Talk About Travel

Travel Tips and Deals

The Flight Crew, from left: John Deiner, Carol Sottili, Steve Hendrix, Anne McDonough, Gary Lee, K.C. Summers, Cindy Loose, Andrea Sachs. (Melissa Cannarozzi - for The Post)

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 the entire Flight Crew, we want to thank you for flying with us.

You may also browse an archive of previous live travel discussions and a list of frequently asked questions.

The transcript follows.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

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Carol Sottili: Now that even the leftovers are history, welcome back to our weekly Travel get together. Today's my first time hosting the chat, so be kind.
I'm well-rested, having spent the Thanksgiving holiday safely and sanely in my own home. K.C. Summers and Cindy Loose did likewise. Steve Hendrix is back from Alabama - he drove each way and found the traffic better than expected. John Deiner spent his Turkey Day in Delaware, and encountered no driving delays - leaving at 9 p.m. Wednesday night was a very good idea. Andrea Sachs flew to Hartford from Reagan National and she sailed through security - her flight back had plenty of empty seats and airline personnel told her that ridership wasn't nearly as high as expected. Perhaps media hype scared everyone into staying home? Anne McDonough trained it to Manhattan without incident, and says everyone was in a super good mood and there were even a few empty seats; she took in the parade, so she's the one to ask about the new Spongebob Squarepants balloon. By the way, Anne is going to a wedding in Chicago next weekend - does anyone have any tips on transporting a bridesmaid dress that wrinkles easily? Gary Lee is in Spain, but the rest of us are ready to answer your questions. (If anyone has questions on Sicily, I was there earlier this month).
We'd like to hear your Thanksgiving travel tales. Prize - Microsoft Streets & Trips 2005 software for Windows XP, 2000, ME or 98 (retail value $39.95) - goes to person with best horror or better-than-expected story. I'm not talking about taking seven hours to drive to Long Island, but if traffic was so backed up that you pulled over, fired up the barbecue, cooked your bird, ate it and didn't lose your spot, we want to hear from you. As for the positive stories, if you got bumped up to first class, arrived a half hour early and a limo driver (paid for by your relatives) was holding a sign with your name on it, tell us about it. Yes, I'm exaggerating, but you get the drift. And we're off.

- Carol Sottili

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Fairfax, Va.: A question about airline seating. Why have airlines started boarding passengers by zone instead of row number? The zone system lets people be seated throughout the plane instead of from the back to the front. This results in people standing in the aisles fighting with their carry-on luggage while others are trying to get to their seats. All this while the flight attendants make repeated announcements to keep the aisles clear. Screwy system, if you ask me.

Carol Sottili: Southwest is the big kahuna when it comes to zone seating. They claim it actually makes things move faster. And they're on time more often than not, so maybe there's something to it.

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Silver Spring, Md.: I'm trying to plan a trip to Madagascar in February or March. The internet has been helpful, but I was wondering if there is a good travel agent (agency) in town that specializes in this part of Africa.

Thanks.

Cindy Loose: I'm hoping someone out there has traveled to Madagascar and knows a good agent right down the street. Can anyone help? I searched at www.thetravelinstitute.com, which lists travel agents who specialize in specific areas or kinds of trips. But the closest thing they came up with was an Africa specialist in McLean. If someone out there can't help more specifically, you can look up the institute's list of Africa specialists then contact a few to see what they know about Madagascar. These days, it's not really necesary to deal with a agent in person, so distance is not object.

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Arlington, Va.: Its really a two parter question. First; in looking on line for flights to London for March, I have found that the flights are extremely expensive, even looking this early. Is it better to find a cheaper flight early or closer to the time of the trip. Part two; I have also noticed expensive taxation on trips, reaching almost 200 dollars for trips to London. What is that tax, and why is it only for some countries and not others (asia for example does not have those taxes)?

Carol Sottili: I'd wait to buy those seats. There will probably be sales between now and then. Taxes to different destinations vary based on many factors - Canada is even higher than England. Governments set the taxes.

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Bethesda, Md. : I'd love to take our 2 avid ski-teens on a 5 - 7 day ski trip out west the week between Christmas and New Year's. Are there any reasonable packages for 2 Adults / 2 kids (11 & 15) to Colorado / Utah / Canada / ?? elsewhere still open for booking? Or, should we plan to go Spring Break instead for the same cost / time frame?
Any advice welcome ....

Carol Sottili: Spring break is going to be much, much cheaper than Christmas. It could cost you 1/3 as much. And the conditions are usually better. I've priced out packages vs. doing it on our own, and it's always cheaper to do an independent trip out West, especially if you rent a condo or house through owner (www.vrbo.com or www.cyberrentals.com. Take a look at Park City - great place with lots of skiing choices.

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Manassas, Va.: So, let me get this straight: aiming an air vent at someone's head would be "antisocial", but selfishly interfering with the proper, intended operation of someone else's seat isn't? If you don't want the seat in front of you to recline, sit in an exit row (or behind a bulkhead), or else just deal with it; the person in front of you is doing nothing wrong.

If anyone every uses one of those things on my seat, I'll yank it out and break it in two. Would that be antisocial?

KC Summers: I hear you. And upon reflection, I wish we hadn't mentioned the Knee Defender. We included it in the piece because readers have asked us about it and how to get one; the interest is there. But as this posting indicates, it might only make things worse, guys. Talk it out between yourselves or enlist a flight attendant to intervene.

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Washington, DC: My sister will be doing a lot of international travel over the next six months. I was wondering if you had any suggestions for Christmas gifts for a late 20's solo female traveler.

Cindy Loose: Hard to say without knowing your sister. If she's traveling for business the I'd guess her hotels and plane fares are taken care of. If that's the case, then good luggage and handy packing gear might do the trick. If she's not flying first class, how about a pass to some airport lounges---they can make a wait in the airport very nice.

If she's traveling on her own dime, then the world of presents opens exponentially. A gift certificate to a chain hotel that she'll run into somewhere for sure. If she's roughing it, then membership in the hostel association.

For travel gear, try looking at www.magellans.com or www.travelsmith.com--both are catalogues, on line and real, that sell nothing but travel gear.

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Silver Spring, Md: Hi. What is the hot air balloon fesitval in Albuquerque? It may sound silly, but why would anyone want to see a bunch of hot air balloons? There must be more to it. Please fill me in!; Thanks.

John Deiner: Hi Silver. We did a little piece on the balloon festival a few years ago, and it sounded really great (okay, I love to watch those things float around, and watching them float around en masse is really beautiful).

Anyhoo, the next one is Sept. 30, 2005. Maybe there's somebody out there who's actually been to the fest and can give us a report.

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Washington, DC: I recently purchased a ticket on Hotwire. My request to have the miles added to my account was turned down. I didn't know an airline could deny adding miles. Do you think I would have any luck if I appealed?

Andrea Sachs: Travelers who book flights outside the airline's own reservation service are denied frequent-flier miles--part of a loyalty guilt trip and part of the sacrifice for a lower fare. To double-check, call the airline with your info. Unfortunately, though, it's a common practice.

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Washington, DC: Over Thanksgiving weekend, I took a flight on Alitalia to Milan and brought along a CD and separate portable DVD player. I was told that I could not use either device on the flight as it was prohibited "under Italian law." Do you know if this is true? If so, why?

Also, do you know of any other airlines that enforce such laws? It would be good to know beforehand so that I could avoid flying them.

Thanks.

Carol Sottili: Here's what I wrote for Travel Q&A a few months ago:

I recently flew on Alitalia to Italy. On both flights passengers were not allowed to use DVD players, CD players, Game Boys and laptops that used CDs, even after we achieved cruising altitude. Why does Alitalia have this policy? Do other airlines do this?

Larry Spinelli

Arlington

The issue of whether electronic equipment poses an aircraft safety risk has been debated for years. Most airlines differentiate between intentional emitters that put out radio frequencies, such as cell phones and portable computers that receive e-mail, and unintentional emitters, such as CD players. Intentional emitters are commonly prohibited for the duration of the flight, but CD players, laptops and electronic games are usually permitted when the plane is flying at 10,000 feet or higher.

Alitalia's official policy on the use of portable electronic equipment states, "During the flight, and with the crew's approval, you may use electric razors, non-digital audio players and portable computers provided they are not connected to a printer or a CD drive." According to Alitalia spokeswoman Marta-Marie Lotti, cassette players and Game Boys are permitted, but CD players, iPod, MP3 player or newer laptops with CD drive are not allowed.

Alitalia's policy is more prohibitive than most. US Airways' regulations say, "AM and FM radio receivers, compact disc players, portable computers and other electronic devices must be turned off for taxi, takeoff and landing. Use of these items, however, is permitted in flight, unless otherwise restricted by US Airways flight crew members." The policy is similar for United, Continental and American, but radios are prohibited at all times. Foreign carriers tend to be more conservative. British Airways tells passengers that it "may forbid or limit operation" of electronic equipment, including laptops, CD players and electronic games.

No matter what the stated policy, remember that the captain of any flight has the power to prohibit the use of electronic devices. It's his ship.

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Washington, DC: Thanksgiving tale - I was in Buenos Aires and assumed that I could find a tureky dinner somewhere - perhaps an American chain hotel. We did find one a few - but because of the devalued Argentine peso - we ate and were served like kings at the Foru Seasons Hotel: Pumpkin soup; endive/blue cheese/walnut salad; turkey with stuffing, sweet potatos, grilled vegetables; a trio of deserts (two kinds of pie and ice cream); a bottle of Malbec wine; mineral water; and coffee.

All of that was $20 per person - a steal!; The food tasted greater and the service was even better. In anticipation of the trip a couple of weeks ago, we ordered a glass of Malbec wine at a DC restaurant and that alone was $9 per glass.

Carol Sottili: But there aren't any leftovers!

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River Rouge Tour: Do the brochures at the Ford plant really claim that theirs is the only auto factory tour in the U.S.? Because that would be news to the Toyota folks, who offer a fascinating tour at their Georgetown, KY plant (home of the Camry). Toyota's tour is also much cheaper than the Ford one--as in free--and you get to keep your safety glasses as well as other knicknacks (but no free samples of the merchandise, unfortunately). I went last year at this time and was the only one on the tour--I even got to ask a question directly of a line worker at one point. Highly recommended.

Cindy Loose: I just finished yelling at the Ford p.r. guy, who did represent the Ford tour as the only regularly scheduled tour. Turns out he has a Clintonesque way of explaining how that's true. But bottom line, you are right: Toyota does do a tour, albiet not every day. I'm researhcing who else might have some kind of tour, regularly scheduled ticketed whatever, and will print something soon.

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Re: Bridesmaid's dress: Carry it separately in a dry cleaning bag underneath whatever outer bag (slippery) and use the puppydog eyes to get the flight attendants to let you hang it in the closet in front.

Seriously, if the hanging doesn't work, the dry cleaning bags should help minimize wrinkling.

Anne McDonough: It's certainly a better idea than Steve's, which is for me to wear the thing. Seriously, though, I think I will have to rely on the puppydog eyes, as there's no way I'll put it in checked luggage and I can't imagine they'll let me keep it on my lap during takeoff and landing. Thanks!

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Columbia, Md.: Sorry, no stories, but I do have a question. I have an older (1970s) hard sided suitcase made of a heavy plastic. It is very ugly, but very useful for carrying more breakable items, since you can sit on it and not affect anything on the inside. The problem is that it has a built-in combination lock, so that you have to put it to the combination and then push two buttons to get it to open. If I put a piece of tape or something with the combination written on it, will that be ok for the baggage screeners, or should I just not use it? I'm worried they will ignore the note, or not see it, and break the suitcase to get it open, making any items inside much less safe rather than more safe. Thanks for any insight you can give me!

Andrea Sachs: They might not understand the note, be in a rush or just be in a bad mood and prefer to just break it--since that is their right. So we'd suggest you don't use it or see if a locksmith can remove it (is that an option?).

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San Carlos, Calif.: My wife and I are seniors. Going to New Zealand
next year. Should we use public transportation or
rent a car?

Steve Hendrix:
It depends on where you want to go and how much time you have to go there, San. The first time I went to New Zealand (as a college student), I was there two months and hitchhiked everywhere. The second time I was there (on the Post's dime) for nine days and BOY was I glad I had a car of my own to maximize my efficiency.

In general, I'd say rent a car if you hope to cover very much territory at all--as long as you're comfortable driving on the left (not hard at all there, and the roads are clear, wide and empty). If you plan to visit both North and South Islands, you can take the renta-sled on the ferry, or you can fly between major cities and pick up a new car. Tour companies (Newman's Pacific is the one I used), offer a lot of fly-drive-stay packages that allow you to do this.

Only if you have LOTS of time in country should you try to piece together bus and train connections between every city.

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Arlington, Va.: Hi Flight Crew!

Has anyone been encountering problems with mapquest.com lately? A couple of people I know used it, and their directions turned out all wrong. I chalked that up to maybe they didn't put in the correct address/destination, but then I used the site to get driving directions last week, and got totally turned around. Do you (or the chatters) know of a more accurate online map service? I know that Mapquest has a small disclaimer on its homepage about inaccurate info, but the level of its discrepancies are to the point that I no longer trust its data.

Carol Sottili: Give me a good Thanksgiving story and you may be the winner of the Microsoft Streets & Tips 2005 edition with 5.4 million miles of local, city and state roads in the U.S. and Canada. Also, try www.freetrip.com.

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McLean, Va.: Loved Cindy Loose's story about Detroit. I have friends in the Motor City, and, despite the city's poor reputation, I always end up having a good time. We're visiting again in Februrary and wonder if Cindy knows whether or not the Detroit Institute of Arts construction will be done by then. Last time, I was there, a lot of the exhibits were closed to accomodate the extensive renovations.

Cindy Loose: I was there in Sept. and it was looking ready for prime time. Didn't think to ask whether they might tear something apart after I left--to be sure I'd call.

If you happen to take the People Mover (the tram through downtown) check the newpaper that the bronze statue is reading at I think it's the Greektown stop. It's a cast of a real newspaper, and I've got a byline on the front page! My only claim to longterm fame. Also, if you like soul food, that new place I listed is a good bargain given the quality and quantity of the food.

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Washington, DC: I just wanted to write in with a positive Thanksgiving travel story. My family lives in Northern NJ and I always take either the Delta or US Air shuttle to LGA. I chose Delta this year, and decided to fly up on Tuesday and return on Saturday. I got to DCA so early for my 2:30 flight that Delta let me hop on the 12:30 shuttle at 12:20. Coming back Saturday night, the 6:30 shuttle was packed but security was fine. We did notice yellow rope set up for Sunday's lines but we had none. Found out that due to weather, LGA had 50-minute delays yesterday. Not too bad but I'm glad we left when we did.

Carol Sottili: Seems like weather was more an issue than crowds this weekend.

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Rockville, Md: I thought your 25 tips for travel in yesterday's paper were good, but I thought one thing was missing. I know there is a regulation that, if you cannot make your connecting flight due to a late initial flight, the airline must find a seat on the next available flight. But does that mean on that airline or on ANY airline that has a flight leaving? And, if you change airlines, what happens to your luggage?

KC Summers: Thanks, Rock. You're right, that wasn't a comphrensive list of tips, but it was a start! In fact, folks, if you have other flight survival tips you'd like to share, send em in and if we get enough, we'll publish a sequel.

But back to your question. If you miss your connecting flight due to a late arrival, the airline will put you on its own next flight or any other airline's that it has a reciprocal arrangement with. But if you're flying a discount airline, it might not have any such agreements and you'll have to wait till that airline's next flight. Something to consider when booking a complicated flight....

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re: transporting dress: I got married in vegas and had to drag my HUGE dress all the way from DC. If you are flying on an airline with something like premier status, get on the plane first, explain the situation to the flight attendant and ask them to hang the dress in the first class/business area closet - they almost always have one, but you have to ask, be friendly, and look really pathetic so they'll want to help you. It's even worth the miles for a first class upgrade just to save yourself the hassle. I found telling people it's a wedding dress made everyone get giddy and want to help. After all, the dress -is- for a wedding. If you do have to wait your turn to get on, let the flight attendant at the front of the plane know your situation. If you ask before anyone else asks, they will usually help.

Anne McDonough: Thanks--thankfully it's not a wedding dress, just a bridesmaid (albeit a GORGEOUS one--and I'm not just saying that in case my couin's lurking on this chat), so if worse comes to worse and I'm a little wrinkled the sky won't fall down. I'm actually flying as budget as can be so premier status isn't really an option, but it looks like getting to the gate early would be a good idea.

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North Carolina: Egads!; I have just been reading about the near-
strip search situation at our nation's airports and
(of course) I was dumb enough to book a one-way
cheap-o flight (two stops, different planes, etc.)
just before Christmas. Can I expect to be frisked
three times in the course of six hours? Or will just
one frisk, at the first airport, be sufficient for the
Federal whosis??

Andrea Sachs: As long as you are still in the gate terminal and don't leave security during your connections you will not be searched again. Unless they pull you aside before you board, but that is uncommon these days. So, don't leave the secure area, or wear your best underwear.

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Arlington, Va.: Southwest doesn't do zone seating. It does controlled cattle seating.

Zone seating involves letting people in the middle on first, then the front, then the back, or something like that. It isn't usually sequential but based on some different formula then the traditional back, middle, front approach.

Carol Sottili: I think the writer was referring to the policy of seating people by groups rather than by row.

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Washington, DC: I found a great travel deal in Erie, PA. There is an indoor waterpark callled Splash Lagoon. They are running Thursday and Sunday specials for $120.00 you get a room for the night and passes to the park for the day you check in and the day you check out. We were not sure what to expect. But the place was terrific. There were water slides and water activities for the youngest kids to adults. It was clean and the staff was very friendly. If you have any reason to be in the area this is a terrific place to spend some time.

Cindy Loose: I've been meaning to check that place out. In fact I was scheduled to go when it was first scheduled to open, then it didn't open in time and I never got around to rescheduling. So good to hear a report.

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Bowie, Md: Hi Crew: two things...Thanksgiving going over the Bay Bridge: WHY can't they get it RIGHT in giving EZPass holders a breeze thru? They have One dedicated lane on the left, backed up and then one on the far right, with no advance signage and those who get in the pass lane and then do DUH..should have their tires deflated when they try and back up!;
Two: Reclining seats in coach. I'm 6'3" and have a FIT when someone just SLAMS their seat back onto my kneecaps. Asking the boor doesn't do a thing, and most times, flight attendants cant be bothered. THE best thing to do is just WEDGE your legs and PREVENT the person from even nudging the seat back an inch. If they do, then just make their lives miserable, like they are making yours. I've tried to be nice, but it doesn't work 99.9% of the time.

KC Summers: Tensions escalating here, folks....

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Thanksgiving Horror: Last year, my husband and I decided to escape family altogether and go on a sailing (Windjammer) cruise in the Caribbean. We are both scuba divers, after two good days of diving, we did a night dive. Someone acending from below me yanked on the mooring line and the line scraped across my entire inner forearm. Well, I now know I am allergic to something because I spent the rest of the trip with face swelled like a pumpkin, completely unrecognizeable, full body rash, and such sun sensitivity that I could not be outside even if I gave up on vanity, which I tried to do. That was a bad Thanksgiving!; I hear St. Bart's is wonderful, too bad I could not experience it.

Carol Sottili: At least pumpkins are the right color for Thanksgiving.

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Hot Air Balloons: I went in October!; It was beautiful. I can't imagine why one wouldn't want to see hundreds of colorful balloons rise into the sky at the same time. There are tons of activities and a night launch (glowing balloons are neat!;) with a fireworks show. Just because the poster doesn't find it interesting doesn't mean it isn't - everyone has different ideas of what is fun, right? I wouldn't want to go to a NASCAR race, for example, but I understand why others would find it entertaining...

John Deiner: I'm with you on that. I saw a mini-balloon-fest in Atlanta one time and loved it, so I can only imagine what the one in New Mexico is like. Well, I don't have to imagine it, I suppose--I could, like, go see it for myself. Thanks for the report!

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Frederick, Md.: this is for the question from last week about Moab. There are some good bike tour guides that have a combo white water/bike tour. Rim Tours, Escape Adventures, and Western Spirit.

Instead of renting a car in Salt Lake, take the Bighorn Express shuttle that has daily service to and from Moab. It is about $98.00 round trip. Rent a car in Moab which is probably cheaper.

Steve Hendrix: Thanks for the tips, Fred.

I'm not sure why a rental car in Moab would be any cheaper than one in Salt Lake (and if you're going to rent one at all, having it from door-to-door is awfully nice), but otherwise, I'm with you.

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Washington, D.C.: I just checked Hotwire's terms of service and THEIR policy is that the flights are not eligible for miles. It's like Priceline -- you don't get to pick what airline you're flying with and you can't pick the time. In exchange, you get a cheaper flight & no frequent flyer miles. Caveat emptor!

Andrea Sachs: Thanks for reading the small print for us!

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Re: airlines' zone boarding: I think the "zones" are determined by rows; the last time I flew, I was up near the front of the plane, and I was in the last group to board. If people are scattered throughout the plane, then either they're in the "people needing extra assistance or traveling with small children" category, they're super premium shiny platinum frequent flier members, or -- most likely -- they're cheating and have no regard for courtesy or listening to the flight attendants (can you tell I hate these people, too?).

Carol Sottili: Almost every airline seats people by rows, with those needing extra assistance allowed to go first, regardless of where they are seated in the plane. But Southwest doesn't have seating, so it can't board by rows.

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Tampa, Fla.: I am a AAA member, and their website has a really good mapping function (if you've ever gotten a TripTik from them, it's the same concept, but online.) You have to be a AAA member to use it, but if you are not, I am sure you have a "friend" who is...did I say that?!?

Carol Sottili: You're in trouble now.

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Washington, DC: What's the deal with the security?!;? I left DCA without taking my shoes off, but when I came back from FLL, they said if I don't take them off, then I WILL get a secondary screening, even if I don't set the metal detector off.

Cindy Loose: I have asked the Transportation Security Agency about this shoe thing several times, and they insist that removing shoes is voluntary. But an honest screener/barker at DCA the last time I flew was shouting out the truth--if you don't take em off you'll have to undergo a special screening. That screening includes taking off your shoes. So, far as I can tell, taking off your shoes is voluntary, except if you don't volunteer, you get drafted. It just one of those lies those lying liars who govern us tell.

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Washington, DC: Hey Crew,

Happy post-Thanksgiving!; Headed to Belize for a few days, based at least in part on your stories about it (Cay Caulker). Very excited. Any tips/things I should be aware of? Besides snorkeling and finding a good hammock, any recommendations/restaurants/things I should check out? Low-key relaxation is what I'm looking for, but don't want to miss out on any gems.

Thanks.

KC Summers: Lucky you, Wash! I guess my biggest tip would be to not just go to a cay, but also save time to check out the mainland. Yes, the snorkeling and beach-town life and fresh seafood are all amazing and wonderful, but the interior has jungles, archeological sites, Mayan history, howler monkeys, incredible birds, jaguars, rafting down winding rivers... it's why I love the country so much, that magical combination of activities. For tips on specific restos and sites, I'll see if we can post my story from last winter.

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Rockville, Md.: Re: bridesmaid dress to Chicago. We went to a wedding in October with wedding things. They were great, and hung up our garments in our garment bag in the hanging closet. If you tell them it is for a wedding, they will be happy to accomodate you. We flew United !!!

Anne McDonough: Glad to hear your experience was painless--now I'm much less stressed about flying with the dress, which leaves more time to be stressed about fitting into it. Great, thanks.

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Middleway, WV: My family will be going to the Nicoya peninsula of Costa Rica for the weeks before and after Christmas. Does anyone have suggestions for good snorkeling beaches or activities that would interest a 10 year-old?

KC Summers: We aren't familiar with it, so we'll throw this one out to the (increasingly surly) clicksters.... How about it folks?

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washingtonpost.com: Please Belize Me, (March 28, 2004)

KC Summers: For the Belize-bound.

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Philadelphia, Pa.: Oh travel gurus,
When is the best and cheapest time of year to fly to Cancun? I plan to spend a week at a resort there sometime this spring or summer, but I want to avoid spring break and hurricaine season. Is there a good window between March and September where flight prices come down, and about how much would it cost? Thanks so much!;

Carol Sottili: Summer is expensive because kids are out of school. But there are usually cheap charter seats to Cancun. USA 3000 (www.usa3000.com), for example, usually has seats for less than $150 each way out of BWI. Spirit Air (www.spiritair.com) is also cheap out of DCA.

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Re: Map Inquiry from Arlington: Try out the Maps & the Travel and Routes link at www.langenberg.com. Especially good are the Delorme and the Rand McNally links. I stopped using Mapquest after it missed noting a highway exit a couple of years ago and I literally missed a party boat for a friend's 30th.

Carol Sottili: Thanks!

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Arlington, Va.: I have a question about security at National. Is it still evil and thorough and will I have to submit to a public breast exam? I'm not sure I'm going to have a choice between Dulles and National, since I work for the cheapo feds who'll make me go through the security hell at National. Yes, I had a bad experience there 2 years ago, and that was before public breast exams. Has security cooled off there or is it tighter than ever?

Cindy Loose: You can reduce the chances of being groped if you are careful about what you wear, including--no metal underwire in your bra, take of shoes, coat, anything that could set off the alarm or upset the screeners. Secondly, if you are singled out for secondary screening, you may request it be done in private. I way prefer National cause the lines are usually much shorter. Security is a hassle all over, and I don't see alot of difference among major domestic airports in terms of rules. If you can go National, go National.

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Arlington, Va.: How about a Thanksgiving weekend driving trip of sheer endurance? We left Woodbridge at 8:00 pm Wednesday and arrived at our hotel in Morgantown, WV at midnight. We left at 8:30 am and arrived in Detroit about 3:00 pm on Thursday. We left Detroit at 10:00 am on Saturday and drove to Indianapolis, IN, arriving about 3:00 pm. We left Indy at 11:30 am on Sunday and finally arrived home at midnight, last night. Yes, a totally nutty and exhausting drive for my husband, two boys and myself, but my sister has been in the hospital in Indy for two weeks now and there was a chance she would be transferred to a hospital closer to Detroit over the weekend. Anyway, except for some snow in Ohio somewhere on the Turnpike and constant rain in Indy, the driving was great and the people we met along the way were pleasant. We also picked up a personal DVD player at a super sale price on Friday that made the rest of the trip much more pleasant for the kids, and kudos to the Target in Washington, PA for a no hassle exchange on Sunday night when the original player we bought on Friday stopped working.

Carol Sottili: You are definitely one of those people who always sees the glass as half full.

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Damascus, Md.: A nice, but boring Thanksgiving travel trip - we left for Pittsburgh at 6am Thanksgiving Day and retured back on Sunday, also at 6am. Very little traffic going out, and coming back the traffic was getting heavy leaving the DC area, but not bad on our side. The easiest Thanksgiving trip we ever had, and the early time put the kids to sleep - a nice side benefit!

Carol Sottili: Kids sleeping in cars is always a good thing.

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Mapquest: Use www.randmcnally.com instead. Makes sense -- they make the maps.

Carol Sottili: Thanks!

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Silver Spring, Md.: My husband and I visited a friend in Berlin over the holiday weekend. We arrived Wednesday morning and he collected us at the airport.
We were taking over his small apartment while he stayed with his girlfriend. We rested up on Wednesday afternoon and went out for a late dinner. Our friend dropped us off at his place at about 12:30 AM and drove over to his girlfriend's home.
We walked up to the door and put the key in. Nothing happened. We tried the garage. No luck.
We pushed all the doorbells. No answer. We walked around looking for other doors. Nothing.
Hmm. What to do next? We didn't have our friend's cell phone number on us, nor did we know where his girlfriend lived, even though it was two minutes away. We called someone back in the States that had our friend's cell phone number. We tried and tried to call this number from a pay phone at the nearby Overground train station, while a crazy old German man rode by on his bicycle screaming at us. No answer.
Ok, next plan. Found a taxi stand and went over to the Radisson SAS hotel. (Very lovely, by the way, if you are ever in Berlin). They laughed at our story, checked us in, gave us toothbrushes and were very helpful.
The next morning, our friend was picking us up at his place at 10 AM. We took a cab back over there and met him at the door.
He told us to open the door. We offered up the key he gave us. He realized his mistake.

Credit card call to US:10 Euros
Hotel room : 160 Euros
Cab Rides : 30 Euros
The look on our friend's face when he realized we had the wrong key - Priceless!

Carol Sottili: And here I was thinking you had the wrong apartment.

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Washington, DC: Is there such a thing as a good mid-atlantic region destination for a January vacation? My finacee and I would like to take a long weekend trip in mid-January. Last year we did NYC, which was nice but COLD and expensive. We're looking for something a little closer and more economical this year. Maybe a beach town like Cape May or Rehobeth? Are these towns too dead in January to even consider? Any other suggestions???

John Deiner: Hey, D.C. I dunno...I love the beach in the winter. Something stark and lonely and drab about it that tickles my winter fancy. Or something like that. Virginia Beach, for instance, has special winter packages called "Winter Days Getaways" that include whalewatching excursions and lodging. Check out www.vbfun.com for more details.

There's always Virginia wine country, which is always good for a couple of days of fun. Lots of cottages, B&Bs and cabins for rent, and they're often cheaper in the winter. Also, the wineries often have special winter specials like soup lunches to lure people in. And you can always visit Charlottesville and Monticello. Check out www.charlottesvilletourism.org for more info.

Any other ideas?

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McLean, Va.: If the dress does get wrinkled, hang it up in the bathroom when you take a shower. If you get there a day early you may be able to find a dry cleaner who can press it for you.

You might even be able to iron it yourself if all else fails.

Anne McDonough: Irons and I do not mix well--Jo's dresses in Little Women were in better shape than mine would be if I attempted to fix the wrinkles myself. But the bathroom idea has definitely worked in the past.

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Thanksgiving Horror Story: I've got your horror story here. We decided to fly out on a 9:30AM Independance Air flight Thanksgiving morning from Dulles to Portland Maine to avoid the Wednesday evening crush. Well, we were SUPPOSED to arrive at 11AM but we didn't sit down to the dinner table in Portland until 8PM!;!;!;!; The short story? Our flight was turned around after the first 40 minutes due to mechanical problems with the "de-icer" on the windshield (it was 55 degrees in both Portland and DC). Back on the ground again at Dulles, we wait until 1PM to get a new plane, and wait yet another hour behind 10 other planes before takeoff. We get within 15 minutes of Portland, and the same pilot tells us we are being diverted to Manchester NH due to fog in Portland (mind you, all flights before and after us landed just fine in Portland). We are ABANDONED in Manchester by Independence at 4PM, who assured us we would have ground transportation for the 2 hour drive to Portland. Nope. The airport is buttoned up, even the McDonalds closed as we arrived. No flight crew to be found ANYWHERE!; They totally disappeared and left us on Thanksgiving evening in a city we didn't choose to fly to. We tried desparately for 2 hours to find anyone (think Lord of the Flies here...we even commandeered the PA system begging for someone to come, but nope).
My wife's family drove down the 2 hours from Portland to pick us up, but as we were leaving, most of the passengers were still there struggling to figure out what to do (they couldn't get their bags!;!;!;).
We later find out our pilot wasn't "certified" to land in fog and we didn't have a co-pilot (isn't there ALWAYS a co-pilot on a commercial plane?) ...apparently Independence put safety on the back burner for the holiday weekend.
A one hour flight turned into an 11 hour nightmare...

Carol Sottili: That is one crazy story.

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Washington, DC: Ok, I got to the airport 2 hours early on Wednesday and Sunday. both big travel days. Security was supposed to be a bear. But, both times, I got through in 15 minutes or less!; What gives?!;? I'm sick of a 2 hour flight being 4 hours because the airports misinform me.

Carol Sottili: I think the airports overcompensated because they expected such big crowds. Kind of like when we're expecting a snowstorm here and no one drives into work.

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Reclining airline seats: I agree with the other chatter: using a Knee Defender or similar machanism is just as antisocial and I would think more in the wrong than the person reclining.

Why not just recline your own seat as well?

In the past I've asked the "recliner" to go upright duing meals. No one has ever said no for that.

KC Summers: We are hearing that people are routinely saying no to this request. Maybe it depends on how you ask.

In a previous chat on this same topic, we got a lot of bewildered posts from readers who were completely unaware that reclining their seatbacks was seriously inconveniencing the person behind them. So maybe a simple tap on the shoulder would do the trick.

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Arlington, Va.: My wife and I had a miserable experience at Dulles recently. On Friday, November 19 we arrived at the airport 2 hours in advance for our flight, at 3:00 P.M. for a 5:05 P.M. flight. The airport was so jammed that it took us a while to figure out which line was for secruity and which line was for checking luggage as they had merged into each other. After checking our luggage we entered the security line. Several Dulles employees stood near the line, for what reason I'm not sure. Unlike every other airport I've flow from that had unusually long secruity lines, Dulles does not pull people out of line into a shorter line when their flight time is approaching. Not only that, but several people were cutting in line, right in front of Dulles employees and policemen. No one did anything to stop this. The guy behind me cut in front of at least 1,000 people. I told him the line actually started at a different location. He smiled and stayed in line. As a result, several people missed their flights. On top of all of this, a Dulles employee told me I could find my gate information before getting on the tram, after going through security. I'm still wondering where that information is posted. After waiting almost an hour and a half to get though secrurity we ran from the tram to our gate, arriving 5 minutes before the flight was scheduled to depart. Normally, we would have missed our flight as the door would have already closed, but there was a cargo loading delay. Had we know that arriving two hours before a flight was not enough we would have left earlier. Is business so great at Dulles that they just don't care about long security lines? It's been over three years since 9/11 and they still can't get it right. As for us, unless there are no other alternatives, we'll never fly out of Dulles again.

Carol Sottili: There seems to be no rhyme or reason to security at Dulles. Sometimes I fly through security there and other times, it takes forever. But I do know that 5 p.m. Friday is a peak time.

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Richmond, Va.: Help!
My elderly father is going, alone, to Romania in January. I am worried about him getting REALLY cold. Is it a safe country? Any tips for a 75 year old traveling there alone?

Cindy Loose: Some advance planning could be helpful. First visit www.travel.state.gov and call up consular reports, then Romania. I just looked at the site and it notes that nonviolent crime is a problem, with lots of con artists to watch out for. Also, it's pretty much a cash economy, and medical treatment isn't up to US standards.

If it were my dad I'd want him to have a clear itinerary, and I'd want to know that the places he's chosen to stay are in good neighborhoods. I'd also advise him to register with the U.S. embassy when he arrives, and I'd find a list of English-speaking doctors to call, assuming he doesn't speak Romanian. I'd check into medical insurance that includes med evac if necessary. I'm really curious how a 75-year-old identified Romania as a vacation spot.

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Going to Aruba: This is for any divers out there. Can anyone recommend a good dive shop to do an open water referral with in Aruba? First time in the ocean diving for my husband and me. And, do people tend to put their scuba gear (mask, snorkel, fins, dive suit - but no tank/bcd) in a carry-on or would you check that? This is my first scuba trip and I'm not sure how to pack my gear.

Andrea Sachs: You can check with PADI or NAUI for dive centers around the globe (they list them on their Web sites), which usually have shops on-site as well. Also, if you are staying at a resort, they might have a rental shop or the concierge can recommend one. As for carrying on your diving equipment, unless you are worried about the airline losing your luggage, you can send your equipment through--though you might want to hang onto your mask, though, as it is harder to replace.

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Washington, DC: Question for Carol: Will you be doing a feature about your recent trip to Sicily? Italy is one of my favorite travel destinations, but I've never been to Sicily and am thinking about a trip there soon. Would love to hear what you most/least liked about it.

Carol Sottili: I don't think I'm going to write about it. I had a lovely vacation there, didn't take notes and totally relaxed. I did an escorted tour, as I was with my mom and two of her friends. Hotels were sketchy, scenery was beautiful, sights were amazing and food was fantastic. My mom and I also hired a private guide and went to the village my grandparents came from and the village my husband's grandpartents came from. Very interesting. Next time, I'm going to go with my husband and we'll do a coastal tour from Taormina to Cefalu.

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Fairfax, Va.: Trying again with a question that didn't get posted last week: My husband has a business trip to Seoul, Korea, in February and I may have the opportunity to tag along. Is it worth the long flights and other logistical issues to be there for 4 or 5 days? What would I want to see? We will know a couple of Koreans there who may be of some help. I have only been on one overseas trip (to Europe, last year) in my middle-aged life.

Thanks!

Cindy Loose: Everytime I take a flight to Asia I swear I'll never do it again, and the minute the chance comes up, I'm ready to go. So I say go, and bring really warm clothes. If you have frequent flyer points to use for upgrading, that would be a huge plus--but I'm always coach and manage. Experiencing another culture so different from ours is alone worth the trip, in my opinion. I'll ask readers out there to suggest specifics...Korea experience, anyone?

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Beej, Warwick, RI: Here's my Thanksgiving travel story for the contest, it's long, but a great story.

Almost a Thanksgiving Miracle: How My Faith in Womankind has been Restored

We left Warwick at 4 something on Wednesday afternoon. We were expecting traffic, we were expecting the roads to be hard to see, as it was raining cats and dogs, but we never expected this.

Normally it takes us 4 hours to get to my in-laws house in Rutland, VT. On Wednesday night it took is 8. 8 hours.

We were on Route 2, crossing the northen part of Massachusetts, when my husband said "Beej, those headlights are getting rather dim. And what's with those wipers, they are going so slow?" I looked down and noticed that the voltage meter was way down, below the precautionary red mark that indicates that it's too low.

We pulled off of Route 2 at 7 PM, in the booming metropolis of Athol, MA. We saw a gas station, pulled in, and I noticed a police car at the gas pump. I ran into the convenience store to find the cop, and saw him leaning against the Dunkin' Donuts counter. I asked him if he knew of any garages open in Athol at this late hour of 7 PM. He did not know of any. Then he recounted the time when his car died on Route 84 in Connecticut. Thanks officer, your story does not help me at all. He left, but not until he at least wished us luck on our journey.

I got back outside and saw my husband looking under the hood at the alternator. All the wires and things were all hooked up to it properly, so we knew the alternator must have failed.

Just then a woman at the gas pump asked us what was wrong. We told her that we suspected the alternator. She said that her father is a mechanic, and she'd learned a thing or two from him. She offered my husband a ride to the parts store, or Wal Mart, or where ever we might find something we could MacGuyer into a solution.

I stayed behind at the gas station, and decided to work on Plan B. Just then a tow truck pulled in. I asked the driver if he was with a garage, and if the garage was still open so we could get assistance. He explained that he's not affiliated with a garage, he's actually a repo man. But then he said the darndest thing "Too bad you didn't break down in Worcester. I just repo-ed a 96 Cherokee there today. I would totally let you have the parts." I thanked him anyway, though the mention of logistically impossible to attain parts had me slightly annoyed.

I hit up the yellow pages next, and called auto parts stores. I found one in Gardiner, some 15 miles away, that would be open until 9, and had the alternator we needed. I called my husband:

Me: Hi Honey, guess what? I found an alternator in Gardiner. If you buy a crap load of batteries, we could probably make it there...
Him: I can do better than that. I am holding an alternator in my hands. We'll be back in a few minutes.

Sure enough, they were back in a few minutes. Then the woman who gave my husband a lift did the most wonderful thing:

"I have to go to a party tonight. But feel free to use my garage, my tools, whatever you need. Just make sure you turn off the heat and close the doors on your way out."

We replaced the battery, and had just enough power in the car to get to her house. She opened her home to us, showed us where her tools were, offered us a drink and a bathroom, then was on her way and left 2 complete strangers in her garage.

This Thanksgiving season we drank a toast to this woman, who helped us make it to see our family, and spend the holiday with our loved ones. I don't know what we would have done without her. I am truly thankful that people like her exist, who will reach out and help a stranger in need.

Carol Sottili: It's a wonderful life.

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Cleveland Park, Washington, D.C.: A few comments on your airline story in the Travel section yesterday (25 tips...). First, thanks for summarizing all these good ideas and tips in one place. Second, I disagreed with your comment to "pack light and carry on" instead of worrying about lost luggage. More and more people are carrying on larger and larger bags, many of which really should be checked. I've been on a number of flights lately that have been delayed from taxi because there were so many "rollerboards" and other large carry-ons that the attendants had to waste time assessing the situation. If you have to pack a lot, suck it up and check it. If it's bigger than a backpack, don't fuss if it doesn't fit in the overheard. It's not the airline's fault.

Second, regarding boarding my "zone". United boards customers in 4 zones or seating areas too. Why, I can't tell, since passengers in the first two zones are often all over the plane by the time I board in zone 3. US Airways boards from the rear of the cabin forward, which to me makes so much more sense.
Thanks.

KC Summers: I knew I would take some heat for this tip. And I completely agree that the clods who try to wrestle their giant rollaboards down the aisle and into the overhead should be publicly flogged. The key to carrying on is, if you reread the item, PACKING LIGHT. It really is an art, and it took me a couple of years to perfect my system, and trust me, it works. It means thinking hard about what you need to take, packing half of what you think you need, and then taking half of that out. It means being able to lift your own bag into the overhead without asking for help. And, ultimately, it means never being held hostage to a broken conveyor belt or lost luggage. I've traveled to Asia for three weeks using one small carryon.... It can be done!

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Oakland, Calif.: Zone seating is not based on back middle front of the plane, or even window, middle, aisle, which would also be sensible. I've flown lots of times since airlines instituted this, and never has my zone made any sense when comparing it to those categories. Where it has made sense (at least on United), however, is equating it to how much I paid for my ticket. When I've been traveling on a last minute business flight (i.e. expensive), I'm in a top zone. When I travel on a cheap personal flight, I'm in a bottom zone. And I always have middle seats, usually towards the middle of the plane, so again, my seat didn't change. I think that they just want to make sure that the people who pay the most can get on first and have room for their bags overhead. It makes no sense, and makes boarding the plane harder.

Carol Sottili: I think we're getting hung up on the word zone here. But yes, people who pay more for tickets usually get better seats.

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Alexandria, Va.: Love your chat!! I am searching for a place to stay in Mallorca, Spain and I am having some difficulty. It seems that there are lots of large chain hotels in super touristy areas. I want to get away from the huge hotels, and be close to a nice beach and good restaurants. Please help!! Also if it isn't too much to ask, I will be coming from Naples, Italy and was wondering if you could repost some of the inexpensive airlines that fly between European countries.

Thanks

Cindy Loose: Can help with discount airlines---at www.openjet.com you'll find every such airline except one, Ryan Air isn't included, and you can find their flights at www.ryanair.com. As for where to stay in Mallorca, Spain---Gary's our best bet to answer that and he's absent. Can anyone out there help?

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Bethesda, Md.: I'm heading to Atlanta in two weeks for business. This will be my first time visiting Atlanta and in fact have had very little exposure to any southern state (I'm from the pacific northwest). What sorts of interesting things are there to do this time of year in Atlanta, are there any must-dos? I'm in my late 20s and am not renting a car, I really just want to get a feel for Atlanta and am open to just about anything.
Thanks!

Steve Hendrix: Atlanta's a fun city to visit, Bethesda. Lot's of good restaurants and usually pretty clement this time of year. You'll need a car. It's not an easy city to negotiate without one (MARTA is clean, but not pervasive).

Not sure how much time you have, but try to hit: Virginia Highlands neigborhood (near the Carter Center and Manuel's tavern) for a little boutique shopping and some good local eateries; Little Five Points for punk watching and live music; Downtown if you're into the franchise scene of Undergroung Atlanta and the Coke Museum; Piemont Park near Mid-town if you're need a grassy walk; the Cyclorama in Grant Park for an in-the-round exposure to the South's Civil War fetish (we studied the War Between the State just about every year in Georgia public schools and got bussed to the Cyclorama a LOT); for good Southern cookin' (not so easy to find in Atlanta as it used to be), try Deacon Burton's Grill on Edgewood (if it's still open--it it's not, I don't want to know).

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Arlington, Va.: How's this for a travel horror story: Flying back from Christchurch yesterday, we arrived at LAX 45 minutes early. I was dead tired and only barely functioning. Hoping to catch an earlier flight back to IAD (arriving at 8:30 p.m. instead of 11:47 p.m.), I did not recheck my luggage in Terminal 2, but instead reclaimed it and decided to head for Terminal 7, from which the United flight departed. I waited for one of the inter-terminal shuttles, but it was packed and I saw no possiblity of getting on it or any shuttle anytime soon. I therefore decided to walk between the terminals. At the first cross-walk, I pushed the button for the walk sign and waited. And waited. The minutes ticked away. Finally, the light changed. After making my way through another couple of cross-walks, I finally had Terminal 7 in sight. I get to this cross-walk. No one is coming. I don't push for the walk sign, but instead just cross the street. As I arrive on the other side, this officious bicycle officer comes up to me and tells me I just violated an LA city ordinance (Section 214556(b)) and proceeded to write out a ticket for "Ped crossing against don't walk sign hand in said phase," and told me I'd be getting a summons in the mail. Fortunately, I was able to get onto the earlier flight, but because of the delay, my luggage did not join me. I had to go out to IAD this morning to pick it up. Still, the trip to New Zealand more than made up for this annoyance.

Carol Sottili: Glad New Zealand was a good experience. What's that song - "Nobody Walks in L.A.?"

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Oakland, Calif.: Re transporting the bridesmaids dress: It will wrinkle. There's no way to make it not wrinkle. Don't worry about it, and just make sure there's an iron on the other side. It's too stressful to try to pack it just right and stress every time someone touches it.

Re flights to London: DEFINITELY wait until January or so, there will be big big sales.

Anne McDonough: I know it's inevitable but I was holding out hope for a miracle cure.

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5A Bus Warning, Again: I wrote in a few weeks ago about the unreliability of the 5A bus and have another story about how this bus should be used carefully because it cannot be trusted to be on time, at least during rush hour times or busy travel days.

I was headed to Dulles on the Weds. before Thanksgiving and left plenty of time, assuming the bus would be late because of traffic, after having almost missed a flight last month because the bus was 30 minutes late because of rush hour traffic.

After waiting 40 minutes, the bus finally showed up, only to incite a near riot among the 30+ people waiting when the driver took the bus out of service. At the 45-minute point and becoming worried I would miss my flight even though it was 3 hours away, I joined 3 others in the bus line and took a cab to Dulles.

One of the women in the cab had called Metro to ask about the bus and was informed it was routinely 30-45 minutes late. The Metro employee declined to help find out how far away the bus was.

Just to let people know that taking this bus is risky if there is heavy traffic. In contrast I took it back to the city Sunday night and it was on time and fast, so it can work as long as traffic is not an issue.

KC Summers: Yikes. Read and heed, folks. Thanks for that ground-level report -- although it isn't clear whether the bus really is "routinely" late or whether it was just due to Thanksgiving traffic. Has anyone else out there had problems taking the 5A to Dulles?

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Re: Wedding: Put the dress in the largest suitcase you have and souround it in foam peanuts.

Anne McDonough: But this goes against my fundamental hatred of large suitcases! It's silly, I know, but if i can't hold it on my lap I ain't traveling with it.

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re: New Zealand: Yes, you need a car - at least if you're going to venture more than three blocks away from your hotel and you don't plan on leaving Auckland. I spend part of my honeymoon in New Zeland - though we were on a motorcycle. There was absolutely no way we'd have been able to see even a tiny amount of what we saw without a car. Driving on the "wrong" side of the road only takes a few minutes to get used to, and you see so much more on your own schedule with a car.

Steve Hendrix: Thanks, re. Maybe they could rent a motorcycle.

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Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.: Delayed Baggage Compensation - My luggage was delayed for 4 days on my Thanksgiving trip from Dulles to Venice on Alitalia. Can you tell me what compensation I'm entitled to? I can't seem to find any information about this on Alitalia's website and their phone system requires me to leave a message.

Thanks for your help, I love these chats.

Carol Sottili: I don't believe that U.S. rules apply to Alitalia. I just took an Alitalia flight a few weeks ago, and I found service lacking. Try its customer service claims #, 212-903-3575.

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Thanksgiving on I-270: Here's my Thanksgiving horror and delight story all rolled into one. My brother-in-law, wife and kids (age 6 & 10) planned to travel to our home in Alexandria from Pittsburgh. As they were cruising in the left lane - at a reasonable speed, I'm sure - down 270, the tire in their mini-van blew out. They went veering off the road, then across all the lanes, managing to get to the right shoulder. Of course, they have no cell phone. Dinner was on the table, the rest of us cursing them out for being late AGAIN. It's amazing how much hostility can be created if you withhold food from angry relatives.

Long (long, long, long) story short, a good samaritan pulled over and offered help getting the spare tire on the mini-van. Please note that the good samaritan had to show my brother-in-law where to find it. The good samaritan then followed them to the exit, making sure they were OK. We finally heard from our in-laws, drove up to Germantown to get them, and enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner, albeit 3 1/2 hours late.

Thanks to the I-270 good samaritan. My in-laws can be a handful. You are a saint.

Carol Sottili: Glad it worked out well.

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RE: dive gear: Most divers carry on the regulator (if you have your own) and mask if it's a prescription or special one, and check everything else. If your checked luggage goes astray you can always rent gear, but you want your own reg and mask.

Andrea Sachs: Excellent point. Thanks!

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Seat 18B: Anne says: "if i can't hold it on my lap I ain't traveling with it."

How does her significant other feel about being left at home?

Anne McDonough: Ahem, members of the Flight Crew don't answer questions like this. It ruins the mystique.

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Columbia, Md.: T-day was at my parents house, so travel was from one end of Columbia to another. I'm so boring.

Two stories:
One cousin is in Chicago, though is originally from London. While 29, he's just now driving regularly. So he has this great new car.. which he totaled on the way to the airport to catch his T-day plane. Which of course was then delayed. He arrived semi-ok... but he hitched a ride with the wrong set of cousins on Saturday, and accidentally ended up in Edison instead of Cherry Hill. Apparently, he thinks New Jersey is a lot smaller than it is. Last I heard he made it back to Chicago.

We took the little kids to the movies on Friday. Bad idea - I trusted that the movie times one of the whiz kids looked up was correct. After battling the crowd at Columbia AMC we headed for Arundel Mills (Black Friday - ick!). The little kids, after the movie, decided that the parking lot was the place for a wrestling match, and instead of jumping on the teenage boys, jumped on my 5'3" female self. Ended up spraining my wrist and bloodying in right side - though my brother found it necessary to lecture and scold his nephews rather than pick me up and clean me off (thank goodness these monsters are just our cousins kids). Need I mention we accidentally bloodied a borrowed car?

Carol Sottili: And I thought my family was nutty!

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Arlington, Va.: The NJ Turnpike was so backed up at Exit 1 at the Delaware Memorial Bridge that transit officials CLOSED the Turnpike Southbound at Exit 4. I have never heard of this happening before and neither have my parents who have lived in NJ all their lives. Luckily, due to an alternate route, it only took me an extra 2 hours to get home. About the same as it took me to get up to northern Jersey on Wednesday, when I turned off my car for 45 minutes on 95 north of Baltimore and watched numerous cars make a break for it by backing down the shoulder to the last exit, which was far away enough that i couldn't remember when i passed it.

Carol Sottili: I've been on the NJ TPK several times when it was closed because of heavy traffic. Maybe I've just timed it wrong.

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Asia for 3 wks with a small carryon?: do tell? how?

I thought I did well this last trip with a 20" carryon for a week, but ended up buying stuff and thus bought a new suitcase as well.

KC Summers: I swear it can be done, and if you take a collapsible bag, that will take care of hauling all your souvenirs home. The secret is to revolve your wardrobe around one color -- black in my case -- so you end up taking one pair of black pants that you can dress up or down; one skirt or dress; and four or five tops that go with all of the above. Make everything do double or triple duty, e.g. I take a blue workshirt that works as a bathing suit coverup AND a bathrobe. I take one pair of Ecco-type shoes that goes with either pants or a skirt. And I tend to wear a lot of layers on the plane, like a couple of sweaters and a fleece, to free up the suitcase for other stuff. Wear your bulkiest clothes on the plane, like your jeans and hiking boots. Pack quick-dry underwear. That's about it. My other carry-on is all books and trail mix.

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5A poster again: Well, as I said, I took it last month and it was 30 minutes late.

And I frequently see a man in line who uses it to commute to work and back (The bus stops at a park & ride in Herndon or Reston, I think) and he says it is always 30 minutes late during rush hour, and especially bad on Fridays.

KC Summers: We may have to set the crack Travel investigative team on this....

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Wheaton MD to Ohio Thanksgiving Trip: This is a "better than expected" story.
We have been making this trip for years. This year we decided that our best bet was to leave Wednesday morning and return Saturday mid-afternoon. Whe I heard about the strike on the PA Tnpk on Tuesday, I was concerned, but for naught. Out trip out of town was a breeze with free coffee and cookies at the rest stop right over the Pa state line, a free ride on the PA Tpk on Wednesday and only $2 for the trip back through PA. There were less cars and more trucks on the Pike Wednesday, I just know that those that drove through on Monday or Tuesday were kicking themselves for missing the free ride. Even on the way back, paying the $2 was quick at Breezewood, there was the shortest line that I have seen on the Pike in years, two cars ahead of us.
We enjoyed nice meals with our daughter in Pittsburgh both ways without paying the penalty fine for getting off and back on, no toll at the Western gateway (which will be $1.50 instead of $1 once they start charging again).

By the way, I use Rand McNally instead of MapQuest lately, I get better results. (I always get people by my house asking the way through to the other side of the creek, there is no bridge.)

Carol Sottili: Another positive story!

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Re: Philadelphia's Cancun Inquiry: I went to Cancun this past summer Sun - Fri over the 4th July and stayed at the fabulous Hilton which is not in the party area. Paid in low $700 air/hotel via Expedia.com. It was officially hurricane season, but they had not really started up yet.

Carol Sottili: Good idea.

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Rockville, Md: Ah, Mapquest: We were on a short vacation to Asheville. The directions via Mapquest neglected to tell us that Exit 57 wasn't in Virginia but in Tennessee on Route 81. The guy at the service station took one look at me and said "You want exit 57, don't you?" It made what we thought was a relatively easy trip into an extra one and one half hours. (Yes, we should have looked at a better map, but who knew)

Carol Sottili: I'm old school. I like holding paper maps in hand.

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Southside, Va.: I am taking my first cruise to the Caribbean and will need to phone the U.S. twice a day during my trip. What is the cheapest reliable way to do so? The phone in the cabin? Cell phone? (I have Alltell) I have seen the "international" phone cards available in some drugstores--do they work? Thanks for your help!!

Cindy Loose: Norwegian cruise line plans to make cell phones operative soon, but as far as I know, you can't use cell phones at sea. Anyone out there know otherwise?

Calling ship to shore is very expensive, like $10 minimum last time I sailed. Any chance you could take care of this twice daily business by email or instant messaging? That you can do on board cheaply--just ask the company if the ship you're sailing has regular internet access, which I think all do.

Other cheaper option is to make as many of your calls as possible at ports. Contact your phone company and ask if your phone can be used from the specific Caribbean countries where you'll be, and if not, can an account to cover that be activated, and for how much. If that's not a good solution, then do a google search for calling cards and you'll come up with a bunch of companies that will provide an 800 number that you can use from a given country, and then get charged just pennies per minute for calling the U.S. MCI and IDT are two comapnies that offer this service. I do warn you that they can be difficult to use in some Caribbean countries,. If you can't use the access code from the company you've chosen, the next best option is buying an international calling card in the country from which you're dialing. Not, I'm afraid, a simple solution.

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Factory Tours: I believe there is a travel guide to factory tours--"Where to See Stuff Made in the USA" or some such title--though I forget how old it is. The vistors center at the Toyota plant has a USA Today article from a few years ago that mentions it (the book and the Toyota tour). Supposedly, the Harley-Davidson factory tour just up the road in York, PA is another good one.

Cindy Loose: Thanks.

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Travel light?!;: KC, please tell us HOW you can pack 3 weeks worth of clothing into a carry on bag? I've been trying in vain to perfect my own packing system for years, and so far the best I could manage was one giant suitcase for a two week trip. And I swear, I only brought one pair of shoes. Are your clothes really tiny????

KC Summers: See above! It's not the size of the clothes, it's the amount of them! Oh, and I forgot to mention earlier, it's also what they're made of. I have these semi-sleazy nylon t-shirts that I always pack -- one black, one white; they weigh next to nothing and are great for layering. I have some black knit pants that I probably wouldn't wear in real life, but are great for travel. YOu do have to sacrifice some pride if you follow this plan, folks.

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Falls Church, Va.: Re: knee defender -- Like the Knee Defender's website says: "the right to recline your seat ends where my knees begin". I'd find it far more "antisocial" to smash your fellow passenger's knees into their bodies.

KC Summers: Noted.

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Texas: I'm sure you're tired of "why are airfares so crazy" questions, but here's one more.

I have an urge to practice my Spanish. So I check on fares to Mexico City. From my city (Austin), RT, I get $354 + tax (best fare regardless of date). And tax is a lot. So we're probably talking $450. Madrid is $469 + tax, or about a hundred dollars more. I've been checking for a while at various places, and these fares seem typical.

Mexico City is about 2 hours away from me on the plane. If I were ambitious, I could get there on the bus. Madrid is on the other side of the Atlantic.

This is crazy. Why is the system set up like this?

Any advice?

Carol Sottili: Airfares have nothing to do with distance. They have everything to do with competition. If many carriers are competing on the same route, especially if a discount carrier is in the mix, fares go down. Try looking at alternative airports served by discounters.

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Thanksgiving travel--from the Pacific NW:: None of us--my husband, 19-year-old daughter, and myself--were feeling very excited about Thanksgiving this year--still worn out from the election fallout (we still have no goevrnor here in WA, where the two candidates are 42 votes apart), so we left the country entirely... and went to Vancouver, BC, where we were welcomed with open arms.

We got a suite at the Vancouver Four Seasons for the three of us and the dog for $330 Canadian (with parking and a bed for the dog thrown in); we went to a magnificent French restaurant for dinner (the cafe de Paris) and drank red wine (legal for 19-year-olds in Canada) and had cheese for dessert; we went shopping at a deserted Hudson Bay Company store the next day, where the Christmas decorations are very magnificent and they thanked us for our American dollars; and we drove back the next day. Affordable luxury, nothing to cook, nothing to clean up, very little traffic (except at the border crossings).

Oh, and because people always ask: no problem crossing the border with the dog; no problem at the hotel with the dog, either.

Carol Sottili: I bet your dog also had a great time!

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Washington DC:
Re reclining airline seats ... The travel crew should suggest to the airlines that after flights reach safe altitudes, flight attendants should ask all passengers to recline their seats to the maximum angle, all at the same time. That way, no one is surprised (which is half the problem), and everyone keeps the same amount of space. If one doesn't want to recline, they can then return to the upright position, but both parties then know how much space is being taken/given. Just a thought.

KC Summers: Interesting. Can't quite picture everyone cooperating like this, but it's a nice thought.

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NY, NY: I have a good one - I regularly take a bus from NYC to DC, and mindful of the likely heavy travel on Sunday, I showed up at the busstop near the Whole Foods on upper Wisconsin 20 minutes early for a 4 pm departure. Many others did the same, and were pretty disappointed when the bus driver stuck his head out and told us that the bus wouldn't be leaving until 5 pm because he wanted to rest, and that we wouldn't be allowed to board, either. After almost an hour and a half in the cold, the bus driver opened the door, let off a female companion, and finally let everyone board. He did get us to NYC in just under 4 hours, though!;

Carol Sottili: Ooh la la.

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Bethesda, Md.: Any suggestions on the best way to tour the Gettysburg battlefield? My wife is not a history nut, so we don't want to know about every shot fired.

Steve Hendrix: Get a guide. Many of those Gettysburg guides are exquisite and it will bring this event to life even for non-history nuts like myself. You can find certified guides at the Visitor's Center and a two-hour tour runs about $40.

There's also an audio car tour available at the visitor's center (and area gift shops, I think). And in better weather, you can also tour by bike or horseback. But I've never had a better guide than the ones I've hired at Gettysburg.

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Farragut Square, Washington, DC: I simply don't understand the controversy about reclining the seat back. In my view, if the seat is able to recline, then there's no reason to feel guilty about reclining it. Of course, I prefer if the person in front of me doesn't recline, but I would never question their right to do so. This debate is all about the tippping point - the airlines pack people in so tightly that the extra centimeters lost from the recline puts us over the edge. It's the airlines, NOT the passengers!

KC Summers: Amen to that.

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Packing light: I've spent 2 weeks in Hawaii, 10 days in Germany, and 8 days in Denmark all with one 19 inch upright wheeled bag. In Hawaii I had two formal dinner dresses and in Denmark I had a complete Opera outfit. It is possible to carry on all of your luggage and not be a bin hog. Pack things that match in one or two colors, one set of shoes, and one set of accessories. Remember always take half of the clothes and twice as much money as you think you need.

KC Summers: See, guys, it can be done.

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re: Costa Rica: I was in Costa Rica this summer but not in Nicoya, so I can't give any tips there. However, for children's activities, we found horseback riding (horses there are much smaller and thus lots less scary) and rainforest tours (even at the beach). Otherwise, the warm, calm water at the beach was attraction enough for the kids.

KC Summers: Thanks much.

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Chinese Visa Question: For a day trip from Hong Kong to mainland China, I know I'll need a visa. Is it better (i.e. cheaper, less hassle) to go wait in line at the embassy here in DC, or to pay a company to process a visa once I'm in HK?

Thanks!;

Anne McDonough: In Hong Kong you can get a mainland visa in 24 hours; a few years ago I went through a company listed in Lonely Planet and had no problems whatsoever. I don't know what the prices are over there these days, but a tourist visa for an American arranged through the embassy here is $50, and the visa office is at 2201 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Room 110.

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Rome!;!;: first trip!; just got back!; last night!; late!; jetlagged!; loved it!;

some thoughts however: I wonder if the general status of all the precious ancient ruins wouldn't be in better shape if they weren't better taken care of? how much has been carted off and is gracing villas around the country/world for instance? I saw very little secured against theft. I also read that when they started "cleaning up" the colosseum more damage was done by pulling out the plants (which apparently were holding things together) than would have happened naturally in 500 years!; I couldn't get over the general down-at-the-heels aspects of some parts I wandered through. makes me wonder if they actually might be able to save Venice or if it's a foregone conclusion that its days are numbered unless they get their act together.

Rome reminded me more of being in Latin America, than others parts of Europe I have visited.

all in all I loved it and cannot wait to go back!;

Steve Hendrix: Yeah, those ruins are practically falling down! Glad you had fun, though!

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Bethesda, Md.: I've just moved here from sunny Florida and would love to take a ski trip. (I've never seen snow before.) Are there any downhill ski resorts within a 2 or 3 hour drive? Also what should I expect to pay for a weekend ski trip for two, can it be done (rentals, lesson, food, & lodging) for under $500?

KC Summers: We're just about out of time, but by all means check the wonderful regional ski guide published last week by our good friends on the Weekend section. Last Friday, it should be online.

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Freeport, Maine: Hi,
We're traveling to Caribbean St. Martin in January by charter flight from Boston. To save money on food i want to bring a few items such as peanut butter, cereal, etc. Should I put such items in carry on or checked luggage. Are knitting needles allowed in carry ons. For spending money should I bring traveler's checks or use an ATM?

Cindy Loose: Forget the knitting needles in carry on-it will only cause you grief and they'll probably be confiscated. Peanut butter is very dense, as is chocolate, and if you pack it in checked luggage, it will increase the odds that your bag gets opened and searched and messed up. So I'd put the dense stuff in carryon. As for cereal--yes, you can save quite a bit of money by avoiding the hotel breakfast expense,but why not buy the cereal there--it can't cost that much more, unless of course you're set on a certain cereal.
I try to avoid both ATM and traveler's check, by paying for hotels, most restaurants etc. with credit card, and carrying some bucks. I find $200 usually covers what I can't pay wiht credit card. If not, I vote ATM over traveler's checks. But you might find some significant charges so don't be getting $20 at a time.

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Bridesmaid Dress: Since you have a reason you can't accept any of the suggestions people have been giving, why don't you just ship the darn thing? Save yourself the hassle of taking it with you.

Anne McDonough: Ah, but then there's the possibility that it won't arrive on time (did you SEE Castaway?!). I am, at heart, someone who just can't accept that things will go well. But all suggestions were appreciated, believe me.

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RE: Korea: I lived in Seoul when I was a kid, and while I'm not sure there's enough to do for a full 4-5 days, there are a few really nice sights. Off the top of my head, there's at least one traditional Korean village that tourists often go to, a shopping district where you can get a good chuckle at the cheap knock-offs, if nothing else, and a big tower--the name of which I can't remember--that has a really nice view. But the most important thing is to find a restaurant that serves good bulgogi. I've tried to find some of comperable quality back in the States, and it just isn't the same.

Cindy Loose: Thanks.

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Wedding dress bumped me to business class: True story: I got married in a castle in Wales in April, this year (my fiance is Welsh). I carried my wedding dress in a garmet bag (which did wrinkle), making sure to alert everyone about my dress. The ticket agent bumped us up to business class!; The flight attendant hung my dress!; But, it was still wrinkled upon arrival. So I immediately got out the phone book and took my dress to the nicest looking dry cleaners in the area. They had it back to me the next day, wrinkle free (my veil too!;). Good luck with the bridesmaids dress!;

Anne McDonough: That's a great story--glad it worked out for you!

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Frederick, Md.: Re: Mapquest. We used mapquest to get directions to a car dealership to purchase a new car this weekend. The directions had us not only going out of our way but making a uturn to go in the wrong direction. When we called the dealership to find out, we were headed the wrong way. Ended up at another dealership who was not so rude on the phone and bought our new car. Hows That!! yahoo.com and marriott.com gives decent directions also

KC Summers: Thanks!

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Carol Sottili: Thanks very much for a wonderful first time hosting the chat. The horror stories were very impressive, but I'm going to give the prize to Beej from Warwick, RI, who found the silver lining in a trip gone bad. Email me your contact info Beej (sottilic@washpost.com) and I'll send your gift. Until next week, happy traveling!

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