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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 submit a question before or during the show.
You may also browse an archive of previous live travel discussions.
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Gary Lee: Gary at your service as acting chat captain on this wet and somewhat dreary Monday in Washington, D.C. While we have each other captive for the next hour, let's try to doctor up the day with some lively chatter. If you throw us some good questions, we'll do our best on the answer front. We've got an excellent team to field your queries. Besides myself -- a longtime writer with the section -- our gang includes: KC Summers, our fab section editor; John Deiner, our creative, passionate deputy editor; staff writer extraordinaire Cindy Loose; staff writer suberb Steve Hendrix; staff writer knowledgeable Carol Sottili; and staff writer cool and hip Andrea Sachs. If you have additional thoughts about the questions we answer, jump right in there.
As we enter the holiday season, I have been sifting through the crumbs of one man's year reflecting on some of the memorable people I have met on the road during 2005 and in past years. I wonder if you have also met service workers, or other travelers who have helped make your trips occasions to remember? Any waiters, hotel staffers, car rental agents, fellow travelers or others out there worth mentioning? If so, share the story with us. The best, most succinctly told tale wins a copy of "Star Chefs on the Road," a Food & Wine hardback in which ten well-known chefs in different locales share their own stories and recipes.
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Silver Spring, Md.: After too many years of being, er, chunky, I'm now becoming a fit and trim lass in search of a new thrill and possibly many new ways to injure myself. Which of the nearby ski hills would you recommend for a 40-something first-timer? What I'm looking for is a place that offers a new-skier package (lesson + rental + lift ticket) and has suitable beginner terrain that doesn't double as a speedway for experienced skiers. The mountain doesn't have to be challenging, or offer exciting nightlife and delicious cuisine - I just want to learn how to ski.
Carol Sottili: Depends on whether you want to do a long weekend thing, or just go for the day several times. I like Ski Liberty (www.skiliberty.com) for day trips and always liked its ski school for my kids, so I'm betting the adult school is also good. Wintergreen (www.wintergreenresort.com) is a good choice for a place a bit farther away. Don't get discouraged if you do a group lesson and don't get very far - I'd invest in a couple of one-on-ones to get started.
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Best beach value in S America: I'm going to S America in January, and will have a week
with some friends when I'm hoping to relax on a nice
beach somewhere. Being pampered would be nice but not
necessary; good food & drink is a definite plus; quiet
would be nice, but an active place with cute 30-
somethings wouldn't be objected to either (by me, at
least; the others are married, so they might be less into
meeting new folks). What place would you recommend as
the best bang for our buck? (Central America from
Panama south would be acceptable, too.)
Gary Lee: Two great and relatively inexpensive options are Belize and Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. Although it's not cheap to get there, you will find that Brazil (in particular Rio -- ie Copocabana and Salvador ) both have wonderful beaches and are excellent value for money destinations.
Any others have thoughts on this?
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New Jersey suburb: Hello! In the travel section of my local newspaper yesterday, there was an article that said that a woman's brooch was confiscated from her when she wanted to board a plane, and in the words of the article, "she hasn't seen it since." Soon I will be flying to California to attend a "black tie optional" wedding, and I am terrified about having my jewelry confiscated. Is there really a need for this, or did someone take the brooch from her because he/she liked it and wanted to have it, not because it presented a danger to others on the flight? I don't want to pack my jewelry in the bag that I check, because that has to be kept unlocked. What should I do? Thank you very much in advance for your assistance.
Cindy Loose: You are right to carry your jewels in carry on. Our general advise is to never ever check anything you value dearly or need immediately, like prescription drugs.
I assume the broach was taken because it had a pin someone thought could be used in a threatening way. I'm not surprised she never saw it again--stuff that's confiscated doesn't get returned unless you're willing on the spot to get out of line and mail it. Unless that broach had an unusally large pin I think the TSA was overreacting. However, to be safe, don't take broaches and hat pins. There would be no possible excuse for confiscating your pearls and diamonds.
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Arlington, Va.: Are there any airlines that prohibit children from flying? I can't stand these parents who think it's OK to bring a screaming brat onto a plane and ruin everyone else's flight.
Steve Hendrix: Hmmm. Maybe Air Uganda during the salad days of the Idi Amin regime?
What other categories of people do you want to ban from the airlines?
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Washington, DC: We're planning a trip to Europe in mid-March and are shopping for flights right now. The plan is to fly to Madrid for a week, make our way over to Rome and then fly back from there. A couple questions:
We're seeing prices around $600 (tax included). That seems pretty good to me, but given that it's not really high season do you think that they could drop even further after the New Year?
Does the Flight Crew or any chatters have advice for getting from Madrid to Rome relatively cheaply? Direct flights don't seem all that common, and none of the popular low-cost airlines seem to run that route without a change and long stopover elsewhere. Thanks!
Carol Sottili: $600 sounds a little steep for mid-March, but if you're not very flexible, you may want to bite the bullet. If you can change your travel plans by a week in either direction, I'd wait until mid January and see what happens. I think Air Europa flies nonstop between Rome and Madrid for about $140 - go to www.air-europa.com.
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Silver Spring, Md: Hi, crew: We have family stationed in Hohenfels, Germany, and plan to visit next year. (Nearest large town is Nurnberg.) We'll likely fly into Munich. I've never been to Germany, Austria or the Czech Republic, and my husband hasn't been to the latter two. Where would you go if you had 8 days in the area? We love history, music, art, good food and wine, soaking up ambiance, and hiking in the countryside. We don't expect to daytrip much from Hohenfels, which is fairly remote; seeing them for a couple of days is a side benefit and the reason for choosing that general vicinity.
Gary Lee: I used to live in Germany and loved traveling in the area you're going to most of all. You'd be really sorry if you did not make some time, probably a couple days, for Munich. It has extraordinary charm, unique architecture and some very good museums. I'd also pop into Nurnberg, it's worth a full day trip. Another must that is not too hard to do from your base is Prague. You could easly spend a good four days there drinking in the splendor (and the beer.
You might have to extend you stay....
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Still-Chunky Lass says...: Hi, your first poster may want to try snow-tubing as an easy way to glide into the snow sport thing. Went to Ski Liberty for it and had a great time--not to mention burned a ton of calories!
Carol Sottili: How did you burn calories snow tubing? Walking back up the hill? The only time I ever tubed, my husband crashed into me at the bottom of the hill as I was standing to get out of the tube and I flipped up in the air and cracked my head on the ice. Never again.
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Bowie, Md: Hi, Crew....A memorable occasion...while crusing this past winter at a stop in St. Lucia, tried and tried to make a call back home from a payphone in a shopping center to check on my 84 yr old Mom. A shopkeeper saw my frustrations and offered me use of his OWN cellphone to call home. UNBELIEVABLE. I got thru and then thanked him and asked him what I might owe him. He just smiled and said it was his pleasure to let me talk to my mother. A nice warm thought about the warm people I met on sunny St. Lucia.
Gary Lee: Thanks for that. I have had the same frsutration on the same island so I appreciate what you went through. Good that someone came to your rescue.
Your story might win you a prize.
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To Sliver Spring (new skier): Visit Skiliberty.com and read about their "First Class" package. It's a rental/lesson combo for people just like you, and it's good at Liberty, RoundTop and Whitetail.
Carol Sottili:
Cool.
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Capitol Hill, Washington, DC: Hi...I've seen "my dates are flexible," but are there any websites that accomodate relatively fixed dates, but flexible destination? In December, I'm looking to go away somewhere, preferably somewhere warm on a cheap flight.
In other words, I want a web site where I give my dates, and they tell me what the cheap destinations are for those travel dates.
Carol Sottili: Try www.site59.com.
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Maryland: Just wanted to say that I am just back from Paris - for anyone who is due to travel there, don't worry. Within the city itself you will see no evidence of the recent trouble, other than an increased police presence on the streets at the weekend. I drove to the west country as well, and there is no evidence to be seen. Go, enjoy.
Gary Lee: Thanks for the report. It reflects what we've been hearing, too.
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Anonymous: My gentleman and I depart Thursday for the Christmas markets in Germany. I packed his suitcase yesterday and it's pretty heavy - what with the heavy bad weather boots and heavy winter coat, sweaters, lined pants, etc. We limited ourselvesto one suitcase each because we're travelling by rail. What should we expect at the check-in (United/Lufthansa) if we exceed the allowed baggage weight? Many thanks and a very Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!
Carol froom DC
Cindy Loose: The amount of baggage you're allowed without paying excess baggage fees varies by destination and the class of ticket you've bought. But generally on overseas flights you take 50 lbs for free if you're flying economy class, and 70 lbs for business or first class. Even with boots and coats (and of course you could wear those if worst came to worse) I'd think you'd be under 50 lbs. I'd be more worried about excess baggage charges on the way home, after you've been shopping.
You can go to the websites of both United and Lufthansa and find exactly how much you can carry for free. I checked Lufthansa, and it says that on international flights from U.S. to Germany, you're looking at 50 pounds of luggage for each person, with an extra fee of $25 for baggage between 50 and 70 lbs, and over 70 you pay an excess baggage fee. If you're getting close to those limits, surf the website more closely or call the airline.
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Washington, DC: Have you guys - or any other readers - ever used one of the private pre-flight parking services at BWI? I am planning for my family's thanksgiving travel and came across these services websites. They are cheaper than parking at BWI and sound very easy - it almost seem too good to be true...
John Deiner: Hey,DC. We just ran a Coming & Going brief (like, uh, yesterday) on a great newish parking lot called Econopark Express. If you use the Web coupon at its Web site, the price is only $5.75. I found the service really great (pick up at your car, free bottled water, etc) and quick. Check out www.econoparkexpress.com for details. Preflight is also good, but $2 more a day, and that's with a coupon.
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Washington, DC: I know this sounds like more of a question for Tom Sietsema but he's so hard to get a straight answer out of. I was in Seattle this weekend and wanted to go to a chain steak house that is also located here in DC, let's call it "Orton's." I was seated in the bar and a gentleman began to use the "F" word more than the Vice President. After losing count after 4, when he added he had caught his wife with another man, was I right in asking to be reseated?
Gary Lee: Common sense and manners tells me yes that of course you did the right thing. Sometimes restaurants forget that as a customer, you're there for an enjoyable, stress free meal. It doesn't hurt at all to remind them of that.
I hope the staff was understanding.
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Adams Morgan, Washington, DC: Thanks for the excellent story on Ottawa's Bal de Neige. It's a great summer destination too.
One thing: you included Queen Elizabeth II among the "foreign heads of state" to have planted a tree at the Governor General's residence. Though many francophone Canadians might wish it (and some anglophones too), she is not a foreign head of state. She IS Canada's head of state. When she's there, she's not visiting but is said to be and "in residence." When she's away, the Governor General occupies Rideau House as her personal representative.
Cindy Loose: You are so right---sorry about that. While I know she's head of state, I just have a hard time internalizing it it's just so counterintuitive.
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Deep Valley, USA: Stellar luck with servers in NYC restaurants this weekend.
First place pointed us away from the special to something cheaper AND better.
Second place spotted that my companion had left her purse behind and ran into the street to give it to her.
Third place heard us talking about farro and offered to make a dish with it that wasn't on the menu.
YAY for New York.
Gary Lee: And yay to you for sharing your experience.
Thanks.
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Christmas in Texas: My parents moved from MN to South Texas (a small town between Harlingen and Brownsville). I see a few military related museums, a couple of zoos and nature preserves. Anything I'm missing? Also, is Matamoros safe? I've been seeing coverage of some of the other border towns on the Mexico side, but nothing specific to Matamoros. Thanks.
Carol Sottili: South Padre Island, a barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico, is right down the road. And, if you're into hiking, biking, birdwatching, the area is rich with choices - Padre Island National Seashore, Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, Valley Nature Center, etc. I wrote an article about birdwatching in that area that I'll send along. Don't know much about Matamoros - I don't think it has anything distinct about it to differeniate it from other nearby border towns, but if anyone out there has been there, let us know.
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Silver Spring, Md.: I'm travelling to Belize in January and spending sometime inland on the Honduras border. The CDC recommends typhoid (check), Hep A and B (check, check) and anti malaria meds (considering). I'm taking bug spray with DEET too.
Have any of the flight crew ever taken anti malaria meds? How did you fare? Were you overly troubled by side effects? I'm not looking for medical advice, just a few anecdotes...
Steve Hendrix: I've taken quite a few malarials in the past, usually Larium but also Chloriquin. I haven't taken any a long time though. I had a mild case of the freaky-dream problem often associated with Larium and a couple of docs in the tropics told me that that the treatment for actually contracting malaria was a massive dose of the same drug; now I just count on dosing up after the fact (and take steps to minimize mosquito bites: long sleeves, Deet, etc). It's a controvesial part of traveler's medication.
I'm up on all those other shots, though.
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USVI Ferry Question: Travel Crew,
PLEASE ANSWER!!! My new husband and I are flying to St. Thomas in two weeks. We applied for passports several weeks ago. We did this because I read a blip on this chat that you can not take the ferry from St. Thomas to St. John or St. Croix without a passport. Is this true? We want to book a few days on St. John but we wont have passports in time. Can one take the ferry with only a birth certificate? IF so--is St. croix worth the extra transit time? We received the week on St. Thomas as a wedding gift so we are ready, willing and able to spend a few days on St. John and/or St. Croix.
KC Summers: The official line is that you don't need a passport, and I just called the ferry offices in St. Thomas and they confirmed this. They said you just need "some form of I.D." I'm guessing that means a picture I.D./proof of citizenship like a driver's license. BUT, all I can say is that when I was there in July we were required to show our passports to get back to St. Thomas from St. John. I don't know what would've happened if we hadn't been able to produce them. They seemed pretty security- conscious -- there were "high alert" signs at the terminal.
I would go for it. You really should leave St. Thomas and at least check out St. John. It's definitely worth it -- there's a whole different vibe over there.
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re: Arlington: He can have our family's seats. We can't stand adults who fill the overhead, hog the arm rest, order too many drinks, and watch porn on their laptops.
Steve Hendrix: Maybe they could Boorish and Non-boorish sections.
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HELP!!!!: We are considering going to Vegas for New Years and I don't know where to start? I'm I crazy for wanting to go on New Years Eve? Where do you stay that's nice but affordable? If we don't gamble, will be missing out on good deals and most of the fun? We're 30somthings looking for fun and relaxation......HELP!!!
John Deiner: Yer gonna need HELP!!!! You definitely won't be missing out on the fun if you don't gamble (so much to see and do there), but Vegas on New Year's is hot, hot, hot and very expensive. Luxor, which can be described as "nice" (not great, not luxurious, but nice) is quoting $369 a night for Dec. 31.
I'd suggest going off the Strip to one of the chain hotels (Marriotts, etc.) to see if you can get a more affordable rate. But, really, it won't be all that relaxing, unless you like big drunken crowds.
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Re: Washington to Madrid to Rome and back: The dates aren't that flexible unfortunately (3/17-3/31); need to work around spring break schedules and a villa rental outside of Rome. Do you think prices will drop significantly ($100+) as we get closer? My only concern is that there seem to be plenty of options in the $600-$650 range, and then flights jump to $1900+.
Thanks for the tip on Air-Europa. The only other flight I saw was on Vueling, and I'm wary about the baggage restrictions.
Carol Sottili: Can't even hazard a guess as to whether they will drop by $100 or so. I always just buy the tickets when I have to fly on specific dates.
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Dupont West, Washington, D.C.: Re:KC Summer's comment on the 30 minute rule into/out of Reagan National. She stated that the Captain was out of date. I was just wondering when was the last time KC flew a Boeing Jetliner into Reagan National Airport? The Captian and his/her crew always have a lot more information then your average on board traveler at any give time during a flight. That is why he/she is the Captian. I strongly believe that if you can not stay in your seat for 30 minutes o 45 minutes -- next time take the train or yes, hitchike.
KC Summers: Well you got me there. I've never flown a Boeing jetliner into National, though I did pilot a hang-glider into a dirt field outside Frederick once. You're right that there could be all kinds of things happening in the cockpit that we're unaware of. In any case, we always advise passengers not to argue with airline personnel because you just can't win these things, even if you've got the law on your side.
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Washington, DC: Do the BWI parking lots fill up over Thanksgiving? I know this is a concern at other airports. We are flying out late the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and really cannot take the train option. Since we return near midnight on the next Sunday a taxi or shuttle does not seem like a good option either. I have tried calling BWI and gotten no helpful information. Thanks!!
John Deiner: Hey, DC. A story in our Metro section on Sunday reported that BWI doesn't expect to run out of space--lots of large long-term lots, plus a new garage and big overflow lots. It's really ready for crowds, plus you can always try to swing by Econopark Express or Preflight -- big private lots -- if they're filled.
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Arlington, Va.: My daughter will be touring Europe for a month with her college history department in 2006. They will visit London, Paris, Berlin, Stockholm, Copenhagen and Amsterdam. She speaks Spanish and French. Can you suggest some good guide books or phrase books that would be helpful Christmas gifts for her?
Andrea Sachs: The standard-bearer is Lonely Planet, but we also like the Wicked Travel Series by Howard Tomb and Time Out Guidebooks (for Generation Hip). Also throw in a good travel novel, such as anything written by Bill Bryson, Paul Theroux, Bruce Chatwin, Mark Twain, etc. You could also get her an electronic translator (with a handy currency converter); some even convert aloud, so she can practice her accent. Also slip a 50-euro note in her stocking--emergency taxi fare.
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Washington DC: Some friends and I are planning a week-long trip to southern Spain in January. While we're very excited, we're trying to work out an itinerary that satisfies everyone. Your input would be helpful!
We are flying in and out of Seville. We'd like to plan side trips (possibly overnight) to Cordoba and Grenada as well... and on top of that, some people are considering Gibraltar and/or Tangier. Is that too much? If you had nix anything off of this list (given that it's just a one-week thing), which would you nix, in order of nixing?
Thanks!
Gary Lee: Tangier seems like it would be tough to work in there during a week.
From Sevilla, Cordoba and Granada are easily accessible and really should be visited. Sevilla is a two or three day city and the other two are visitable in a day each. That would leave a couple of days for Gilbrator, which would work out just right.
A good agency that can help you work out the logistics is madridandbeyond.com.
Ask for Nigel and tell him Gary sent you.
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Arlington, Va.: Hello!I'm taking Amtrak for the first time on Wednesday. What do I need to know? How soon before my train should I get there? Am I going to need to throw some elbows to get on the train? Thanks. Happy Thanksgiving!
Cindy Loose: Just saw a press release from Amtrak saying they're expecting traffic to be up 80% above normal on Wednesday. Unfortunatly, they don't say how far in advance you need to be there. I usually dash into the station a half hour before departure, but Wednesday will be far from usual. I'd plan to be inside the station an an hour in advance, and if you're going in the afternoon or early evening, or if you're going to be nervous, I'd add as much extra time as you feel happy giving, with the understanding that it might go smoothly and you'll be satisfied eating a bite or looking in the shops.
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Re: Foul Mouthed Fellow Diner: I'm sure if the poster had submitted this question to Tom, his response would have been: "What the heck were you doing in a chain restaurant in Seattle which is one of the food capitols of the US?" Not that the poster should have been subjected to such language.
Gary Lee: Had Tom answered thusly, he would have a point....
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Washington, DC: Hi Flight Crew! I am heading over to Italy in a week and having diffult time deciding is it better to use credit cards or cash to pay for purchases, car etc. Should I exchange cash in the U.S. or over there? Hope you can give me advice. Thank you.
Carol Sottili: Depends where you're going in Italy. If it's a major city, you'll be fine with credit cards and a small amount of cash. I like to get a nominal amount here before I go so I have it ready when I get in to the airport. You can do that at a currency exchange place in Washington, such as TravelEx or American Express. Or you can do it at the airport. Unless you're exchanging a large amount of cash, the exchange rate differences shouldn't amount to all that much. If you're going to a small hill village, I'd take more euros.
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Washington, DC: You noted in yesterday's paper a bargain package to Buenos Aires. When I visit the site you recommend for it, I cannot find that particular package. There is one for $599 per person plus taxes, but it has an added $225 fee for departure from Washington. There is another one for $799 per person plus taxes with only a $25 Washington departure fee.
Where were you looking?
Carol Sottili: Go the site, scroll down to Buenos Aires supersaver and click on the right dates - the spring dates charge the $225 add-on.
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Harrisburg, Pa.: I don't know anything about airplanes. Why isn't there a part of the plane where someone could either operate things like wheels, flaps, etc. manually, or do something like crawl into the lower space and manually move wheels into their proper position? If this can not be done, shouldn't there be something that could allow for this redesign?
Steve Hendrix: But...you can do that can't you? Don't most big jets have access to a hand-crank for the landing gear? Or am I misrembering something from an Irwin Allen movie?
Pilots?
(By the way, Harrisburg, what the hell are you talking about?)
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Madrid Fares: The high fare in March may have to do with the special religious holidays and Feria which happen in Spain in the spring. The poster should check some Spain travel websites to see when they occur...
Carol Sottili: Thanks.
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Reston, Va.: Just wanted to say thanks to Steve for his great article on Guatemala the other week! I just returned from 6 days there (too short!) and I received lots of crazy looks from friends and family when I said where I was headed. I could just point people to your article and tell them that it was in fact safe to travel there.
I also wrote in several months ago to get ideas on planning the trip. Your recommendations were perfect and we had such a great time. Can't wait to head back! Thanks again!
Steve Hendrix: So glad you got down there, Reston. Was there much lingering damage from the hurricane?
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central valley: Best folks: This year, the staff at Rosita Hotel in Puerto Vallarta, especially Socorro at the front desk. Help with anything from currency exchange to restaurant reservations.
Upgrade rooms and any problems taken care of quickly, with a smile and by name. Nice good value Mexican Hotel with a great staff
Gary Lee: Sounds like a hotel I should put on my list, somewhere near the top.
Thanks.
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Virginia: Whiling hiking in the foothills of the Himalayas last year, my group and guide came upon a family home along the trail. The kids came out saying hello Americans and a grandmother came out and offered our group of three oranges. We felt so awful taking these oranges because we didn't have anything to offer back. It was especially heart warming because the nearest town was about a four hour walk. Our guide told us that we needed to take the oranges because we would be offending the family's hospitality.
Gary Lee: That's a lovely story, thanks.
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Falls Church, Va.: Just a suggestion for the question about travel in Central/South America--Argentina is a great travel destination and the dollar goes pretty far there, given their currency difficulties. I went to Buenos Aires last year and loved it. It has a very European feel.
Gary Lee: You're right of course. But the traveler asked in particular about beaches. Do you know any there?
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Washington, DC: Hi everyone,
I have a 6am flight tommorrow out of National on USAirways. Everyone is saying that I need to get there 2.5 hours before my flight. I think that's too early (getting there at 3:30am?). I was thinking of getting there around 4:30am, using curbside checkin. What do you guys think?
Enjoy your holidays!
John Deiner: Hey, DC. Okay, call me crazy (okay, you can all stop calling me crazy now), but your plans seems to make a lot more sense than "everyone" else's. 3:30 a.m.??? Are the checkin desks even open? Is there even curbside checkin at 4:30 a.m.? Because it's so early, I think you could get there at 5 and still have plenty of time to hop on a 6 a.m. flight. Anyone else out there know?
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Arlington, Va: I traveled around Germany this past March with a couple of friends, courtesy of my friend's Toyota SUV. We encountered a lot of very friendly waiters and hotel workers. They were nice even when one of us tried to speak German with them, though they definitely switched to English right away!The most memorable was the clerk of the hotel we stayed at in Munich. After we checked in, he asked us if we needed a parking space for our car. We said yes, and he came outside to help us park. Upon seeing the vehicle we had already privately dubbed "the biggest car in Germany," he exclaimed: "Whoa, it's a TRUCK."
Gary Lee: That's a nice story. It's refreshing to hear good news on the road stories like that.
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Pittsburgh, Pa.: "Are there any airlines that prohibit children from flying? I can't stand these parents who think it's OK to bring a screaming brat onto a plane and ruin everyone else's flight."
Spoken by someone who does not have children. When someone can invent a child under the age of 5 who you can program not to cry on airplanes, send one to this person. Please - you think it's fun for the parents? I suggest you take to driving - where you can control the environment from door to door.
Steve Hendrix: Well, I know plenty of folks without kids who don't want to ban them from airplanes. (And I know plenty of parents who should do more to keep their little darlings from inflicting their charms on innocent bystanders).
You're right, though...little kids cry, but they still get to fly.
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Laurel, Md.: Have you done an article about Caribbean cruises from Norfolk? We're thinking it would be a perfect January getaway.
How's the drive and parking? Most of the offers I've seen inculde pier parking. Sound like a great way to reduce the overhead expenses of cruising.
Now, if I can just remember to bring stuff to read while the shore excursion bus is "broken down" at the rest room/gift shop stop.
Carol Sottili: Go to www.cruisenorfolk.org for a complete schedule of cruises and other info.
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Will I fly?: I bought 4 tickets in October for an Independence Air flight in April. I read your CoGo item that disputing the charge on my American Express won't work because you have to challenge the charge within 60 days of billing. But this contradicts what it says on the FlyI Web Site:
"Most credit card companies only send your money to Independence Air once the flight you've scheduled has been completed. As long as you paid by credit card, you would have the right under your agreement to deny the charge if there was ever to be an interruption or discontinuation of service. This offers an extra measure of protection for customers."
Can you clear this up for me and other readers in a similar situation?
Cindy Loose: Whew--Independence's take on this is different from any I've ever seen. I've written about the issue of disputing charges before and it's always been that you have 60 days from the time the billing statement including the charge was mailed to you. Wanting to make sure that nothing had changed since last reported, I last week called credit card companies, and they again gave me the same info.
The 60-day bit is part of the Fair Credit Act, so it's a law that the credit card companies must follow, although of course no one stops them from being more generous than the law requires. If Independence has some special deal withthe credit card companies, it's not something the p.r. people form the credit card companies know about. But I will call Independence today to see what they say. I am skeptical.
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Chicago, Ill: This is a tough question -- a friend of mine who lives in London and I are trying to plan a one-week trip in February to someplace cool, trying to balance cost of getting there for each of us with cost on the ground (so if the flight is super-expensive, it has to be cheap once there). Since we only have about a week, that's also hampering our choices, which include: Croatia, Hong Kong (flights are fairly reasonable from Chicago), Thailand, Vietnam, the Amalfi Coast or someplace in the French countryside. I know these are really disparate choices, but I'm hoping you can shed a little light on which ones are better suited to just a week (I think Thailand and Vietnam need lots more time) and where we could get the most experiential bang for the buck (or pound). We both love urban scenes as well as the countryside, vineyards, museums and "culture", history and architecture. Thanks for helping unravel a conundrum.
Andrea Sachs: If you only have a week and want to keep expenses down, skip Asia--the flight time and expense will eat up your budget and week. Here are some alternative suggestions: Slovakia, Turkey, Morocco, Portugal. Any of those sound promising?
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Washington, DC: Vienna Karntnerhof Hotel has become family:This wonderful hotel within minutes of Stephanssdom with original elevator has endeared itself to us. There have been many happy instances of help, but the most fondly remembered was a staffer walking with me to the Post(me with injured foot and ankle) and carrying the gift packages to ship back home. He also assisted with the customs forms!
Gary Lee: Heartwarming story!
I have to remember that hotel the next time I go to Vienna.
Thanks!
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Dreaming of Tuscany: I am getting married in early 2006 and planning a May honeymoon in Italy. It would be our dream to do an organized bike tour (most likely of Tuscany). Can you guys (or any of the readers) recommend tour companies? There seem to be so many options and they do vary greatly in price as well as level of comfort. We want to ride some beautiful roads, eat great food, and not spend all our savings. Thanks for any tips!
KC Summers: Backroads (www.backroads.com), based in Berkeley, Calif., is probably the best-known bike tour operator. They have a reputation for well-run trips, but they're not cheap. They have a six-day Tuscany trip in May for $2,598. Also try: Bike Riders Tours (www.bikeriders.com) out of Boston, and La Corsa Tours in Hoboken (www.lacorsa.com). Sounds like a dream honeymoon -- good luck!
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Miami, Fla: Re last week's Poster who can't go to India and is considering Hungary/Croatia/Slovenia as alternatives: my wife and I made that exact trip last April and had a wonderful time. As KC says, Croatia is highly recommended but I would definitely include the other two countries as well. Budapest is a wonderful city which rivals (IMHO, it actually surpasses) Prague as one of the great European cities, but Slovenia is the star of the show. The capital, Ljubljana, is a delightful city with lots to see and do, but the Lake Bled area is majestic. Sitting at the foot of the Julian Alps, it is all that any traveler could wish for: super accommodations and food, spectacular sights, and warm and friendly people. As it was the most Westernized of the former Yugoslav Republics, it is a very comfortable travel destination but still very unique. And by the way (but not that it makes any difference), everyone - and I mean everyone - speaks English in Slovenia.
Carol Sottili: Thanks for the tips.
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Porn on a laptop??!: How would you even handle the situation of having a
seatmate watching porn???? YUCK. Say something directly
or talk to the flight attendant? Oh ick.
Steve Hendrix: Has this ever REALLY happened?
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Deep Valley, USA: For Amtrak:
The best thing you can do for yourself is to make a separate trip to Union Station and pick up your tickets ahead of time from the machines or the counter.
The ticket lines can be long, and on heavy travel days with lots of novices they move slowly.
Amtrak says they're going all-reserved train, so you'll have a seat if you have a ticket.
Cindy Loose: Great advice. I was thinking about that, but I've only bought tickets to New York at the machines, and couldn't remember if you could get tickets beyond the popular northeast corridor on the machines.
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Deep Valley, USA: come to think of it you can get Amtrak tickets ahead of time at any of their stations (New Carrollton, Alexandria) if that's more convenient.
They used to have a ticket office on K street, but that's long gone, alas.
Cindy Loose: I didn't know that....
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San Francisco, Calif.: My most memorable story of an encounter happened in Venezuela. My friend and I got on a crowded bus for a 5-hour trip, taking two of the last three seats. The final open seat was right next to me, and I was surprised to notice that a number of passengers looked at me and seemed to point and laugh to each other. Thinking that I was just attracting a bit of attention as an American tourist, I was surprised to look up and see that the final passenger--and the person who would be sitting next to me--was a GIANT of a man. I pushed over as much as possible, and he squeeeeezed in next to me, but it was a very tight ride (to say the least). He ended up being very friendly and even gave me some sightseeing recommendations for our next stop!
Gary Lee: Neat story. It's funny how sometimes one experience can turn out to be something different. I imagine that because you were accomdating to him, it came back to you.
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Westminster, Md.: Hello, I'm going to France in the spring; my passport expires in Dec. 2006. Should I take the chance of renewing before the France trip? If I send in the renewal by mid-Jan, do you think I'd have it back in time for spring trip?Thanks.
Andrea Sachs: It takes about six weeks to receive your renewed passport, unless you do expedited service, which costs more but cuts the wait time to about two weeks. However, as long as your passport is valid six months from your return date, you should be fine to renew post-France. Either way will be fine.
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Tampa, Fla.: Christmas in Vegas -- good idea for a seasoned Vegas couple? What, if any, special events/shows does Sin City have going on during the holiday season?
John Deiner: Hey, Tampa. Gee, Wally. Am I the only one who's turned off by Christmas in Vegas? I find it really depressing when the lights from the slot machines make the lights on the Christmas trees and other decoration look dim. I've been there twice in early December, and . . . I dunno. It was kind of icky. Vowed not to do it again.
Anyone else out there have thoughts on this? Maybe it's really fun and festive on Christmas itself but I sorta doubt it. One good thing: It appears to be dirt cheap that week.
As for activities, lots of shows take a Christmassy slant, and down on Fremont Street, there's a huge tree with concerts and the like. Check with the Vegas web sites like Vegas.com and such for more details.
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New Jersey suburb (again): Hello! I'm the one who mentioned the article about the woman whose pin was confiscated when she wanted to board a plane. I checked the Transportation System Administration's website, and they don't say anything about prohibiting jewelry. However, they do say:
"The prohibited and permitted items list is not intended to be all-inclusive and is updated as necessary. To ensure everyone's security the screener may determine that an item not on this chart is prohibited."
Did the people on that woman's flight feel a whole lot safer because her brooch was confiscated?
Cindy Loose: If they felt safer after my little nail clipper was confiscated, then maybe they felt safer after the broach was taken into custody.
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Raleigh NC: RE: Memorable, Wonderful service folks. I will never forget the driver working with me while in China for work. I speak absolutely no Chinese (any dialect), he spoke no English. I was feeling seriously like a fish out of water, because I was visiting a very small agricultural community to conduct an inspection, and as far as I could see, was the only westerner in a town of only about 300 people. While there, at a casual meal, he succinctly taught me proper Chinese dining etiquette (or not...). I quite simply could not lift a pastry/dumpling with chopsticks at a casual, end of a long day driving, meal. He kept trying to be nonchalant, but I could see the laughter fighting out. So, I just said "okay, so, how do I do this???" He slowly reached over with his chopsticks, dropped one, and stabbed the other throught the center of the dumpling, and lifted it to his mouth. At which point, he, I, and two others at our table burst into laughter. He reminded me that no matter where I am, nearly everyone has a sense of humor, and often it is really the only communication you need!
Gary Lee: Well said. Having been in very foreign cultures, I relate to your tale.
It puts you in the running for the prize!
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Washington DC: I'm kind of running out of ideas on finding low cost flights to Bangkok from sometime around Christmas til about the tenth of January. They're up around $2500!! Are there any great websites for purchasing flights to Asia? Is it likely that consolidators and other prices will drop as we get closer to the dates or should I just stop messing around and buy a ticket already.
Carol Sottili: If you're willing to connect twice, try Japan Airlines - it has flights of about $1,650 round trip. And All Nippon has $2,000 flights.
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Good Samaritan: I had a bad cold/cough when I was in Montana for business earlier this year for several days. After day two of watching me hack and cough my way through the hotel lobby, the folks at the front desk sent up a cup of chicken noodle soup and tea to my hotel room, gratis. Now THAT'S service.
Gary Lee: Very good service. What hotel was it, by the way?
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Guatemala Follow-up: We saw some damage on the road into Panajachel, but other than that, I don't think much of the damage was viewable from the main tourist destinations.
But we did meet a group of Norwegian firefighters who traveled to the village of San Sebastian to survey the damage there. I saw some of their pictures and they were incredible. Both the hospital and the police station were in about 3 feet of mud. They met a man who was basically wandering around after having lost his father and his son. While I had a great time on my vacation, it was nice to meet these firefighters and remember the devastation that these people had suffered so recently.
Steve Hendrix: Thanks for the report. Good luck with the tortilla withdrawl.
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Regarding USVI Travel: For the chatter on the way to St. Thomas, you can ferry in between islands with a driver's license very easily. But we did seem to get through customs more quickly and easily upon our mainlain return (came through Miami) because we had passports. So make sure you triple check what you need for return to this area and bring as much info as you can if you don't have passports.
Andrea Sachs: And don't forget that come December 2006, you will need a passport for all Caribbean travel to/from the States. Just a friendly reminder!
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Travel Tales: Once when I was stuck in the security line at Dulles I met a very nice man who was on my flight. We chatted the whole way up to the X-rays, then he grabbed a bin, took off his artificial foot, and tossed it in with a clatter. We were so worried about missing our flight that, rather than strapping the artificial foot back on, he hopped across the concourse on one foot at amazingly high speed. Everyone in the airport was so confused by the madly hopping fifty-year-old man that they moved out of our way.
PS - We made our flight.
Gary Lee: That's an original story and for that you're in the running for the prize.
Glad you made the flight!
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Croatia: My husband and I are thinking of heading to Croatia next year. Since there aren't any direct flights from the US, we'd have to layover in Europe somewhere. Do you recommend going through a travel agency to coordinate these flights, or is it easy enough to do on our own?
KC Summers: You won't regret going to Croatia -- it's a wonderful country with tons to see and do, and well worth the hassle of getting there. I found it fairly exhausting to coordinate my flights from D.C., and turned to a travel agent to sort it all out for me. Even with that help, I had a horribly long layover in Munich on the way over. But it's certainly doable by yourself if you've got the time and patience. I stopped in Munich and Zagreb before making it to my final destination, Dubrovnik. You could also take the ferry over from Italy -- Bari is one of the ports.
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Memorable trip: I met so many people on my trip to England last October, from fellow travelers to service workers to locals who made my first solo overseas trip a lot of fun. Can't just pick one. From the police officer at the Parliament Buildings who called me "Angel" and helped get me through the lines and into the House of Commons and the House of Lords, to the couple from Ohio I met in line there, to celebrating the Red Sox game 7 victory over the Yankees with a Sox fan from Maine at a London hostel in the morning and then breaking the bad news to two Yankees fans from New Jersey at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard later that day, to the Chelsea fans who answered all sorts of questions when I saw Chelsea-West Ham United at Stamford Bridge, to the bus driver who helped me get off at the proper bus stop in Edwinstowe near Sherwood Forest, to the gentleman I met at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle who assisted with evensong services...his wife's in-laws founded a small town in the province of Alberta, where I'm from (if you go to England, a great way to see churches for free is through evensong services). The memorable person on the downside was the guy at the bus stop near Trafalgar Square who lectured me about Americans being holier-than-thou types who thought they were intelligent but he had never met one who really was, Canadians being pushovers, and the British being rude, and it all started because I was running for the bus stop with my fanny pack open, spilling everything onto the sidewalk (but a bunch of people helped me pick it all up, bless them). I'll stop now...
Gary Lee: Sounds like you're a people person who likes encounters with folks out there. A few are not so nice, I find, but the vast majority are.
Much thanks!
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To the guy with the early am flight: Don't bother getting to DCA at 4:30. It'll be a ghost town. I know this from experience. Arriving at 5 am will give you PLENTY of time.
John Deiner: Seems right to me, too. Nothing creepier than an empty airport, is there?
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Re: Beaches in Argentina: I originally suggested Argentina for a Central/South American destination, but forgot to mention its beaches. From Buenos Aires, you can take the ferry to Montevideo, Uruguay (I think it is called the Buquebus). I did that and it was a great day trip. If you are interested in a trip primarily to the beach rather than the city, Mar Del Plata is beautiful, but several hours away from the capital. Either way, there are a lot of great deals to be had in Argentina.
Gary Lee: Thanks. Sounds like a good deal.
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Post Holiday FlyI Ticket Stuckee...errr...Holder: Hi Folks,
After reading the CoGo piece about post holiday FlyI tickets holders that could be headlined,
"Good Luck, Chumps," I called my credit card issuer, explained the situation and the risk, ans asked about my options. Customer service told me that I would be within my rights to dispute tickets charges should FlyI go belly up, even though the ticket charges are more than 60 days old.
Whether the card issuer, CitiGroup (Diners Club card), will maintain this position in the event I have to dispute the charges remains unknown. In the worst case, I suspect I may have some negotiating room, seeing as I routinely run $15-20K of business through Diners Club each year. That would be a lot of business for me to take elsewhere.
Cindy Loose: Good to hear that you got that kind of response. Now let's cross fingers. What it comes down too: the law makes them give you 60 days to dispute a charge. When I wrote the item I didn't think about the possibility that credit card companies might decide to say what the hey and extend the time. I'd guess this would be very much on a case by case basis. Good luck.
Also remember: even when talking 60 days to dispute the charge, that doesn't mean the credit card company has to decide in your favor. It just means that while they check into it and decide what to do, you don't have to pay the disputed charges.
By the way, I hope you didn't think I was thinking of buyers as chumps. Unlucky in outcomes, yes.
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Bethesda Mom: The Scene: car rental desk at Termini Station Rome. The dramatis personae: myself, an American friend living in Rome, and American tourist ahead of us in the line, and Luigi, rental desk clerk.
As we waited to be served, the American tourist did not stop complaining to the patient Luigi about everything and anything under the sun--the difficulty of seeing road markers, the cost of gas, the slowness of the line, confusing maps, etc. Luigi was unfailing polite. When it was my turn, I handed him my printed reservation for the cheapest car that could seat 5 Americans (I think it was some sort of Nissan), that I had reserved at a terrific discount in the US. I complimented him on his unflappability and told him that all Americans were not really complainers. When he handed me the keys to the car, I said there had to be a mistake, recognizing the Mercedes symbol on the key tag. My friend asked him in Italian if this was the car I had reserved. "Oh no," he replied, "I'm upgrading you for not complaining."
Needless to say, we tooled around Umbria in considerably better shape than we do in our minivan in Bethesda; plus, he did us a favor as the Mercedes took diesel fuel, which was considerably cheaper than regular gasoline.
Gary Lee: Gosh, that's wonderful. Glad it worked out for you.
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Adelphi, Md.: I think the poster with the 6 a.m. flight shouldn't discount recommendations to arrive 2.5 hours early. Don't know about National specifically, but my husband and I flew to Los Angeles in an early morning flight from BWI in the spring. We arrived at the airport between 5 and 6 a.m. and the lines were unbelievable. Took us about 90 minutes to check in and get through security--at least an hour of that was in security. They were at least moving people ahead in the line who had cut the time too close, but I wouldn't want to be the person being run through the terminal.
John Deiner: Thanks Adelphi...my thinking is that a 7 or 8 a.m. flight at BWI is a big leap from the crowds you'll experience at 6 a.m. at National, though. BWI can be nightmarish early -- I had 7:30 a.m. flight on a Saturday recently and couldn't believe the mob scene.
Anyone else?
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Arlington, Va.: My wife has the opportunity for a business trip to Brasilia in late January and I can tag along to carry the luggage and hold open the doors.
I've been checking plane fares (hers is paid, not mine) and $1,200 to $1,400 (RT) seems to be what's available, with one stop. Does that seem reasonable? Also, what is there to do in Brasilia? It seems to be a very new and antiseptic city with little character and almost no history. I'll be on my own during the day with no knowledge of Portuguese.
If we can take a side trip for 2 or 3 nights to Sao Paulo, should we include that?
Cindy Loose: That is my impression of Brasilia, too, but we've not been so can't say for a fact. Anyone out there know it? I've been researching a tad about Brazil, and Sao Paulo looked good on paper. First hand knowledge anyone?
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Northwest Attitude: Here's a memorable moment concerning helpful folks encoutered while far away from home. Husband & I took long planned for trip to Oregon this summer. Planned to camp in the Crater Lake National Park campgrounds as lodge was full, but changed our minds due to crowding, skeeters and bears. A summer park employer, without us even asking, made phone call after phone call after phone call locating overnight accomodations for us near the park. She found us a very nice retro cabin just outside the park's south entrance "Wilson's Cabins", and was astonished when we gave her a gratuity for her effort. If not for her we would have either slept in the rental truck or would have driven 50 miles away to locate vacancies.
This typifies the helpful, friendly attitudes we encountered in OR...so different from the Metro area!
Gary Lee: My experiences in Oregon were similar to yours. Thank goodness for happy, content, helpful folk.
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Washington, D.C.: Thanks for taking my question:
Would appreciate some general advice on travel to Spain. What are the best months to go? Is it cheaper to fly into Barcelona or Madrid? What about the cost of flying into other cities, such as Lisbon or Paris? Markedly cheaper than directly into Spain? Also, any sights I should definitely not miss?
Carol Sottili: It may be marginally cheaper to fly into Paris, but no guarantees. Madrid is usually a little cheaper than Barcelona, but you're not going to save any kind of real money. Spain is a big country. Figure out what you're looking for - historical sites, museums, beaches, countryside? Start with www.okspain.org.
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White Bear Lake, Minn: The friend I travel with tripped and broke her ankle in two places in St. Jean de Luz, France. A shopkeeper brought out a brand new pillow to put under her head while passers-by called for an ambulance, brought water and generally made comforting remarks. She needed surgery -- I was the translator. The doctor who admitted her brought flowers from his mother's garden since he knew she was a stranger in the area. Thinking she would be released soon, I had to find a hotel with an elevator -- ours had none. The hotel manager found one a few blocks away and had our bags transferred over -- no charge. Europcar came from Biarritz to pick up the car -- no charge. And our hotel in Paris, the Pas de Calais, held our room at no charge, even though we didn't know exactly when we would be arriving. In one word: Magnifique!
Gary Lee: I'll say.
Nicely told, too. You could win a prize for it!
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Anonymous: Two short tales:
In October, I was traveling from Columbia, SC, to Nashville, through Atlanta. Tropical Storm Tammy interfered, and delayed all flights...as I sat in Columbia, another woman and I realized we both wanted to get to Nashville, and that the delay could eat up our whole weekend. So we hatched a plan, and once we finally landed in Atlanta, I found myself on the road in a rental car with a complete stranger, driving through the night to Nashville. It was quite an adventure!
Years ago, when I lived in DC, I was on my way home from the West Coast after Christmas. I checked in at a small regional airport, but the equipment wouldn't change. When the plane landed at a larger airport and hour away, I discovered that the regional airport counter had not checked me in for the cross country leg of the flight when another person claimed my seat. The first airline employee began ranting at me as if it was my fault, and told me I couldn't fly. Her co-worker stepped in, said she'd take care of it, and before I knew it, I was in first class!
Gary Lee: Two stories are even better than one. This makes your name go twice into the prize hopper.
Much thanks.
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Confiscated nail clipper: Cindy - Was it recently that your nail clipper was confiscated? I thought that it's been more than a year since nail clippers and blunt scissors were added to the TSA's permitted-item list. On the other hand, the Travel Crew always gives us the (good) advice not to argue with people like screeners even if you've got the regulations on your side.
Cindy Loose: It was about six months ago, and I decided since I couldget another one for a buck or two, I decided not to argue.
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San Francisco, Calif: A few years ago, I was enroute to Houston via Las Vegas. While at LAS, I learned that my Houston meeting had been cancelled. Alas, my checked bag was still on its way to Houston. So, I threw myself on the mercy of a Continental agent. After about a 15-minute wait, she appeared in front of me with my bag, which had been nabbed before being loaded onto the next leg. I then flew back to the Bay Area. So that day I had a 6 1/2 hour commute from Berkeley to SF, via Las Vegas! Oh, I took down her name and later wrote a letter to Continental's president, HR VP, etc. extolling the agent's virtues.
Gary Lee: Terrific tale. I am glad that you took the time to write in about it to the airline. We should all give praise where it is due more often.
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Pittsburgh, Pa.: Due to a mix-up on my part, I had to reschedule a flight to NY at the last minute, which made me the last person to board the plane. So here I am with my bag, surveying a full flight, and with all of the overheads in the coach section crammed to the gills. A flight attendant in the first class section must have taken pity on my obviously stressed look. He asked me where my seat was. I told him it was 7C (which was the second row of the coach section). I said that it looked as if I would need to check my bag - seeing that the overheads were all full. He said, "Well, I think I can help. He pointed to an overhead in the first class section that was empty. "You can put your bag here." I thanked him kindly and after he put my bag in the overhead for me, just as I was going to head back to the coach section, he grabbed my hand and pointed to the one empty seat in first class and said, "and you can sit here." Instant upgrade!! I wish I could recall his name, but he made a stressful morning vanish like magic. Gold star! (by the way, this was a US Airways flight from Pittsburgh to LaGuardia)
Gary Lee: I'd say two gold stars to them and one to you for sharing it with us.
Thanks.
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Washington, DC: I am hoping to travel to Asia next year (probably Feb-Apr). Ia that a good time of year to visit? I would only be able to go for about 10-14 days. Is it still worth it? I am thinking of Vietnam or Cambodia. Which would you choose? Do you have a suggested itinerary? Should I go on an organized tour or on my own (I will probably be travelling alone; I'm female)? Thanks for your help.
Steve Hendrix: I say...Vietnam with a group. I loved my trip to Cambodia (about six years ago, now), but it is far, far more hardcore traveling than Vietnam. Unless you're really into bagging the most exotic, difficult option availabe, opt for the relatively mature tourism of Vietnam, which is beautiful and fascinating in every way--just easier. (Even when I was there about ten years ago). But since the langauge and culture are different than ours, a group trip will free you to enjoy all that you're seeing in that brief time without fretting over your next train ticket or hotel room. That's not a bad time to visit--sort of early in the "hot season."
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Memorable People....: Last year I got caught in the ice storms around Christmas. Our plane had ALMOST landed in Memphis (we were on final approach) when we were told to turn around since the plane ahead of us had skidded on the runway. We were diverted, then sent back to Atlanta where we had to make new reservations. By this point is was 7pm on the 22nd. When I got in line, the people ahead of us were reporting that there were NO flights on the 23rd, and they were only booking standby on Christmas Eve. Disheartening to say the least, PLUS I was worried about finding a hotel that would take my cat! My family was calling around to find ANY combination of flights to get me home on the 23rd - we figured getting in on the 22nd was a lost cause. I forget his name, but when I got to the counter the nicest man from Delta looked at my ticket and offered to put me on a flight that night leaving at 10. I managed to make it home for Christmas that night (my luggage didn't, but that's another story) because one person took the time to actually LOOK in the system for where I could go. I still remember it a year later!
Gary Lee: Gosh, that's a sweet story. It shows how much it pays to go the extra mile.
Thanks.
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Bethesda, Md.: Please tell Harrisburg to relax. Yes, there are backup systems for every safety critical element to any airplane, from your single engine Cessna up to the 747. And the pilots flying those things have been through the wringer in the sim to make sure they know how to use those.
The failure rate is very low, and most pilots will go through their careers without so much as a blinking light. But rest assured that if there is a problem, there are redundant systems in place to handle just about anything and the pilots have been fully trained on how to use those systems.
Steve Hendrix: Yes, but what about the HAND CRANK? Do they come with landing gear hand cranks or not? Anyone? Anyone?
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Indianapolis, Ind.: Just wanted to let you know that I was thinking about you last Friday after something, which I thought strange, happened. You are always talking about packing light. Well, I haven't got the hang of this yet. I have to pack the kitchen sink because I never know if there'll be one where I'm going. I take two large checked bags. Friday, I had an overnight flight and had to stay overnight in Vienna. After landing and passport control, I went straight to the baggage claim to get my luggage. When I arrived, there was this very long carousel that serpentined twice with only one bag on it. It was one of mine. I waited for my second bag. I noticed that no one, absolutely no one, else that was on this almost full Boeing 737 with me was anywhere around. I waited for about another 20 minutes and no other bags or people showed up. I guess everybody else in the world reads the WP Travel section and knows how to travel light. I went to lost luggage dept and filed a report. The bag showed up later at my hotel.
Also, I've noticed that the security checkpoints for flights going into the US are more concerned with cigarette lighters in carry on than anything else. I watched them put several bags thru the x-ray many times just to get them. Funny thing last Friday, I pulled mine out and put it in the bin out in the open and they didn't see it. I had matches in my coat pocket in case they found my lighter. And yet, my plane made it safely to New York.
KC Summers: Funny story. My mother is the same way -- she'd rather struggle with huge heavy bags that she can't manage on her own because she "might" need something, rather than make the tough decisions beforehand and travel light! It's really a no-brainer: Trips are just easier, more fun and more rewarding when you pack sparingly.
And as long as I'm in lecture mode, maybe it's time to quit smoking too....
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Slovenia: I think Slovenia looks beautiful, but everything I've read on the internet seems to indicate that the hotels are pretty spartan, and priced high for what you get. Particularly in the capital. And that the food is really nothing special either. Thoughts on that?
Cindy Loose: NOOOOOO. I loved Slovenia, and I loved the food. They have very nice restaurants, and good food even in little out of the way passes along the road. There they are, surrounded on all sides by countries, like Italy, from whom they've been influenced. I still think back to both a meal with amazing fish in one of the best restaurants in the capital, and to a wonderful mushroom risotto at a tiny place along the road, near to no where.
Hotels--I guess it depends on your point of reference, but certainly cheaper than western Europe.
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Re: arriving early for a flight: Most airport ticket counters don't open until 6:00 a.m. or an hour before their first scheduled flight. I learned this the hard way, arriving at 4:00 for a 6:00 flight and having to sit on the floor in front of the ticket counter for an hour. Call your airline and see when their ticket counter opens; there's no point in arriving before then.
John Deiner: Ack. Okay, is there anything creepier than having to sit on the floor in front of a ticket counter in an empty airport? Great suggestion--thanks for sharing.
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Children on the plane: I get so tired week after week reading about people complaining about children being on planes, restaurants or any other public place for that matter. I thought children were allowed to travel too. Weren't we all small children at point in our lives? Maybe they were once the screaming kid and don't want that same karma to be bestowed upon them. I wish I could ban all the complaining adults from the plane who hassle flight attendants for a blanket. Sorry I needed to vent. Have a happy Thanksgiving, children and all.
Steve Hendrix: But still, when the oxygen masks drop, I'm putting MINE on first, and THEN the kid's. That's the rule.
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Alexandria, Va: Hi, I am going to Moscow on December 8 for vacation (crazy, I know) - any must sees? And how cold will it be? Do i need to buy a new coat or boots? Also, my ticket was bought for me through a travel agency. How can I change it (the return part)? Do I have to go back to the travel agency? Or can I go to the airline on my outbond trip and change it then for the return? Thanks.
Gary Lee: I lived in Moscow for five winters and it was always well below freezing and covered with snow in December. I don't know whether you should buy new ones but you need a heavy coat and boots.
On the other hand, the city, especially around the Kremlin, looks breathtaking in winter.
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washingtonpost.com: The Best Little Bird House in Texas , (Sept. 28, 2003)
Carol Sottili: Here's the story on South Texas.
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Vienna, Va.: We are planning to take a trip to Kiev in a few months. Although I've been to South America a few times, I have never been to Europe. I have quite a few questions. Since we will be in the area for 10-14 days, any suggestions on short trips we can take by train? Are the trains safe? Is the overall area in Kiev safe? I've heard that most crime involves pick pockets. What are some not-to-miss sites? Flight Crew and Chatters please help!! Thanks in advance!
Gary Lee: Kiev, which I have visited a few times, is a lovely city. Its churches are particularly beautiful attractions. These days you do have to watch out for pickpockets and occasional street crime but no more than in any other major city.
Two things to keep in mind: 1) not that many people speak English, so take a good phrase book. 2) the distances between places are great so it's not that easy to hop on a train and be somewhere interesting quickly like you can in western Europe.
That said, I highly recommend a visit to Lvov.
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Washington, D.C. : Hello -- Happy Thanksgiving in advance. I read in the Post this weekend that BWI will be reducing its parking rates through January, but there's nothing on their website saying what the lower rates will be. Do you know where I can find them?
Thanks!
John Deiner: Hey, DC. Been checking on this for an hour now but still haven't heard back from BWI. Hopefully the phone will ring right . . .NOW.
Nope. So here's what I have to say: I can't find it on the Web site, and they couldn't say for certain whether the reduced rates are true/false, so I'd pretend that you'll be paying regular rates for everything. Also, I couldn't find a press release to that effect on the site, and BWI is usually really good about that sort of thing. I'll keep trying, though; if you want to email me at deinerj@washpost.com I'll let you know what I find out.
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Gary Lee: Folks: This was really fun! Much thanks for all of your good questions and help with answering queries from out there. I particularly appreciate the stories so many of you offered about the helpful characters you have met along the way this year.
I liked them all and am hard pressed to choose one. But I must do that.
I liked the story from our clickster in the Central Valley who had such great service at the hotel in Puerto Vallarta. If you e-mail me at leeg@washpost.com and send me your address, I will see that you get the prize.
And to all the rest of you, have a wonderful, peaceful Thanksgiving holiday.
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