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Talk About Travel; Travel 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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KC Summers: Hi everyone, and welcome to our weekly travelpalooza. Praise the chat gods, just about the whole gang is here to take your questions today: travel writers Cindy Loose (just back from Mexico), Steve Hendrix (Guatemala) and Gary Lee (bellhop school), Deals columnist Carol Sottili (St. Louis), Q&A whiz Andrea Sachs (Seattle), photo researcher extraordinaire Anne McDonough (Kent Island), and deputy editor John Deiner (Dover, Del.). And me, your captain du jour (NYC). So grab us while you can, and we'll do our best to answer your questions on where to go, where we've been, how to get there and what to do once you arrive.

Here's today's question: What do you want to read about in Travel? Let us know what you'd like us to see more of, what you don't think we're doing enough of, if you like the mix just fine the way it is, etc. Be honest, we can take it! We have a lovely laptop writing desk to send out as a prize, plus an obscene Spirit Air T-shirt (size small). And we're off.

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Re: Italian boating story: Wow!; No question - just a comment. The article by Daniela Deane yesterday intensified my desire to visit Italy next summer. Thank you for such a well-written wonderful story. It was only as I got to the end of the article, and read the blurb about the writer, that I realized this is written by the same person as one of the other articles I've cut from the paper and stored away for future reference - the one about building a home in a foreign country. I am not sure that I will ever have that opportunity - but I do hope to visit some of the places Daniela has written about. Thank you again for the article - I hope to rent a boat there next summer with my family!;

KC Summers: Well, thanks, and we'll pass your kind words on to Daniela. She's a wonder, that one.

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NJ: Hi guys,

We have a trip booked to New Orleans in November. In light of the hurricane devestation, should we trade in our tickets now for another trip or should we wait a month or 6 weeks to see how this pans out?

Thanks!;

Cindy Loose: I think it's way to early to even advise you---hang in there for say a week, and we will have a better idea. In fact, on Wednesday or Thursday I'm going to start calling around for info about what's left, and what's not, once the hurricane is over. Since my husband works for a New Orleans publication from its D.C. office, I have more reason than most Washingtonians to hope there is something left to report about.

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Hague, Va: Might the taxing of international air tickets by the U.S. on purchases by U.S. citizens be unconstitutional? It has the power to restrict citizens movements on international air travel because of the high tax. It has restricted mine because it has made the price of tickets from D.C. to Frankfurt too high. The taxes and fees add nearly 50% to the cost of a ticket. The fees seem logical/manageable but the taxes make no sense at this time of struggling airlines. Charles Redman

Cindy Loose: The Supreme Court has declined to take on a more obvious example of an abridgement of our rights to free travel--the more obvious case being the restrictions that basically amount to a ban on travel to Cuba. So, I wouldn't want to be the one paying to bring that case. But you're right--taxes eat up a big portion of the ticket price.

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Arlington, Va: Love your section and chats! Esp. the fellow Oklahoma native Gary Lee (ever swap Oklahoma stories with Hank Steuver?). I've decided to go to Edinburgh over Thanksgiving, since I can get the time off then and I thought flights would be cheaper. However, right now flights seem to be hovering around $600 r/t including the high taxes. Do you think there will be a fall sale that would be any cheaper, or should I go with what's available now?

Carol Sottili: Fares over holiday periods are usually higher because everyone wants to go away during the long weekends. $600 if you need to leave on Wednesday and return on Sunday sounds about right. If you're flexible, you should be able to get a fare that would be $50 to $100 cheaper.

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Bethesda, Md.: Everytime I'm in a long security line I notice that many of the people in front of me have 3 or more carry-ons. Why can't we get TSA to start a program with express lanes for 1 (or none)carry-ons? That would encourage people to check luggage and move the whole process faster. Have you heard of any discussion of this idea? Thanks!

John Deiner: Hey, Beth.

Wow. What a great idea that is -- at least to me, since people with too many carryons (and carryons that are too big) drive me crazy. Actually, there's a two-carryons-per-passenger limit, isn't there? Also, I cringe every time I see a first-class passenger go through their own security checkpoint.

So the answer, at least as far as we know, is no, we haven't heard any discussions of this idea.

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3000 miles west of you: Loved the California coast story. I live close enough that I

can do a lot of it as a day trip and I agree it's too little

known.

A couple of suggestions:

In addition to flying into San Francisco, you can also fly

into Sacramento. Drive time to, say, Point Reyes is not all

that different from SF, especially considering heavy SF Bay

Area traffic. Jet Blue & United have nonstops from Dulles &

often run sales.

Another great place to stay is the Jenner Inn

(www.jennerinn.com) It's a B&B that is actually a series of

cottages scattered all over the small town of Jenner. Many

have fireplaces. Some have full kitchens.

Another terrific artisanal cheese place is Cowgirl Creamery

at Point Reyes Station (www.cowgirlcreamery.com) They

also have an outlet in the SF Ferry Building.

Oh, yeah. I've never been to San Raphael, but I have spent

a lot of time in San RaFael.

Cindy Loose: Thanks for all that info. I didn't get to visit the Cowgirl Creamery, but had some of the great cheese. Lucky you, to live nearby.

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Waynesboro, Va.: In your "Fare Game: Consolidators Vs. the Competition" , you mention that the trip to Buenos Aires in the consolidator was nonstop, but the price in red ($ 773 ) is on American Airlines which does not fly non stop from the Washington Area. Only United does at this time(from Dulles). With American one has to change in New York or Miami. Maybe you could explain? Thanks

Carol Sottili: The fare that we were referring to was not the cheapest fare, so it was not highlighted in red. We noted that the nonstop United flight offered by Trans Am Travel was $42 more expensive, but that it might be worth it because it's nonstop.

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Alexandria, Va.: Any advice on how to spend a few hours in London? I have a seven hour layover which involves switching airports; arriving at Heathrow at 10:30 am and leaving Gatwick at 5:45 pm. Can I fit a bit of sightseeing (and lunch) in there, or is it better just to head straight from airport to airport? And, if I'm going to try to sightsee, where should I head? Never been to London, so anything I made it to would be new.

Gary Lee: If you take the Heathrow Express, you should be in central London by, say, 11:45 or 12. You'll have to head out to Gatwick at around 3. Sightseeing will be a tight squeeze, but it can be done.

My suggestion would be this: when you arrive at Paddington Station on the Heathrow Express, take the tube to Convent Garden. You can hang out there, grab and lunch and do some shopping, sightseeing for a couple of hours.

Alternately, head over to Victoria Station, hop on one of those excursion busses, and cirle around for a couple of hours.

Cheerio...

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Alexandria, Va.: Flight Crew,

I'm flying to San Diego to visit my little brother in a few weeks, got a great deal on Independence Air. Of course, as soon as I booked the tickets, I started reading stories about them possibly going out of business soon. How much longer do you think they'll be around? Will I be okay for a trip in 3 weeks?

thanx!

Cindy Loose: That's a crystal ball question. One day a couple weeks ago I would have said it was dire, then the next day the airline got some concessions from lenders and were able to cancel the purchase of some planes, and things were looking better.

NO GUARANTEES. But to give you one impression---last night I bought two tickets on Independence for two weeks from now. Let's wish each other luck.

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Moscow, Russia (US expatriate): Flight Crew--I wanted to respond to the following advice on travelling to Russia from last week's program:

"Gary Lee: I strongly advise you to spend time in the Russian Museum in St. Pete; it has some of the best Russian art in the world but is often dwarfed by the Hermitage. Also, take a tour of the palaces surrounding the city. In Moscow, try to spend some time in the small churches inside the Kremlin grounds and in Novy Devochki cemetary. I think you'll be intrigued to see how the Russian bury their dead. Finally, if you have a chance for a day trip out of Moscow, go to Zagorsk.... "

Having lived in Moscow for 8 years I'll make a few comments and add some advice. The Russian Museum in St. Petersburg is very nice but the one museum to see for Russian art is the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, particularly for its focus on Icons. For a chance of pace as museums go, see one called Kunstkammera in St. Petersburg. It is a collection of wierd stuff from scientific experiements gone awry such as preserved fetuses with physical deficiencies.

Zagorsk, outside of Moscow, is now called Sergeev Posad, similar to Leningrad/St Petersburg. And it is worth seeing.

I would add the following: In Moscow walk along Arbat street. It's a good place to browse for souvenirs (cheak a few places first before buying anything), has a lot of restaurants and cafes, offers some quaint architechture, has a nice street culture, and although it's touristy it does have a good dose of local culture such as local singers and street band. Also, the nearby New Arbat street is a good contrast, much more modern in a soviet way and is one of the places where you'll come closest to Moscow's uber rich--it's lavishly lit up at night and is a good stroll.

In St. Peterburg, I've most enjoyed walking along the Neva River if it's warm and sunny, and also walking along some of the side streets to the west of Nevsky Prospect, a much less touristy area. Pay attention to the many different facades and balconies of the apartment buildings. There's a lot of variety and many are very ornate.

Gary Lee: Hey, thanks for those tips.

I still highly recommend the Russian Museum; it's one of my favorites anywhere.

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Bethesda, Md.: I submitted a similar question before last week's chat but it wasn't included among those that the Flight Crew answered. So hopefully you'll take my question this week. My family and I (all adults) will have a lay-over of over 24 hours in Narita in mid-September and early October (outbound and inbound trips). I've booked rooms at the Narita Hilton (near the airport) but wonder if (a) there are better hotels in the city of Narita that I could consider and (b) is there anything to do or see in Narita?? Many thanks.

KC Summers: Gonna throw this one out to the readers, since we don't know Narita hotels. Steve does point out that he went running during a layover there and found a nice cemetery with obelisks. Anyone got tips on hotels or sightseeing for Bethesda?

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Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.: With more and more single people(men and women) traveling solo, perhaps a few articles dealing with the aspects of solo travel. Such as restaurants that are single-friendly, ways to find a reasonable-priced single room, etc.

KC Summers: Not to mention how to avoid the dreaded single supplement. This is a great idea and something I'd definitely like to do. Thanks for posting.

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small town europe: We're headed to Switzerland and Germany and are planning 5-6 days of car travel to make the short trip from Zurich to Munich. Any suggestions for small towns to visit along the way?

Gary Lee: The drive between Zurich and Munich is lovely. The two places that I like most in that stretch are Garmisch Partenkirchen and Kempten. The whole area around Lake Constance (Germans call it the Bodensee) is also lovely.

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Silver Spring, Md.: My husband and I have two free tickets for AirTran to fly anywhere AirTran provides service. What would be a great state to visit, that would be romantic for two (and fairly inexpensive). We've been to LA and Chicago. We dont gamble, so LasVegas might be out of the question.

Anne McDonough: How about Boston, Charlotte or San Francisco? All have direct flights from the DC area on AirTran.

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Washington, DC: I have seen and heard people rave about Southeast Asia -- Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand. I am quite intruiged to visit; however, I have a small problem. I'm a fairly picky eater, and I'm concerned about what will be available to me there. I love spicy food and enjoy most ethnic foods; but I simply can't eat meat, not knowing what it could be. I don't mean to sound snobby -- I'm not a vegetarian or vegan, but my mind just doesn't enjoy the "just eat it" mentality. Can you shed some light about what kind of foods are available there? I want to know if I can easily get around eating meat or if a decent quality meat would be available to me. (Again, not trying to slam any cultures or choices!)

Thanks!!

Steve Hendrix: You just have to learn the Vietnamese for "Is this chow or Pekinese?" Any good phrase book should be able to help.

Actually, I'm bit of picky carnivore myself, WDC. Nothing ruins a good pho for me like scooping up a mystery knuckle. But I had no trouble eating well in Vietnam or Cambodia, and most certainly not in Thailand. I tend to lean heavily on veggie dishes anyway on Asia, as they do them so well. For meat, I lean heavily on chicken. And in most tourist areas, it's not hard to find menus that have English subtitles or at least photos of the dishes. And remember, when in doubt--there's always fried rice. (I well remember the beautifully roasted and perfectly bisected dog heads I saw in Hanoi. Or the bowl of beetles I declined as a noodle topping in one restaurant).

It's when I get a chance to dine with a local person or knowledgable expat that I let myself get very adventurous. I've got no stomach for chow. A little poodle on the other hand...

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Arlington, Va.: Thanks for taking my question! I'm travelling to Acapulco with some friends this October. About half are going straight to Acapulco and the other half (including myself) decided to fly in Mexico City to save some money. I've been before and the majority of us speak Spanish (at least some), so we feel pretty comfortable with it. We're spending one night in the city before heading to the beach and we're trying to decide whether to rent a car or take the bus. We've heard good things aobut the bus, despite it taking a little longer. We're also worried about Mexico's driving rules...i.e., certain cars are only allowed to drive certain days depending on your license plate. What would you suggest for the easiest, safest and hopefully, the fastest way to get to Acpulco? Thanks!

Cindy Loose: Haven't made that exact ride, but I've done a lot of driving in different parts of Mexico, with great pleasure and no problems. I did it two weeks ago as a matter of fact. Although the other drivers scared me sometimes as they careened around curves, I was happy I was driving myself when I saw tour buses driving at high speed and passing in no-pass zones.

There are two major precautions about renting a car: Be where you're going before nightfall. Also, buy liability insurance. Unfortunately it's expensive, but if you get in an accident and don't have it, you'll be taken to jail until authorities can figure out who's at fault and who will pay for damages. I think you should start by pricing a car, including insurance--the insurance is often more than the per day rental fee. Knowing the true price of the alternatives may decide it for you.

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New York: Hi all!

Regardin the "mix" - I have to say one clear benefit is the cosmopolitan feel to this chat - it's as if one were among well-travelled friends. Really refreshing, when you (me) live in an area where most people haven't travelled out of a 3-hour radius.

KC Summers: Well that's nice. This chat does add another whole element to our universe -- we love the instant feedback we get from you guys. But I've never thought of New Yorkers as sticking so close to home....

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Burke, Va: Good Afternoon Travel Gurus!

I know that the summer of 2005 hasn't ended, but we are starting to look at options for a family trip to celebrate our oldest daughter's HS graduation(Robinson '06) in late June or early July. One thing that we have always wanted to do, but simply have not had the chance, is to visit the Grand Canyon. We were thinking about renting a motor home in Las Vegas for 10-14 days and taking in the GC, Scottsdale, Flagstaff, Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park. Does this seem like too much to bite off in a single trip?

There seems to be two routes...heading south from Vegas into Arizona and hitting the South Rim of the GC before heading into Utah, or going the other way, starting in Utah and heading south which would take us to the North Rim. Do you think that one route is better than the other?

John Deiner: Hey, Burke. Out West is a big ol' place, so I'd definitely opt for the "14 day" scenario over the "10 day" option. (And it's NEVER too early to start planning your next vacation). It can get mighty hot out there, so I'd try to go in June rather than July as well. My gut tells me that two weeks is a good amount of time for this trip, but maybe the clicksters will have a better idea, as far as the route--both ways seem pretty sound to me. (Personally, I'm guessing the Grand Canyon will wow you more than anything, so I'd make that the grand finale.)

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Anonymous: Re Narita. I once had to overnight in Narita in order to catch an onward flight. I stayed at the ANA Hotel, which was quite snazzy, though I'm sure others are as good. I took a shuttle into town and walked through the old city's streets for a couple of hours. Very atmospheric. I quite enjoyed it. I was there at night so didn't head for specific tourist sites, such as museums.

KC Summers: Hey, this is great. Thanks, Anon.

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Booking on Northwest: I am trying to book a flight from the DC area to Detroit. Is it safe to book on Northwest for a September flight?

Cindy Loose: Even with the strike going on, they're doing quite well with getting their planes out of the gate. Who knows how long the strike could last--I'd be surprised if it ended in coming weeks. But with a bit of luck you should be fine. Also, check before you leave home what the next flights are, and whether they will get you where you need to be in case worst comes to worst.

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Harrisburg Suburbs, Pa: Enjoyed Cindy Loose's article on the Northern California coast, having done the trip in January 1995 right after the Russian River flood.

Some things that were not explicitly mentioned in the article. First, the Skunk Train leaves from Fort Bragg, about 5 miles up the road fom Medocino. Noyo Harbor, between Mendocino and Fort Bragg, was the Cabot Cove harbor on "Murder She Wrote."

Second, south of Mendocino is Point Rena lighthouse. It was the lighthouse Mel Gibson landed his B-25 near at the end of 1992's "Forever Young."

Lastly, Bodega Bay on Route 1 is where Alfred Hitchcock filmed "The Birds."

Cindy Loose: Thanks for the info. I rented The Birds before leaving so I could see it again, and compare what Bodega Bay looks like now compared to when the movie was shot. Unfortunately, I ran out of time and didn't get to stop.

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What would I like to see more of in Travel?: I'd like to see more hotel choices than just the usual one/two if possible. Also, if posssible, the size of the hotel room would be nice.

Otherwise, the Post's travel section is pretty good. Although, I must say I do like a certain New York paper's Sunday Travel section as well!;

KC Summers: The size of the hotel room, huh? We'll try to keep that in mind -- though sometimes it's a struggle just to get the correct prices and contact info in there. We do generally try to describe the room or hotel succinctly in a phrase or two. It's hard to get the right balance sometimes between lyrical destination and practical stuff like hotel rooms and restaurants. Thanks for the feedback.

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University Park, Md.: As you reported on Sunday's Coming and Going Section, I checked out www.gasbuddy.com to find the cheapest gas prices for zipcode 20782. I went to the "Mobile" station that had the cheapest gas at the address reported on gasbuddy and found out that it is an apartment building. Obviously someone is playing a nasty joke since this "gas station" was reported by someone. The site solicits cheap gas price reports from the public but obviously they do not check to make sure that the address reported is really a gas station!!!!!!! I just wasted some gas going to this place.

Cindy Loose: The content for the site is citizen-generated. Too bad a bad citizen didn't have something better to do with his or her time. Sorry about that.

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West End, Washington, D.C.: I know you get tons of flack when you write gay travel stories, but I appreciate seeing a recognition in the mainstream travel press that not every traveller is straight, or white, or married with kids.

Even though I am not African American, for instance, I would be interested to read more about tours or travel geared towards African Americans, or Orthodox Jews, or whatever.

KC Summers: That's great to hear. And you know what, we don't actually get that much flak. I think we have a pretty open-minded readership, for the most part.

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Columbia, Md.: Gary, come on! Just the basic time requirements: Arriving flight at 10.30 (IF it is on time), time to walk endless London airport corridors, plus time to clear customs/immigration, pick up bags, get to the express train, travel to London, transfer between Paddington and Victoria rail stations, get the other express train to the airport, check in, clear customs/immigration...that's cutting it very, very close!

(BTW: The minimum connection time between these airports is 3 hours if you are taking the airport transfer bus that does direct between Heathrow and Gatwick)

Gary Lee: No question that it's cutting things close. However, this particular traveler wanted to squeeze in SOMETHING during a seven hour layover. I can relate.

I'd say to the traveler, play it by ear. If it looks like you're running late, head straight to Gatwick and see London next time.

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Washington, DC: Flight Crew,

We are heading to Guatemala next week for 10 days. We are

setting our itinerary, and wondered if you or the chatters had

any must-do/must-see sites off the beaten track? We like

anything active or cultural.

Thanks.

Steve Hendrix: I'm just working on a story about Guatemala's booming popularity, WDC, and just got back from three weeks there. I'd say with ten days you'd do well to hew closely to the established Gringo trail, and a fine one it is: Say three days in lovely Antigua for the colonial charms and a gentle intro to Central America, a flying (literally) visit up to Tikal with one of the two/three air packages available, a few days at Lake Atitlan, maybe at one of the quiet boat-only hotels on the north shore with a day trip to Chichicastanengo for the Thurs/Sunday market. If you want to go farther afield, the Rio Dulce area on the northeast coast is Guatemala's Caribbean enclave, the moutain city of Quetzeltanengo is a bit like Antigua without the tourists, or the Pacific coast around Monterico is a growing resort scene (although quite hot and buggy in summer, with dangerous ocean swimming).

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Capitol Hill, Washington, DC: Hi Crew,A recent trip to Nova Scotia has left me and two travel mates at a loss with what to do with some $500 travel vouchers, as well as a question about how not to get bumped.

The first Friday of July, we flew from DCA to Newark in the morning where we were bumped from our late morning flight to Halifax, were rescheduled on a later flight which was then cancelled, booked on an alternate flight to Newfoundland, which left more than an hour late and landed at midnight. We subsuquently spent the night on the floor of the St. John's Newfoundland airport.

The next day we boarded a plane to Halifax, left late and couldn't land because of weather issues, so we found ourselves in Moncton, New Brunswick. The airline (Air Canada at this point) offered to bus us all to Halifax. Luckily we called from the plane to reserve the last car in the airport and drove ourselves.

Two of our bags arrived in Halifax four days after we arrived, and the third person's bag arrived a week after we returned home from our vacation.

Our return flight from St. John's, Newfoundland, (we had flown there mid-week), to Newark was late so we missed our connection to DCA and every other flight for the next two days were overbooked. After much talking, we were booked on a later flight to Dulles, where we had to take a cab to our home on Capitol Hill.

My question: How do we make sure we don't get bumped? A Continental agent said we need to call and confirm our seats (which we did) and make sure we have seat numbers, which will ensure we don't get bumped. Sounded fishy to me...is he right?

For our trouble, Continental has given us each a $500 travel voucher, which we can't imagine using since we don't trust them to be on time, guarantee our seats or even get our luggage to us while we're still on vacation. What would you do?

Cheers,Lisa

Carol Sottili: What a disaster. You could have driven back and forth in less time. Continental has a contract of carriage, which includes rule 25A about being bumped. You can read the entire document at www.continental.com. According to the rule regarding involuntary bumping, those without seat assignments go before those with seat assignments. And I would definitely use those $500 vouchers. Just choose a nonstop flight to a destination where there are plenty of alternative flights.

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Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C.: What would I like to see in the travel section??

I love the Post travel section!! Here is what interests me most:

Articles about out of the way, not much talked about places in the world. I can read about Paris anywhere- I love stories about places I haven't dreamt of or am enamored by and need a little more motivation to go to.

Anything about good deals. As all who read this chat are, I have been bitten by a very potent travel bug and need to find out how I can get the most bang out of my buck. Tell me about great cheap hotels, restaurants, outtings, whatever. It's much appreciated!!

The Monday travel chat is a staple in my week. It's the best thing the Travel Section does!!

Those are the most important to me. Thanks for asking!!

KC Summers: Thanks, Dupont. Deals are important to us, too -- not only because we're so cheap, but because we know that's what readers are looking for too. Re destinations, we do try to have a little something for everyone, but maybe not enough exotic stuff? Anyone else feel this way?

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London for a few hours: Having lived in London for a summer during grad school, if the reader going from Heathrow to Gatwick hasn't been there before, I would suggest the tour bus around town. Three hours really isn't much time, but at least she can see all the sights and take a roll or two or pictures.

Also, don't miss the Paddington Bear cart and statue at the station. If you have small children or know someone who does, that's the best place to get a Paddington Bear, which are NOT sold in the US.

A couple of other suggestions for London-bound travelers... the Cafe in the Crypt at St. Martin-in-the-Fields in Trafalgar Square, going one of the many London Walks (I went on the Beatles and Jewish London ones), the London Transport Museum, an opera and/or ballet at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, and, since it's the season for it, the BBC Proms at Royal Albert Hall and a tour of Buckingham Palace and the Royal Mews (but definitely take trips outside London to Windsor Castle and Hampton Court if you are there for a week or longer).

Gary Lee: Thanks for the tip...

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Springfield, Va.: When I read the travel section of the Sunday Paper, I sometimes feel like I am living through someone else's travel experience, one that I will never be able to afford myself. That being said, I always enjoy the Style section's weekend escape and the Sunday Source's Road Trip. These are usually the type of travel experiences that I can do without breaking the bank. So as long as the Post has a variety of options for the traveler, I don't think you guys need to do to much with your section.

KC Summers: So the trips in Sunday Travel are mostly too expensive? Anyone else feel this way? And just FYI, Escapes is produced by us, not Style -- it just runs in Style. Our own Steve Hendrix is the editor of that feature.

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AirTran destinations: I lived in Boston and have been to San Francisco. For a romantic getaway, I would recommend the Bay over the Hub.

Anne McDonough: Here that, you two with the free tickets?

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Adams Morgan, Washington, D.C.: My girlfriend and I are planning on traveling to Vietnam for about two weeks around Christmas. Any suggestions on itineraries and ways to not get gorged on airplane tickets?

Andrea Sachs: Usually, you can find the cheapest airfare through a package, even the most basic ones, like air and lodging (in case you don't want to travel en masse). You should expect to pay around a grand to $1,500 (fares will be higher around Christmas).

For an itinerary, go to the big cities like Hanoi and Saigon--they are loud and teeming but thrilling (the shopping is also tremendous, so leave space in your luggage). Also, visit the Imperial City of Hue. Though many may disagree, I would skip Halong Bay; the water and islands are lovely, but the town was so depraved, we just wanted to bolt. Also, I wished I had gone to the DMZ, and don't miss the Viet Cong tunnels. Also: Take time out of sightseeing to veg on the beach and to explore the wildlife the national parks, Cuc Phuong or Cat Tien. And if you can squeeze in a trip across the border, head to Cambodia. Angkor Wat was one of the most amazing experiences!

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Washington, DC: My heart goes out to those in harm's way as Katrina pounds New Orleans and the gulf coast, but it occurs to me that maybe it won't be the best place to vacation in two weeks, as I had planned.

I have reservations at a bed and breakfast with a 30 day cancellation period and non-refundable airline tickets. How are these things usually handled?

Thanks!

Cindy Loose: Generally, all if forgiven and money returned if you happen to be traveling when everything is shut down. However, as far as airfare goes--once they start flying again into New Orleans, they won't likely be giving refunds. As to the B&B--wait first to see if it survives without damage. If it's gone, you can probably get money back from the credit card company, if not the B&B. If it's open and in fine condition, they'll likely want to keep your money, unless they have a soft spot. I think you have to hang in there for at least a few days and see how things shake out. By the way, I visited Grand Cayman after the hurricane there, and given I was staying in a property that wasn't damaged, and given that the beaches were fine, I saw the post-Hurricane views part of the attraction.

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Washington, DC: Other than awesome stories about cool destinations (which y'all excel at writing), I'd love to hear more "insider" stories about how to get good deals (tips & tricks, websites to check out, cool resources to use). I see stories occasionally on these topics, but would love to see more.

KC Summers: Okay, thanks. Don't forget to check our Coming and Going column each week -- it's full of insider tips and tricks. And of course Carol's weekly Deals column is nothing but.

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Charlotte, NC: Travelling to Germany next month. As I am flying on reward travel, I have to spend the night in London on the return. I'm very much a fly by the seat of my pants kind of traveller, I generally don't book hotels and just go where the spirit takes me. However, how difficult will it be to get a hotel near Heathrow on a Thursday night? Should I go ahead and book one, or will it be relatively easy to do so when I get there?

Carol Sottili: I don't see any reason not to book in advance. My husband and I just finished driving back home from St. Louis, and we didn't book a hotel for the ride home, thinking we'd stop when the spirit moved us. You guessed it - no room at any hotels along I-70 from Columbus, Ohio to Wheeling, W. Va. We finally wound up finding a place at close to midnight, but not before checking in and out of a very sketchy notel motel that featured a drunk bride in the parking lot. So, word to the wise, plan ahead.

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Washington DC (Grand Canyon for Burke, VA): Arizona's highest temperatures actually typically come in June, not July, because most years the monsoon kicks in by July. In any case, both months are very hot in the low country, less hot on the canyon's rim. But please plan to hike into the canyon; there are some very nice day hikes of 4 hours or so--and take enough water!;--if you don't want to go all the way to the river, and I wouldn't in summer.

John Deiner: Good stuff, DC. Who on earth said Arizona was hotter in July instead of June? Oh, that was me. Thanks for the advice!

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Re: CA coast: Very nice article, tho you missed a few gems.

A great, affordable(!;) place to stay is the inn at Ford Ord (possibly not on the map, but directly between Point Reyes and Mendocino). It's right on the ocean, has fireplaces and hot tubs, and only lacks tv reception because of its remoteness, but you can run across the street (hiway 101) and rent a video if necessary at the deli/grocery/gas station/video rental store.

The road you took through the 10 miles of redwoods has, just before the start of the forest going west, a street named Hogwarts Rd. It's currently chained off because of gawkers, but definitely worth a picture.

Just up the coast from the redwoods on 101 is a small, affordable grocery with 18 kinds of dairy-free ice cream, and 20 kinds of sugar-free chocolate. You have to bring your own grocery bag, and don't ask for a pepsi unless you want a lot of glares.

I do wish I lived there, but I'm afraid I'd have to be one of the beach bums who camp out on Point Reyes.

Cindy Loose: Thanks for adding to the gems list. I'm betting there are more that all three of us so far have missed---the place is lousy with gems, from what I could see.

Don't you just hate your parents for not picking up a nice Victorian cottage in, say Mendocino, for a pittance a few decades ago?

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Rockville, Md: We are flying to Rome in late October/early November. I have been researching airfares and have found ones as little as $625 on KLM. Sounds like a good deal but I wonder if fars will reduce once summer is over.

Carol Sottili: Rome is always expensive. You can sometimes get a sale fare, but good fares are more common in January/February than October/November. $625 doesn't sound that bad, although there is a chance it'll go somewhat cheaper.

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Re: Unaccompanied Minors: A little rant--I disagree with Steve's comment last week to the mother who complained about having to pay $50 each way for her 12-year-old son to travel to New York City on the Delta Shuttle with his 15-year-old brother. Steve said that "it's a fair charge (you are asking the airlines to take responsibility for your kids, after all)". Actually, she was not expecting the airlines to take any responsibility at all--the older brother was there to take care of the younger brother. And I certainly think that a 15-year-old can manage to safely get his 12-year-old brother on and off a direct flight from D.C. to NYC. If I actually thought that the airlines were doing anything to earn these fees, I would not object, but I'd like to know exactly what any Delta employee did for this 12-year-old boy that was worth $50. As you can guess, I was in a similar situation a couple of years ago with my teenaged kids but we managed to avoid having the pay the fees with the airline. I have no objection to these fees for children under the age of 12, but they are merely unearned fees for most kids over the age of 12. BTW, have you ever done an article on various airlines and their practices/fees in this regard? I would think there must be a lot of other parents who feel as I and the mother from last week do.

Steve Hendrix: Such thoughtful rants are always welcome. But I can't agree. The 15-year-old brother may be an invaluable escort, but he's still a minor. If something goes amiss on the flight or at the airport, it's the airline that assumes responsibility. That's a burden additional to the one they bear for adult passengers and it seems fair to me that they seek an additional fee. Hell, you have to extra for an oversized bag.

I do agree that a non-stop direct shuttle is about as easy as it gets for the airline, but they still have to be responsible if the little darling makes a break for it at the departure lounge and his big brother is hypnotized by the Game Boy.

Hey! How do I come to be defending the airlines? I'm FURIOUS at US Airways right now!

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Colorado: London/Ireland/Scotland over Thanksgiving. The rates seem high ($550 before the high taxes and fees previously mentioned).

I was thinking that by going in the "off season" we would get slightly better rates than this. Am I off (we are leaving from Denver).

Thanks!;

Carol Sottili: I don't know the ins and outs of flight prices out of Denver, but it's always more expensive to fly during holiday periods.

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Bethesda Mom: Dear Flight Crew:

At the risk of sounding too slurpy, I don't think that there is much more you can do/write about in the Travel section that you're not already doing. It is by far the best newspaper travel section in the US. Please resist the tack that the NYTimes travel section has taken of putting in little snippets of articles, ostensibly for the shorter attention spans of its readers.

My only comment is that I would like to see somewhat longer articles from Tom Sietsema than just the few sentences allowed him in his Postcards. Perhaps his monthly feature can be expanded to include more restaurants or information? I'm also not that impressed with the two reader's trips that have been published so far, but these are minor points. -and I don't need an obscene t-shirt either, I'm just a genuine fan].

KC Summers: Thanks for your thoughtful comments. Re Tom's Postcards, yes, there's only so much room on those things. We wish they could be longer too, but folks, poor Tom is stretched pretty thin -- hate to break it to you here, but he's not even doing a Postcard for September because he's tied up with his dining guide for the Magazine. So let's be thankful he can do them at all!

Interesting to hear your reaction to our new Vacation in Lights contest featuring readers' trips. What do other people think? We're trying hard to choose a balance of trips for this feature -- have rejected some fascinating ones because they were just so expensive, and we don't want it to be an elitist kinda thing. Thoughts??

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Washington, DC: I take great offense to Steve Hendrix's comment: "You just have to learn the Vietnamese for "Is this chow or Pekinese?".

I am Vietnamese and I have never eaten dog in my entire life, nor has anyone in my family. Sure, it's out there, but to propogate the idea that asian people eat dog and cat is irresponsible. Way to push the stereotype. As someone who travels extensively for their job, shame on you Steve for your insensitivity. This just gives Americans a poor image abroad of narrow mindedness. You want to talk disgusting? What about what's in hot dogs?

Steve Hendrix: They don't eat dogs in parts of Asia? Then what were those cooked ones doing in the market in Hanoi? Of course that was nine years, and maybe the practice has stopped. On the other hand, I don't see any rational reason for someone like me who eats cows and chickens to object to someone who eats dogs.

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Narita-bound:: Yes, there are trains and buses from Narita to central Tokyo. Train is fastest. Not sure though if the traveler will need a visa to leave Narita to explore Tokyo. If they decide to go into Tokyo, they should go see Imperial Palace (exterior) and the famous temple or shrine (names escape right now), and Tokyo is mostly safe at night, so they could go to Shinjuku and see the crowds/stores/nightlife if the layover is at night. Lots of English signs in Narita/Tokyo region.

Too bad they aren't staying longer, Japan is a fascinating country. I miss the hot springs/baths and traditional Japanese hotels. (I don't miss the raw eggs for breakfast).

KC Summers: Thanks for the tips, NB.

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Owings, Md.: From my perspective, I'd love to see more information on ways my family can have some great trips without spending too much. One of our very best family vacations was on a Windjammer cruise last summer - and I can honestly say it was because we saw the special deal in the Sunday Post. Had I not read the paper, it would have never occurred to me to even CONSIDER such a vacation. And it was this forum that linked me to Vacation Rental By Owners (vrbo.com) - which has saved us lots of money on our Christmas ski vacations.

KC Summers: Music to our ears, Owings. Glad we could help you out. If you chat-only guys aren't familiar with Carol's What's the Deal? column, check it out -- it's an amazing resource and the deals are real!

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NY again - upstate, sadly, not the city...: Hi all...we're looking at Lisbon in October/November. Have some business to attend to in Athens (flexible schedule), too. It looks like a coastal drive might be nice, at least from the map. Then again, if the rail runs close enough to the coast that would be extra relaxing. Ideas??

Cindy Loose: I found driving in Portugal quite easy, except within Lisbon. In Liston the street names keep changing for no apparent reason, traffic is gridlocked, and worst of all, the street signs are tiny plaques on the sides of buildings, and you can't read them from the car unless you have better than 20/20 eyesight. So if you do decide to rent a car, plan to dump it as soon as possible when you reach the city.

Trains sound like a lovely possiblity. Haven't done that myself, but start some research at www.raileurope.com. I notice they have three-day passes, four day, and combination rail/rental car. The last option I did once in Britain, and it was great: I did long distances by train, they would pick up a car at the train station and drive some short distances before picking up the train again. The ideal way to go.

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WDC 20009: A quick question for your Guatemala guru, Steve.

A few friends and I booked a last-minute weekend getaway to Guatemala for this Friday through Monday. We get into GUA around 1 on Friday and leave Monday morning at 8. What would you do with such a time frame?? We were thinking a quick trip to Antigua and Lake Atitlan.

Thanks so much!;!;!;!;

Steve Hendrix: Cool! How much did that cost? (or is that rude? I ask for professional reasons, only).

One of the great things about Guatemala is how close it is. Less than four hours on a non-stop from Dulles. Yes, I would go right from the airport to Lake Atitlan (spring for a private shuttle to maximize your time, $80 to $100), stay two nights there, then head to Antigua early Sunday for a night. You can get to the airport straight from Antigua by Taxi in about 45 mins (if get in before rush hour).

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New York, NY: What about a mix-and-match approach to a story? For example, "So you have $1,000 to spend...," "So you have $3,000 to spend...," etc. You could either pick one city and plan 3 differently priced itineraries, or -- more helpful to me -- pick one budget and come up with three destinations. Off the beaten path is better than a $1,000 cruise... maybe Athens, Istanbul and Provence, etc.

KC Summers: We love this approach too, NY -- and have done it from time to time, for example with Caribbean packages, or our package on last-minute trips. The weekly 101 columns frequently have this angle too. A perennial, and we'll do it again for sure.

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solo travel: I second the notion of plenty of info on solo travel. In particular, places to stay or visit or eat where you are likely to meet and mingle (whether with locals or other travellers), since we don't bring our companionship on the trip with us.

Oh, yeah, and that single supplement...

KC Summers: Gotcha. Thanks.

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Columbia, Md.: The European Union has rules concerning reimbursement for flight delays/cancelation expenses. BUT, there must be a loophole big enough to fly an Airbus through since passengers stuck at Heathrow during mid-August British Airways catering strike are not covered. Anyone on the Crew have any experience, info, or maybe just opinions, on the EU flight "protections"?

Carol Sottili: The EU has stronger rules than the United States. Take a look at this link for the details:

http://europa.eu.int/comm/transport/air/rights/info_en.htm

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Del Ray, Alexandria, Va.: Hi. I know you said to wait to worry about the trip to NO for November for a little while. That's fair. But, what about the trip for The Big Easy scheduled for Sep 9-11. Any ideas? Thanks!

Cindy Loose: I think we'll have more info to go on in a matter of hours. Last I checked in, part of the Superdome roof had blown off, but things weren't as bad as feared. I'm going to be making calls, but won't bother until Wednesday, when more is known.

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Bethesda, Md.: For the Travel section, I'd appreciate getting a longer-term (like 6 months-year)perspective on travel specials in various regions of the world/country.

Most people I know are not impulse travelers; they have to make arrangements months ahead of their trips to coincide with holidays, vacations, weddings, etc. Many resorts, companies, guides, etc. announce specials they're offering for the upcoming 6 months-year on web sites and in promotional materials. Could you have A Half Year From Now and/or A Year From Now feature that announces such specials on a semi-regular basis? For example: Spas in Central Europe for Spring 2006. Or: Bicycling in Canada: Fall 2006.

KC Summers: Hey, that's a good idea. We'll ponder this. Thanks!

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Flotation devices: To the person who posted a question in last week's chat about the use of airplane seat cushions as flotation devices -- they really do work as flotation devices. Many years ago I worked for an airline (now defunct), and I had the opportunity to take flight attendant safety training. As part of that training, we all jumped into a swimming pool while holding seat cushions. Fortunately, I was warned to jam the cushion right up under my chin so I wouldn't bite my tongue. That turned out to be really good advice, because when I hit the water the cushion essentially stopped dead. We had one guy in the group who was probably 6'5" and 270, and the seat cushion held him up just fine, whereas the smallest person in the group, a female maybe 5' tall and 95 lb, had trouble because the cushion was so buoyant she didn't weigh enough to hold it down, and it kept bobbing to the surface and dunking her.

Steve Hendrix: Wow. What else did you get do during flight attendant training? Inflate you vest? Slide down the slide?

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Derwood, Md.: Cindy: Your article on the northern California coast was spot on -- and the views are even more spectacular as you continue driving up the coast! We've always told our friends that the real PCH is the drive north of San Francisco.

Also wanted to thank you for the article last year on Australia -- we added Kangaroo Island to our itinerary based on your reviews and it was one of the highlights of our trip. We took a two-day tour with Wayward Bus (more affordable than Adventure Charters for a family of four) and had a blast. Our group consisted of twelve people, including 20- and 30-something solo female travelers, two 30-ish & 40-ish couples, my husband and I, and our 13 & 14 yo sons. We hiked a lot, seldom saw other tour buses, and stayed at hostel-style accommodations at Flinders Chase Farm. That night, my 13 yo was grillmaster as we all prepared the group dinner (talk aout a happy camper!). It was not luxurious, but since we usually camp, this was fine with us. The international flavor of our group was a welcome treat, too, as we swapped travel stories, music and experiences. We rented a car (from the local grog shop!) and stayed a third day to explore on our own.

The weather was sunny, clear, temps in the low 60s, and only the occasional sprinkle on KI, but we were more than happy to take it. Generally August is cold, windy and rainy, but we knew we were taking that chance when we booked the trip. Pristine waters, incredible views, lovely people -- its isolation has helped keep it from transforming into a tourist mecca, except for the lucky ones who happen to hear about it. Thanks again!

Cindy Loose: I am so happy you liked Kangaroo Island, and that you agreed it's worth going out of your way to reach. We were lucky to arrive just as the fairy penguins had dropped by to mate. Always nice to hear that someone tried something, and that they don't hate us for suggesting it.

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Laurel, Md.: Here's today's question: What do you want to read about in Travel?

I'd like a "hints" section accompanying every major article, written in a cipher that only you and I have, so everyone else won't get the same ideas.

KC Summers: Yes, as we always say, it's our mission in life to discover cool places and then ruin them by writing about them.

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Washington, DC: Hi Crew!; About to head to Spain, and have 2 questions. First, we have a 5 hr layover in Amsterdam--is this enough time to leave the airport and see something? And second, do you have a suggested itinerary for 12 days in Barcelona and southern Spain (we are flying in and out of Barcelona). Thanks!;

Gary Lee: Five hours is really short to get out into the city and do much of anything. I recommend making a leisurely shopping spree around the duty free shops in the airport: the Amsterdam airports duty free options rank among the best in the world.

As for Southern Spain, I can't suggest a detailed itinerary. But whatever you do, I suggest taking a day to two in Sevilla, and also stops in Granada and Cordoba.

Any other Spain tips out there...

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Guatemala: When can we expect the Guate article? We take a group of Washington, D.C. kids to Xela every summer for a non-tourist vacation so it will be interesting to read about it from a tourist angle.

Steve Hendrix: Sunday after next. (Gotta get busy).

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Washington, DC: Planning a trip to Egypt in November to visit a friend in Cairo. After spend some time with her we would like to do one of the Nile cruises to all of the ancient sites. Any recommendations of Nile cruise companies?

Andrea Sachs: Nile cruises are very similar (there are only so many ways to float a boat); you should base your decision, then, on boat size and amenities. For traveler reviews of ships, check out www.reviewcentre.com/products1560.html. The country's tourism office also has a list of cruise lines, including their luxury level and passenger numbers; see www.egypttourism.org.

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30 hours in Seoul?: Submitting early, since I'm on the road.....I have an overnight layover in Seoul in a few weeks. I've read up on the city, but there's so much to do that I can't figure out which things I must must must see!; What are the can't-miss things that one should try to squeeze in in 30 hours?

Thanks!;

Cindy Loose: Can someone help with this one? Quickly....

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New York, NY: I just wanted to thank you for recommending the Hotel San Carlo in Rome. I just returned from my trip and very much enjoyed my stay there. The location was wonderful, the rooms were clean and the staff was very friendly and helpful.

I also want to recommend the Villa Igea in Venice. It includes breakfast at its sister hotel around the corner, the Savoia e Jolanda. Unfortunately, I don't recommend Venice in the rain.

Gary Lee: Hey, grazie for the Venice tip.

We're delighted that you liked the San Carlo. It's quite a gem in a city where it's tough finding a great hotel at a good price.

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Philadelphia, Pa.: To the poster going to Acapulco, here are my two cents on bus-riding in Mexico.I was there in September and took the bus to another city (Puebla) and it really was a pleasure. It is pretty inexpensive (for that trip on a luxury line was about $12 each way) and it included a movie and snacks (on a very comfortable/air-conditioned bus). You really get to enjoy the surroundings and not have to worry about crazy drivers.It is not hard to check out this in advance through some of the publications on Mexico travel (be it online and/or print).

Cindy Loose: Thanks. Once they see the price of insurance, I'm thinking, the bus will be looking like a good choice.

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Washington, DC: Crew, My question is about airfares. I'm hoping to go to Brazilthis winter (late Jan-early Feb--dates are a little flexible),and I'm wondering what a good price is for a flight to SaoPaolo. I've been to Europe numerous times, so I kind ofknow the quirks of those routes, but I know nothing aboutSouth American flights.Should I be looking for a flight already? I know our winteris the high season for them, does that mean prices go upmid-September instead of down? Is there a usualschedule for sales? any help would be appreciated...thanks!

Carol Sottili: Flights to Sao Paulo are usually fairly expensive, compared to Rio. Start looking now and sign up on Travelocity for its farewatcher service.

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Travel Section (TS) Suggestions: Here are a few improvements I wouldn't mind seeing:

First: Can you convince the publisher that the TS should be bigger? Just one or two extra pages would help and enhance the TS.

Destinations: A little more coverage about the southern hemisphere. How about more coverage for activities associated with the particular destination (whether its is golf, mountain clibing, biking, etc)?

Cost: with travel cost averaging about $400 a day for two people depending on destination and lenghth of trip, how about doing a destination by cost? Like low, moderate and expensive/splurge? Just as restaurants get categorized? That way, people of differing means can still experience it. A lodging example: camp in Yosemite or stay at Curry Village, or stay at the Ahwanee Lodge.

KC Summers: Another vote for doing destinations by cost. We hear you.

Re size, have you noticed that we've had more space starting in about January? We've actually gone up by about a page a week. We're now able to run much larger inside photographs, for example, especially on the lead story jump.

Re Southern Hemisphere, yes, we're acutely aware of this and have been trying to remedy it, witness last week's great piece on Peru's Manu Nature Reserve by Dana Priest, and Cindy's recent piece on Buenos Aires and environs. More in the works.

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Arlington, Va..: Hello! My husband will be in Milan for business during the 3rd week of November. My 11-year old son and I would like to join him for a week. We are however, stymied on where to go in Italy because of the season. (We would go the Lake region in a heart-beat but it is practically shut down and we do not want a bored 11 yr. old with us!)

So we are thinking of taking the train down to Florence. (None of us have been there.) But from what I read, it seems to be the rainy season. Is that true? We can deal with some rain but not monsoons. Any other suggestions for us that would be reachable by train from Milan if you think Florence would be too dreary?

Carol Sottili: If you'd consider renting a car, and your son is the outdoorsy type, you may enjoy going to the Dolomites - the Italian Alps. I don't know if there is skiing by the end of November, but the region is wonderful for hiking, sledding, biking, etc. As for Florence, the rainy season does start in mid November.

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Fairfax, Va.: Hi,I have some friends visiting from NYC who want to do something outdoorsy -- I'm thinking of taking them upto Shenandoah Valley for a drive down Skyline Drive and a possible hike (heard the waterfalls can be only seen on foot). Would you recommend any particular hiking spots where we wouldn't have to hike too far out to see a couple of nice waterfalls. Also, I remember the Post had done an article about all the caverns (earlier this year or late last year) -- it was a great article summarizing all the caverns out there and I was searching for it online to pick a cavern to take them to but I can't seem to find it. Could you give me the link too -- would really appreciate it! Thanks!!

Steve Hendrix: If they haven't been before, Fairfax, that's a very nice introduction to the Blue Ridge (cause you add a little antiquing or sandwiching at Sperryville). Any of the big trails, like White Oak, will give you a good, flexible day hike. Or you could climb Old Rag, a venerable Washington tradition that always provides plenty of company.

We did run an Escapes on the caverns of Shenandoah, but we're having a hard time finding a link to it. (It was a chart that may have not have been archived in the normal way). Send us a note at travel@washpost.com and we'll try to get it to you.

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Kalorama, Washington, DC: Hi Crew,

I think it was in one of your chats or columns that I came across the company The World Outdoors and I became intrigued with their multi-activity tours. My husband and I are seriously considering doing to Costa Rica trip, but we've never done a group trip before so we'd like to hear more about from someone who has actually gone on one. Do you or other chatters have any feedback? We're most concerned with how much structure is involved and how much independence we would have. And, of course, whether its worth it for the money or if it is just as good (and cheaper) to travel on our own and arrange our own adventures.

Thanks!

Cindy Loose: Although my tour group experience is somewhat limited, of those tours I have been in, I've always found:

a. There are some wonderful strangers who will become companions and maybe even lifelong friends.

B. There are some who should have been strangled at birth.

However, my experience with outdoorsy people is that a smaller than average percentage are pretentious and demanding, so you'll probably find mostly great people on the tour.

As to how much independence you'll have--it depends and varies wildly, but independence isn't the point of an organized tour. But it's very nice to let other people who know the ropes do the planning for you. Plus, if something goes awry, you have someone besides yourself to blame.

If I were you and had the time, I'd do some initial price checks on a few of the higher priced pieces of the trip--say airfare and lodging--so you have a good idea how much money you are saving or losing by going with the group.

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KC Summers: We're out of time, folks. Sorry if we didn't get to your question. The lap desk goes out to the slurpy Bethesda mom -- if you'll send your contact info to summersk@washpost.com, we'll get the prize out to you. And the obscene T-shirt goes to the person who wanted tips in advance. Thanks everyone, see you next week.

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WDC 20009: Hi Steve.

Our weekend getaway to Guatemala cost about $380, I think.

Can't wait!; Thanks for the info.

KC Summers: And WDC has the last word.

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