On Freighter Ships, a Long Haul

As an alternative to cottages, which can be historic in every way (e.g., ancient amenities), Weir suggests renting a cabin. "Cabins are strung up all over the countryside," he says. "They have a lot of facilities, are modern and standard, and they rent for a week at a time."

For properties, go to the Scottish Tourist Board's Web site, http://www.visitscotland.com/ . A quick search for self-catering lodging uncovered pages of choices, including Huntingtower Cottage, a two-story stone building near a 15th-century castle in Perth. You can reserve a place through the National Booking Centre by phone or e-mail. For information on Scotland: 800-462-2748, http://www.visitbritain.com/usa .

Do buses offer day trips from the D.C. area to the Delaware and West Virginia casinos?

Marie Alfidi Washington

Day-trippers in search of Lady Luck don't have to travel far -- or wait for the weekend. Buses depart daily from various D.C. area locations. Here are some options:

· W&S Tours goes to Delaware's Dover Downs and Midway Slots and West Virginia's Charles Town Races & Slots on Wednesday, and Friday through Sunday (schedules vary). Pickups are in Woodbridge, Alexandria, Southeast Washington and Oxon Hill. Cost is $20 round trip. Info: 703-768-2580, http://www.bustoursva.com/ .

· Crown Charters has runs to one of the three casinos Sunday to Thursday; all three on Friday; and to Midway and Dover on Saturday. Pickups are in Waldorf, Clinton, Marlow Heights, Forestville, New Carrollton and Bowie. Cost: $20-$25. Info: 301-868-9484, http://www.crownchartersandtours.com/ .

· T&B Dansby, 202-832-0993. Daily departures to Midway, Friday departures to Charles Town, and Tuesday, Thursday and Friday runs to Dover. Pickups are near Langley Park on New Hampshire Avenue. Cost: $15.

· Charles Town Races & Slots (800-795-7001, http://www.ctownraces.com/motorcoach.php3 ) has a list of companies providing transport from the D.C. area. Call the bus company to verify departure times and places.

Send queries by e-mail (travelqa@wash post.com) or U.S. mail (Travel Q&A, Washington Post Travel Section, 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071). Please include your name and town.