For a more summery retreat, Kelleys Island is about 150 miles north of Columbus on Lake Erie. You can sail, swim, explore the 400-foot-long Glacial Grooves, buzz around the island by golf cart, hunt for fossils, visit outlying islands and more. There are myriad condos and cottages that could comfortably fit all seven of you. Info: Kelleys Island Chamber of Commerce, 419-746-2360, www.kelleysislandchamber.com.
Our daughter has joined the Peace Corps in Zambia. We want to visit her in September and are combining a Mediterranean cruise that begins and ends in Rome. How safe is it to fly into Zambia? Any ideas on sites or safaris?
Gayle Ratajczyk
Dumfries
A number of established airlines fly to Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, and offer daily service from Johannesburg or thrice weekly flights from London (i.e., British Airways). Flights from the States start at $1,600 round trip in the shoulder season of September, and about $1,000 from London. For your London-Rome hop, try a budget airline like Easyjet (about $44 one way).
As first-timers in Zambia, go where the big game runs free: South and North Luangwa (the north is more remote and known for walking safaris) and the Lower Zambezi, where you can also view the animals by canoe. Kafue is another great park, but you can easily fill your two weeks at the other three.
For museums, outdoorsy activities and one view of Victoria Falls, spend a couple of days in Livingston. Book the safaris before you go, as fall is peak safari season. The Florida-based Africa Adventure Co. (800-882-9453, www.africa-adventure.com) offers a number of Zambia safaris, including a 10-day trip from $3,350 per person double. For general info on Zambia: Zambia National Tourist Board, 212-888-5770, www.zambiatourism.com.
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