a question
Went on a midnight tour in New Orleans which included the stories of haunted NO and then went on to a Santeria group where we were to partake in a (run of the mill) ritual. When we ended up at what was a home converted into a sort of temple/place of worship only to discover the head of the Santeria group had just died, and ended up, around 1 a.m., in the middle of the beginning of his funeral ritual, invoking all sorts of spirits.... Memorable, and a little scary.
Now the question - am travelling to Ft. Lauderdale next week assuming electricity is resotored to our rental - what are the chances the city will be functioning at all? If not, what alternatives do we have with airline tix already purchased (Spirit tix, no refundable, etc - are we stuck with loads of change fees or are there exceptions for post-hurricane travel?)
Carol Sottili: I think Spirit's change fee is only $40, so it wouldn't be that awful if you had to rethink things. They're moving forward on getting power restored, etc. - by next week, you may be fine.
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Susquehanna Twp, , PA - Columbia, MO: Two interesting places to see on the Campus of Mizzou. On the quad on of the Archeology building holds an collection of copies of greek and roman statutes. They were made in the early 60's, by making plaster molds of the originals. Mizzou has one of the last complete sets made. To walk in and be faced with Venus, then out of the corner of your eye see the Thinker is a wild experinece. Also Anhusier Busch has built a wildlife museum on campus. For more laughs you may want to catch a H.S. football if the Kiwpies are playing.
Andrea Sachs: Thanks for the suggestions.
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Washington, D.C.: Hi gang! I know this is a very basic, almost stupid, question but how do frequent flyer miles work? For instance, if you have earned 1000 miles, does that mean you can fly 1000 miles for free? Thank you!
Cindy Loose: Oh, I wish that were how it worked. But it's not nearly so generous. Generally, it costs a certain number of miles for a trip within the continental U.S. and Canada--it depends on the airline, but you usually about 30,000 miles for such a ticket. A trip to Europe or Asia will cost more miles, although sometimes you might find a "sale" requiring fewer miles than normal. Then of course you've got you're frequent flyer tickets in higher classes, and those cost more miles.
You can also redeem your miles by buying coach and upgrading to business class, or for "stuff." A thousand miles might get you a couple magazine subscriptions.
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Fort Wayne, Ind: Re: traveling here from DC. Don't bother with Toledo Express airport, it won't help you much, as it is on a par with Fort Wayne. Sometimes you can do better with South Bend than Fort Wayne, but I agree that Indianapolis is the best bet over all. Oddly enough, when you can plan ahead you can get better rates sometimes to/from Fort Wayne than Indy, but that is clearly not the clickster's situation. My experience with berievement fares is that they are of very little value even when they exist. You may do better, however, calling one of the low fare services, they may be able to get last minute unsold seats at an attractive price to Fort Wayne and save you the 2 1/2 hour drive from the airport which is on the south side of Indianapolis.
Andrea Sachs: Great advice, thanks!
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For the Ireland Honeymooner: I just got back yesterday from a week and a half in Ireland and it was great. The weather was not prohibitively cold and there weren't very many other tourists! Also, the leaves were begining to change and that was beautiful. We stayed in a few castles and I really recommend Ashford Castle (north of Galway) and Adare Manor (between Galway and Killarney). Both are very romantic. While in Killarney (even though it's not a castle) I totally recommend Killarney Park Hotel - it's new and posh.Best wishes on your upcoming wedding!
Cindy Loose: Ah, we love it--recent experience with details for the Ireland-bound honeymooners. Thank.
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washingtonpost.com: With 1.5 days, Nairobi can fly to beach town Mombasa and sleep overnight. You may also be able to fly to Zanzibar (off coast of Dar es Salaam) but flights may not be as frequent as those to Mombasa.
Anne McDonough: Thanks, washingtonpost.com!
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For the Australia traveler:: From Melbourne, drive The Great Ocean Road. It's two lanes and twisty and turny (not to mention that you are on the other side of the road!), but the payoff is incredible: Rolling hills, cute little towns, shear cliff faces and water more blue and more clear that you can even imagine. The road ends just after the Twelve Apostles and you can take the "highway" back to Melbourne (also a two lane road but a lot straighter!). We did it in two days - drove down one day, spent the night in the little town of Port Campbell and drove back to Melbourne the next.
Cindy Loose: Australia advice---thanks.
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Baltimore, Md.: Wow! I've been waiting for Southwest to update fares through February, and the r/t airfare to Ft. Lauderdale from BWI is about $450. AirTran is even worse ($600). In the past, both airlines have put on sale fares to Florida closer to the first of the year. Should I wait to book?
Carol Sottili: I just priced out Fort Lauderdale from BWI on Southwest in February and came up with a $178 round-trip fare. Maybe you need to be flexible with dates?
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Washington, D.C.: This was SCARY! When I was little, my sister, mom and I got lost when we went for a walk around our grandparents condo community in Florida! Every building looks the same, every person looks the same. We passed clubhouse 1, we passed clubhouse 2...then clubhouse 1 again! At first a shuffleboard court looked familiar, but then, no, it was a completely different one. We completely lost our bearings, and if not for luck could still be wondering around Wynmoor to this day. Phew!
Andrea Sachs: Eeeek!
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Brazil: Scarey: as a kid I was car camping with my family in Yellowstone. There were the usual warnings about grizzly bears and food. We noticed that the park's new "bear-proof" trash cans, requing one to step on a pedal to open the tops of the cans, didn't stop the bears, who quickly learned that stepping on the pedals opened a can full of food for them. During the night we all woke up to see a grizzly standing on its hind legs, leaning against the car, peering in at us. Apparently canned meat (us) was too hard to get to (well, that's what we imagined), so it went off in search of easier vittles (perhaps one of the new, eash-to-open trash cans).
Andrea Sachs: Luckily, the grizzly didn't have a taste for Spam.
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Travel Info Website: There is a website for travelers called www.travelsense.org. I found it to be very useful when I planned my trip to the Caribbean and couldn't tell which island is most suitable for me. There are pictures and articles posted by the public, without the ads like the www.tripadvisor.com (even though tripadvisor is also my other preferred source).
KC Summers: Always good to hear about useful sites. This one is sponsored by the American Society of Travel Agents -- so there are ads. Lots of info about how to find a travel agent. Their info on destinations needs to be updated -- I just clicked on their New Orleans entry, which is embarrassingly out of date.
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Ft. Belvoir, Va.: For the lady worrying about her son's connection, I worked for AA at DFW in the mid-1990s (before the newest airport train system opened). 40 minutes to connect may be "legal", in the sense that it's theoretically possible for a person and their bags to make the connection. In reality, it would be very easy for his inbound flight to be 30 minutes late, thus ensuring a missed connection. Her son needs to be prepared to miss his flight and to be put on standby for the next one (which will likely be full). Just make sure he's not booked on the last flight of the day. Depending on why his inbound flight was late, AA might or might not offer hotel accomodations (mechanical problem: yes, weather problem: no.)
John Deiner: Hey, Belvoir. Scary stuff there. Now I'M worried too. At least you say you haven't worked there since the newest airport train opened. Let's hope for the best (and am I crazy, or do a lot of planes actually arrive EARLY these days? Yeah, I'm crazy).
Thanks much for the great suggestions on DFW, guys.
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Nairobi: Lived in Kenya for two years, be careful Nairobi can be dangerous. You can book a day tour to the Nairobi Game Park once you get there or hire a driver. You can also go to the Karen Blixon House for brunch and then go to the Giraffe place. If I were you I would try to extend my ticket and go to Masi Mara or Lamu.
Return Peace Corps Volunteer from Kenya.
Anne McDonough: The Karen Blixen thing sounds great. Thanks for the warning, too.
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Scary Story- Orlando: I hope it's not too late to submit! When I was 16 my friend and I visited her cousins in Orlando, FL and they took us to a place on Church Street called Terror on Church Street. This was no ordinary haunted house experience. There was no guide and we were put in groups of 5 or 6 and had to guide ourselves around from room to room. Each room you entered, you were chased or stalked through the room into the next. There was no letting up by the actors and for the most part, they were so believable, you forgot they were acting. We were with her 30 year old male cousin and even he couldn't take it. Not to mention, there was a very creepy guy in our group who we thought was part of the act, and then he disappeared! It was very strange and scary. I'm 27 and I still have forgotten what a scary good time we had there!
Andrea Sachs: That's a goodie. Wonder what ever happened to him?? Hmmm...
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washingtonpost.com: Vancouver , (March 30, 2003)
Andrea Sachs: Here's a link to more Vancouver info.
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Deep Valley, USA: We're returning to Vancouver for a week between Christmas and New Year's. Any recommendations for a hotel out near Stanley Park that is pleasant but not too expensive? A refrig/microwave would be nice but not necessary.
And where should we go in Vancouver for a birthday dinner during that time?
Cindy Loose: Vancouver food is fantastic. If you're looking for something very romantic, take a look at the Wedgewood Hotel's Bacchus. It's a bit expensive by Canadian standards--entrees for dinner start at about $16, but if you're looking to celebrate a romantic occassion in style, it's got the wood fire candle thing going big time. I'll post a story I did with some other recommendations, and a site that will lead you to info about all 4,000 Vancouver area restaurants.
As for places to stay, not sure what you consider not expensive. The details box I'm posting has a few suggestions.
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Andrea Sachs: Well, that's the end of the chat. So, now go treat yourselves to your co-worker's big bowl of candy. Thanks to everyone for your scary stories.
And for the traveler who stayed at the Bates Motel, where the lights dimmed, the shower had no curtain and Mother was, well, where was Mother? Please send your address to sachsa@washpost.com so we can send you your treat.
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