New flight regulations, Paris, Manhattan transfers, Cleveland and more.
The Flight Crew
Washington Post Travel Section
Monday, August 21, 2006
2:00 PM
The Post's Travel Section Flight Crew will take your comments, questions, suspicions, warnings, gripes, sad tales and happy endings springing from the world of ... the world. Of course, the Flight Crew will be happy to answer your travel questions -- but the best thing about this forum, we insist, is that it lets travelers exchange information with other travelers who've been there, done that or otherwise have insights, ideas and information to share. Different members of the Crew will rotate through the captain's chair every week, but the one constant is you, our valued passengers.
We know you have a choice in online travel forums, and speaking for the entire Flight Crew, we want to thank you for flying with us.
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Carol Sottili: Are we all getting used to the new airport security rules? Seems as if we're back to business as usual at U.S. airports, albeit without our bottle of water in hand. Even in London, airports are getting back to near normal: At Heathrow, Saturday was the first day since the terrorism scare that no flights were cancelled. We're still interested in any security-related tales, but maybe we can now turn our attention again to the lighter side of travel.
Summer is winding down: For those of you who are sitting behind your desks, enjoy these last days of lighter traffic and easier commutes. We're interested in hearing your travel plans for Labor Day weekend. We wonder whether it is a big weekend for getting out of town, or whether everyone is hunkering down at home getting ready for school, work, etc. If you have any great ideas or plans, share them. Best one gets a small crab pot with apron from the 4th Annual Celebrity Chef's Beach Brunch, an event that benefits Meals on Wheels scheduled to be held in Dewey Beach Oct. 1.
Staff members at the ready today include K.C. Summers, just back from a vacation that included trips to Santa Fe and Pittsburgh; John Deiner, who is busy writing a story about his trip to the Azores and planning another trip to Walt Disney World; Gary Lee, whose story on Louisville this weekend was about more than bourbon and horses; Ann McDonough, returned from a weekend trip to Boston where she explored the Jamaica Plain neighborhood; and Andrea Sachs and your host, Carol Sottili, who stay home more often than not (well, Carol spends most weekends in Ocean City, but that's old news).
And we're off.......
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Cleveland, Ohio: Hooray - husband and I finally get to take the honeymoon that we've deferred for 5 years. I was dreaming in abstract about Banff National Park in Alberta as our honeymoon destination for ages before we got married, but we ran away to Cleveland instead. But now he has a conference to attend there this September, and I'm tagging along. (Okay, so - honeymoon with 1,500 of our closest work friends... it's still Lake Louise!)
So... now I get to come up with a non-abstract plan for getting us there and entertaining myself during the day while he's at the conference for 4 out of our 7 days. I'm imagining guided hikes, catching up with some of the other tag-along spouses for lunch and excursions, filled out by reading and lounging. We plan to rent a car and take a few day trips the Jasper and Glacier parks for a few day trips after the conference is over.
So my questions: Do you know of any good flight/rental car/hotel package deals in this area? Can you recommend anything we should be extra sure not to miss? And can you recommend a good hotel within walking distance of the Fairmont Lodge (or should we just splurge and stay at the Fairmont itself)?
Thanks!
Carol Sottili: Cindy Loose is our resident expert on this part of the world, but she isn't here today. Want to try again next week? Meanwhile, anyone out there have answers?
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SS,MD re: Guatemala/Lake Atitlan: To the person who posted last week inquiring about where to stay on Lake Atitlan...
...My husband and I recently returned from a fabulous trip to Guatemala. We stayed at Lomas de Tzununa for four nights and we loved it! I HIGHLY recommend it! The proprietors, Maria and Thierry, as well as the staff could not have been more friendly and accomodating. The property itself is simple but pristine and the views are breathtaking. The trek from the boat dock up to the property is not for the faint of heart but once you get up there, the views make the effort more than worth it. The atmosphere is SO relaxing and peaceful. Just out of curiousity, we visited some other properties we had considered staying, including Posada de Santiago and Casa del Mundo. Although both seemed wonderful in their own ways, when we go back, we will definitely stay at LDT again...for the views if nothing else. I am sure that once LDT gets written up in Lonley Planet and other guide books, it will be extremely popular. Enjoy it now -- the undiscovered gem that it is -- before the word gets out! BTW, many thanks to Steve H. for the recommendation.
As an aside, we hiked from LDT to a bit beyond Santa Cruz and the other way, from LDT to San Marcos and had no safety concerns/issues. Our biggest safety concern during our stay at the Lake was that the public "la launcha" was going to sink due to being overloaded. Does anyone know if this has ever actually happened? Sure felt like we were about to go under at one point on our way back to Pana!
John Deiner: Hey there. Steve isn't here today, but I've been to his pad in Guatemala and I know exactly what you're talking about. I watched one afternoon as Steve and three friends toddled up to the dock in a launch during a ferocious thunderstorm -- and all four were shocked that it hadn't sunk. Not sure if they ever do, though. Anyone know?
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Security Update: So I was going through security Thursday night with my infant and her sippy cup of breastmilk. It was confiscated because it was not in a bottle. Evidently sippy cups are tools of terrorists but bottles are A-OK. We protested to no avail. I offered the printout from the TSA website. The supervisor in our section said "the website is wrong. I am the authority for this lane." She also confiscated our contact lens solution, saying we needed a doctor's note to carry it. My wife is a surgeon so she pulled out her hospital ID and said "I'm a doctor. Can I carry this?" The supervisor gnashed her teeth and let us through, solution intact. On the way back, no problems whatsoever.
Carol Sottili: These sort of issues are going to come up. Remember the entire shoes off/shoes off issue? Even after the TSA said you didn't have to take your shoes off (you do again now), there were still individual agents/airports that required it.
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Croatia: We are heading to Croatia soon. Do I have to have kuna or
will they accept Euros and dollars?
KC Summers: Many shops and hotels do accept euros, but that's going to cost you more. If you can opt for kunas, do it. Also, people renting rooms out of their homes (a popular way to travel in Croatia) will ask for kunas. I didn't find anyone who accepted dollars.
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medicines: I have always carried on to planes my RX pills in a daily pill
box, and never had a problem. They arrive by mail in 90-day
supplies, so I am not willing to carry them in the original
large bottles, and am concerned about temperatures in the
baggae hold. Do you think that a two-week supply of such
unmarked meds (no liquids or gels) will be a problem?
Carol Sottili: Here's what I wrote in Travel Q&A yesterday:
To save space I put my pills in two small, clear, plastic boxes with dividers. Does the requirement that all medications in carry-on luggage be labeled apply just to liquids and gels?
Bill Robertson, Fairfax
The rule about prescription pills hasn't changed: You need to place your pills in their original labeled bottles. TSA regulations state, "Nonliquid or gel medications of all kinds such as solid pills or inhalers are allowed through the security checkpoint once they have been screened. Please make sure your medications are labeled."
Check with your pharmacist and medical insurance provider to see if it's possible to package vacation meds in smaller bottles. Even if you're willing to chance checking your medication, prescription drugs should be properly labeled.
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Washington, DC: Dear Travel Crew,
If you had 8 days in early December to spend in France what would you suggest. I would like part of the time to be in Paris and then the following ideas have been tossed around: Mont St. Michel and elsewhere in Normandy and Brittany, Strausbourg, Reims and Epernay, or possibly Brussels. If it helps, we like to see the architechtural, cultural and historical sights in a place as well as NICE hotels and great restaurants. We also like to walk a lot in neighborhoods that are scenic or have a particular vibe. Shopping is a plus. I would be happy staying in Paris for the whole 8 days, but my husband gets easily bored and he has been there many times.
We also considered Berlin, but he is sure that will be arctic. What do you think?
Thanks!
Gary Lee: As a longtime homeowner in Paris, I have been to all the places you mention. You could definitely easily fill eight days in Paris but lacking that option, based on the kinds of attractions you like, I would spend 4-5 days in Paris, then divide my time between Brittany/Normandy. I'd base myself in St. Malo -- it has great architecture, restaurants, antiques and is manageable on foot -- and then take a day trip to Mont. St Michel. It's hard to imagine being in that area without going to Omaha Beach. But if you stay in Normandy overnight, I'd suggest the town of Arromaches. It has good restaurants and several decent museums about WWII.
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Washington, DC: Hi Flight Crew!
I'm taking the train into NYC this weekend to meet a friend who's flying into LaGuardia. We're heading to a wedding in CT and she's renting a car from the airport. What do you think is my best (easiest and cheapest) option for getting from Manhattan to LaGuardia? My limited research so far looks like the public transport options aren't great and a cab may be my best bet.
Thanks!
Anne McDonough: The shuttle (New York Airport Service Express Bus, 718-875-8200, http://www.nyairportservice.com/manhattan_lga.html) leaves from convenient locations in Manhattan (from Grand Central, Port Authority and Penn Station) and heads out to LGA for $12. Check out the official LGA site for all of the options: (just cut and paste): www.panynj.gov/CommutingTravel/airports/html/lg_transportation.html
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Southington, Conn: I've been watching the new "no-fluids-on-a-plane" mandate with great interest. I see that we can have 4 oz of fluid. But for people with chronic conditions that make them always carry a cough syrup or an antacid or water to take a pill to forestall an emergency, that may not be enough. I take it that 4 oz is a total? Also, are we supposed to get all water from the flight attendants now? (For example, I can imagine getting choked and hitting the call button, while coughing: "If you can wait just a moment, ma'am, we will begin beverage service." (cough, cough, cough, cough ... )
Carol Sottili: Yup, up to 4 oz. of liquids. As for water, you have to get it from the flight attendants. That's the rule.
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Looking for cheap flights: I was wondering if any of you or the other chatters had used skyauction.com? I am wondering what a good price is to fly to London at the end of Sept? And right now the lowest price I have found is $620....good/bad?
Carol Sottili: No one here has used the site in some time. It's been around for quite a while. As for $620, go to a metasearch site, such as www.kayak.com or www.sidestep.com, and compare it there.
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Baseball Stadium Tour: Heading to Cleveland for the weekend to notch another stadium in our very slow national tour. We have Saturday afternoon free in the city - any suggestions for how to occupy our time (other than the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame)? Also, would welcome restaurant/bar recommendations in The Flats for Saturday evening...
Gary Lee: If you're into visually art -- even only vaguely -- the Cleveland Museum is fantastic. It has one of the best collections of Asian art in the country and other enthralling pieces. The Cleveland Botanical Garden is near there and is also well worth it: they have done interesting recreations of the rain forest in the Madagascar.
Not sure about restaurants in the flats but I like Fire in Shaker Heights. Anybody else have tips for eating or sights in Cleveland?
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Suggestion for airlines:: The travel section stated that airlines are carrying more bottled water with the no liquid ban. May I make a suggestion? As passengers board hand everyone a bottle right then. The beverage cart can't start until the plane reaches a stable altitude and takes forever to come down the aisle.
John Deiner: Great suggestion, but as Carol points out over the din of the Flight Crew's typing, that would cost the airlines a ton o' moolah, an expense that most would be hestitant to take on. And Anne points out that many people may not actually need/use it, but would still take it because it's,you know, free. And think of all the recyclable material onboard. I'm among the masses who used to carry a bottle of water on board, and I'm missing it already.
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Arlington, Va: TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS: I'm really confused about what are and are not permitted on flights now. What am I allowed in my carry-on? Can I bring my computer, blackberry, and cell phone as carry-on?
Carol Sottili: Go to www.tsa.gov for the latest regs. Yes, you can bring electronics as carry ons.
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Del Ray, Va: This Thursday I'm flying on Northwest and then spending about 10 days at my destination. On Friday, Northwest may or may not go on strike. If they do strike, should I immediately start making calls to see if I can line up a return flight on another airline or should I wait a few days to see if things are resolved? Please advise.
KC Summers: As we reported in CoGo, if there's a strike, Northwest will refund the cost of your nonrefundable ticket if you ask for that, or will try to book you on another airline. But the problem will be finding a seat, since most planes are flying full this summer. If a strike happens -- and a lot of experts think it won't -- some people are going to have to stay home.
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Seattle, Wash.: Here's an odd question about what constitutes a "liquid" or "gel" on flights...my mom will be flying from Buffalo NY to visit me here in Seattle tomorrow. She wishes to pack her own meal, and she wants to know if she can bring a cup of pre-packaged yogurt. Any idea if this will count as a "gel" and not be allowed through security? Thanks.
Carol Sottili: Sorry, no yogurt.
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Alexandria Va: Thanks for the in depth "Gatoride Crisis" coverage this weekend. The info in the Travel section helped clear up some things for us.
Labor Day - Getting out of this city to try another one. We found some good FF deals to Chicago (15K points with United) and a sale fare at a hotel in the loop.
Carol Sottili: Thanks for the kind words. Chicago sounds like a fine Labor Day destination. Chicago trivia: the University of Chicago just moved up to the number 9 spot (all the way from 15) in the U.S. News & World Report college ranking survey.
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Labor Day weekend plans: Gas is expensive, the roads are a nightmare, and we're living in one of the coolest cities in the country! Why leave?
With a dozen or so friends, we're going out to Rock Creek Park, where we plan to set up a volleyball net, fire up at least three grills, and reconnect with each other after a long summer of travel that has kept us all too busy to see one another.
It's not travel, but it's a pretty good alternative!
Carol Sottili: I'll bring the potato salad.
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Alexandria, Va: Loved the article about Louisville and wondered how the Ali center is doing in terms of its audience--does it attract more of a local crowd or is it truly a national or international audience? It sounds like it's worth a trip...
Gary Lee: Thanks for the praise. The managers of the Ali center say that it's ahead of schedule in terms of visitors, including a surprisingly high percentage of international visitors and folks from around the US. After spending several hours there, it struck me as easily a destination of its own, something on the order of Graceland. I am not a boxing fan but the whole place totally captured my attention for three hours.
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Optimizing a Trip to Thailand: I have a chance to visit a friend in Bangkok next February for 6 days (can't do more because of work) and would like advice how to plan since I've never been there. Some friends say I should go north and to the beaches because I'm traveling so far from Texas. (My friend will be working during the day so I'm on my own. On the weekend however we will take a trip to Ankor Wat, our big plan). I'm torn...should I stay and really explore Bangkok over several days, or would I be missing something if I don't get out of the city? I don't mind staying in the city because it's huge and there seems to be much to do, but I don't want to regret this rare opportunity. Also, when should I buy a ticket? What's a reasonable cost--right now I see $1500 for flights. Thanks!
Andrea Sachs: I have a love/hate relationship with Bangkok. I adore its palaces and temples (make sure to see the Grand Palace, the Wat Timitr and its gold Buddha, and the huge reclining Buddha), and cheap boat ride up and down the Chao Phraya (stop to visit the temples or floating markets). It also has a growing design (furniture to fashion) scene, and you can't but wonder how Thais never get sick after eating food cooked in pollution. However, the massive city is more commercial and mall-orientated than the United States, so after a couple of days, the sounds, smells and shopping wears on me.
So, my answer to your visit: Spend a couple of days in Bangkok, then flee town. Explore the islands and beaches (but stay away from the major tourist center; they are like sad Fort Lauderdales); the hilltribes of northern Thailand; the painting elephants at the conservation facility; and if time permits, the small slice of Burma that's full of weird yet fascinating sights and shopping.
As for booking a flight. Wait for a special fare, and don't book around the holidays. You might be able to nab a fare for under a grand, or maybe even around $800--$1,500 is much too high.
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Washington, DC: This year we decided to schedule our outer banks vacation for the last week of August, which means it ends on the Satruday of Labor Day weekend. Since labor day is the beginning of the low season down there, we negotiated to stay the 2 extra days of the weekend(normally check out on saturday). This way we avoid the beach traffic on the way home, plus we like a quiet beach, and the number of families will be lower since kids are already in school. And it means it stretches my summer all the way to the end. The only thing that could go wrong is a hurricane so cross your fingers!
Carol Sottili: Weather report looks good so far.
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For the Banff honeymooner: We've been there many times and it's great every time. Here's my advice:
1. It's cold there this time of year! Don't forget warm clothes and it's all about layering as you're hiking. You will need sturdy hiking boots and water carriers, like a Camelbak, if you intend to hike for any length of time. Remember -- you're hiking up the Rockies!
2. The grizzlies were out in FULL FORCE this year, to the point that there were signs all over, telling people not to hike in groups smaller than six. I've been going there for a decade or so and have NEVER seen warnings like that before. Kinda takes the enjoyment of rounding some corner on a trail, wondering what -- or who -- will be waiting for you there! I guess bears are extra-hungry this time of year, before they settle in for the winter.
3. Not sure where the "Fairmont Lodge" is, but I think that the Fairmont Lake Louise & Fairmont Banff Springs are totally overrated, though there are many who will disagree with me. We prefer to stay at Rimrock (www.rimrockresort.com), which is more out of the way, but stunningly built into the side of a mountain.
4. Activities, in no particular order: (a) Drive the Icefields Parkway to the Columbia Icefield and walk out on it. You want proof there's global warming, this is it! (b) White water rafting if the river is high enough and the weather is warm enough. Any outfit out of Kananaskis is fine. (c) Hiking trails -- any hotel can help you out, but we particularly love the Trail of Seven Glaciers (I think that's what it's called) out of the back of Chateau Lake Louise. (d) Ride the Sulpher Springs gondola (just up the road from Rimrock) to the Hot Springs. (e) spend a day walking around and shopping in Banff -- yeah, it's touristy but it's fun and there's some neat stuff. (f) Lots of great food, particularly in Banff: the tasting room at Rimrock, Rundle Lounge, Evergreen, Grapes and Nourish.
Enjoy -- I'm jealous!
(PS: I have no connection to Rimrock, other than that they got a lot of my hard-earned money every year...)
Carol Sottili: Sounds like you know the place.
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Alexandria, Va - Contact solution: The TSA site says its fine, but I flew back last night and it was confiscated at Logan - though it was apparently fine to go out through National Friday night!!
I dont mind the TSA changing their rules, I mind that they are so clueless and mindnumbingly inconsistent that it renders the security system USELESS.
Carol Sottili: Your complaint is a common one. No one likes inconsistency.
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Columbia, Md: Thanks for the great info on TSA yesterday, but unless I missed it, I didn't see a mention of the TSA locks -- are they worth the $20 (for two at Brookstone, no affiliation)? I hate to check luggage because the last two times I did, something happened. I'm flying to my parents home and plan to leave all my liquids there for future trips, so essentially my checked luggage is nothing I can't replace (and I have a receipt for everything since I bought duplicates yesterday). But it's the principle of it.
KC Summers: I'll tell you, I'm not so sure anymore about the wisdom of using those TSA-approved locks. Theoretically they make sense -- and you want to have *some* protection against crooked baggage handlers -- but we've been hearing from more and more readers who complain that their approved locks were cut off, or the zippers broken on their suitcases by screeners. In other words, some screeners treat the approved locks like any other locks.
I guess they're better than nothing, though. Here's a link to the TSA blurb: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/locks.shtm
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Lancaster Pa: We flew home from San Diego on 8/12/06, the second day of the new rules. I was pulled out of line and my bag hand searched due to having a package of Fig Newtons. The guy on the scanner did not know what they were and the man who searched the bag rubbed them with one of those liite cloths and held it under the machine. I was allowed to keep them when the tested negative. The guy doing the hand search even sort of laughed about it. Other than that things were cool, only took a few minutes in line. The line to check bags was MUCH longer
Carol Sottili: Fig Newtons as potential terrorist devices. Who knew?
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re: Cleveland restaurant: As a native Clevelander and a huge Indians fan, I have spent many a nights after Indian's games at the Winking Lizard. There's one on Huron right across from Jacob's Field. Not the Flats, but a good time. Make sure and have a glass of Great Lakes Burning River beer... in homage to the great times that it was when the Cuyahoga River caught on fire. Man! You're making me homesick!! Have fun!
Gary Lee: Hey, 'preciate the restaurant and drinking tip!
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Phoenix, Md: Utrecht - what not to miss? I am going to Holland for 2 weeks in Sept and will be spending 2 days in Utrecht. What are the must sees? Anything interesting that is off the beaten track? Thanks!
KC Summers: Sorry, we haven't been to Utrecht lately -- can anyone out there help Phoenix?
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Georgetown, Washington, DC: I just can't believe the restriction on water is going to last. I mean, water? It's a good idea. Reduces the risk of deep vein thrombosis, for example, one of the major health risks of air travel. (Ok, it's actually a health risk of sitting in one place for a long time without moving, but that's air travel for ya.)
Someone suggested giving out free water as passengers get on planes, and I can see how that would be a problem - but why not sell it? I'd pay a few dollars for water that the airlines and TSA could agree wasn't a terrorist implement.
John Deiner: There ya go. That's an idea we could all live with. If the airlines charged even a buck for it, they'd probably come out even and everyone would be happy.
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Blacksburg, Va: For Labor Day I will be traveling to my parents' house in Colonial Williamsburg, to visit my newborn nephew.
Of course, until then I may be locked in my house, unless they find that crazy killer on the loose...
Carol Sottili: Heard about the Blacksburg lock-down. For those of you who haven't, there's a killer on the loose near V. Tech, so the campus is locked down. Go to www.washingtonpost.com for details. Have fun with your nephew.
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Labor Day, Va: My husband and I are heading out to Orkney Springs, VA to go to the Shenandoah Valley Music Festival. It's on the grounds of a lovely old hotel is the Alleghenies. My family went often when I was growing up. The New Orleans Preservation Hall Jazz Band is playing the Sunday of Labor Day weekend.
Carol Sottili: Sounds very festive.
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re: Lake Louise: The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is the only hotel on the lake. Deer Lodge might be walking distance, but everything else is a couple of miles downhill in the village (which is walking distance, but a pretty long walk). The Chateau is big enough that you might be able to get a deal on a room through priceline.
Carol Sottili: Thanks for the tip.
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Washington, DC: I'm flying Delta from IAD to JFK and have 60 minute layover before my Alitalia flight to Italy takes off. Will I have enough time? Should I book an earlier flight to JFK and just pay the penalty fees, it would reduce my stress level 90%? Thanks. I'm really worried that I'll miss my flight. Should I be?
Andrea Sachs: A lot depends on which terminal you need to go to for your international flight, and if you can you show your passport, get your tickets and check you bags at Dulles. If the gate is nearby and all you need to do is go through security, then you should be fine (though remember: JFK can be a monster or a mouse, depending on the hour). However, if you need to check-in and walk miles to your terminal, you might want some extra time. The agent who booked your flight should have left you more connecting time, so perhaps you can negotiate and avoid big change fees. For peace of mind, it's worth it.
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Washington, DC: thought of something you could give contest winners, assortment of liquids and gels confiscated by the TSA at local airports.
Carol Sottili: I wondered about whether they could give those away, but I'm guessing there's the problem of getting the stuff from point a to point b, plus the problem of figuring out what's open and what's not.
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Harrisonburg, Va: No question, just kudos to Jet Blue and Long Beach, CA Airport for a remarkably well-organized and civilized airport experience and flight home to Dulles last week. Given all the new security restrictions, my family and I were anticipating all kinds of delays, and we were enormously grateful NOT to be flying out of LAX. The airport personnel were efficient but thorough (of course, the airport's small size makes all the difference), and we even had time for a leisurely breakfast at the airport cafe. The folks on Jet Blue were great, offering extra bottled water frequently and even extra juice for my toddler. Only poor mark on the day - our stroller that didn't make the flight. Jet Blue had the stroller at our front door (2 hrs + from Dulles) 36 hrs later. We're Jet Blue/Long Beach passengers for life now.
Carol Sottili: Good to hear someone is having fun out there...
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Arlington Geek: For Labor Day I'll be headed to Atlanta for DragonCon, one of North America's largest science fiction conventions. The twist this year is that I've invited my brother, who has never been to a "con", to tag along. I can't wait to see his face when he gets a load of 20,000 geeks on parade.
Carol Sottili: Is Triumph the Insult Dog going to be there? Just kidding....it sounds like fun.
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need my water: So I was wondering: has anyone done any peering into the crystal ball on how long this liquid restriction thing might last? A few weeks ago - the day all this hullabaloo started, in fact - I had to fly from Chicago to Detroit. I knew about all the restrictions ahead of time, so I was there in plenty of time with my shampoo in my packed bag. Here's my thing, though: I had a cold. I finished my bottle of water before I went through the line, refilled it on the other side, then finished it again before getting on the plane. Then I was only on the plane for about an hour, so not having constant access to liquid wasn't all bad.
But I can't imagine what would have happened if I'd been flying to, say, Tokyo. No water bottle, no saline nasal spray, no lotion? I'd have been a wreck by the time I landed, even without being sick. Are these restrictions going to last? Is flying just destined to become a complete misery in every possible way? Or will this be like the nail clippers rule - eventually someone will realize it's totally dumb and drop it?
John Deiner: Well, I dropped my crystal ball on the way to work, so I don't have a good answer for you, but we all feel your pain. We did publish a list this weekend of dry options to some of the things you mentioned, though dry water, of course, was not among them. If you're flying to Tokyo, you have to assume that the airline you're on will provide refreshments and that you can ask for seconds (actually, my experience on long-range flights is that I never arrive thirsty).
As far as how long they'll ask: Who knows? Right now, we're assuming they'll be in place for a while. Or not.
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Arlington, Va: re: Skyauction, the one big caveat with Skyauction is to read the fine print very carefully. In addition to the winning bid price you also have to pay taxes and fees that can add a couple of hundred bucks to the price.
Carol Sottili: Thanks for the info.
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Columbia Heights, Washington, DC: For Labor Day, we're hoping to take a trip south through the colonial cities. Williamsburg, Suffolk, Edenton, etc. If we get as far as Charleston, good for us!
The advantage of this multi-destination itinerary is that if we're held up on the way, or just having too much fun in any one spot, we will still have seen and done plenty by the time we have to turn around and head home.
And, since we're camping along the way, no need to worry about scarce and pricey hotel rooms!
Carol Sottili: Good plan.
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22015: Please help! I want to take my wife to Paris for New Year's as a Christmas present and need a bit of help. Haven't been there in 30+ years. I was thinking of a 3 star hotel in either the Luxumbourg Gardens or Eiffle Tower areas. Any suggestions as to properties, either to try for or to avoid? That I understand I'll need to reserve quickly. Also, in booking the flight, what would be a good price to look for? What hotel booking companies and airfare consolidators are especially reliable? Basic stuff, I know, but I need the help. Thanx!
Gary Lee: For flights to Paris, try the aggregator kayak.com. Also, check out orbitz, expedia, and travelocity. For hotels, I would check out venere.com or expedia.com. I am partial to the hotel Istria, a small family run place a few blocks walk from Luxembourg. The hotel Port Royal is also worth checking out.
Anybody else have Paris hotel tips?
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Canada Bound: The couple headed to Alberta should stay at the Deer Lodge at Lake Louise (within the shadow of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise). Lake Louise is far nice than Banff, which has become very commercial in recent years. Deer Lodge has a sister hotel in Banff which is very nice. The Fairmonts are great but can be busy and crowded with tour groups.
Carol Sottili: More good info.
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Re: Water: I need to take an anti-anxiety pill either just before or immediately after boarding a plane. What do you recommend since I'm not allowed to take water through security. Thanks!
John Deiner: Gee, RW. Seems as if you could just buy a bottle on the other side of security and dump it in the trash as you're boarding, or go to a drinking fountain in the terminal. Onboard, I'm sure (well, I hope) an attendant could get you a little glass of water before takeoff to take a pill if you explained the situation.
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Re: Cleveland: As a resident of Cleveland, I would steer away from the Flats. They've seen better times and a new revitalization is in the works. Head to the Warehouse District instead, for hip restaruants and bars.
And, the Cleveland Museum of Art is, unfortunately, closed for a major renovation.
Gary Lee: Thanks for the tips on Museum and the Flats.
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Princeton NJ: Labor Day weekend: the last five years we have taken to getting US Open tennis tickets for the Sunday of Labor Day weekend...driving up in little or no traffic!!...and then we head into a relatively deserted Manhattan for dinner at a restaurant that's usually impossible to get into...a great way to end the "summer season"...
Carol Sottili: NYC in summer is less hectic.
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Bethesda Md: For the person going to Cleveland: we just got back from a long weekend there and the art museum is closed for renovations. We found that we spent a good 5 hours at the Rock & Roll Hall of fame and I could have spent even more. One tip is to look at the (skimpy) brochure after you enter the museum and note the locations of the video presentations on each floor. I found I wasted too much time looking at costumes and did not have enough time for all the videos and listening posts, which, to me, are the real rock & roll.
If you're interested, the museum of science is right next to the Rock & Roll Hall of fame and they're showiing a great IMAX movie "Wired for Speed" (or something like that) about the brain and the Tour de France.
We ate in the Warehouse district, which is not far from the Flats. My two sons especially enjoyed a Brazilian churascuria restaurant "Brasa"--which, by DC prices, was a deal at $35 for all you can eat meats with great salad bar.
My husband and son took in an Indians game and had no problem getting seats at the last minute.
We also drove outside of town to Mentor, Ohio to see the farm of President James Garfield, who had a more interesting career than I had realized. If you're interested in history, it's worth a detour.
Gary Lee: Great advice, thanks.
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Harrisburg, Pa: Pick me! Pick Me! My Labor Day plans: Go up to Scranton, PA and be a groosman in the wedding of a childhood friend I've known for 30 years. Can't think of a better way to spend the weekend (free food and drink, too!)
Carol Sottili: I was in Scranton once, but it was a long time ago. Have fun.
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Alexandria, Va: Can anyone recommend a good daytrip into Belgium from Amsterdam? We're especially interested in sampling Belgian beer.
Anne McDonough: It's a long day, but Brugge (www.brugge.be) is just a magical city, and it's about 3 1/2 hours from Amsterdam by trains, via Antwerp (www.ns.nl, then click English, for schedules and fares). I know you're set on Belgian beer, but if Amsterdam is your only stop in the Netherlands so far could I suggest exploring the Dutch countryside, by bike perhaps, instead of heading out to Belgium? Otherwise Brugge gets my vote. Anyone else?
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Bethesda, Md.: If I fly from DC to Calgary round-trip (Air Canada) and then change my mind while there and get a car ride home with a friend, will I have any trouble returning my ticket, going through customs on the road, etc.? Thanks.
Andrea Sachs: You might lose the money on the second portion, but if you call to cancel that portion, you could perhaps holdover that fare and apply it to a future flight (with added costs of change fees, etc.). Another option is to book two one ways (though it could be more expensive), to be sure they don't forfeit that second fare.
For the drive back, as long as you have the proper documents (don't forget your passport), it should be an easy drive across the border.
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Falls Church, Va.: Months ago I got tickets through Expedia for an inexpensive flight to Dublin in January, connecting through Chicago. We have about two and a half hours for our layover, during which we need to change terminals. Two years ago when we made this same connection, two hours was just fine for changing terminals and going through security again, but now I'm not so sure. We unfortunately have paper tickets and two Expedia itineraries (as my wife is returning a week before me), so changing flights out of Dulles now will be expensive ($30 Expedia fee for each ticket, plus an Aer Lingus change fee of 30 Euros, plus paying to Fed Ex the tickets back to Expedia). Our plan is to keep our tickets and just try to go standby on an earlier flight to Chicago. Any other ideas, or should two hours between flights be OK, assuming the weather cooperates?
KC Summers: It's hard to say, FC -- it could be just fine. I would probably take the chance. I had a two-hour layover in Phoenix last week and made my connection just fine. And on the originating flight, I allowed three hours (as the airline requested) and had approximately 2.75 hours to kill after going through security. It was that smooth.
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Arlington, Va: for the Bangkok traveler...6 days in Thailand is barely any time at all, especially after spending a whole day flying there and a whole day flying back. $1500 is too high unless you are going premium economy. February is high season though so if you see a good fare you will want to act fast. Check out the direct non-stop flight on Thai Airways from JFK or LAX to minimize your travel time (if you can call a 17 hour flight minimizing).
I would definitely spend a couple of days seeing the sights in Bangkok and then maybe take some days trips out of the city to Ayutthaya, Muang Boran, and places like that. If you want the beach maybe go over to Koh Samui. With just 6 days I don't think there's enough time to do Angkor as well. Definitely see if you can find more time to spend there though. Going halfway around the world for just 6 days barely seems worth it to me. I am going to Thailand for 3 weeks leaving on Sept 2 and I feel like that's not even really enough time.
Andrea Sachs: You really know your Thailand. Great advice. Thanks!
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Flying back from UK: I haven't purchased a ticket yet........but what is the best site for looking up traveling restrictions coming out of the UK.....I want to be able to carry my camera equipement and not really sure I see anything definitive on the BAA site.
Carol Sottili: Go to www.dft.gov.uk.
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Labor Day plans: Our Labor Day plans are simple -- we are going to play D.C. tourists. The Museum of American History is top on our list. I am trying to decide if the Spy Museum is suitable for my kids, ages 11, 8, and 5.
Gary Lee: I went to the Spy museum a couple of weeks ago with my nephew and we both loved it. Even though the entrance fee to is not cheap, it's great for kids, even 5 year olds. There are so many displays, videos, hands on stuff, that you'll pretty easily fill up the two hours they recommend.
For the kids, I'd also recommend the Musuem of Natural History.
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Boston, Mass: for the Paris bound: Hotel Bailli de Suffren near the Eiffel Tower is excellent. I found it through this website when I went for my BDay several years ago: http://filfranck.com/hotel_bailli_de_suffren_paris_france.htm
The staff was incredible. The room was small but perfect. I also highly recommend using Fil Franck to help plan your travel. I spoke with the owner personally several times while planning my trip, and he assisted my mother in NC to have a birthday basket waiting for me in my room when I arrived.
Gary Lee: Cool tip; merci!
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Washington, D.C.: I'll probably jinx myself by saying this, but the Delta shuttle to NY this weekend was a dream. Tons of room in the overhead compartments, and on the way back to DC, my checked bag was already on the carousel when I walked up to it, and I came directly from the plane -- that's fast!
I was slowed down only slightly when the TSA insisted on unwrapping my three individually wrapped packets of cheese, but hey, I was comforted by his thoroughness.
We were also impressed that the X-ray guys are finding and confiscating bottles of water that people put in their bags. No, I'm not happy about the whole no-liquids thing, but I am glad that if they're going to put the rule into effect, they're enforcing it consistently.
Carol Sottili: Blocks of cheese can look like explosive devices. Same with jars of peanut butter or stacked books.
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Alexandria, Va: Hello, Flight Crew. Later this week, my family will be flying to attend funeral services. The cremains are contained in a wooden box, compatible with the TSA's security x-ray guidelines. We intend to carry the box onboard with us during the flight. We have read the TSA's website, and we are fairly certain we will be following proper protocol. But, we are curious if anyone out there has recent experience with going through airport security with cremains. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you.
Carol Sottili: Anyone out there have a comment on this?
Here's a press release from the TSA from 2004:
WASHINGTON, D.C - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today announced a partnership with the nation's funeral homes to ensure that cremated remains are safely and securely transported through airport security checkpoints.
"Americans have recognized the need for measures that have dramatically increased aviation security since the events of September 11th," said Ron Sokolov, Executive Director for Customer Service and Education. "As more Americans transport cremated remains, TSA and the nation's funeral homes are striving to educate the public on the best method to move cremated remains through checkpoints in a manner that is both respectful to loved ones and secure."
To maintain the highest level of security, TSA determined that documentation from a funeral home about the contents of a crematory container was no longer sufficient to allow the container through a security checkpoint and onto a plane. Since February of this year, all crematory containers must pass through an X-ray machine. If a container is made of a material that prevents screeners from clearly seeing what is inside, the container will not be allowed through the checkpoint. Out of respect for the deceased, screeners will not open a container, even if requested by the passenger.
TSA recommends that passengers transport remains in temporary or permanent "security friendly" containers constructed of light-weight materials such as plastic or wood. Temporary containers are typically available from funeral homes and offer a security friendly means to travel by air with a crematory container. Once the passengers complete their travel, they can visit their local TSA's Funeral Home Partner who will transfer the remains from the temporary container to the permanent container free of charge. The complimentary "Remains Transfer Service" has been embraced by the funeral industry and already many funeral homes have requested to become partners in this important customer service effort.
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Cleveland, Ohio: The art museum is closed for renovations at the moment, but head to University Circle anyway to check out our historical society, bontanical gardens and the architecture of CWRU. Then walk up to Little Italy and get some donuts at Presti's or pizza at Mama Santa's. Head east from their and walk into the arty neighborhood. Other destinations: Tremont, the West Side Market, the Beachland Ballroom. We have 2 free papers with lots of ideas of things to do, so pick up the Free Times and Scene and the Friday paper. Come visit! We like you lots!
Gary Lee: All of those are nice ideas. The architecture at CWRU is an often-overlooked treat. In the past, they had docents doing free tours of the Frank Gehry building there. I would also highly recommend the botanical garden; the indoor and outdoor gardens are fantastic.
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Arlington, Va: RE: Paris - the hotel Champ du Mars, just off the Rue Cler, and walking distance to the Eiffel Tower, is a great choice. It's not expensive, and it's charming. Plus, the Rue Cler has a ton of great food shops, so you can buy your breakfast at the bakery, rather than pay hotel prices!
Gary Lee: hey, thanks for the suggestion...
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Washington, DC: Found a good airfare for international travel between Malaysia and Cambodia, but it's on Air Asia and I've never heard of them. Anybody ever used them or is there anyway to find out what they are like?
Andrea Sachs: We've never heard of Air Asia before, but I found an interesting Web site (www.airlinequality.com/Forum/ air_asia.htm) with passenger comments on its low-fare service and reliability. It is also the official airline for Manchester United, and if it's good enough for those soccer studs, then it's good enough for us. (Other facts: The airline has carried more than 11 million passengers and received 100 new Airbus planes in December.)
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Washington, D.C.: For the Paris plus provinces poster: We are going that time of year and looked into a Brittany/Normandy extension, only to find most of the nice hotels closed after mid November. We switched to Loire exploration, with similar results. Some places are open, but start investigating soon!
Gary Lee: Thanks for the suggestion. I'd still suggest trying to stay in St. Malo.
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re: Cleveland: The Cleveland Museum of Art is closed for expansion, but check out the Museum of Natural History or Great Lakes Science Center (and I second the vote for the Botanical Garden). For restaurants...try Fat Fish Blue or Chop House and Brewery, both near Jacobs Field. Don't go to the Flats, try W.6th Street instead for late night drinks.
Gary Lee: Thanks for the ideas.
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Annapolis, Md: As far as locks....
I haven't got locks--I use wire-ties to hold my zippers shut. That way I know if the bag has been opened, at least--the couple of times they have been cut, there's always been a TSA inspection sheet (and I've pretty much always known why--usually too much paper/books).
If someone wanted in, of course they could get in, but at least it's a way for me to know if anyone's been in my luggage?
KC Summers: Good idea, Annapolis -- you could also use those plastic ties they sell at appliance stores to handle cords and stuff. That's probably what I'll use. I'm hyperventilating about having to check my bags on my next trip -- I don't do it as a rule, but I don't think I can dispense with all my gels and lotions....
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Re; Paris Hotels: For cute boutique hotels in the 6th arrondissement (same district as the Luxembourg gardens) I recommend the Sainte Beuve, the Saint Germain, and the Hotel de Fleuri. These are properties where the staff are friendly and committed to making your stay enjoyable.
I'd avoid staying in the western 7th arrondissement (near the Eiffel Tower). Other than the tower itself, you're just so far from all the other good stuff, like the Ile Saint Louis, the Marais, the Latin Quarter, etc. Staying in the 6th, you'll do lots more walking, and save money on cab fare!
Gary Lee: Good tips, thanks.
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Re Utrecht: Utrecht is a great shopping town. I have a friend in the Netherlands who always goes there to shop. Take one of the canal boat rides. And if you can find the place, check out the impressive-looking nearby Kasteel (castle) de Haar. We tried to find it - twice - on the strength of one photo in our guidebook, but no luck.
KC Summers: I knew you guys would come through. Thanks for the tips!
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Maryland: Do you (or anyone in the viewing audience) have any feedback for shipping our stuff for a family of 4 travelling to Hawaii? - I was thinking about UPS, about a week or two ahead. We can hit the grocery when we get in, and just take a small carry-on. Do you think we'll raise eyebrows at check-in? How can we get around that? (bring our UPS receipt/tracking numbers?)
We're looking at an itinerary that includes a 5 hour layover in LA on the outbound. We have 7 & 1 yr old -- any suggestions on getting us out in the fresh air, and back to the airport without a lot of hassle? We were thinking about Santa Monica Pier, but I am worried about traffic.
Carol Sottili: It'll cost about $160 to ship 75 pounds. Go to www.ups.com for more info. Don't know that it will raise eyebrows, but it wouldn't hurt to keep receipts with you. A five-hour layover in Los Angeles isn't enough time to get to Santa Monica. With a family of four, I'd probably stick to the airport.
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tipping at tastings: This question is a little OBE, since we just go tback from Napa, but the question occured to us, if we should be tipping the wine pourers at tastings. Certainly, if I'm at a local wine store and they offer a taste I don't tip, but in napa, where teastings cost between $5 and $50, there were som eoccassions where we started to wonder.
Any opinion from the travel crew?
thanks
Anne McDonough: What the heck is OBE?! (wikipedia comes up with the following: Order of the British Empire, Ontario Board exam, Out-of-body experience, Open Back-End, Off-budget enterprise, Outcome-based education, Ottawa Board of Education, Outdated By Edits, Overcome By Events, and
OBE TV, a British-based television network. Methinks you didn't mean any of those). According to Terry Hall, communications director of the Napa Valley Vintners Association, which represents many wineries in...Napa Valley...if it's a tasting at the bar, a regular walk-up up deal, then you don't tip. If it's a private tasting that you've arranged, or the person has gone out of their way to help with tracking down an old bottle or set up dinner reservations, etc., then a tip may be appropriate, but by no means are they expected. Hope that helps!
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Rockville, Md: About water on planes: as somebody who can easily drink 3-4 quarts of water in a day, I felt horribly parched when I flew a couple of weekends ago, just after the fluid restrictions went into place. The flight attendants were really stingy with the water, doling out one cup at a time (two cups on a five-hour flight was NOT enough for me). I lived through it, but I was really uncomfortable.
Later on when I went to the bathroom I noticed that open bottles of water were sitting around the galley area, and I just helped myself. I've noticed that this is accepted practice on international flights, and I'm wondering whether it's OK on domestic flights, and whether it will come to be so.
John Deiner: Hey, Rock. Good point and again, hard to say. International flights have the luxury of using much larger planes, where there's actually some spare space for a refreshment center. Don't know if domestic attendants want a whole bunch of peoople wandering around in their already tight workspace. Interesting to hear about the stingy flight attendants, though. Anyone else able to help themselves to water the past few weeks on flights?
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McLean, Va: Brugge is too far away from Amsterdam for a reasonable day trip. I second your recommendation to re-scope the day trip to somewhere in the Netherlands. Off the top of my head: Leiden, Utrecht, Gouda, Delft.
Anne McDonough: It's doable, but a lonnnnggg day as I mentioned. I like your reccs-thanks!
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over-the-ocean flights: When we flew recently to Europe, every seat had a water bottle. This was before the liquid scare, and I thought it was pretty standard.
John Deiner: Hey, pretty cool. What airline?
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Who's crooked?: "Crooked baggage handlers?" I don't think so. I have a friend who works part-time as what he calls a "luggage gorilla" to earn free flights for his family. The work is backbreaking and pressure-driven. They don't get time to sneeze, let alone rummage in people's bags. The crooked ones are the TSA personnel who have the authority and leisure to go through your luggage.
KC Summers: Well, I hate to disillusion you, but there have been plenty of news stories about baggage handler burglary rings, and security tapes showing them going through peoples' luggage. Lock your bags.
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Bora Bora Here I Come!: I have my heartset on going to Bora Bora for my honeymoon. You know, beautiful beaches, waking up in one of those huts out over the pristine water... but I may have Bora Bora dreams on a Ocean City wedding budget. How much are we realistically looking at spending on this island getaway? I'm afraid airfare alone will kill us. Is there anywhere a little bit closer to home that might be comperable? I grew up in Florida, so I tend to be a tad bit "picky" on my beach selections...
Thanks, love the chat!
Carol Sottili: They do have palm trees all over Ocean City...No one here has been to Bora Bora, but I'm trying to find a link to a story we ran some time ago. Try Air Tahiti Nui (www.airtahitinui-usa.com) for package deals to the South Pacific. In Florida, there is a place called Little Palm Island that is as close to the South Pacific as it gets on the East Coast. It may also cost you about the same.
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Flying with remains: They should make sure they have copies of the death certificate.
Carol Sottili: Thanks.
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re: bangkok: With only six days (and remember you're going to lose one from being wiped after the flight); I'd stick to destinations closer to Bangkok for day/overnight trips. I'd also have your friend book you a massage for the day you get there--it greatly shortens your jet lag time!
Beach: Sofitel Central Hua Hin (a three hour senic train ride from BKK)--has a "raffles" feel for 1/4 the price: http://www.sofitel.com/sofitel/fichehotel/gb/sof/resort/0891/fiche_hotel.shtml
Inland: Kasem Island resort about an hour north of BKK on the river kwai near a georgous national park with waterfalls you can swim in:
http://www.trekthailand.net/directory-thailand/kasem_island_resort/
In BKK, make sure to save your Saturday or Sunday for Chatuchak market--it's spellbinding!
Andrea Sachs: Good points, and great itinerary. Thanks!
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Lorton, labor day plans: Normally I spend a full week every summer on my favority lake in TN with old friends and family. Too much going on this year, so we didn't make it. We will be going down for a long labor day weekend. Three boats to ski, relax, or fish - depending on the mood. A hammock to soak up the sunshine. And a little less humidity than July. Much less crowded than the beach, and reminds me of being a kid again.
Carol Sottili: I love the smell of a lake. It reminds me of summer. Used to go to a lake in a place called Yulan in upstate New York each summer - similar experience.
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For Southington, Conn: To have water on hand for the flight:
A friend traveled last week and took an -empty- water bottle in her carry on luggage. On boarding the aircraft, she asked the flight attendant to fill it. She got more water than anyone else in sight, without violating any regulations.
John Deiner: Great idea. Though as I just posted, someone says the flight attendants were stingy with the agua. Not sure if that plan would work on every flight, or if they would stop doing it if too many people started attendants to fill water bottles.
Maybe attendants should just hose down passengers for now on after they get on a plane (and I'm among those of you who drink a lot of water after takeoff).
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washingtonpost.com: Bora Bora, I Adore Ya , (May 6, 2001)
Carol Sottili: Here's the Bora Bora link.
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OBE: overtaken by events -- bureacrat-speak
Anne McDonough: Ah, wikipedia missed that one--thanks for educating us.
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Labor Day: ....last day that the American history Museum is open!!!
Carol Sottili: Good info.
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McLean, Va: We'll be spending Labor Day in and around here, taking our sea kayaks on the tidal Potomac in final preparation for our after Labor Day trip to sea kayak Down East Maine. Ayuh!
Now if only those hooligans on jet skis would behave themselves.....
Carol Sottili: I just bought an inflatable sea kayak that I took out on the bay in Ocean City this weekend - great fun!
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Washington, D.C.: Any word on the potential Northwest Airlines strike? I have a flight from DCA to Cancun on Saturday morning, returning the following Wednesday. Do you think I'll make it there and back?
KC Summers: The latest word is that the flight attendants have threatened to strike as early as this Friday, and their target(s) airports are unknown -- that's part of their CHAOS strategy. Northwest tried to get the bankruptcy judge to rule against the strike, but he said he didn't have the authority to prevent it. But a strike could still be blocked by a higher court. A lot of experts think the union and the airline will reach a last-minute agreement, if that's any consolation....
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Pittsburgh, Pa: I'm am surprised at the number of Clevelanders who suggested AVOIDING the Flats. I've never been there (although I have been to Cleveland, just to go to a game and visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame), but it's been touted as such a great place to visit, I'm wondering why it's lost favor with the locals?
Gary Lee: Based on my own limited experience there, the Flats has become home to more chain eateries and loud drinking holes than some folks are comfortable with. But what say ye Clevelanders?
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New York, NY: I'm hoping to get a sense of good airfare from New York to Hong Kong in November. Orbitz/Expedia are listing $1100. Is that reasonable? Is there a way to do better that I may have forgotten? Thanks!
Carol Sottili: Sign up at www.orbitz.com and www.kayak.com for notification of airfares to Hong Kong.
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a hideaway in the valley: If we were looking for some place quiet and isolated in the Shenadoah (?sp) where should we look. I was thinking of a cabin or home, (not a B&B or resort). Are there web sites that focus on that sort of thinkg?
thanks
Carol Sottili: Anyone have a quick answer?
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Washington DC: Re TSA approved locks...
What I've started doing to avoid the whole lock issue is to use twist ties - that way the zippers stay together and my clothes are strewn all over the airport but the TSA people don't have to deal with a lock. They've checked my bags and have always put the twist tie back on for me. Maybe I'm just lucky but I'd like to think that its such a small thing for them its not big deal.
Won't stop thieves but not much will...
KC Summers: A nice gesture. Thanks for posting.
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Annapolis, Md.: Every Labor Day, we gather with a bunch of friends from college and other parts of our life on a farm in Pennsylvania. Food and beverages are provided all weekend long and every year, people know they have a great, low-stress place to spend the holiday weekend and get ready for the stresses of non-summer life. It's a gerat way to reconnect and a great way to relax. People come from around the country and sometimes even the world.
Carol Sottili: I'll bring the cole slaw.
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Labor Day: We're going to the Cape. We don't have kids so are free to vacation whenever we want. As a result, we're going to drive there (from Connecticut) on Labor Day and camp for a week. The water will still be warm, but the crowds will be WAY down. Can't wait!
Carol Sottili: One of the benefits of being sans kids.
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Croatia: Places that are going to the Euro in the near future are more likely to accept Euros (like the Czech Republic), but we rarely found places that accepted Euros. The one exception was Dubronvik, probably because of all the cruise ship traffic.
KC Summers: Thanks... My hotel in Zagreb also accepted euros, and the room I stayed in on Korcula quoted the rate in euros.
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Cancun in November: hi there!
Want to take a trip w/ hubby to Cancun/Playa del Carmen.
Saw flights on USA3000, but they leave at 6a.m. Great price, though. All I'm seeing from Dulles is $500-$600+ fares. Is this
right?
Thanks!
Carol Sottili: Yup, that's about right. But there are occasional sales to Cancun. Try www.united.com.
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washingtonpost.com: While flying last week, I had a revelation on how to deal with the water restrictions: Pack fruits and veg high in water content. This would mean grapes, watermelon chunks (packed in a plastic container of course), an orange, even an apple, which has about 1/2 cup of water tucked away in its flesh. Cherry tomatoes also a great thirst quencher.
John Deiner: Great idea, Kim. Thanks for the suggestion -- plus you know it's fresh.
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Los Angeles, Calif.: Over Labor Day my husband and I are taking our first
vacation away from our toddler (2 1/2). She's going to the
grandparents', which ismore fun than being home. We're
going to Rhode Island to decide whether to move there,
after an epiphany during a road trip in July.
(Stopping in RI to see friends overnight was a last-minute
decision, travelling between inlaws in Maine and NJ. It hit
us that we'd rather raise a daughter near fresh air, salt
water and down-to-earth people.)
How's that for a big weekend trip?
I also have a question for you and the clicksters: We're
thinking about a trip to NZ and also about stopping in Fiji
en route, because when else will we be in the
neighborhood? Has anyone been to Fiji? Thoughts?
Thanks.
Carol Sottili: Don't know if we'll have time to get input on Fiji. But thanks for thoughts on RI.
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Airline with water: Well, it isn't a mainstream airline - it was Czech Air that provided the water. And, I must say, it was the best airline I have ever flown. Helpful people on board, and good (!) food. In fact, on a 1.5 hour flight from Prague to Split, we got lunch!
Well, two problems with them, but they were remedied. One was a lost luggage tag situation--they put two luggage tags on the ticket portion they took at the gate, and then, when we rechecked in at Prague, they said there were only 3 bags checked in, and the other 2 would not be put on the plane since they weren't checked in, and they couldn't look up the numbers. We had 2 very grouchy people we talked to -- who acted like we were completely at fault -- and one young guy who simply called baggage and told them to look for 2 bags with our name on it that weren't checked in. Those made it fine, but then one bag (that we DID have a baggage claim for) didn't. It did get delivered to my inlaws house exactly 1 week later, so all was well.
But the on-board experience was wonderful. My daughter still talks about the yummy ham and cheese sandwhiches.
John Deiner: Thanks much for the report. We had a pretty strong hunch it wasn't a U.S. carrier you were talking about!
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Been to Bora Bora: We went to Bora Bora on our honeymoon a few years ago and it is pricey. I definitely recommend to get a package deal. We did not and ended up paying a lot of money for meals and activities a la carte. Those huts on the beach and over the water are nice but start at $500 a night! Check out the package deals or consult a travel agent. It's a beautiful and unforgettable place. Congratulations!
Carol Sottili: Thanks!
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Isolated in the Shenandoah: George Washington National Forest has cabins to rent in the woods. Talk about isolated! I don't know how available they would be but I believe that there's a Web site.
Carol Sottili: Here's the Web site:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/gwj/
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Bethesda, Md: Submitting early, so thanks in advance for taking my question.
My parents will celebrate their 50th anniversary soon, and would like to take a European cruise with the whole family. Among the regions we've discussed: Spain, Southern France, Portugal, Italy and Greece. Ideally, we'd like to travel for 7 - 9 nights either in April or June '07.
None of the seven of us (the youngest being ten years old) have been on a cruise before, so we're looking for any suggestions on locations, cruise packages, issues to consider, etc.
KC Summers: That's a nice thought -- I think cruises are great multi-generation trips, since the older folks can stay on board during port calls if need be, and generally go at a slower pace than the younger members of the family. And it's nice not to have to pack and repack, schlep baggage around, etc. As for which itinerary, I recommend spending some time on a good cruise comparison site, like cruisecritic.com. Oh, and Carol just put her two cents in that she thinks European itineraries are too boring for smaller kids -- these routes attract an older crowd, with fewer of the glitzy diversions you'd find on, say, a Carnival trip to the Caribbean. But it really depends on the kids.
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London U.K.: I've recently been transferred to London, but only temporarily (until sometime next spring). Since it's temporary, I have an American amount of vacation days (very, very few), so I'm trying to arrange my sightseeing around weekends or weekends+1 day. Does anyone have suggestions of not-to-miss places that are a good day trip in or around London? I like going to museums, places with historical relevance, etc., but that doesn't really narrow it down much over here...
Gary Lee: I have always liked going to Stratford on Avon, where you can get an early dinner and a play and be back in London by bedtime. You should also take time and do Oxford and Cambridge, two must-see university towns manageable in a day. I like the Cotswolds, too, but that would probably take more like a weekend to experience.
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Crooked baggage handlers: another short note from your OBE-napa person.
My favorite crooked baggage handling story I actually heard recently in Napa, where I was told that the wine that flys through San Franciso is perused by only the most discerning of baggage handlers, who have the taste to only steal the very best and easily and quickly can pull the most expensive bottle from a mixed case.
KC Summers: LOL. Thanks!
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Alexandria, Va.: Go to Fiji! Go, go! You'll never get there that cheaply again (i.e. essentially free since you get a free stopover on the way to NZ). You can live very cheaply in Fiji for a few days, or you can go for broke at a pricy resort, but you should def. go. The tourism infrastructure is great -- there are many domestic flights if you want to island-hop (even for just a few days) and lots of buses to take you to other parts of the main island if that's what you'd prefer. You can also catch a boat out to the tiny islands just off the coast near the international airport in Nadi, spend a few days on the beach for not a ton of money. Go!
Carol Sottili: Thanks.
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Carol Sottili: That's all folks. Thanks for all your insights re: airport security and Labor Day trip. Winner of crab pot is Colonial Heights, Washington D.C., who is going camping through Virginia for Labor Day. Send your contact info to sottilic@washpost.com.
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