Plotting a Path to Peoria

S. Friedman Bethesda

Although most travelers visiting the Ecuadorean archipelago in the Pacific Ocean take cruises to and among the islands, it is possible to fly there and be a day-tripping landlubber. Many people are surprised to know that hotels and innlike lodging exists in the Galapagos.

Most land tours are for active travelers and involve short boat trips between islands. But accommodations are on terra firma.

Seattle-based Southern Explorations (877-784-5400, http://www.southernexplorations.com) offers a nine-day trip to San Cristobal, Santa Cruz and Isabela islands, with easy hikes along lava trails and outings to see giant tortoises, iguanas and other island inhabitants. Cost is $2,125 per person double occupancy, including hotel stays, most meals and gear, bilingual guides and transportation once you land in the Galapagos.

ROW International (800-451-6034, http://www.rowinternational.com) of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, has an 11-day kayaking and hiking trip to five islands from $3,190 per person double. Participants camp on the beach and stay in pensions. Transport among the islands is by boat and short plane rides. The tour outlet also has a less-intensive walking tour with all-hotel lodging.

If you travel independently, choose your lodging from five dozen hotels, pensions and hotels on four islands (San Cristobal, Isabela, Floreana and Santa Cruz) suggested by the Galapagos Chamber of Tourism (011-593-5-2526-206, http://www.galapagostour.org).

The Santa Cruz town of Puerto Ayora is a good base. Options include the 10-room Red Mangrove Adventure Inn (011-593-5-2526-564, http://www.redmangrove.com; from $145 double) with private bathrooms, and the 22-room Hotel Silberstein (011-593-5-2526-277, http://www.hotelsilberstein.com; $109 double), which has an outdoor cafe and arranges tours.

Information: International Galapagos Tour Operators Association, http://www.igtoa.org.

When is the best time of year to take an Alaskan cruise?

Alyssa Berilla Harrisonburg

Ships generally cruise Alaska May through September, with the warm midsummer months being the most popular -- and most expensive. June is appealing because the sun stays bright nearly the entire day.

If you're in search of a bargain, fares are usually lower in early May and late September, says Princess Cruises spokeswoman Susanne Ferrull. But be prepared for chillier and sometimes unpredictable weather. The Alaskan tourist season generally starts Memorial Day and ends Labor Day, so some shops and attractions may be closed, too.

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