Talk About Travel

Spring break travel tales, non-euro Europe...

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.

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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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John Deiner: Greetings and welcome to this week's journey with the Travel section Flight Crew. Along for the ride are K.C. Summers, Steve Hendrix, Anne McDonough and Our Fare Lady, Carol Sottili. And ready to take your questions on their Europe 2005 stories are Gary Lee (Slovakia), Cindy Loose (Bulgaria) and Andrea Sachs (budget tips).

Anyone notice it's officially springtime now? Got us thinking that it's also spring break time as well. With that in mind, let's share spring break stories today. What's the best/worst spring break you've ever had with your frat chums/girlfriends/family o' five? Where'd you go and what made it so memorable--for better or worse? Please keep it short and sweet, or even better, short and mean.

But mostly, keep it short.

Most tantalizing response gets Microsoft's Picture It!premium, which by the looks of the thing seems to be a pretty good prize. But if you don't care to "Easily organize, enhance, and share your memories" like the box says you can, I'll throw in a giftpak from Ohio tourism. It includes a CD with music from Cleveland's orchestra, a travel candy and a chintzy mini-champagne flute.

Let's start, shall we?

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Prague in January: Great article on Eastern Europe. Was in Prague for New Year's and can sum it up by saying, it beats Times Square, hands down!;

For those deciding to go, don't forget to visit the Communism Museum. It's tucked away in a shopping district, on top of a Casino. It took us a few hours to find, but the giant statue of Marx made it all worth while.

Cindy Loose: Thanks, good idea.

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Washington, DC: Gary Lee,

Thanks for the informative and timely articles.

My wife and I are traveling to Prague for 1 week in May for our anniversary. What recommendations do you have for affordable restaurants and shops? What day trips would you recommend since we booked a hotel for 5 nights in Prague?

Sada Manickam

Gary Lee: You're welcome!
It's been a while since I was in Prague, so could not give you the most up-to-date restaurant recommendations. But Anne, my colleague recommends Kampo Park, near the Charles bridge.
As for day trips out of Prague, I greatly recommend Pruhonice and Konopiste, both of which are quite easy to reach by bus from central Prague.

Any other Prague restaurant or day trips out there?

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Washington, DC: I would like to get a copy (either on-line or hard copy)of the article on "LAS VEGAS" which was published in the "TRAVEL" section of the Washington Post some time ago. I don't remember the date it was published.
Please help with just the date so I can go to the local library and view the article again. Thanks for your help.

The Flight Crew: Deal Us In, (May 2, 2004)

Steve Hendrix: Here you "GO"

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Alexandria, Va.: I really love the weekly "Deals and Discounts" listings (and normally check them out on the website on Saturday so I can move quickly if the deal is particularly good), but is there any way you can give a little more lead time on some of these? This week's deal to New Zealand is great but some of us need more than 24 hours to see if things can be arranged to make the trip happen. Is this the type of promotion that might be annual so maybe I should start looking for it next February?

Thanks for the "Non-Euro Europe" articles. I'm meeting my son, who is doing a semester abroad, in mid-May in Prague and from there we're going to Krakow, Budapest, Bratislava and points in between. The price is definitely right.

Carol Sottili: Unfortunately, that's the nature of deals. They come and go very frequently, and they rarely have a long shelf life. I think it's safe to say that you're more likely to find deals Down Under when it's winter there and summer here.

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Silver Spring, Md: Thank you for your articles on Central/Eastern Europe this week. A question for the authors of those articles and the staff in general - in these countries in particular, and in the past year or two in general, have you been noticing less friendliness towards US travelers? I ask only because over the last 15 years, I have lived in and traveled pretty extensively in Europe, speak a few European languages pretty well, and consider myself to be a pretty savvy, non-jingoistic traveler. Only during my last vacation (two weeks in Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia last summer) have I felt a real coolness towards Americans.

Cindy Loose: Gary says he found his Slovakians very friendly, and I found my Bulgarians friendly, with a few rare exceptions that I think had more to do with the old Soviet habits of hospitality than with my being an American. I asked directions more than a dozen times, and every time, people went way out of their way to help. In a bar/restaurant in the countryside where no one spoke English, a table full of men waved to me as they left, with huge smiles. I think Eastern Europeans are so glad you aren't Russian that they don't care about our Middle East foreign policy. And they want tourists. They all seem to suffer a little from an inferiority complex, and are thrilled that someone would come from so far away to see what they have to offer. Plus, I think they all think fondly of the U.S., which was supportive in their struggle to get rid of the Soviets.

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Broomes Island MD 20615: SPRING BREAK!; My spring break story involved a diesel car and a language barrier. (Somehow I didn't learn this lesson in college!;)

I wanted to see the Riviera (the real one) and talked my wife into taking the family to San Remo, Italy. A wonderful place!;

Then, I found myself stranded on the side of a dark mountain one March night because I filled the automobile I was driving with gasoline instead of diesel fuel. It was a case of not understanding the travel language. Luckily, everything worked out OK for me, but it turned out to be an expensive ($300) mistake.

It all started out with this: Many of the (big) cars you are going to rent in Italy are diesel fueled. Many of the gas stations in Italy are unstaffed during certain periods of the day (you pay by inserting credit cards or cash into satellite stanchions). When there was no one to ask questions of, you could get in trouble...

1. When I'd filled up the tank previous to this, I had done so on the highway rest areas, where the stations are full service, so when it came time for me to do it myself, I had no experience...

2. In the US, diesel pumps are frequently green. In Italy, it's the NON-diesel pumps that are green. The diesel pumps are black. I thought I was pumping diesel out of the green pump, especially because of the label on the green pump...

3. In Italy, NON-Diesel Fuel (I guess it's gasoline) is called DIESEL SANS PB. (Diesel without Lead). DIESEL FUEL is called GASOLINA!;

So, when I saw "Diesel sans PB" on a green pump, I felt comfortable putting it in my diesel car. I even had my wife come out to check. Can you see how one would be confused?

BTW, FYI, in case you ever wondered, when you put gasoline in a diesel car, the diesel fuel (which is heavier) gets used first, before the gasoline gets drawn into the engine, causing the engine to shut down. Hopefully not on the side of a mountain.

John Deiner: Hey, Broomes. First, great story. Second, too long! Folks, keep these stories short or I won't post 'em, though it'll kill me to withhold them from the masses.

As for the diesel, any fans of Amazing Race out there? A couple of times, folks have put regular gas in their cars instead of diesel, to disastrous results.

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Best Spring Break: Was during college with girlfriendss, of course. Drove from LSU to Ft. Walton Beach Florida. Stopped at a diner along the way and we all chatted with the waitress, who had a gorgeous tan. As we were all pasty white, we asked her how she got such a good tan. She told us crisco. We bought some and greased up good the first day on the beach. We all fried!; It's a great memory we still talk about, 20+ years later.

John Deiner: Yow. But pretty high-larious stuff. Thanks for sharing!

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Montgomery Village, Md.: My wife and I are planning an FIT trip to Romania, Bulgaria and Ukraine in mlate May early June. Do you have a suggested tour operator in Bulgaria? Any suggestions for entering Romania from Odessa or Kiev Ukraine.
Did Cindy Loose travel to Romania too?

Howard Chenkin

Cindy Loose: I did not go to Romania, flying straight into London then on to Sofia. The box that went with the article gave a website for finding tour operators. I didn't use one, but would recommend it to anyone who's not being paid to surf Bulgarian websites. I will say, however, that I used a tour book of Bulgaria put together by Alexander Tours, and they really seem to know there stuff, and are one of the largest tour operators in the country. If you can't find them doing a web search, I can try to track down the book and the website etc., but it seems to have been misplaced during a move we're making while our offices are renovated.

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Washington, DC: I'm flying to Rome for an eight day vacation at the end of May to early June. How do I make the most of my trip? (i.e., what are the must see sights). Also, what sort of weather should I expect?

Gary Lee: Here are my thoughts about Rome:

1. Go to the Vatican early in the day and make time to see the other many dazzling chapels you encounter before the Sistine Chapel.
2. Take a good guidebook to the Coliseum. Even the best of the tourguides there leave you starving for more information.

3. Take a guided bus tour of the major churches and the caticombs. You could do it on your own but it will take more time.

Any body else with Rome tips?

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Washington, DC: Worst Spring Break:
While in college I decided to particpate in a community service based spring based called "Spring Break in Appalachia." I headed off to the mountains of West Virginia with a van full of fellow do-gooders, for what should have been a week of construction, camping and fun. The weather was so miserable, we were unable to do ANY of the work that had been set out for us. Because of poor management, we were snowed in by a blizzard and had to extend our stay an extra three days. Eighteen people stuck in a farmhouse on a mountain, without potable water (save snow melt), without food except beans (yup, beans), and with a fellow classmate passing around a stomach virus. It was horrible.

John Deiner: Sounds horrible, but I bet the pictures were priceless. Or maybe not.

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Takoma Park, Md.: Many years ago in California. Blended family before blended families were cool.

Parents get brainwave to make five teenage girls bond over a trip to Disney Land. Sisterly bonding in a fun spot, right?

First day of the trip: tra la, we borrow each other's clothes. Second day of trip: we ruin each other's clothes "accidentally".

Four days later, nobody is speaking to anybody else.

Parents' divorce came five years later, but the seeds were sown in disney land.

John Deiner: TP, I'm crying here. That's almost poetry you done wrote. Thanks for sending it along.

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Spring Hill, Pa.: I just returned from visiting my son, a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford (proud mom speaking). I got a wonderful price on British Air between BWI and Heathrow -- $268 r/t. However, the taxes and security fees were $143, or more than a one way flight! Isn't that ridiculous? Where will it end?

Good article Sunday on the weak dollar. Another suggestions to check out local colleges and universities. An increasing number make dorm rooms available even during session, if they are not full up. Not exactly 5 star accommodations, buit the price is right.

Carol Sottili: Air taxes are here to stay and they are particularly high to destinations in Europe and Canada. A whole kitchen sink of stuff goes into them, including taxes from the foreign country, airport taxes, security fees, etc. Good idea on university lodging.

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Deep Valley, USA: No question, just a reminder. The transit system websites for most large US cities have an automated travel planner. Even if your hosts aren't public transportation users, you can get on, say, the Chicago CTA website and get routing, fares and trip times to wherever you want to go.

Most are even better than Metro's.

KC Summers: Right you are. I've used this for Boston and it worked great.

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Foggy Bottom, Washington, DC: At security at Long Island Islip airport this morning, my bag was swabbed down and came up positive for explosives. The TSA officers patted me down and did a thorough check through my bag and let me go after they took my driver's license and copied down all of my information. Any ideas 1. What they're going to do with my personal info? and 2. What could have caused the false positive in my bag? Thanks!

Cindy Loose: I've heard there are certain handcreams that can cause false positives. I have no idea what they'll do with the info. You could try asking the TSA, or I could even try asking them. I'm not sure they'll tell me, though.

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Re: Spring Break: The strangest spring break trip I took in college was to Fort Walton, Florida -- hello, redneck riviera!; Stayed 6 people to a room in the requisite crappy hotel, drank too much beer, perused the tacky low-rent souvenir shops, all the usual.

But the thing that really made the trip crazy was that one of my friends spent too much time in the hot tub, got lightheaded when he stood up, fell down & hit his head!; He ended up with temporary amnesia, a concussion and a neck brace after a trip to the local emergency room!; One of the results of the amnesia was that every 20 minutes or so he would ask us "hey guys, how come I have this neck brace on?" for the entire drive back to New Orleans.

Good times, good times...

John Deiner: Good times, indeed.

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Disney World Spring Break - Quick One: Disney World trip from DC to FL Spring 1999, in a motor home with husband, in laws, various assortment of kids. Divorced in 2000!;

John Deiner: Wow. Another spring break story that ends in DIVORCE. A trend?

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Annandale, Va.: My wife and I have the potential opportunity to take ourselves and our three kids (all 10 or under) to Italy this summer for 2 weeks. First, our passports expired a few years ago. What is the best way to get either new or revalidated passports (forms, internet, etc.)? Second, since having the three kids makes spontaneous stand-by airfare specials a bad idea, what is the best way to get good rates on tickets? Third, are there any good websites/organizations on travel packages to Rome and Pompeii? Thanks much!

Andrea Sachs: For passports, the U.S. State Dept. has a user-friendly Web site that outlines everything. See http://travel.state.gov. For cheap flights, it will be tough to find for peak season Europe. But look for sale fares on Orbitz, Expedia and the other travel booking sites, as well as the major airlines. You might also find a companion fare or a deal for children a couple months before the tourist onslaught begins. Also check with a travel agent, or consider a package deal, like those offered by Gate 1 Travel and Italia Tours.com. And if the basic package does not have a Pompeii portion, you can always tack on a side trip through a local agency. Check with the hotel concierge for info.

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Washington, DC: Any word on whether Corsica is worth the trip? Looking for summer European spot with good sites, beaches, etc. and heard good things about Corsica. I've already been to Amalfi, French Riviera, and Greece.

KC Summers: Absolutely worth the trip. I'll post a link to our recent piece by Robert Camuto. Gary adds that he thinks it's got the prettiest views in Europe -- beaches, cliffs, etc.

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Indianapolis,Ind.: Gary and Cindy,

Does Slovakia and/or Bulgaria use the cyrilic alphabet? Are many signs, menus, etc in English?

Gary Lee: Bulgaria uses a form of Cyrillic but Slovakia doesn't. In Slovakia menus are in English in most of the more heavily touristed places; in Bulgaria far less so.

Take a phrasebook!

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Silver Spring, Md.: Loved your Eastern Europe countries' stories. We've been talking about visiting Bulgaria and Cindy's story sought of clinched the deal for us. Loved her descriptions of her language-barrier problems. Can you recommend a source of information about Bulgaria so we can do some pre-trip planning?

Cindy Loose: Lonely Planet is the only guidebook I found, except for one put out by a Bulgarian tour operator called Alexander Tours. I did get a lot of information from the Bulgarian embassy---since they have no tourism office in the U.S. the embassy's trade rep sends out lots of good brochures. That's all I did in prep, besides reading the book about saving the Jews, which also gave me some insight into other periods of Bulgarian history.

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Stafford, Va.: Best Spring Break: A week's worth of surfing in the Outer Banks with four buddies. OBX was very quiet, we had the place to ourselves. Nothing like beer and marshmellows by the campfire on the beach on a cool spring night.

Many Years Later:

Worst Spring Break: Made the mistake of going to Nassau with my wife during the spring break period. Knew right there and then that I had offically gotten old. The girls were too young to look at, and the guys could hold more liquor than me. Not to mention all I wanted to do was rest.

John Deiner: Super stuff, Stafford. And what's beer without marshmallows?? Uh, palatable? Sounds like a nasty mix to me, but what the heck do I know. Thanks for chiming in.

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The Flight Crew: Corsica: Where the French Go, (June 22, 2003)

KC Summers: For the (possibly) Corsica bound. Thank you, Kim.

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Alexandria, Va.: Hello! My husband and I are trying to take a trip to Disney World, FL this May. What are the reputable websites that offer affordable Disney packages? I got a quote from one, and am wondering if I should shop around, or if they're all the same. We're too busy to put the individual pieces together one by one, so looking for a site that does it all. Thank you!
-A Disney Novice

Steve Hendrix:
Try www.mousesavers.com, Alex, one of the better known Disney-buster sites. Also, as a novice, don't fail to get 'hold of a copy of the "Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World" by Bob Sehlinger, one of the most useful guidebooks I've used. It's absurdly detailed, down to actual clip-in-run battle plans to maximize your time in the crowded themeparks.

To that end, we'll link to a piece I did a year ago about the suitably military-planning approach to DW.

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Downtown, Washington, DC: Best spring break: Rhode Island! My best friend and I drove her VW convertible from Fairfax to Rhode Island. We saw the Breakers, the Vanderbilt mansions, etc. We learned to drive scooters on Block Island, and enjoyed the New England spring. Didn't swim in the sea - too cold - so ate lots of seafood!

John Deiner: Good stuff, D.C. Thanks.

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The Flight Crew: Disney World: The Kids' Choice, (May 16, 2004)

Steve Hendrix: Here's that Disney-for-dummies article. thanks Kim

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Re: Slovakia: Great article, but in reality a trip to Slovakia is not complete without going to the Tatras. They are the pride of the country, there are also spas there. I found Slovaks to be very friendly, they were actually surprised to see an American. Many people over 20 cannot speak English but are impressed if you can speak a little Slovak.

Gary Lee: Thanks! We agree. That's why we went to the waterpark in the low tatras described in the article. I am sure that you noted in our last feature piece on Slovakia, published a couple of years back that we had more on the Tatras.

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Vienna, Va.: Hi travel group!

My husband is taking our daughter on a flight to Montreal. Does he need any kind of letter from me stating that it's not an international abduction? Have I watched too many "made for TV" movies? Thanks!

Carol Sottili: Just to be safe, have him bring along a letter from you giving him permission to fly with your daughter. Here's what the U.S. State Department says in its consular info sheet on Canada:
In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian if not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.

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Spring break: Five friends and I rented a car and drove from DC to New Orleans--overnight--for Jazzfest. We checked into our hotel exhausted, starving, but pumped to be in the Big Easy. Desperate for a yummy but cheap meal, we ducked into a local greasy spoon and a waiter, who introduced himself as "Johnny-O" presented us with menus. Without missing a beat, my friend said "Book me a po-boy, Johnny-O." It was the BEST meal ever.

John Deiner: Sweet, SB. But . . . Book me a po-boy, Johnny-O?

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Foreign Currency Surcharge: Last week, CoGo's feature on this topic said that MasterCard charged 2% for foreign currency conversions. I always thought it was 1% (same as Visa), so I checked with the bank that issues my MasterCard (MBNA). They told me it's still 1%, and they don't know of any pending plans to increase it. So what's the scoop, Travel Crew? Thanks.

Cindy Loose: You called the bank, which issues the credit card. The issuer--in your case the bank--sometimes adds nothing, sometimes adds 1 percent, or two or three or even four.

The two percent to which I referred is added not by the issuer--in this case your bank--but by the MasterCard company. Thus, it seems to me you're paying a total of 3%--two to MasterCard nad the 1% to your bank.

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Centreville, Va.: Really enjoyed the article on Slovakia. Are there any places to go hiking near the SPAs so I feel like I earned it? Also, How did you plan out your trip (e.g., travel agent, internet research, Frommers) to identify where to go and how to get there?

Thanks

Gary Lee: Thanks. Around Piestany there are GREAT placs to hike along the Vah river. To be frank, I relied a fair amount on a colleague who grew up in Slovakia. But the Internet has some great resources, too: google around. The Lonely Planet guide to the Slovak and Czech republics is also useful.

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Information Please: Is there any way to find out how you take submissions of freelance articles? I am starting to write about some of my travel experiences, and have noticed several articles in your pages that seem to be freelance. I imagine a quick query letter is the best method - by email? And to whom? Thanks!;

KC Summers: Well, it's a cruel freelance world out there. You can e-mail queries to us at travel@washpost.com, but fair warning -- we get so many submissions and queries that sometimes it's hard to get back to people. In fact, we run a disclaimer on Page 2 each week saying that due to the volume of mail received, we simply aren't able to respond to all unsolicited inquiries. We try, though.

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Washington, DC: Funny!; Crosica, where the French go. Like Napolean!;

KC Summers: Mais oui!

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Burke, Va.: Spring break story -- my senior year in high school I planned to go to Caracas, Venezuela to visit my "family" and friends from the previous summer when I had been an exchange student. Well, they forgot to pick me up at the airport, in fact forgot I was coming at all, because Grandma had died. So I spent the week sitting in mourning with the family and learing the rosary in Spanish (helpful to a nice Jewish girl). The week ended up great though after missing my return flight home (!) I ended up there for my 18th birthday and the impromptu party was the best I have ever had. Much music and dancing later, I got the flight a day later with the thanks of my hosts for being understanding.

John Deiner: GREAT story, Burke!! You poor thing.

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Woodstock, Va.: How far in advance is it necessary to book a stay at the Thermia Palace? Is Piestany within easy walking distance of the spa?

Gary Lee: I think you can book at the Thermia within a month or so of going. But please be aware that they are closing for renovations in October for around six months. There are a number of other spa hotels nearby the Thermia and they are all lovely although less historic.

The center of Piestany is around ten minutes by foot from the Thermia and other hotels on the Spa Island.

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Great Falls, Va.: I read your articles this weekend with interest because I will be studying abroad in Prague this summer (6/3-7/17). I am looking to do a service project hopefully in historic preservation the last one or two weeks in May. Do you have any suggestions about where I might find a program like that? Kathryn

Andrea Sachs: Look into groups that organize volunteer vacations, such as Globalvolunteers.org, Crossculturalsolutions.org and Transitionsabroad.com. You could also contact local or American universities, to see if they have such outings, or historical/archeaology societies or museums, either American or European.

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American in Brussels: Hi flight crew!; Enjoyed your Europe coverage this week, as I'm always on the lookout for feedback as I plan weekend trips over here (and take advantage of the many springtime long weekends built into the European calendar!;)

On that subject, I wanted to submit another suggestion for readers interested in travel outside the Euro-zone. I'm headed to Istanbul this weekend, which is notably in Europe (well, the very edge of Europe) but much less pricy than farther west. I hope it turns out to be a great place to travel (and hope that my dollars go far!;) Does the flight crew have any Istanbul suggestions?

Also, I was wondering if you ever feel inclined to educate alongside passing along travel information. For example, from what I've read so far, it doesn't seem like you've explained that some of the countries you described are within the EU, but have chosen not to adopt the euro, others recently joined the EU and are not elligible to use the euro, and some are not yet a part of the EU at all. I would think these distinctions might be interesting to potential travelers, especially since I presume most have already heard that Prague is pretty and would go on to wonder about WHY these countries don't use the euro. It just seems like maybe a good opportunity to slip interesting facts into an article was missed in favor of less complexity?

Thanks again for your many travel suggestions.

Gary Lee: Thanks for your input. Points taken....

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Taunton, Mass.: To -Cindy Loose
How would you describe your overall impressions from Bulgaria and the bulgarian people? If you have a chance would you visit Bulgaria another time again?
Is it exciting destination for tourism and ralaxation ?

Cindy Loose: I would visit Bulgaria again---in fact, I'd really like to go to the Black Sea. I suspect you can go to the Black Sea and relax. Outside of that area, my impression is that the average tourist, myself included, wouldn't want to stay in just one place, but would want to move around to see different things. I guess that's a way of saying that the tourist attractions are spread out and while each place is interesting, it's not like you'd spend a week in one place. For example, the Rila Monastery is amazing, but you wouldn't want to spend days there--you'd spend a few hours and move on. That kind of travel isn't relaxing in my opinion--but it is interesting. Hope I'm explaining what I mean---it's like you could easily spend a week in Paris or even two. You might have just as good a time in Sofia, but only for a couple days. People I found to be helpful in most cases, although as I mentioned, I did find some of that old Soviet attitude lingering in some cases.

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Rome tips: Aside from the major sights, one of the things that makes Rome special are the ancient, evocative, and colorful back streets. Don't be so focused on getting to and from the great monuments that you forget to wander around the side streets in the Centro Storico (Historic Center) and neighborhoods like Trastevere. The old houses painted ocher and yellow, with windowboxes bursting with blooms and tiny wall shrines--those are the sights that I most remember about Rome. And in the midst of a perfectly ordinary side street, you might come across an archaeological dig, as we did in the maze of streets in the Jewish Ghetto district--an area that visitors shouldn't miss. And when you visit the Ghetto, be sure to sample the wonderful Roman Jewish cuisine; my favorite restaurant there is Al Pompiere, located in a crumbling old palazzo.

Gary Lee: Thanks...Good ideas.

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Milwaukee, Wisc.: My mother, aunt, cousin, and I will be traveling to New York City May 12th-15th and we haven't booked a hotel yet. None of us has ever been there before. My cousin heard that Times Square might be a good place to stay because it would be safe(r) for four women at night. Do you have any suggestions for reasonably priced hotels in or near Times Square OR suggestions for hotels in other parts of the city that would also be relatively safe for four New York newbies? Thanks!

Steve Hendrix: Have a look at one of the five hotels in the Apple Core group. They're all the sorts of affordable chain names you see at Interstate exits (Comfort Inn, Ramada, La Qunita) but they're all solid, safe properties, all in good areas where four Wisconsin women should feel perfectly safe (I'm not sure there's a hotel part of NYC where that's NOT true).

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Best Spring Break Ever : My two girlfriends and I went to Puerto Vallarta when we were in law school - and since we spoke Spanish, we made it a point to try to fit into the local scene and avoid all the college spring break crowds. So we stayed at a small B&B, went to typical restaurants and clubs where the locals hung out. One night out, we met some Mexican guys that asked us where we were staying. The next day, as we tried to tan on the beach behind the hotel,
we see a huge yacht stopping right in front of us - and in waded in the guys from the night before. We spent the day cruising the waters with about a dozen cute Mexican boys, and having an incredible time. Twelve years later, we still remember it fondly.

John Deiner: Man, that gives a new meaning to "cruising." Lucky you!

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Spring Break Stories: I smell a new story angle for the travel section (or for Oprah): Walt Disney World-related divorces. I'm sure the folks at the Mouse House would love that!;

John Deiner: WE'LL do it first, then Oprah can have a shot at it.

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Steve Hendrix: Sorry Milwaukee-ite. I forgot the link to New York City's Apple Core Hotel group. It's www.applecorehotels.com

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Chevy Chase, Md.: Hi - I've done a lot of travelling and I have always booked everything on my own. This summer I am going to Australia. Part of the time, I will be travelling on my own and in the middle of my adventure I will be volunteering for two weeks. The organization suggests I get trip-cancellation insurance and I was wondering if I should get it and how do I go about and get it - especially if I book it myself. So, a few questions. 1. Should I get trip-cancellation insurance? 2. Where do I get it? 3. Should I book the trip myself or do you recommend I use a travel agency?
Thanks in advance for your time!

Carol Sottili: I'd probably get travel insurance, especially if this is costing you some real money. You could break your leg during your adventure. Most people travel without insurance, but it doesn't usually cost all that much. Go to www.insuremytrip.com and plug in your particulars - it'll come up with some recommendations. Read the fine print!!! Make sure that it will cover what you're afraid of happening. For example, my mother bought travel insurance for a recent trip she took to Michigan. During the trip, her sister-in-law (my aunt and godmother) died. But the company wouldn't cover it because there was a clause defining immediate family that excluded in-laws. As for whether to use a travel agent, there are Aussie specialists who have to go through a training course before they are certified by Australia tourism - go to www.australia.com.

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Washington, DC: I have a memorable spring break experience from my senior year of college. I'd never gone on a spring break trip before (always too poor!;), so for my senior year, my best girlfriend and I came up with a low budget trip. We both LOVE to hike and camp, so we decided to escape the cold weather in Pennsylvania and spend the week exploring Smokey Mountain National park. We arrived to warm weather and hardly any tourists but then, on our first hike of the week, I badly twisted my ankle. I tried to hike the next day, but was in excrutiating pain. So, we improvised!; All the hotels in nearby Pigeon Forge were dirt-cheap because it was the off season, and we managed to find a hotel room with two queen beds and a huge in-room jacuzzi (complete with hilarious "mood lighting") for only $40 a night!; It wasn't the big hiking trip we had envisioned, but we had a GREAT spring break relaxing in our jacuzzi and watching TV, while, of course, I iced my swollen ankle.

John Deiner: Nice, D.C. "Mood lighting" can really change the way you see things, can't it?

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Seneca, Md: Gary's article on Slovakian mud baths appeals -- if I go
there after a meeting in Rome ending April 20th, am I
likely to still be able to find accomodations on short
notice? Are the spas only in Piestany or elsewhere as well?
Linda Elswick

Gary Lee: There are lots of spas all over Slovakia, not just in Piestany. See the website www.spa-slovakia.com for suggestions.

I am sure that you could find one to accomodate you at the end of April...

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A Slovak for Slovakia travel (from Arlington): Since I'm one of "them" I thought to let you know that we most often use "Slovak" instead of "Slovakian" for nationality type. Just easier to say. Also, you can contact Jednota (Slovak for "the union") in Cleveland at www.jednota.com, and it has a Slovak/English language newspaper that you might find interesting. Many articles about Slovak nationals and these enormous Slovak bowling tournaments in Canada, of all places!; But a good source of Slovak stuff this side of the Atlantic.

Gary Lee: Thanks for the tips...

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Silver Spring, Md.: This regards seeing people off at Dulles Airport: with the closing of the small lounge/restaurant across from the Air France counters due to the terminal construction, is there still anyplace outside of the security checkpoints where folks can have a drink? Ah, for the old days when people could see friends off at the actual departure gate.

John Deiner: Hi, Ho, Silver. Anyone out there know if you can get a drink outside of the security checkpoints? We can't think of any, unless you count the Bennigan's a mile down the road . . .

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Spring Break Madrid: Chasing after a Madrileno (Madrid resident) pickpocket who weasled his way into our local hangout and stole a couple of wallets from a bunch of drunken Germans, only to return victorious with the stolen wallets and an open bar for the rest of the WEEK!;

Oh yeah, Picasso's Geurnica was cool too!;

John Deiner: I'm glad you had your priorities straight, SBM.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Flight Crew,

Really enjoyed the Europe articles!; That spa sounds divine....

My question -- my husband and I are spending a week up on Lake Champlain in Vermont in May. I'd like to break up the drive home a little bit, is there a town in southern Vermont that would make a good overnight stop-over? I'm looking for somewhere with a few decent restaurants and a quaint downtown for a little exploring. Thanks!;

Gary Lee: I like the town of Arlington. It's small but has some lovely B&Bs and a couple of good museums.

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Spring Break problems?: driving from Toledo to Salt Lake for a ski vacation. me, sister, cousin, mom, dad. in a volvo wagon. 'bout twelve hours out from toledo, a blizzard hits and we spend four days in a motel in Adair Iowa. there was only one room, so we all slept there. Cable was out so our only option for entertainment was each other (which got old real quick) or a choice of videos: "Top Gun" or "Enemy Mine" I can still recite almost all of Top Gun 18 years later. And to top it off, by the time we got out it was basically time to head back to Toledo. so no skiing. That's a Spring Break. but we did get to see Adair's fabulous yellow water tower.

John Deiner: That's great...thanks for tacking the happy ending on there.

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Washington, DC: I enjoyed your article on Slovakia. I only wish you could have spent more time discussing Bratislava. I travel there yearly and think it is one of Europe's undiscovered gems. Do you think you will go back?

Gary Lee: I like Bratislava, too, but could only fit in a certain amount in this article, which was mainly about spas. I would love to go back at some point, of course...

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Do Not Stay in Times Square: It's not New York!; It's a giant tourist trap, and frankly it's not safer than the rest of the city. Plus today's Times Square is simply a place to advertise nationwide chains (ooh look!; We're in the Red Lobster in NYC, not in Columbia!;)

New York in 2005 is one of the safest places out there. Simply don't do anything stupid. Stay in a real part of NYC - Village, Murray Hill, Upper West Side, anywhere, anywhere but Times Square or Broadway.

Steve Hendrix: Well, I take your point, but I think it's silly to say Times Square is not New York. It may be the most touristy part of the city and I might the part of the city locals and veterans visitors most love to avoid (including me), but I think our quartet of first timers from Wisconsin will enjoy a peek at one of the world's most famous blocks. And for a hotel location that sets them up to visit most of things they'll probably want to visit, they could do much worse than TS.

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LA Spring Break: Best spring break involved Jay Leno pulling me on stage and making fun of me for majoring in Agricultural Economics on the Tonight Show.

John Deiner: Was that YOU???

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McLean, Va.: Hi Flight Crew! I've been wanting to go to Denmark for quite some time now. I FINALLY convinced my boyfriend that this was something we should do (once he discovered Legoland it was easy). When's the best time to go? What are good resources for our trip? How much should we plan on spending? Any must-see sights? Thank you SO much!

Cindy Loose: I think summer is the best time. Denmark's weather is somethink like New York's, only not as hot in summer. The waterfront is the most appealing part of Copenhagen, like Nyhavn street, which links with a pedestrian mall. But you'll rather naturally stumble into most of what Copenhagen has to offer--it's not a huge city. I like the countryside alot--head out to the Louisiana Museum, for example, and see not only the museum but the watery area around it.

For resourses I'd start wit hthe Danish Tourism Bureau in New York, and buy a guidebook. As to how much to spend--it's expensive, no doubt about it. Start pricing hotels to get an idea, and figure food will be equally inflated.

Any Danish experts have something to add?

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Atlanta, Ga.: I'm new to the Flight Crew chats and would love a word of advice or helpful link. On a whim I purchased a ticket to Nagoya, Japan last week. The R/T was $490, so I couldn't resist. I'll be there 8 days: is the Expo worth it, and what else is can't miss? I'll be using the JR pass for the bullet train, so any/everything is an option. Also, any tips for vegetarians? Thanks much!

Andrea Sachs: I have never been to Japan, so I can't give you any tips about visiting, but I did write up a Travel Q&A item on the Expo and, well, if I could go I would. It looks fascinating--full of weird, interesting displays and cultural performances from around the world.
As for vegetarianism: The International Vegetarian Union (www.ivu.org) has a translation guide that'll help you say "No Meat" in Japanese. For restaurants, try www.happycow.net/asia/japan. Also, be careful of noodle soups; the broth could be fish or meat based. Best to stay with veggies, Buddhist restaurants, Indian or sushi. The site, www.vegsource.com/travel/asia/messages/274.html, has some expert advice from veggie travelers in Japan.

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Arlington, Va.: I will be heading to China and my itinerary would include Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and then Phuket, Thailand (Phuket is really tentative, I'm also thinking Malaysia - good idea?) - time frame of 1 month.

I am still shopping around for flights.

My question is - would you recommend a few consolidators for me to check out? I am lost in trying to find a good agent to go to in the va/dc area.

Also, are there any online sites where I can price the flights to compare, it seems like orbitz, sidestep all seem to be focused on one city trips.

Thanks!!

Anne McDonough: Hmm. We haven't really used any consolidators for China, so I can't point you in the direction of a specific one. That old standby the Cathay Pacific All-Asia pass wouldn't really work for you as as Hong Kong and KL are the only two cities on their list that fit into your plans. Are you wedded to flying between cities within China? With a month to play with, you could certainly do some train travel, mix in a few more cities and really get a feel for things. I'm not saying go hard seat (though that's the most fun..if uncomfortable) but seeing the country from an overnight train is awesome. If you do want to fly, though, I'd say finding a travel agent would be the best way to go. Check our archives under travel by topic, and you'll find Cindy Loose's piece on finding a travel agent under the Reference section. My vote would be for spending the whole month in China, but if you do go to Malaysia, definitely try to fit in a few days in the Tamen Negara rain forest.

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Craving Jamon Serrano, DC: Is Spain's Costa del Sol worth visiting? My husband and I would like to go in late may and staisfy our desire to see small spanish towns, eat well and relax on the beach, but we've never been to Madrid or Barcelona. Would it be worth it? Also, I've heard that some parts are really touristy--how bad is it near Malaga?

Gary Lee: Personally, I have found the Costa del Sol a bit too touristy. Check out the website www.madridandbeyond.com, run by an excellent travel agency in Madrid, for some alternatives. If you like musuems, I greatly recommend Madrid. You can also do excellent day trips (ie to Toledo) from there.

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The Flight Crew: Phuket: Should You Go?, (Jan. 30, 2005)

Anne McDonough: For the potentially Phuket-bound... Thanks, Kim!

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Arlington, Va: Hello Flight Crew,

I'm going on a business to Las Vegas in mid-April. Since all the talk about flowers blooming in the Death Valley, I thought about flying in LAX, then drive to LV, on the way stopping by the Death Valley. My question is, how much time should I budget for this side trip ? What entrance should I go into the park ? and most importantly, what else should I be checking out while there ? Thank-you so much for your input.

John Deiner: Hey, Arl. Hope you get there in time--window is supposedly shutting quickly. I'm guessing, and it's a guess, that you can just go through the main entrance, which is just a few hours from Vegas. Definitely try to stay at least a nite in the park--it's gorgeous, and the wildflowers are only adding to it. Check out www.nps.gov/deva though for some important info on highway closures because of all the rain.

Anyone have suggestions for Arlington?

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RE: Foreign currency surcharge again: No, no -- You didn't read my first email. What MBNA told me was that they themselves charge NO surcharge at all, and that MasterCard charged only 1%, which sums up to 1% total. Where did CoGo get the info about MasterCard charging 2%? Was that from MasterCard directly, and if not, are you sure it's accurate?

Cindy Loose: I'm confident of my information, and I think symantics is the issue here. They might not call it a surcharge, but when they figure out how to change say euros into dollars that appear on your bill as needing to be paid, they use the wholesale rate plus two percent. That's what they tell me, and I can't imagine the public relations guys would inflate what they charge. Try asking the question a different way, as in -- what calculations do you use in figuring out the exchange rate, something like that.

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Re: Book on Bulgaria: There aren't many books on Bulgaria but if you look at Eastern Europe or Europe in general they have a section. I found Rick Steve's very helpful.

Cindy Loose: Thanks.

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Arlington, Va.: I'm a frequent flier but have never traveled internationally. Currently planning a trip to Mexico, it looks as though all the good deals involve a connecting flight (in the US). How does a connection work on international flights? When departing from home, should I go to the domestic or international terminal? My first flight is domestic and obviously leaving from a domestic gate, but is there an extra level of security I must go through at the international terminal because my ultimate destination is international? Anything special I should know during my layover on the way there? And on the way back, I assume I go through customs as soon as I get back to the U.S. where my layover is. Am I correct, and does this mean I should be scheduling extra time for a layover on my return so I can make my way through customs before catching my connecting flight? Will I have to retrieve my baggage so it can be searched, then re-check it for the connecting flight? Any insight on the process would help me pick my flights and speed the process when I arrive at the airport.
Thanks.

Carol Sottili: I'm guessing you're going on two different airlines? If that's the case, when you depart, you go to the airline counter of the first leg. They'll tell you the gate. You won't have to go through any extra security. You may have to switch terminals in your connection city (if the airport is large enough, you may even have to grab a bus to the next terminal). Call your airline and ask whether you'll have to switch terminals. Then go to the airport's Web site - here's a link for a list of those www.airlinequality.com/Airports/AirportA-Z.htm - and look for a map so you'll know how far you have to go. As for customs, that varies. For example, when I traveled to Canada last week, I went through Customs in Canada, both coming and going. But when I returned from Jamaica a couple of years ago, I went through Customs in Charlotte, where I made my connecting flight. And yes, you do need to give yourself extra time to go through Customs. It can be very quick, or it can be crowded. Yes, you do have to retrieve your luggage before you go through Customs.

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Washington, DC: My husband and I are about to book a 4 day/3 nt. stay in New Orleans. Is this too long, or about the right amount of time? (Coming in Sat. morning leaving on a Tuesday evening). We would like to see art galleries, museums, plantations, stroll the city and do some shopping. Will we get bored after 3 days? Neither one of us has ever been there before. (We're not renting a car).

Thanks!;

KC Summers: Bored in Nawlins?! Chere! Trust me, after spending four days there you'll be complaining that you've barely had time to scratch the surface. A car isn't essential; you can visit the plantations and do a swamp tour by bus, and for everything else just cab it or take the streetcar. Taking the streetcar out to the Garden District is something you really should do anyway. It's a beautiful and fun ride. Or, of course, you can walk -- but remember, while N.O. is wonderful, it's got a high crime rate and it's safer to take cabs at night if you're at all unsure about the neighborhood. (This doesn't apply to most parts of the Quarter and the main streets in the adjoining Faubourg Marigny neighborhood.)

For shopping, there are cool (and expensive) galleries in the Quarter but for more options, check out Magazine Street uptown, with lots of trendy stores and restaurants. And for museums, definitely save time for the new Ogden Museum of Southern Art in the Warehouse District. It's Smithsonian-affiliated and very impressive. There's a Walter Anderson exhibit there till April that will knock your socks off.

For music, Preservation Hall is another must. Yes, it's always packed with tourists but they're there for a reason -- this is the real thing. For more intimate jazz clubs, stroll down Frenchmen Street in the Marigny. Snug Harbor is there, and always has great acts, but I also saw two wonderful groups earlier this month at a cool little club called the Spotted Cat. You can't go wrong there!

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Bethesda, Md.: Great article yesterday about how we can go to Europe without using Euros however, I coudln't figure out why you did not list Turkey as one of the great value countries on your list. I just got back and could not belive how much I could stretch the dollar for food, shopping or sightseeing. Of course if you want you can spend as if you were in Paris, too, with all the luxury hotels and brand names, too, but it was hard to believe I could have full breakfast for $3-4, and lunch for $5-10, not to mention the cabs. It definitely is another option for those who are looking for little bit more modernity than newly opening Eastern European countries, people speaking English, and signs in Latin alphabet

Gary Lee: You're right; Turkey can be great value. But depending on where you stay, eat or hang out, it can also be expensive.

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Burke, Va.: I will be joining my aunt on a cruise from Athens to Rome next month. This is the "Grandest" vacation I will have been on. Looking at the itinerary, it looks like one port each day - Athens, Mykonos, Rhodes, Santorini, Valetta, Taormina, Sorrento, Amalfi and Rome. Yikes. Don't we get time to relax? How do you prepare for a trip like this? Are the guided excursions ($50 a pop) worth it? I don't want to miss the finer points. But the basics are gonna cost me a fortune! Help! Any suggestions for read-ahead resources?

Steve Hendrix: As a general rule, you can save a lot of money bypassing the ship's excursion list and booking with local guides. That should be very easy in the well-trod sites on your itenirary. In many of them, you may just want to hop in a taxi and go right the headliner ruin and see it on your own. Use your preparation time to go over a good general guide book to the Med region and identify the places you'd most like to see.

And you relax at the comedy shows after dinner.

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Washington, DC: My dad and I are spending about 3 days in Krakow at the end of April (glad we booked before your article came out!;). What are the must-sees and the must-dos while we're there? Food/restaurant recs? There are very few travel guides for Krakow.

Thanks so much!;!;

Cindy Loose: Having spend just a day in that city, and focused on the Holocaust sites around it, I need some help on this.

I can tell you one really fun, good , cheap restaurant--the Klezmer Haus, which features live Klezmer music and good Polish/Jewish food.

Call Candida's World of Books on 14th Street--ifthere is a guidebook on Poland, and there must be, she'll either have it or order it for you.

Any other ideas for Krakow?

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Arlington, VA: My husband and I offered my parents a trip anywhere for their 35th anniversary, and they've chosen, not Europe, nor a cruise, but...Walt Disney World. I've read through your past Disney articles, but am still not sure where the best place to stay would be to please my mid-60's parents (like quiet hotels, minimal walking, they loved Epcot), my husband and I (never EVER thought we'd go to Disney), and my 11 year-old amusement-park-loving stepdaughter. I'm leaning towards one of the resorts on Disney property so we can easily get around by monorail/bus/boat, but am concerned they'll be too loud/garish for my folks. Any suggestions?

John Deiner: Hey, Arl. Staying on campus is definitely a lot easier than driving back and forth between the park, and it's true that some of the resorts are loud and garish. But start spending some real money (that is, avoid the Pop resorts at all cost, and probably the mid-range "Moderate" resorts as well) and you'd be surprised at how classy the Disney properties can be. Deluxe properties Animal Kingdom Lodge and the Grand Floridian get high marks from travelers; if you want to save some bucks, consider the Home Away From Home properties, which are pretty expensive but include kitchens and multiple bedrooms so you can all stay together.

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Boston, Mass.: Have you heard reports about today's computer-related flight delays on United at Dulles (and, I also heard, O'Hare)? I only made my flight this morning because they were coming through pulling the upper-tier frequent flyer members out of the check-in lines. Worst crowds I have ever experienced at a non-Third World airport. I am a little surprised that there is (as of the time I am writing this) nothing on the news sites about it.

John Deiner: Boston, haven't heard a peep, but thanks for the heads up.

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Bethesda, Md: Cindy, what else can you tell us about Bulgaria? From my research it seems that flying there from DC requires two plane changes...is that right?

Cindy Loose: I did Bulgaria on one plane change--Dulles to London on British Air then on to Sofia.

Generally, I liked the place, and wish I'd had time to see the Black Sea area, which is the area that has captured alot of Europeans on holiday.

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Fayetteville, Pa.: We're doing an Alaskan cruise in July, our first. Do you
recommend ordering shore excursions now, or would you
wait until a particular port and decide from the choices
available at that time? Thanks, Paul H.

Andrea Sachs: Since a cruise ship's shore excursions can fill up pre-departure, it's wise to sign up beforehand. Plus, it's one less thing to worry about once you on board--more time left for taking in the sights.

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Pittsburgh in April...: Worst Spring Break travel experience? Thought it would be nice to take my three young children to Pittsburgh one April to visit family they had never met before. 1 - Rainy and cold the entire time. 2 - Hundreds of ants in motel room and had to move. 3 - Daughter had urinary tract infection the entire time we were there. 4 - Youngest son pushed "life alert" while at elderly aunt's house - paramedics came to house. 5 - We were officially banned from my cousin's house when my boys pulled up stakes in backyard (hoping to find salamanders). Stakes were to mark were swimming pool was to be built. 6 - Oldest son was lost inside of grocery store for an hour. Youngest son took off running through store to find him -both lost - had to page them repeatedly. Finally found them, but was on the verge of hysteria thinking they were both kidnapped. 7 - Ended up leaving several days early due to all of the above. 8 - Daughter waited until we passed a sign on Turnpike that said "next exit 37 miles" to announce that she had to go to the bathroom. Ended up peeing in rental car and had to drive another three hours with smell in car, and it was rainy and too cold to have the windows down. Have never been back to Pittsburgh with them again.

Want to hear about our trip to Los Angeles? Didn't think so.

John Deiner: Holy cow. Don't EVER ask us to travel with you! Thanks for sharing.

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Bulgaria: Dear Flight Crew, Dear Cindy Loose

I'm very much delighted to read such good words about my country in such a renowned newspaper. I only want to say, that you've perhaps asked middle-aged people to direct you. That's right, most of our parents and all of our grandparents do not speak English, but almost every teenager does. Even children of the age of 8 or 10 can follow a simple conversation in English. On the other hand, our parents speak even better Russian than we do English. But this is a result of how they were educated.

I wish all your Crew a lot of success and ...
keep travelling

Peter

Cindy Loose: Thanks. I am grateful for the chance to see your country, and hope I can return.

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smelly spring break: Picture it--lovely Key West Florida or BUST. I went from Orlando to Key West in a rented motor home with five boys. (I'm a danty lady). We lived like pigs (drunk pigs) for 7 days. The boys drenched the carpet in beer and chips. Wrecked the motorhome at least once. Got it stuck in the muck. We did not get our security deposit back.

John Deiner: Ah, spring break. Such lovely memories you all have.

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Silver Spring, Md.: We ( a family of five adults) just returned from Ireland. The trip was super except for the flights on Aer Lingus. Our seat reservations were not honored either way and we felt there was very little in the way of trying to make you comfortable.
A suggestion in Dublin is the Killmainham Gaol -jail famous especially for holding political prisoners. The facility was emotionally moving and the tour was very well done.

KC Summers: Thanks for the tip -- the Gaol is indeed moving. Interesting comment about Aer Lingus-- I've never had anything but good experiences using them (at least four round trips). As for being comfortable, well, if you're flying coach to Europe there's not a whole lot you can do about that, short of an upgrade!

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Washington, DC: Hello there, I'm considering booking one of the Expedia packages to Istanbul and wanted to know if anyone had negative experiences with Expedia or points to keep in mind. Thanks,

Carol Sottili: Expedia has a decent rep. If you want to make sure you're getting a good deal, compare it to a package on one of the other sites, such as Travelocity.com. Even better, break it down and price the components separately. Also, you need to make sure that Expedia is giving you the best choices on flights. Last week I befriended a woman in an airport lounge who missed her connection after booking a trip on Expedia that allowed for only 40 minutes between flights - the weird part was that there was another flight from the originating airport that left from the gate next to ours about 25 minutes earlier. She would have made the connecting flight had she been booked on that one. Who knows why Expedia gave her the later flight, but it's always a good idea to make sure your flight times make sense.

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Bethesda, Md.: We are going to St. Maarten in July and I was wondering if you or the 'nuts out there can tell me about the attractions on the island besides the beaches? I also would like to know about the differences between the Dutch and French divisions of the island? I'm very excited to go and would love some more input from a knowledgeable staff such as yourselves!! THANKS!

Cindy Loose: The food is better on the French side.

My one trip there I didn't venture far from the beaches and restaurants. Anyone else been and remember doing something else?

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Cherry Blossom City: The best spring break trip my family and I ever took was just a long weekend to Washington, DC (we lived in Richmond, VA). I was ten years old and my sister was 8. My folks decided we needed to "see the sights" -- and they REFUSED to take any sort of transportation anywhere. So, we walked and we walked and we walked and by day 3 my sister and I both had heat rash all over our bodies. It was a spring break we will never let them forget.

John Deiner: And that was the BEST spring break?

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Fairfax, Va: Travel Gurus - In this age of heightened security, what would happen to me if i fly to my destination and while there, my wallet is stolen? How would i be able to get back through security without an ID?

Andrea Sachs: You should make copies of your passport or driver's license and keep it in a seperate bag. Also, give one to a friend or family member, so they can fax or email it out at your destination. Otherwise, you might have to get a temporary ID or haggle with the airline. It is pretty tight these days, so it's best to go prepared.

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RE: Rome: Last year my partner and I along with another couple hired a private guide through our hotel. Turns out she was a lovely young woman from the SF Bay area, married to an Italian. She did all purchases of tickets for us (Vatican, Colosseum, etc) without our having to wait in the long lines. She knew her Italian history, and really made the tours something special. We concluded with a private tour of one of the catacombs -- definitely worth it.

Yes private guides are expensive, but for us it was worth it.

Andrea Sachs: Great to hear. Thanks.

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Spring Break: In 2001, when all my friends are going to Cancun for the spring break, I got a deal to Paris for $350 and after thinking about it for days (girl traveling alone in Paris?) decided to go. I was there for 6 days and had the time of my life. The dollar was valued great so I did some shopping, had great food, and even had a deal on the hotel. I met great French people, and when I got back started learning French. Strange enough I had a lot of part-time jobs after I learned French, so that trip in fact paid for itself and the shopping in the end. By the way, my photos were much more interesting than my friends laying by the pool or drinking beer (hint: I could use today's gift!;) so they regretted not coming with me afterwards.

John Deiner: Thanks, SB.

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Arlington, VA: re: false positive explosives readings. I think it is the glycerin in most moisturizers and hand creams that sometimes set off the explosive detectors.

Steve Hendrix: Would that be a balm scare?

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Adams Morgan, Washington, D.C.: Glad to see the eastern European stuff, and congratulations, this time you waited until line 2 in your discussion of Poland to mention Auschwitz (unlike your last big article on this part of the world, which featured Auschwitz in the headlines). Poland has SO much to recommend it - why is a German concetration camp always so prominently featured? When you do articles about visiting Germany, does Dachau rate a first paragraph, or any, mention?

Cindy Loose: The story I did to which you refer was about a Holocaust tour, so it would seem that Auschwitz would have to figure prominently in such a story. And yes, if I were doing a story about Dachau, I would certainly mention Dachau.

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drinks at dulles: The only place I can think of is near the baggage carosels (United's I think), downstairs. The coffee's not great, but it's something.

John Deiner: I think we're looking for a place that serves drinks with little umbrellas in 'em.

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for denmark bound: It's been several years, but when I was there, Copenhagen had bicycle stands where anyone could pick up a bike to ride for the day for free. Since Copenhagen is super bike friendly, it's a great way to see the city. Also, take a train to see Kronborg, Hamlet's castle.

Cindy Loose: Great--thanks.

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Rockville, Md.: My most interesting spring break experience was taking the train from Moscow to Krasnoyarsk with two fellow exchange students. On the second day on the train, we found out that we didn't have the proper stamps in our passport to be going to our final destination and the three of us were escorted by the Russian train police to a private train compartment where we were questioned for hours about what we were doing. Being only 17, we were quite nervous when they threatened us with going to jail! But our trip was really quite innocent as we thought it would make an amazing story to say that we took our spring break in Siberia. Ultimately, the police officers let us go after they decided that we really posed no threat to anyone, and at the next train stop, they took us out for beers to express their apologies. Needless to say, my parents freaked out when I told them that we were almost sent to the gulags of Siberia for lacking the proper stamps!

Anne McDonough: I can see it now: Gulag Gone Wild. This is why we don't tell our parents anything other than "having a great time, meeting interesting people, going to lots and lots of museums and getting very cultured," when on the road...they so easily misconstrue this little mishaps.

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Clarendon, VA: Best Spring Break: Was a freshman in college at UofD, Physical Science lab, met this other girl who needed a upcoming study partner. While studying, Spring Break comes since it's the next week. She asks what I am doing, I say driving to Tampa to visit high school friends who go to USF. She says "oh", I say "wanna come with?", she says..."Sure!;". So, the following week we hop in the car and have a craaaazy week and the roadtrip itself was so fun and drama free. That was 12 years ago this month and we are still best friends!;

John Deiner: Wow. A SWEET spring break story..hey, we needed a little sunshine. Thanks for sharing.

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Krakow: There are number of things you can do

Auschwitz is one day trip. There are salt mines nearby did not get to go but supposedly very interesting.

You can visit the Wavel castle and the main market/square is really cool. Try to be there in the square when the trumpeter plays his song from the tower in the main square. He plays it 2 full times and then cuts short the third playing to denote a trumpter being killed back in the 11th century by, I believe the Mongol invasion of Western Europe and siege of Krakow. (It might be the Ottoman Invasion so don't quote me on my failing historical knowledge)

Cindy Loose: Suggestions for Krakow.....like it or not, Auschwitz is a major draw.

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Washington, D.C.: It's the late 80s and several South Carolina girls drive to Orlando for spring break at Disney World. To save money, we decided to stay at a KOA campground and sleep in my old mildewy Girl Scout tent. I caught a bug and ended up spending the night huddled shivering in the car (although it was in the 70s). Next day, I was even worse. My best friend stayed by my side all day while the others ran wild. I've never forgotten that she gave up Tomorrowland and the Tower of Doom to keep me company in Mickey's clinic.

John Deiner: That's nice, D.C. That's one great friend you have there.

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Washington, D.C.: Cres:

Thanks to Independence Air's sales-- I plan to go to Montreal through Burlington, VT.

When I arrive in Burlington, it looks like I have 3 hours to kill before my bus departs-- is there anything to do/places to eat near the bus station?

Any nightlife recommendations for Montreal? gary Lee seems to know how to have a good time-- can he recommend a few places?

gracias

Gary Lee: In your three hour Burlington stop head, over to the pedestrian zone along Church street. Neci, the big new england cooking school, has a lovely restaurant along the stretch.

In Montreal, the two party zones are along the Rue Crescent and the Rue St. Laurent. Here are some places I like: The A Gogo Lounge (for martinis, etc.; Thursdays, for a more raucous time; and Electric Avenue for dancing.

Bon Chance....

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Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.: worst spring break:

my college roomie and i (both broke females) tagged along with a bf/gf couple to disney world. florida had record-breaking lows that week...so roomie and i swapped the same two (ONLY TWO) long-sleeved shirts we owned back and forth for a week....then it rained. we spent an entire day in a motel room in kissimee with a bottle of vodka and a pack of cigarettes (and neither of us were smokers!)while the bf/gf couple made a lot of noise next door. yuck.

John Deiner: Yuck is right. Glad you survived.

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Desperate to Organize my Memories: Dear Crew:
Not only am I desperate to organize my memories with your prize, they could probably use a lot of "enhancement." Most funky spring break was spent in the 42nd St Branch of the NY Public Library in the Great Reading Room working on a term paper in the days before the internet. I was assigned a table along with several "characters" who tended to mutter to themselves and argue into their books, and compulsively arrange their materials on the table. Hard to do research under those conditions. Things got bad when one of my table-mates asked me to "mind his bundles" when he went off on some mysterious errand and shortly thereafter a person rushed by with coat flapping, disturbing his papers. I left the library in a state of fear and pulled several all-nighters when I returned to campus to finish the paper.

Is this pathetic enough to win the prize?

John Deiner: Pathetic is an understatement! You're definitely in the running.

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Munich, Germany: Great article on Bulagria, but I have to ask if someone was pulling your leg about the opposites in head-nodding.

Also, what was your impression of the Black Sea resorts? I'm a bit sceptical about the Bulgarian beaches because I imagine them to be packed with European tourists, all fighting for their plastic beach chairs in the morning.

Cindy Loose: I swear, no leg pulling. For three days I stared at people trying to figure out why they were shaking their heads yes but saying no, and vice versa. Finally, back in Sofia, a local guidebook in my hotel warned travelers of the national quirk.

No question the Black SEa is popular with Europeans. What I don't know--and wouldn't have been able to find out by visiting in March--is whether the Europeans congregate in areas that can be avoided. It is a pretty long coast line. Sorry, I don't know---does anyone else? And your experience must be no more than 5 years old, cause things have been changing fast..

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Washington, DC: While this isn't really a travel question, I thought you guys would be the best ones to talk to about hotels. What do you know about attrition clauses?

My husband and I eloped last year on April 1, and are hosting an anniversary party this year. We blocked rooms at the Wyndham City Center, but failed to fill the block. Now, we're being charged for 80% of the rooms, to the tune of nearly $3,500.

Obviously, this is incredibly upsetting. We don't have an extra $3500 just sitting around, and while the hotel has "offered" to let us apply the amount to food and beverage, it's still a large charge we can't afford.

I've talked to a couple of friends in the hotel business, who say that while attrition clauses are common, they're rarely enforced, especially with wedding-type blocks.

The hotel has said if they sell out, we won't have to pay anything, but the event is in two weeks -- I don't want to bet on a full hotel and then get slapped with the fee.

Any advice?

Kimberly Overbeek

Carol Sottili: I believe that attrition clauses are the norm now. Usually, there's a deadline several months before the event to let the hotel know whether you're going to meet the number. Basically, the hotel gave you a reduced room rate in exchange for you guaranteeing that a certain number of rooms would be filled. Have you tried throwing yourself on the mercy of the general manager? Because if you signed the contract and agreed to the clause, they can probably legally hold you to it. Have any friends who are good lawyers? Anyone out there have any thoughts?

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Traveling with Minors: Hi, I just wanted to note that when you are a single parent traveling with a minor, the letter from the other parent should be notarized, complete with notary seal!;!;

Carol Sottili: Right.

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Krakow invasion: it was the Tartars, actually. 1241.

Cindy Loose: Thanks.

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Waldorf, Md.: I understand the administration loves the weak dollar, because it helps the balance of trade and encourges foreign tourists to visit. My sister, who lives in Annapolis, tells me they are thrilled by the European and Aussie yachtsmen who are having their boats built in Annapolis. But this is ridiculous. My husband and I are retired and now have the time but no longer the money to travel. With all respect, we want to see London, Paris, Rome before we visit Bulgaria. Oh well, maybe one day our powerball tickets will pay off. In the meantime, it's living vicariously on the Travel Channel. Sigh.

KC Summers: And us! Don't forget living vicariously through us, too! Actually, though, I'm not sure I'm following your logic here. Since the dollar is so weak now, the point of last week's issue was to give people more affordable options in Europe, hence Bulgaria et al. Plus, you get the added thrill of discovery.

But if your heart is set on Paris, London, etc., take a look at the budget tips we provided in that same issue -- they apply to the entire continent. By buying package trips, locking your prices in in advance, staying in regional destinations rather than capitals, etc., you can really save a LOT. My No. 1 money-saving tip for Europe is to buy your hotel and airfare together in a package. You won't believe how much you can save. Take a look at go-today.com, for starters. Good luck!

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RE: Spring Break: My junior year in college I finally had the chance to go on spring break. My friends and I decided to go to Gulf Shores, AL. Exciting. It was the "it" spot of our college. While there - we camped. It rained (only at night). It got down to 30 degrees. We tried a hotel one night but it used up most of our money so we were stuck the rest of the time in our tent - freezing. To top it off - I was the only one who wanted to go out - bar, dancing, eating. Everyone else wanted to stay in - ON SPRING BREAK. So I had to stay in too since the vehicle wasn't mine.

John Deiner: Gulf Shores was the "it" spot? Man, sounds like you started out in trouble. (Oh, don't worry Gulf Shoresians...I'm just joshin')

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Alexandria, VA : In college we used to go to off-season places for spring break to get really good time share deals. This meant a week in DuBois, PA where the popular radio station was "OK Radio". You can imagine the jokes that came out of that one. Spent time in the hospital with a friend with an allergic reaction and got snowed in the day we were supposed to leave. But we had a blast watching movies and playing laser tag in the snow knowing that we were probably the only people crazy enough to go there for spring break.

Anne McDonough: Allergic reaction...hmm...suspicious...Sure your friend just didn't want to go back to school and face classes?

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Arlington, Va: Re: Climbing Mt Fuji?

I will be in Japan the first week of June & would like to climb Mt. Fuji. I understand that many facilities there are only open in July & August. Can you recommend any websites that might provide information for the off season foreign visitor?

Cindy Loose: I'd start at www.jnto.go.jp, the site of Japan's National Tourism Organization. In addition to ordering brochures and stuff, the site has a place where you can post questions.

I visited Mt. Fuji one summer, and pledged never to get on a bus there again. The area is beautiful, and big enough to soak up the crowds--except on the buses.

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Arlington, VA: re:Denmark, hope I'm not too late. A good source for Copenhagen info is www.woco.dk Don't miss Fredericksborg Palace/Castle in the town of Hillerod, about 45 minutes by train from Copenhagen. Legoland is several hours drive from Copenhagen. When I went in 1999 is was 4 hours each way, but I think there's a new bridge opened since then that makes the trip shorter. I enjoyed it there.

Cindy Loose: Denmark--

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Re: Denmark: Keep in mind the food and any other general items will be very expensive. Try to eat your big meal at lunch (smorgasbord anyone?) and maybe shop at supermarket for dinner - before they close at 6:00 I think.But it is a great country with very nice but shy people

Cindy Loose: Denmark

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For the Copenhagen traveler: When we went a few years ago we loved Hotel Tiffany, www.hotel-tiffany.dk. Granted, it's been a couple of years, but definitely check it out because we LOVED this place. It's about two blocks from Tivoli, it was incredibly clean with divine duvets, and they stocked our room each night for breakfast and left fresh rolls hanging on the doorknob in the morning (each room has a microwave and fridge). For 152 euros a night, that's a steal!;

Cindy Loose: Denmark---

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Re: Prague: The COMMUNISM Museum is in a shopping district? On top of a casino?

Outstanding!;

Anne McDonough: Good one.

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Burke, Va.: My husband and I booked an American Airlines flight to Ireland this summer on Hotwire. When I tried to access the record on American's website, I couldn't find it. It turns out that Hotwire combines the first name and middle initial on our ticket. So instead of Julie E, I'm Juliee. I called and asked if that was going to be a problem for security and they said no, that everyone knew that's how Hotwire works. And since I"m not willing to bet international travel on what "everyone knows", have you ever heard of this and will we be able to fly?

Thanks

Carol Sottili: I have never heard of this. I would call Hotwire and raise hell. What happens if some stickler decides to deny boarding? At that point, even if Hotwire would refund your money, your vacation is ruined.

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Croatia: Looking for a different, interesting place to relax in the sun next winter. Craotia was suggested as a place that would be cheap yetlovely. Your thoughts?

Cindy Loose: I'm about to post a story we had last year on Croatia, or at least one area of it....

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The Flight Crew: Cliff Hanger: Would They Ever Leave?, (June 16, 2002)

Cindy Loose: Croatia

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Bethesda, Md.: My sisters and I want to take my 87 and
85-year old parents to Venice this fall.
(Mom wants to see Venice "one last
time.") I will rent an apartment with an
elevator that is also close to a vaporetto
stop to minimize the walking we will have
to do, and I realize that we can't be very
ambitious in our itinerary. I wonder if you
or any of the chatters might have useful
advice for traveling with oldsters. I would
also be interested in companies that are
willing to sell travel insurance for people
that age.

Cindy Loose: Good for you! I do think you should be able to buy health insurance, and definately think you should. I don't think insurers turn down the elderly for travel health insurance as they do for healh insurance generally, cause their risk isn't nearly as great. Shop around at www.insuremytrip.com and read the fine print carefully.

Also talk to them about whether they are willing to use wheelchairs to maximize their sightseeing, even though they are able to walk. It took me awhile to convince my dad, but once he realized it wasn't hurting me and ws helping him enjoy alot more scenerey than he could have held out for on his own, he forgot about feeling conspicuous.

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Towson, Md.: Do you have any good resources for booking holidays with children? I have a three year old and a newborn, and we'd like to go to the beach this summer. Ideally, I'd like to find a resort with a "kids club" for the three year old. Any ideas?

KC Summers: I think you need to narrow down your destination first. There are tons of kids programs at Florida resorts and in the Caribbean (e.g. Franklyn D Resort in Jamaica; or some Club Meds are family-oriented now) -- so if you can narrow that down, you can then search under the hotel or destination for kids clubs. Or, go to a family-oriented site like the Family Travel Forum, Fodor's or About.com -- they're full of good ideas. Or, go to a good travel bookstore and browse the shelves -- there are kid-centric books on specific islands or states (Florida), with names of resorts that feature kids programs.

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Adams Morgan, Washington, D.C.: Re Poland, and Auschwitz,
In fact, I was referring to an issue a couple of years ago that was about visiting countries in the region, not an article about Holocaust tours. Notwithstanding, an article about Poland, without mentioning Auschwitz, would be welcome. I suggest that the writers who are going to Krakow may wish to read "The Trumpeter of Krakow", a popular children's book in the 1920's (I read my father's copy) - sort of like reading "Make Way for Ducklings" before visiting Boston. There should be lots of tour books that describe Krakow at length - Gdansk, which is a Hanseatic League city, is also amazing.

Cindy Loose: Okay.....

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John Deiner: As always, you guys rule. Great spring break stories . . . funny, sad, scary. And thanks also for all your contributions/questions/suggestions regarding our Europe issue.

This one's a slam dunk, folks. Going to throw out the Microsoft package and the Ohio giftpak to "Pittsburgh in April" for the scintillating tale of urinary tract infections, foiled pool plans and "life alert" buttons incorrectly pushed. Send your name/address/next of kin to travel@washpost.com.

Thanks again everyone...watch this weekend's section for stories on Spanish immersion class for kids, Milwaukee and restaurants in Mumbai.

Happy travels.

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