Talk About Travel

Spring break ideas, ticket changing policies, Dominican Republic...

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.

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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The Flight Crew:
And the winner for Best Beer Bong and Bikini Contest goes to?Ft. Lauderdale? Panama City? Virginia Beach? Cancun? Where does the really outrageous Spring Break action unfold these day?

Well, now that the Oscars are over, we can spare some brain cells for the next really important item on the spring agenda?where to go watch the young people rut. We're beyond all that ourselves, of course, but we have a professional obligation to keep up with the latest. What are you hearing? Where's the action going to be this year? And, as a bonus, we'll send a little Mardi Gras starter kit (coffee, beads, a harlequin mask, etc.) to the person who sends in the most shocking Spring Break anecdote from his or her sordid past. Nudity is okay with us.

Here today are K.C. Summers, Andrea Sachs, Anne McDonough, Carol Sottili (we hope) and me, Steve Hendrix. (Also, I apologize for being away last week and a funeral, and would be happy to get to any of those Yellowstone in Winter questions that went unanswered.)

Here we go?

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On the Polish border, Germany: Last week, Montgomery County submitted twice on Tallinn and Riga and got nary an answer.

Gary writes first that Tallinn is better for architecture. Then later, he suggests the reader contact the embassies for travel tips.

Riga has the largest collection of Art Nouveau (also called Jugendstil) buildings in all of Europe. There are more than 800 examples here alone. It is definitely a fascinating city just to walk around. I ended up going there on a fluke from Russia last year, and really enjoyed my stay (though the prices were a shock coming from Russia!;). I also really enjoyed the outdoor architecture museum, but I'm into that sort of thing.

Haven't been to Tallinn YET (am planning a trip maybe this month) -- but have heard it is better. It is supposedly more Scandinavian, because of its close relationship with Finland. This also means prices are a bit higher (this is of course all relative). A short ferry ride away, Helsinki is a definite day- or side-trip possibility.

The Baltics are great for lots of cheap handmade textiles, leather goods and amber jewelry.

MoCo should definitely consider combining the three capitals and exploring outside of them. Estonia is more Scandinavian, Lithuania has ties to Poland, and Latvia is perhaps still the most "Russian" of the three. Maybe this will help MoCo decide where to focus?

There is a cheap Estonian airline, Estonian Air, that flies to Tallinn more inexpensively than SAS or FinnAir. It may be best to consider getting to Europe and then flying to the Baltics.

And finally, the best and most up-to-date recommendations for restaurants, clubs, hotels, performances and museums can be found in the In Your Pocket guides. They are available for purchase once you get there, but I suggest checking them out online first.

Hope this helps MoCo and any other Baltic-headed travelers, and shame on the Flight Crew for not featuring or knowing more about this region!; Nonetheless, I always enjoy the chats.

Sincerely,
The Other Frankfurt

The Flight Crew: Thanks for the after-the-buzzer info.

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Looking for the ideal routing...: I can't get a straight answer from the airlines about this: Do airlines release any more mileage seats closer to the time/date of departure? So far I've managed to get a flight to an airport 1 1/2 hours from my final destination, but I'm willing to pay the fee to change the reservation. Can you tell me: What are my chances?

The Flight Crew: Sottili here: You can't get a straight answer because there is no true formula that is used by all airlines on all flights. It really depends on whether there are seats available. Yes, sometimes airlines do release more mileage seats, but that's not all that common because it means that seats on popular routes haven't sold. Since you already have a seat on another flight, I'd keep calling, but I wouldn't get my heart set on it. I find it's getting more and more difficult to get frequent flyer seats, especially in summer to popular destinations.

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Maryland: I never did the booze-soaked Spring Break or Beach Week thing in high school or college, and now that I'm well-into my quarter-life crisis, I'd like to remedy that.

Any ideas?

I did once spend a booze-soaked week in Memphis on vacation -- does that count?

The Flight Crew: Every day is spring break in Memphis. Stand by for the ideas. They're starting to trickle in. And look out for an upcoming Escapes column on the current state of spring break in Virginia Beach.

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Arlington, Va.: Just wondered, bought a nonrefundable ticket on Virgin for this summer but that was before the drunk pilot and the passenger with grenades. Is that proper grounds for asking them to give the money back? Seems so.

The Flight Crew: It should be proper grounds (hiccup), but it is not very likely that they will give you a refund. You can try, but I don't think it falls within the contract of carriage. But if you are really nervous, send a cup of coffee up to cockpit. --andrea

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Annandale, Va.: We're planning to meet up with friends in New Orleans in mid-April and can't seem to find a flight for less than $300! Any suggestions on alternate routes or strategies for finding a cheaper flight? We usually get better deals going to the west coast!

The Flight Crew: Sottili here: I don't know the days you need to travel, but I found a $162 round trip fare on nonstop flights from BWI to New Orleans on Southwest for mid-April travel.

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Gaithersburg, Md.: Any reccommendations about lodging/ dining on Jekyll Island off the Georgia coast?

The Flight Crew: The Jekyll Island is by far the most interesting hotel on the island. It was the clubhouse of the Vanderbilts, Morgans and other moguls that build summer "cottages" on Jekyll. Depending on when you go, rooms can be had as cheaply as the low $120s, definintely a good value in my experience.

I did a big review of all the Georgia barrier islands and how the millionaire money has served to protect them. We'll dig up a link.

--Steve

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washingtonpost.com: Sweet Georgia Coast, (May 19, 2002)

The Flight Crew: Here's that Georgia island review. Thanks, Kim.

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BWI: Are there any circumstances when "nonrefundble" tickets do not cost big bucks ($100) to change? For example, I'd like to change tickets from an afternoon flight to an early morning one (and maybe less desireable?), and there are lots of flights on the airline at that time--do they ever make exceptions or reduce fees, say the day before the flight, if there are seats available? I'm traveling on Northwest.

The Flight Crew: You can still go stand-by without paying the change fee, as long as you shoot for the earlier flight the same day as your ticketed fare. Of course, there is a risk to going stand-by, but you can call the airline the night before and ask them how full the loads are, to get some idea of whether you will get on or not.--andrea

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Baltimore, Md.: Tip for a question! Someone two weeks ago asked about getting the best price with websites etc. What I've found is that I can often meet a website deal from the property itself by simply asking for it. First, join all the rewards clubs - there are deals there, plus they seem to think you're special, even if you don't stay often. Next, do your homework online. Then call up a reservations agent or the property, be super nice (and if you talk to a higher up it often helps), and say "well, I see a rate or XXX on the internet, but I'd rather book directly, can you give me that rate?" For some reason (the expedia room is already guaranteed income?!?) this has almost always worked for me - even if the AAA rate or other rate isn't even close. Same thing with car rentals - if I say I see a rate of X on the internet, I usually get it matched.

Question
Spring break - my fiances sister is visiting us. She's 19, we're, um, not. I was thinking a night in NYC, but I want to take a couple days vacation and do something run with her that would be fun, and she doesn't think she's a beach person (never been, but...) IDeas?

The Flight Crew: Interesting tips, Balto. Thanks.

And NYC sound like a smart way to cover multi-generational bases--as any big city would be.

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Northern Va.: Thinking about a ski trip over Christmas 2004 with our 2 single twenty-something sons. They snowboard, my husband and I will just relax. One son lives in Portland, Oregon, the other lives here in D.C. With vacation time short for both of them where would you suggest we fly to for the most fun for them and the most effective use of our time? Thanks!;

The Flight Crew: Sottili here: Cheapest, fastest place for the D.C. contingent to go is probably any of the ski resorts near Salt Lake City - I like Park City. Nonstop morning flights get you there in time to spend the afternoon on the slopes. Mount Hood in Oregon is closest to the Portland son, but it's more difficult for you to get to. Christmas week is incredibly expensive - sometimes it costs two or three times more to ski that week than any other week during the season.

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Washington, D.C.: Everyday is Spring Break in Memphis?!? Have you been there? zzzzzz WAnt a spring break... Ft. Lauderdale, Daytona. Cliche, but still has the beaches, the babes, and the drunken fun. Whoohoo!

The Flight Crew: Really? I've thought of Memphis as a big drinkin town. I guess more like spring break for mid-career fraternity types.

And your vote for the classic Ft. Lauderdale and Daytona is noted.

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Deep Valley, USA: For the person last week trying to get from Palo Alto (where I grew up) to the Oakland Airport:

There's no efficient way to do it by public transportation. Period. I consider the 2 and a half hour trek part of what I sacrifice for the much lower fares to Oakland than to SFO or San Jose.

When the schedule or an emergency requires it, you can rent a car one way. Cheaper than a taxi. Or bribe a friend or family member, or spend the early part of the day in San Franciso, then take the shorter trek on Bart from there.

The Flight Crew:
Perfect, thanks.

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Falls Church, Va.: Hello Crew,

I'm heading to Ireland for a week at the end of May. I'll be spending a couple days in Waterford and Dublin, but other then that I have no itinerary. Do you have any tips for where else I should go or any general tips for traveling in Ireland?

Thanks for your help!

The Flight Crew: Lucky you, FC. You're smart to go in May, when the place won't be full of tourists yet (just don't expect balmy weather). Ireland is a small country and it's fun to rent a car and explore on your own, but you'll find that though the distances aren't great, it takes a while to cover ground because of the narrow twisty roads, sheep in the roads, etc. That said, I'd really recommend a drive up the west coast. The Dingle peninsula has some of the most spectacular scenery I've seen anywhere in the world, Galway is a wonderful haven of pubs and music, the landscape of the Burren has to be seen to believed, and Connemara (farther north) is just amazingly rugged and gorgeous.

As for tips in general, take a jacket (preferably with a hood) and good walking shoes, and wear layers that you can add and remove as necessary. I didn't find driving on the left too stressful, though the narrow roads were a challenge -- just go slow and be prepared for flat tires. And be ready to have some fun.

-- KC

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shocking Spring Break (at least for one young man): Spring Break several years ago, a bunch of my friends (think hot women college co-eds) headed to Cancun for a week of sun and fun. One of our group hit if off with a young man from other state who was also spending his spring break in Cancun with his guy-friends. Well, one thing lead to another and she found out 8 weeks post-Spring Break that she was pregnant from Cancun-Boy. She decided to have the baby and her family, while supportive, hired a private investigator to track down the father. She remembered little information: hotel, first name, college/state where he attended, and some of his friends first names. The PI found him and assisted is serving him with a paternity test warrant (or something like that). Goes to show, when on Spring Break sometimes your actions have "shocking" results that may impact you for the rest of your life.

The Flight Crew:

Gosh. Now my swiping that ash tray from Cap'n Bart's Beer Shack doesn't seem so bad.

So, is Cancun-Boy doing the right thing?

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Chalfont, Pa.: Greetings! We will be traveling to Washington D.C. over the Easter weekend, April 8 through 11. We would like to attend Mass at a Catholic Church near our hotel (Homewood Suites Thomas Circle) and find a nice (and somewhat reasonable) place for Easter brunch for our family of six. Any suggestions for a nearby Catholic Church and restaurant for brunch? Thanks!

The Flight Crew: Hey Chalfont--
Less than a ten minute walk west from your hotel (five if you're swift) is the recently renovated St. Matthew's Cathedral, which has an 8:30 p.m. Easter vigil on Holy Saturday; show up AT LEAST 30 minutes before to get a seat for the bilingual mass led by Cardinal McCarrick; there are also six masses on Sunday (1725 Rhode Island Avenue, between Conecticut and 17th St., 202-347-3215, www.stmatthewscathedral.org). As for eating on Sunday, Dupont Circle has some wonderful brunch places. Off the top of my head, if you want singing waiters head to Mimi's American Bistro (2120 P St., NW; 202-464-6464) and for a stuff-yourself-silly brunch with strwberry mimosas in a bookstore setting go to Afterwords Cafe in Kramerbooks (1517 Connecticut Ave). Any suggestions out there, clicksters?
-Anne

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Washington, DC: Are there any alternatives to online flight reservation giants - e.g. priceline, expedia, etc. - for international travel?? I can't find a May flight to Paris for under $500. I need a good eclair, goshdarnnit!;

The Flight Crew: Have you tried the consolidators who advertise online and off (see ads in the Travel section for some companies and their offerings). You might also get a cheaper fare if you opt for a package deal; try France Vacations or EuroVacations.com. But don't give up on the Big Three; you never know when you might hit upon a great fare.--andrea

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airline mileage seats: Two thoughts: one, if the route you want is non-stop, ask if you can go standby (you can go stand-by on non-direct routes too, but you run the risk of getting stranded). You'll probably have better luck with standby if you have freq. flyer status with the airline, but an empty seat is an empty seat, and you might get lucky.

Two, definitely keep calling -- husband and I each have legs of trips on mileage-points that we keep rescheduling (we're currently based in two different states, and buy tix to visit each other when the nice fares pop up). I don't think we're the only two out there.

If you're flexible, I'd head to the airport early on the day you want to fly or the day before, and just hang out and try to get on via standby (you may want to download the times of the flights to your destination of choice before you go!;).

The Flight Crew: Sottili here: I'd check with the airline first re: standby. It may be a waste of a day if it's high season and a popular destination.

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Kauai, Hawaii: Here's one for you - after growing hair out for wedding, I'm itching to chop it off. Will be in Kauai for honeymoon - staying at Marriott. Know of any good salons (hotel or otherwise) in area? Also, we're foodies - what should we not miss?

Thanks!;

The Flight Crew: Isn't there some rule about dramatically changing your appearance right after getting married? Just kidding. Unfortunately none of us here have the in on hairdressers in Hawaii so we're throwing this one out for folks to chime in...
-Anne

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Sanity check - Potomac, Md.: Does a Spring Break roadtrip to Charleston, SC in a station wagon (i.e. no DVD player) with 3 kids (9-6-18 mos.) sound like lunacy to you? If not, do you have any itinerary suggestions that would keep us from going both ways on I-95?
Thanks for the sanity check!

The Flight Crew: That doesn't sound insane--that sounds like my life (not the two are that different). We drive to Savannah at least once a year with two little kids, and always enjoy it. Our great secret is too leave the night before about 7 p.m. Drive till midnight or so then stop a motel. For some reason, the kids think breakfast in a Days Inn is a thrill (and cable cartoons!), the second day drive is very short, which means we can indulge in a sit-down lunch and the odd roadside tourist trap along the way.

the other secret is books on tape. Do you know Lemony Snicket?
--Steve

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Washington, DC: Hello Flight Crew!

I'm going to Vegas this weekend and have made reservations to go to the Picasso restaurant in the Belagio. I've heard great things, but is it better to go there, or spend less and eat at a fine buffet?

Thanks!

The Flight Crew: Wash, I'd definitely splurge and go to the Picasso. I say this as an embittered would-be guest who waited too late to make my reservation when I was in Vegas recently, and couldn't get in. It sounds fabulous -- aside from the food, where else can you dine amid Picassos on the wall?? And it's only money, after all. Please go and fill us in when you get back. -- KC

PS -- If you do decide to go the buffet route, the Wall St. Journal recently rated the Bellagio buffet as one of the best bargains in town.

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re: pregnant Cancun: What happens in Spring Break, doesn't always STAY in Spring Break...

The Flight Crew: Words of wisdom, re:, words of wisdom.

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Alexandria, Va.: Flight Crew,

I was very excited to read the story on Dominica - I'm headed there for my honeymoon in May. Did you get a chance to visit the northeast coast? We're renting a cottage near Calibishie and are really looking forward to totally escaping.

The Flight Crew: Alex, unfortunately Gary Lee, author of the Dominica piece, is away traveling. So if you have time, ask again next week when he'll be back, since the rest of us are, alas, clueless.

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Falls Church, Va.: Here's my only spring break story: when I was in college over ten years ago I sang in a men's acappella singing group that specialized in barbershop (as opposed to all those groups who sing "Zombie Jamboree" and dreck like that). One spring break we did an extended tour of Ohio and Indiana, singing at other colleges and a few Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America concerts. Highlights included eating strange sloppy-joe-like meat sandwiches (called "Maid-Rites," I think) and drinking 50-cent draft beers in an elementary school gym at one of the concerts. At least I avoided riding in the 15-passenger van, as I smoked at the time and drove my own car. It was actually not as lame as it sounds, hard as that might be for non-barbershop singers to believe.

The Flight Crew:
Well, that's the first singing tour of Ohio and Indiana for Spring Break story we've ever heard, FC. Maybe we should do a feature on Barbershop Sing Break.

Zombie Jamboree?

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Mclean, Va.: Your airline deals yesterday included one from USA3000 to Bermuda, which I presume is some sort of charter service, i.e. not a low cost carrier like Ted. How reliable safe is such an outfit? Where does one find good information about this outfit?

The Flight Crew: Sottili here: USA 3000 started as a charter airline - major customer was and is Apple Vacations. It's now offering scheduled service to several cities, including Bermuda. As far as I know, it hasn't had any safety issues and, as a U.S.-based carrier, it is subject to the same sort of safety reviews as traditional airlines.

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20006: I know you all fly a lot. Do any of you focus your flying on one airline enough to have status? If so, what airlines?

The Flight Crew: You know for as much as we all travel, none of us accumulates many miles on any one carrier. That's a function of always going for the best fare and thus spreading the biz around. I used to be a slave to American (and still flow my credit card miles that way) and it serves as decent all-purpose carrier from washington.

--Steve

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Knee Injury: I bought tickets to London a few months ago and will be flying in 2 weeks. I have short legs and space has never been a problem, but I tore a ligament in my knee a few weeks ago and need to be able to fully stretch my leg out. I'm not sure of my seat assignment, but is there anything I can do to try to get an aisle seat if I don't have one? The flight is on American, if that helps.

The Flight Crew: Sorry to hear about the knee--have you checked to see if you already have a seat assignment? If not, our advice would be to show up early, explain your situation (a doctor's note, while not a guarantee, could certainly sweeten the deal) and I'm sure they'll help you out. If worse comes to worse and you're stuck in a seat that doesn't work for you, just try asking the people in aisle seats around you. While I know a lot of people hate to give them up, if you have an obvious reason for needing one I'm hoping people will be kind.
-Anne

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Washington, D.C.: To the Kauai honeymooner: Lucky you!! Kauai is the best of the Hawaiian islands by far...most "Hawaiian". Be sure to spend sometime on the north shore; several nice places to eat up there as well as the beach where South pacific was filmed (and jurassic park). The Princeville hotel has great restaurants. Also on the south shore in Poipu Beach, eat at the Sheraton; there are 2 good places there. If you are golfers, the course there at the Marriott, Kauai lagoons, is great, as is the course at the Sheraton and the two at Princeville. Finally, be SURE to have a lava flow...great local drink!

The Flight Crew: Here you go, honeymooning hairdo person.
--Anne

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Haymarket, Va: Greetings: Has there been any warnings issued for the Dominican Republic? I won't be going for another 2 months but this Haiti thing has got me worried. And, do you have a review of Sunscape Resort in Punta Cana?

The Flight Crew: Hi Haymarket. No, the State Dept. hasn't issued any warnings about D.R. The Haiti situation hasn't affected the resorts of D.R. at all, since they are on the opposite coast of Hispaniola, the island the two countries share. As we said in our Coming and Going column yesterday, what seems to worry some experts are the recent labor strikes and resulting gas shortages and blackouts, which may affect some tourist resorts.

In the meantime, stay tuned for a close-up look at Punta Cana resorts in our print edition. Cindy Loose just got back from the D.R. and will be giving us the lowdown on all the resorts and how to tell them apart. In the meantime, you can check out debbiesdominicantravel.com, a site devoted to all things D.R.

-- KC

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Washington, DC: Here's another possibilities for changing non-refundable tickets...

Most airlines will allow you to change your flight for travel on the same day for a nominal fee (usually $25). The catch is you can only do this a couple of hours before the flight you want. It's not as great as confirming the new flights weeks in advance, but at least you can call the airline from home, instead of waiting at the airport and trying your luck.

Also, most airlines will also waive that $25 fee for customers with status.

The Flight Crew: Good to know, thanks so much ($25 is certainly worth avoiding Standby Stress--will they call my name or won't they?)

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Philadelphia, Pa.: what are the travel conditions going to be like in Santa domingo with the looming power strike?

The Flight Crew: Sottili here: I don't know anything about a looming power strike, but Santo Domingo and the rest of the Dominican Republic has been subject to occasional strikes by citizens who are angry over the country's economic policies. There are frequent power blackouts, although many of the better hotels have generators.

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Baltimore, Md.: Multi-generational!?!? Good god I'm not that old, I'm just trying to figure out what to do with someone who can't drink and thinks my taste in music is so not cool (which apparently is no longer acceptable phrasing)! Hrumph! Clearly, I need to submit my Spring Break stories.

Back in the old days, when border crossings were easier, a whole bunch of college friends and I made the Dartmouth ritual trip to Montreal for a few days. The guys wanted to visit Club SuperSex (seriously, the late night ads in NH/VT for it are -hilarious-), and the girls go shopping, since the exchange rate was sweet, oh, and go to a club where you can dance in a cage. I (female) ended up driving a car full of all the foreign kids. On the way up, I got seperated from the girls, and ended up with the guys at the strip club (they were kind enough to pay my cover). Drank too much, had to go to the ladies, which was also the strippers changing area. Had some interesting conversations in my horrid French, oh, and was mistaken for a stripped (I was dressed for clubbing, and was far cuter back then). Anyway, the way back was horrific, with too many hangovers from 72 hours of alcohol. And the Irish kid was in one car, and his green card and passport in another. He got -lucky-. One -brilliant- kid from the UAE forgot his passport, and was in my car, and acted so damn nervous that we got stopped and questioned. Luckily, one other kid was the child of a swedish diplomat, and had the dip passport. Meanwhile, I'm the only American in the car, and trying to explain how we all know each other. Of course, another car had to go -back- to Montreal for forgotten items (explaining why you were in and out so quickly was fun), another kid got busted for the cheap cubans and booze he brought over, oh, and we accidentally left poor Andy at a gas station off 91 for 6 hours before we realized we forgot him...

The Flight Crew: Ahhh, cultural exchange.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi,

Is there anywhere online where you can find a compilation of all the specials (ie E-savers, etc) being offered by various airlines that week?

Thanks a lot!

washingtonpost.com: Internet Airfare Specials, updated every Wednesday on washingtonpost.com

The Flight Crew: There's your link to Washingtonpost.com, which covers all of them.

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Herndon, Va: Are there any websites that list upcoming festivals all over the US? I'm thinking about trying to co-incide a vacation with a festival because I like going to them, but I kind of what the festival to drive the location, if you know what I mean.
Thanks!;

The Flight Crew: Try Festivals.com for all your festival needs. Another good one is www.2camels.com. What a fun idea! --andrea

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Centreville, Va.: I have a conference in Phoenix at the end of March, and I'm going to burn some of my vacation days afterward. Besides the desert, what else should I see? I'll have a car, so distance is not a problem. Thanks.

The Flight Crew: If you literally have "days" afterward, definitely do the Grand Canyon. It's about a five- or six-hour drive from Phoenix, and you can hit Sedona on the way -- another fantastic place that's worth a stop. -- KC

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20004: I am in need of direction!; This might seem like a silly question but if anyone can help, it is you. The DH and I plan on One Last Big Trip before having kids...the idea was to hit 5 continents before expanding our family (1 continent per year of marriage). Well, we got to Europe and Asia and are wondering which the third should be. Last Big Trip was Thailand, which was outstanding and maybe hard to beat. Most likely, we'll go in fall or winter. Off the top of your head, where would you go out of South America, Africa, or Australia - and where?

The Flight Crew: You've got us all wondering what DH means, but while we're puzzling that out we'll throw some ideas out there (it's not a silly question, by the way--it seems like an awesome idea!). Steve votes for the Andes, Andrea'd love to go back to Australia, which is where KC and Carol would go, and I'd say either Argentina or going safari. Haven't done either but am intrigued by both.
--Anne

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Easter at St Matt's: I am an usher there and definitely ditto what you say about arriving early for mass. That's ANY mass!; Of course if you go up front the seats last longer.

Also, The Tabard Inn is right around the corner on N Street - wonderful brunch, make sure you make reservations!;

The Flight Crew: Thanks for the suggestion!
-Anne

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Park Forest, Ill.: Hey -- have any of your guys been to Kamchatka in Siberia? I've seen grizzlies about everywhere else and I am wondering what the chance is of seeing any of those elusive giants there?

Joan

The Flight Crew: No we haven't. Anybody out there know from Kamchatka and grizzlies?

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North Carolina: For a crazy spring break, try Key West: a mix of
beach, booze and cheap scooter rentals.

Now to my question: any suggestion for a mini-
honeymoon? We'd like to take a few days after
the wedding (late September) to chill out, but don't
want anything extravagant - the big trip is
scheduled the following summer. We were
thinking of someplace with a great spa and low-
key activities, and within a 3 or 4 hour driving
distance of Raleigh.

The Flight Crew: A cheap scooter is always better for drunk renters.

How about Kiawha island for your getaway? They are about to open a killer new hotel, but what they have now meets most of your requests. and it's wonderful there-great low country food, excellent beach, range of accomidations, etc.

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Richmond, Va.: Hello, I will be traveling from Richmond to Tampa, FL on
March 26 to assist a friend's move, and so will be driving a
rental truck north. Any tips on finding one way air fare at
a reasonable rate? Or should I (as I suspect) just
concentrate on round-trip fare and not using the return
trip? I noticed in searching today for round trip that the
fares are higher for a round trip starting that date than
those I have booked recently. Perhaps I should wait until
the 14 day advance date comes closer and hope fares will
come down... Thanks for any assistance--we're trying to
keep moving costs as low as possible!

The Flight Crew: Sottili here: One way fare between Tampa and Newport News, which isn't all that far from Richmond, is $91.

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Bowie, Md.: I only have one spring break story, and it's from high school so it's really not that good. I went to Paris as part of a school trip when I was 14. My French teacher was one of the chaperones, and she was in her mid-20s at the time. She brought her twin sister along, and I ended up rooming with them because the other girls in the group were teasing me ruthlessly (oh the horrors of being a good French student!). Anyway, they picked up this Frenchman near the Eiffel Tower one day, and he took us all over Paris, showing us the sights. We ended up dancing and drinking until the wee hours of the morning in a French discotheque, which was pretty exciting to my 14-year-old self. My French teacher got chewed out the next day for taking a 14-yr-old drinking, but apparently what happens in Paris stays in Paris... My parents never heard about it!

The Flight Crew:

You don't give your gender. If you're a female, this is a very sweet story.

If you're male, IT'S THE BEST SPRING BREAK STORY IN THE HISTORY OF MANKIND!

--Steve

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Arlington, Va.: I've been meaning to write in for weeks but work kept getting in the way! Anyway, I know you are big Sanibel fans and as an island native (yes people really do live there) I wanted to give you a beach tip. Turn left on Periwinkle after coming off the bridge and drive to the end of the island to the lighthouse (you'll see signs for the fishing pier when you are getting close). Turn left and park in one of the snazzy new metered lots. Now don't head for the water you see in front of you, because that's the bay, which is great for fishing and boating but lousy for lounging and swimming. Walk on the shell road towards the lighthouse and when you get to the clearing with the lightkeeper's house, walk through the trees and you'll find yourself on the tip of the island facing the Gulf of Mexico on a beautiful and usually deserted beach. Go as the tides change and you may even catch sight of the dolphin jumping over the reef. It's my favorite place on the island, after Pinnochio's Ice Cream Parlor.

The Flight Crew: Thanks for the tip, Sanibelite.

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Memphis, Tenn.: Apparently the previous poster hasn't been on Beale Street in the past several years.

The Flight Crew: Just so.

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Washington DC: We just bought a hotel room at the Holiday Inn in the French Quarter through priceline for $85 a night. It is too late to change this, but can you all just make me feel better about this? It doesn't seem like as good of a deal as I wanted, but I have no basis for comparison.

The Flight Crew: You don't think $85 a night is a good deal??? Brother, unless there's a dumpster in your room, you did all right.

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Vienna, Va.: How much of a "mark-up" on a trip's total cost can one expect when using a travel agent versus booking a trip yourself. I have EXACTLY priced out a proposed trip itinerary that I received from my agent versus on-line and there is a $2,000 difference. I want to use an agent for this trip.

The Flight Crew: Sottili here: I would never use a travel agent that was charging $2,000 more than what I could get on the Internet. a good travel agent can often get you better deals than you find on the Internet because they have agreements with suppliers. Find another agent.

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to focused frequent flyer: I focus my frequent flyer miles on United (Mileage Plus) because either they or their partners go almost anywhere I want to go and because they have great e-fares.

I also changed my credit card to a United Mileage plus VISA and.....boy do the miles start racking up fast.

For me, it's completely worth it for the upgrades and preferred check-in treatment. Also, there's no other way to accumulate "free upgrades" -- so focussing your flight investment exclusively on the airline you most use definitely pays off, IMHO.

Otherwise, you end up with little piles of non-negotialble nothings all over the place.

I've seen the light, lordy, I've seen the light!;

The Flight Crew: Agreed, TFFF, but when you're mandate from on high is to get the cheapest fares, you get the cheapest fare (K.C. is fearsome when we waster her money), whatever the airline.

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To Knee Injury: Please, please ask the airline to take care of re-seating you and don't rely on the kindness of strangers. It may seem callous, but I would absolutely hate giving up my aisle seat on an overseas flight even to someone who obviously needed it more than me -- after I worked so hard to get it by arriving early or bribing the reservations desk or whatever. Somehow, it would be better if the airline made me move instead of having to voluntarily surrender it.

The Flight Crew: Going through the airline would be the best thing, definitely, but I have been asked to move by both people who just want to sit together (didn't give up my seat since they were rude and were both adults who I thought could handle a few hours on their own) and by people who had a legit reason (gave it up without a second thought), and while I can understand your not wanting to give up the seat, the way I look at it is that it comes back to you. Not to be all Pollyanna and karma-ish about it, but
I was horrifically late for a BWI flight a few weeks ago due to train troubles, and by all rights should not have made my flight, but everyone--from the ticket agents to the 200 people on the security line who let me cut them--was incredible and I did make it. I now keep that in mind when I see folks panicking at airports and train stations, and do what I can to help. Some jerks will ask when they really don't have a leg to stand on, but I'd like to think that most who ask do know that they're inconveniencing others, and already feel badly about it.
--Anne

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Washington, DC: Fellow Dartmouth alum here and regular poster. For the record, I never made the Montreal run of shame. However, I did visit with my cousin once and we were totally searched on the way back (pulling up the seats in the car, etc.). Seems the border agents didn't believe an under-age Dartmouth kid would be returning to the U.S. without booze.

The Flight Crew: A badge of honor, WDC, wear it proudly.

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20004: DH=Darling (or dear, or damned, depending on the sitation!;) husband. THANKS for answering!;

The Flight Crew: Thanks for clarifying--we had some interesting hypotheses floating around over here ; )

-Anne

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Alexandria, Va.: To Knee Injury:

The exit row and bulkseats often have enough room to stretch your leg out. And American is usually roomier anyway. You should be able to find out the distane between rows by calling the airlines.

The Flight Crew: Thanks, Alex.

-Anne

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Deep Valley, USA: There's an excellent vegeterian gourmet (i.e., not just brown rice or whatever stereotype you hold about vegetarian food) place on Kauai called Postcards Cafe. Eclectic but not mindlessly so.

The Flight Crew: Thanks, Deep Valley.

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More on DR: I was glad to see yesterday's column in the travel section regarding travel to the DR since my friend and I made plans to spend a long weekend there at the end of March. But I'm still a bit concerned... both in your column and in the response to the previous chatter, you mentioned that the distance between the Haitian/Dominican border and the southeastern resorts (Punta Cana, etc) makes trouble un-likely. But we'll be staying up north in Puerto Plata. Is there more reason for concern w/regards to the Haitian conflict the closer you are to the border?

The Flight Crew: Sottili here: No. Puerto Plata is still a ways from the border - more than a three-hour drive. And the border area is being heavily patrolled by DR authorities. So far, there hasn't been any indication that Haiti's troubles are going to spread across the border. But remember, DR has its own troubles right now.

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Kauai honeymooner here...: Thanks to clickster with wonderful advice on places to eat - if at all possible, I'm even MORE excited now!;

The Flight Crew: Looks like there are more out there, as well.
Have a great trip!
-Anne

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Farragut West, Washington, D.C.: Thanks for taking my question.

I'll be traveling to Italy at the end of this month. When my brother was in Rome a few years ago, he told me he was accosted by several kids trying to distract him so that their mothers' could steal his luggage or slice a hole in the bottom of his backpack without him realizing it. Are there any precautions a traveler can take to avoid this?

The Flight Crew: Sure. Don't carry a backpack. Don't mean to sound flip, but they're very easy to break (or cut) into. Use your hotel safe for your passport, airline tickets and such. When you go out, put your valuables in a money belt, and don't always be digging around in it -- take out what you think you'll need for the outing at hand, so if your pocket gets picked, you'll just lose that small amount. Be alert to what's going on around you so that if small urchins start crowding around, you'll be prepared.

Also, it's important not to look like a tourist, so you don't get targeted in the first place. So no running shoes, ball caps, etc., and don't walk around with maps, guidebooks and cameras dangling around your neck.

-- KC

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Arlington, Va.: Here's my 2-cents worth for the poster inquiring about accomodations and dining on Jekyll Island. Our family has vacationed there regularly since 1986 and if the poster is looking for family accomodations, I'd recommend the Villas by the Sea condos. They have 1-, 2- and 3-bedrooms condos, a large swimming pool, playground, restaurant and a shuffleboard court (a favorite of our kids). Unfortunately, during high tide the beach next to the condos is covered with water, but it's easy to drive down to the main beach in town. I would also let the poster know that the Jekyll Island Club is the only hotel on the island which is NOT located on the beach. They do have a clubhouse on the beach for their guests, but you have to drive over there from the hotel. I also like the little local restaurants like the one at the pier and the one in the shopping center, but I would recommend avoiding the Blackbeard's seafood restaurant. Great location, but mediocre food. The Holiday Inn, however, has a great seafood and prime rib buffet one day each week.

The Flight Crew: Excellent points, Arl. If I were a frequent family visitor, I'd rent on the beach side. (Although, I would probably go to St. Simmons or Tybee for my regular beach trip). But if you're making your first--maybe only--trip to Jekyll, I say go for the Club.

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Washington, DC: For those of us who like to travel in the Spring, but DON'T like being surrounded by college kids, can you give a general time frame in which Spring Breaks take place? (can't believe that was 1 sentence)

Thank you.

The Flight Crew: Sottili here: Peak spring break weeks for college kids this year run March 6-April 3.

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Airfare compilation: While the Post site is wonderful, readers may also enjoy the convenience of the smarterliving.com weekly listing of airfare specials, which is emailed automatically.

The Flight Crew: Sottili here: While smarterliving.com and the airline sites will e-mail you, I find that when I really need to get one of these e-saver deals, I'm better off figuring out when they are posted on the airline sites and going there ASAP because the best seats sell out quickly. By the time it's e-mailed to you, seats are sold out.

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Separate Vacations, Md.: To make a long story short, I'll be going to Yellowstone at the end of June for a college class and it's going to use up all of my vacation days for the year. My fiance is whining about having to take his vacation all by his lonesome. I said he should get some of his friends to go with him. Can you suggest somewhere in the US where he might get a decent airfare from DC that a group of guys could have a good time around the 4th of July?

The Flight Crew: Vegas.

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Fairfax, Va.: We'll be celebrating our 20th Anniv in April and we don't have much time to get away. Our favorite resort is Ventana Inn at Big Sur. Is there any place with that type of ambience (but not necessarily those prices) within a 2-hour drive of DC?

Thanks in advance!

The Flight Crew: Hmm, a two-hour drive makes it tough. But if you're looking for Ventana-like ambience, consider the Inn at Perry Cabin (if you like the water), about three hours away on the Eastern Shore, or the Greenbrier (if you like the mountains), about a four- or five-hour drive. They're both wonderful, gorgeous, pampering-type places surrounded by great natural beauty. But they ain't cheap.

Other close-by resorts with spas and fine dining: Nemacolin and Hershey in Pa., and the Homestead in Hot Springs, Va. You can't go wrong at any of these.

-- KC

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Washington, D.C.: Do you have any suggestions for good adventure travel companies in Ireland? I'm looking for something that has a young (20s to 40s) and single clientele, with a good mix of outdoorsy activities and sightseeing, but that leaves you with enough energy to check out the pubs at night. Thank you.

The Flight Crew: Check GORP for a list of outdoorsy vacations (and companies) that have a young edge. Stay away from walking tours, they often attract an older clientele. Also, when booking ask about the average age, and check out the itinerary: If it looks like your clocking a lot of mileage, then you most likely will be with a younger or at least more active group.--andrea

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Bombay, India: Together with my family I will be moving to Hong Kong this summer for a couple of years. Do any of you know or can recommend an area of Hong Kong to live in? Where do most of the expats live? Plus, we will be looking for housing in June and will be there for four days. What can we do and see in four days, besides outrageously expensive apartments?

The Flight Crew: Hey Bombay, coming up is a link to our most recent Hong Kong story written by a former expat. Hoepfully this will give you a good feel for your soon-to-be home.
--Anne

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washingtonpost.com: Hong Kong: No Ill Feelings, (Dec. 14, 2003)

The Flight Crew: Thanks, .com

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Alexandria, Va.: We are planning a trip to Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island in the late summer. We know where we want to go in NS, but don't know anything about PEI. Where would be a good central location to stay while we spend 3-4 days touring the island?

The Flight Crew: Alex, take a look at this (upcoming) link to our recent piece on PEI. The focus was Anne of Green Gables, but there's good info there re where to stay and what to do. -- KC

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washingtonpost.com: The Anne That Ate P.E.I., (Aug. 10, 2003)

The Flight Crew: Here you go.

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For the person going from Warsaw to Romania: The Deutsch Bahn web site has complete train info (including intermediate stations). It takes about 23 hours from Warsaw to Bucharest thru Budapest.

The other option that's worked well for me in a lot of places is to find a local (Warsaw in this case) travel agent for intra-east european flights. They have access to local carriers and discounts. Perhaps family in Poland can check it out before you arrive.

Do go to Transylvania if possible. Absolutely beautiful.

The Flight Crew: Thanks for the info...

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Colorado Springs, Colo.: To last week's question about researching trips in Colorado: I used a few websites to prepare my trip (and eventual move) to Colorado:
http://www.aroundcolorado.com
http://www.discovercolorado.com
http://www.14ers.com

The Flight Crew: And thanks for this...

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The Flight Crew: Well thanks very much for the chat folks. The winner of the Mardi Gras kit goes to the writer who clearly most needs a little Spring Break party primer--the barbershop quartetist from Falls Church. Send you particulars to travel@waspost.com and we'll ship it out.

See you next week.

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