The Post's Flight Crew: (from left to right) John Deiner, Carol Sottili, Steve Hendrix, Anne McDonough, Gary Lee, K.C. Summers, Cindy Loose, Andrea Sachs.

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.

You may also browse an archive of previous live travel discussions.

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Gary Lee: Fellow roadsters, armchair travelers, open-road warriors, and all others!

Since this is our last travel chat of 2007, we wanted to take a moment to thank you all for your loyal participation in the chats over the last year. Your good questions -- and tips -- are what keeps this chat lively. As we inch closer to year's end, the entire flight crew is gathered today to answer your travel queries. We include: section editor KC Summmers and deputy editor John Deiner, reseacher Anne Mcdonough, travel writers Steve Hendrix, Cindy Loose, Andrea Sachs, Carol Sotilli and moi, Gary Lee.

Besides answering you queries, we're happy to hear your two cents worth on questions asked or whatever topical travel thoughts you have.

This seems an appropriate time to ask you to share your best and brightest travel experiences of the year. Been to a fabulous destination? Met someone special on the road? Discovered a great hotel or restaurant? Tell us about it. The most succinct, original entry 2007 calender with pictures from around China.

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Susquehanna Twp , Pa: Carol -

Great information in the Timeshare article. The price breakout is something I can add to my Anti-timeshare spreadsheet, I never included costing costs before. One quick question, the nightly rate you showed in the chart ranged from $196(Marriott) to $444(Hyatt) a night, how would you compare these resorts to 4 and 5 star hotels in the Orlando area?

Carol Sottili: I'd say the Marriott is a four-star - It's a very nice facility not too far from the various amusement parks. Hyatt is a step up - it's located near Naples on the other side of the state, and has a very different feel than the places in Orlando. Simply stated, it's more sophisticated. I don't think they'd have karaoke night there.

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Flying with gifts: Hi Flight Crew, happy holidays to you! I enjoyed the articles on timeshares.

Two very basic questions for upcoming holiday travel -- new restrictions mean we can't carry a bottle of wine on board, right?

Also, can gifts that are going in -checked- baggage be wrapped (with paper wrap)? None of them are likely to catch the eye of security screeners, but is this a place to be safe rather than sorry?

Andrea Sachs: Right you are, FWG. No liquids allowed, even the tasty ones of certain vintage. You can check your wine, though; just be sure to pack it tightly in bubble wrap and place it in the middle of your soft clothing. As for gifts in checked bags: You can wrap them in any kind of paper you'd like. It is just carry-on gifts that need to be naked and wrap-free.

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Columbus, Ohio: Two friends from college and I are going to DisneyWorld during Christmas week. Will it be insanely crowded? What tips can you share with an impatient person for dealing with long lines, being bumped and cut of by rude tourists, screaming kiddies, etc.? I'd like to avoid coming out of the experience as a grumpy misanthrope.

John Deiner: You crazy, crazy kids. We're going to post a link in a bit to a story we just did two weeks ago on surviving the World during Christmas week, but generally: Expect mobs. Big angry screaming mobs. It's the most popular week of the year there, and everyone wants to get in as much family fun as they can before they lose their voices.

Generally, you can avoid lines, or shorten them, by going on attractions when the kiddie parades and shows are taking place. Also, learn to use your FastPass wisely...it's a great way to cut line times. And we didn't have enough room to get into it in our story, but feel free to skip stuff that have too much buzz and aren't worth the long wait. I'd put Test Track (boring!) in Epcot in that category. Also, I'd skip Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom -- the thing has massive lines but it's just not that great. (Go ahead, tell me I'm wrong!)

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Atlanta, Ga: This would be travel advice: we flew on Delta Connection to Key West last week and learned when we arrived at the airport to check in that we could check only one suitcase each instead of the usual two. We were able to adapt and make the flight but it could have been a major problem. I was never told this when I made the reservation with Delta. Not sure how to watch out for this in the future.

Anne McDonough: Baggage restrictions are quite variable these days--the best thing to do, before booking the trip if possible, just in case it changes your mind about a certain airline or going through a particular airport, is to check out the airline's homepage for baggage policies; Delta.com, per example, lists Key West as its exception to the two-bag rule (http://www.delta.com/traveling_checkin/baggage/baggage_allowance/index.jsp). As CoGo recently reported, the carry on limits vary widely, and so do checked baggage rules. I'm impressed you were able to squeeze two bags into one when you got to the airport!

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Bethesda, Md: Hey Crew!

Your article about timeshares has me thinking but I'm a real 'try before you buy' kind of girl. Can I rent a timeshare? I've found a few websites but they all seem shady.

Carol Sottili: You can usually rent directly from the place. That's how I stayed at the Marriott timeshare and the Hilton timeshare. You don't have to go through a third-party company for most places, although they may offer some price breaks. As for all travel companies, check out how long they've been in business, go to www.bbb.org, check out which trade organizations they belong to, do a general search on the company name and pay with a credit card. Also, that site I mentioned in the sidebar - www.tug2.net - is a good place to do research.

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washingtonpost.com: Go for the Parks, (Dec. 10. 2006)

John Deiner: And here ya go on that Disney link.

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Southeastern Wis: Hi guys! I'm wondering if you can help me out with a question relating to Australia. My husband and I were tossing around vacation ideas and think that 2007 might be the year we give Australia a try. However, we're both still fairly young, which means we don't have -that- much vacation time to work with in a given year. Is approx 8-9 days (incl. travel, which from here takes basically an entire day w/layovers, etc) too short a trip length?

Obviously we know that we couldn't see it all with that amount of time, but that's OK. I just want to know if it's reasonable or if it would feel way too short.

Thank you! Love the chats!!

Andrea Sachs: Ideally, you'd want to spend two weeks to three months in Australia, since there is SOOO much to see. But if you plan accordingly--and don't overdo it--you can still have an incredibly worthwhile trip. Keep the itinerary simple. Maybe just divide your time between Sydney and Melbourne, or rent a car and go explore the Outback. Don't try to squeeze everything in; it'd be like trying to see the entire United States in a week. And since you are young, you can always go back!

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Christmas in St Louis?: Hi Crew,

For a variety of reasons I may be spending a good chunk of Christmas Day in St Louis. What would be open and fun/seasonal to do that day? Anybody got any great suggestions? I don't know or know any in that town.

Thanks!

Gary Lee: The Anheuser Busch facility, located near downtown, puts on a great seasonal display with lights, etc. You can drive through. Also, if you're up for a great lunch of dinner, check out 1111 Mississippi, one of the best eateries in town. Anybody else have St. Louis suggestions?

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Silver Spring, Md: I read the timeshare articles with interest. We've looked at some, but always passed because the locations aren't where we go on vacation. Are there any urban timeshare companies? We're more likely to go Paris than the Riveria.

Carol Sottili: Urban areas are the newest frontier for timeshare companies. Condo-hotels are more common, but there are a few timeshare places. I can't remember off the top of my head exactly which companies are offering timeshares in the major urban areas. But Marriott has one in Paris. Go to www.vacationclub.com for more info on that one.

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Washington, DC: I'm looking for an active spa vacation in Asia. Something like Red Moutain Spa in Utah -- choice of morning hikes/activities of varying difficulty, then recuperate in a beautiful place having massages and eating super-nutritious food the rest of the day.

The itineraries I've found at places like Uma Para in Bhutan seem to have little flexibility -- you will hike 7 miles today! go! -- and are very expensive. Can you recommend where I'd find a listing of alternatives? Thanks!

Cindy Loose: I just looked at spafinders.com and didn't find anything in Asia in your category except the Bhutan spa, and so that's probably how you found that one. Bhutan is expensive for every kind of tourist, so not surprised they soak you for their hot tubs.

When hearing the words spa, Asia and cheaper than Bhutan the first word that pops to mind is: Thailand. There are a couple sites that list spas in Thailand, incluidng www.mysticthai.com/spa. A really quick glance didn't turn up any with organized activities like hiking, but then I didn't look all that closely. Also, it's possible that even if none at that or other sites have the kind of organized activities you seek, perhaps you can arrange them seperately---time is cheap in Thailand, and if you had someone organizing say a hike just for you, your schedule would be totally flexibie.

Meanwhile, does anyone out there know the perfect spa in Asia for Washington?

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Altoona Pa: Best of 2006? Two weeks in France. Apparently we could not go wrong--just about every place we ventured was lovely, the food was great, the countryside is still real countryside, the rivers are unspoiled and crossed by bridges full of flowers. We know that's not true of everywhere in France, but things went so right on this trip. (Leaving out Dulles and Charles de Gaulle, of course.)

Gary Lee: Hey, thanks. As a francophile, I am with you on that. It may win you a prize...

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Kaneohe, Hawaii: Do you know anything about Condo-Hotels? Friends of friends are investing in one and say it is a great investment. I haven't seen or heard anything about staying in or owning one. Are they similar to timeshares?

Carol Sottili: I included a quick definition of condo-hotels in Sunday's timeshare stuff. Here it is:

This concept is the closest to owning a vacation home. A portion of a hotel's rooms are sold to individuals, who use the room as a vacation home for a certain period; the rest of the time, the room is rented to the general public through the hotel company. The owner receives revenue from the rentals, which is split with the hotel firm. This concept is especially popular in Las Vegas. Prices are all over the board: Signature at MGM Grand, for example, is currently selling studio units from about $680,000, while one-bedroom units at the Trump Ocean Resort Baja Mexico start in the mid-$200,000s.

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Bethesda, Md: My most memorable holiday trip was to the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, VT. My boyfriend took me for Yule (Winter Solstice) so that I could see snow for the first time. The whole trip was magical, and three years later I married him on the hillside where he taught me to make snow angels.

Gary Lee: Nice story. However, we were looking for the best travel experiences of 2006.

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Pittsburgh, Pa: I have a question only the Flight Crew can answer! My 21-year-old sister will be studying for a semester in Limerick, Ireland from 2/07 - 5/07. Do you have any Christmas gift suggestions to help a college student with little international traveling experience living abroad for the first time? Thanks a lot for the chats! I went to Croatia this summer for vacation, and these chats were invaluable.

Steve Hendrix: What a neat question. I've asked folks here for their suggestions. Here's our quickie Limerick Gift Guide.

Anne McD.: assuming she already has the laptop, give her a set of headphones w/ microphone so she can set up a Skype account and call home for free.

John D.: a set of Ireland-ready converters and adaptors.

K.C.: A copy of "Angela's Ashes," which is a terrific book set in Limerick.

Gary Lee: A guide to youth hostels in the U.K. and Britain.

Steve: Go in with your folks and get her a BritRail pass good for both the UK, Norhtern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. How much do you love her? One that grants ten days of unlimited travel (including ferry crossings) within a month is $680, five days is about $430. See www.britrail.com.

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Baltimore, Md.: We're leaving for a week in Tokyo on Friday with our 16-year-old cousin - yay! We haven't had time to do any of the planning we would normally do for such a big, cool trip - boo. Aside from walking the streets of Shinbuya and Harajuku, finding a video arcade, day trip to Nikko, one-day tour of old Tokyo sites, the fish market and Kappabaski street...anything we shouldn't miss?

Anne McDonough: Coming up is a link to a budget Tokyo story we ran over the summer--I think there will be tons of ideas in there for you. Sadly, you don't have enough time to connect with Tokyo Free Guides before the trip (they can help map out an itinerary that would be great for both you and the 16 year old, but need at least two weeks notice) but the story lists several other resources--and I'd say a showroom trip would definitely be a good thing not to miss.

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Olney, Md: The timing of your "Pound for Pound" piece could not have been better; however, can you provide even more budget options? I am planning a two week UK trip in late March-early April for our family of four (kids are elementary school aged), centered in London (west end) and Edinburgh. The run-away exchange rate is complicating things. After we plunk down $2000 for airfare, we need to economize on lodging without sacrificing safety. Base2stay is a good example of a place that sounds practical in your review, but at $200/night still over our budget. Tried some self-catering apartment websites (e.g. retalo), but it's very difficult to be sure of what we're getting. Help!

KC Summers: What, you mean you don't want to stay in a 50-square-foot cubbyhole in London with your family of four?! (That was the dimension of Gary's room at EasyHotel when he stayed there recently. Cheap, but teeny.) One thing I always recommend to Europe-bound travelers is to consider bundling your air and hotel in a package. Using a packager like Go Today (www.go-today.com) can save you lots -- frequently the air and hotel end up costing less than just airfare alone if you were booking separately. And you can choose from different grades of hotels, too.

We've also had good luck with Londontown.com, a booking and info site that frequently has hotel deals. Again you can choose from a range of hotels.

Self-catering apartments might be the best deal of all, but you're right to be cautious. Will link to a piece we did last fall; the emphasis wasn't budget, but our writer especially liked english-manner.com, asyoulikeitrentals.com and www.farnum-christ.com.

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Vegas, Vegas Everywhere!: Hi - I booked a surprise trip to Vegas for my boyfriend for his b-day (we're going Memorial Day weekend). I am completely overwhelmed with what to do with 2.5 days and don't want to miss out on anything. I see deals and sites for Vegas everywhere and would love some expert perspective to hone in.

So, here are four (hopefully quick) questions to help me on my way, if possible:

If you could go to any Vegas show (i.e. circ, blue man, etc.), which would it be and why?

What's the best lounge/club/bar for a hip (but not obnoxious) scene at night? I want to take him out for good drinks, good views (either inside or out) and music can be anything. We're early 30's if it matters.

I'm at the biggest loss for food - are there any resources you recommend to get a sense of where to eat? I will probably splurge on one dinner $75 a head or so for a few courses, but looking for also some budget-friendly good eats and not sure where to turn.

Finally, any off-the-beaten path activities, stores, food etc. that have captured your heart?

THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!

John Deiner: Lot of questions there, VVE, and we're going to have to let the Clicksters help us out.

As far as shows go, I'd go to "Love" at the Mirage or Blue Man Group at the Venetian. They're both wonderful, hip and have relatively inexpensive seats (the $69 seats for "Love" are great).People love "O," but as far as Cirque shows go, "Love" is my favorite by far. And Blue Man Group is just fun, and in a stage built around their show.

Andrea tells me ghostbar atop the Palms may fit your bill as far as nightlife goes; be aware that the Playboy tower is now in operation, though, so we're not sure what the scene is like now there.

Vegas is totally catering to foodies these days: Go into any big resort, and you'll find an A-list chef with a restaurant. Bouchon at the Venetian is chef Thomas Keller's (French Laundry) contribution to the scene and is a key player. As far as good but more budget minded, lots of choices, but I always end up back at Mandalay Bay and Border Grill. Also, lots of really good 24-hour cafes around town in the resorts, and I think the Main Street Station buffet downtown is one of the best deals in town (as is its nonstop-pouring champagne brunch).

And off the beaten path? I've been dying to go to the new Atomic Testing Museum, if for no other reason to get a T shirt that says Atomic Testing Museum.

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washingtonpost.com: Tokyo Is Expensive, (June 25, 2006)

Anne McDonough: For the Tokyo-bound (note...before you panic, the headline in print actually has an X through the "Expensive" as it was a piece about doing Tokyo on the cheap). Thanks for posting, Kim!

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Bel Air, Md: John: Okay, you're wrong! My sister and I were at Disney this summer and we loved Expedition Everest. However, I thought the Car Stunt show at MGM was a yawner. My tips are definitely use Fast Pass and to get there a few minutes before the park opens to catch the most popular rides with a shorter line.

John Deiner: Oh, I was setting myself up for that! But I soooooo agree about that Car Stunt show. It's sooooo boring, and loud, and sorta stupid. I was just really underwhelmed with Everest: I couldn't wait to see the hairy monster at the end of the ride, and the hairy guy in the car in front of me seemed more fearsome.

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Paris-bound: Hey flight crew, me and my husband are leaving for Paris next week (Dec. 26) and we'll be there for New Year's eve. This is both of our's first trip to Paris, and we're going to be staying in the Champs Elysees area. Do you have any must-see's for us newbies? We dont know when we'll be back there so we want to make sure we do all the right stuff!

Gary Lee: Where to start? I would say take a bus tour as soon as you get there. Best to pick on up near Notre Dame and try to get a two day pass (not much more than a one day pass.)

Even it's not too cold, sit at the top; the view of sights around the city is most spectacular from high up. Take a long walk down the Blvd. Honore, in the 8th, where all the haute fashion boutiques are. It's the best window-shopping in the world. Take a self guided tour of the cathedrals: I like Notre Dame and the small church near the St. Germaine des Pres metro stop best. Many of them have free concerts in this season. Also, don't forgot some of the smaller museums like the Musee Picasso and the Rodin Museum.

Who else has Paris tips?

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Gaithersburg, Md: This year I was able to visit my family in Italy for 3 weeks in May. My father immigrated here in 1957 and hasn't been back since 1977. I'm the first person in the US-born generation to visit. I met 45 cousins, aunts and uncles that I never knew I had!

I got to see the house my father grew up in (now a storage shed) and experience Italy not as a tourist but as a member of the family. I could go on and on for hours, but I'll spare you! Suffice to say, it was the trip of a lifetime!

Gary Lee: Sure sounds that way. We hope you took lots of pictures. Your story could win you a prize.

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Burke, Va: I'm pregnant with my first child and flying to Boston this week. My husband has taken overprotectiveness to a new level and is concerned about me walking through the metal detectors. I can't find anything on the TSA website. Do you know if there's a seperate procedure for screening pregnant women?

Steve Hendrix: Oy. How's he going to handle it the first time you need to use the ol' rectal thermometer on the kid?

We have never heard of any risk to in-utero set from airport metal detectors. Unless baby is packing heat, you'll be fine.

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Vienna, Va: Several comments about your articles.

Very little is mentioned about resale. Wyndham timeshare points regularly sell for 20% of the current purchase price. Your article would imply that after 5 years, you should be able to get your money back on a resale. This is rarely the case. When you factor marketing expenses, profit, etc., only about 25% of the developer sales price equals the value of the real estate.

It is interesting to note the unsatisfactory BBB ratings of even the big companies. Wyndham sure has a lot more complaints than the others. What accounts for that?

You promote the flexibility of points based timeshares. However, most points holders are chasing the same prime weeks. Ask the many owners who can't get their desired week, despite calling on the first day of availability. I would much rather have a prime fixed week.

In addition, points based timeshares may allow the developer to retain control and milk the project for management fees long after the resort is sold out.

I would encourage all readers to visit online bulletin boards such as Timeshare Forums www.timeshareforums.com and TUG www.tug2.net before attending a timeshare presentation.

Carol Sottili: I don't believe my articles implied that you will be able to get your money back on a resale - quite the contrary. For example, here's one of the article's quotes from Bill Rogers, the man who runs the Web site you recommend (www.tug2.net, which I also recommend in the article):

"I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but selling a timeshare is very, very difficult and in some cases almost impossible. The main reason is supply and demand. The supply of timeshare resales greatly exceeds the demand for resales."

Wyndham has more complaints because it's a big company and because it just took over two big timeshare companies - Fairfield and Trendwest. I would think those numbers will go down as they take fuller control.

As for flexibility of points, if you stay at your home resort, you commonly are guaranteed being accommodated during the season you bought into. Trading is not as easy, as the article points out.

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Anonymous: My father had a sense of wanderlust since he was a kid in Detroit. Two places he always wanted to visit were Timbuktu in Mali and Angkor Wat in Cambodia. He made it to Timbuktu when he and my mother visited me in my first overseas posting, Abidjan, Ivory Coast, and we went to Mali for Xmas. Both my parents have passed away, but this year my wife and I made it to Angkor Wat. We toasted my folks with martinis (something they drank on special occasions) at the bar in our hotel in Siem Reap, next to Angkor Wat. Angor Wat was indeed spectacular.

Gary Lee: I like this story a lot. Much thanks for sharing it.

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Baltimore, Md: Question: I'll be flying out of BWI very early Saturday morning. Is there somewhere online where I can keep track of the parking situation to know what lots will still have spots open?

Best Travel Moment of 2006: On a whirlwind trip to Lake Tahoe, running out to the end of a pier and diving into the icy blue water! (And then very quickly getting out and wrapping myself in a towel.)

John Deiner: Hey, Baltimore. I was told not too long ago by a BWI official that they anticipate having plenty of parking for the holidays. That said, not sure if there's a spot online where the airport tracks what's still available. Anyone out there know?

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Central Cal: Moment: I'm not much of a cruise person, but I will go. On a Carribean cruise on an Italian Line, I noticed in the review that the last dinner setting was toga night, and that some people went all out. Stopping by a Walmart, I gathered gold cord, plastic garland leaves etc., determined that I and my companion made a representative showing.

Well, people did go all out, and I must say that it was pretty cool to see over half the people walking around in bed sheets.

Even my Assembly of God minister dinner mate put on his toga, with his wife-beater t-shirt underneath (and ordered a mai-tai...oops).

Sometimes the stupid stuff can be memorable if you're not to uptight to get into the spirit of it. Toga! Toga! Toga!

Gary Lee: We're fully in accord with you and hope that you, too, donned that bed sheet....

This sounds like such fun and it could win you a prize...

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McPherson Square, Washington, DC: Best trip this past year...In October, my boyfriend and I spent 9 days in France starting with the Champagne region where we toured the WWI battlefields (highly recommended! beautiful countryside and very moving sites), went to Paris for 5 days where he proposed at the top of the Eiffel Tower and we finished in Normandie at the D-Day beaches. Best trip ever. The food and wine were outstanding. My fellow countrymen (and women)were very friendly, finally putting to rest the myth that French people are rude. I'm French by the way...We wanted to get married in France but can't because of the 30 day residency rule...

Gary Lee: Hey, I can't agree with you more.

Merci...

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Alexandria, Va: My best travel experience of 2006 was without a doubt my honeymoon.

My husband and I had our wedding on Sunday, May 21, but due to circumstances outside of his control, our officiant couldn't perform the ceremony. Luckily, we had scheduled an extra day between the wedding and our departure for our honeymoon, so we went to the courthouse and got legally married on Monday.

We had decided to go to San Diego when I realized that it was going to be a lot of trouble to get my passport renewed at the last minute. We had gone their in 2005 for a conference, and had visited the Hotel del Coronado. It stuck with us, and when we decided on San Diego as a destination, we checked into packages at the Del.

We found a great one through Southwest that came with a convertible, and we were set! It is a tremendous place and we had a wonderful time after a stressful wedding weekend. They upgraded our basic room to ocean view and gave us a complimentary bottle of wine. Everything from the toiletries to the bathrobes to the view was just wonderful and we can't wait to go back.

Actually, my husband may be in San Diego for business for a month this summer. If that happens, we're planning a few days at the Del at the tail end of his trip.

Gary Lee: Very sweet, Congratulations and thanks.

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Washington, DC: Hi Flight Crew! Thanks for the article about budget hotels in London, definitely saving that clipping!

My husband and I have been toying with the idea of visiting Vietnam. We have a friend living in Saigon, and would love to see him but our vacation time is unfortunately limited. How long would we need to visit the country properly? Major stopovers? How much would we expect to pay in plane fare? What is the best time of year to go?

Cindy Loose: I'm a major Vietnam booster. It's beautiful and interesting and has terrific food and cool things to buy and a briefly shared history with the U.S. and I'd love to return there, esp. to the North.

Any time is okay to visit Ho Chi Minh City, but Nov. to April is maybe the best cause that's the dry season and average temps are about 79 degrees. The rainy season is May-Oct.

Unfortunately it is expensive to time consuming to fly there. You'll probably pay over $1,000. ANA and United fly there from Dulles with one stop, in Tokyo.

Given that just getting there and back eats a couple day of your vacation, I'd want to give the whole trip AT LEAST 10 days, and I'd be asking my friend if he could get away a couple days to get up north to Hanoi and Ha Lon Bay. But then again some jetsetters would say a week was worth doing. It depends in part on how much you hate the flying part---for me, the payoff has to be pretty good to endure the trip.

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Washington, D.C.: I really enjoyed the timeshare piece. As someone who has never understood the appeal of timeshares (despite having friends who do), I still am confused. What exactly is the benefit of having a significant upfront outlay? We vacation every year, but I still believe spending the $2000 (or whatever) at the time of travel makes the most sense. We do need to travel during school holidays (so not off-season) yet have never had a problem finding a hotel/resort property that meets our needs. Please explain precisely the benefit of locking in (and I am willing to assume for the sake of argument that the particular locations within the plan are the ones you'd be happy to visit every year, even though in reality, I am not so sure about that). Thanks! And the travel chat is the best part of Mondays!!

Carol Sottili: If you look at the chart that ran with the article, you'll see one way of looking at the cost benefits, although there are plenty of caveats. For example, if I were sure I wanted to go to that same Hyatt in Bonita Springs, Fla. every year, a timeshare might make sense because it's so expensive to stay there when you rent. But if I'm flexible, and am willing to stay at a different hotel in the same area, that wouldn't hold true. I believe that if you are disciplined enough to save the money each year for vacationing, are devoted to setting time aside to vacation, and don't want to go to the same place every year, timeshares are not for you.

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Active spa vacation: Try looking at Chiva-Som outside of Bangkok. On their site (www.chivasom.com), they say they are a member of www.destinationspa.com. You can also get results if you use the search terms "fitness retreat" or "fitness vacation".

Cindy Loose: Thanks for the spa tip.

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Baltimore, Md.: My best vacation moment of the year wasn't suppose to exist at all. I took a one-day business trip to Grand Rapids and on the way back found out my connection to Detroit to BWI wasn't flying due to snow. It would be at least 19 hours before I could fly. I was supposed to be throwing a party at home that night and certainly didn't look forward to a night in a cruddy airport motel.

I got one gate from my arrival gate and saw the Westin logo. I thought maybe the path would take me to a shuttle, but no: This was the hotel, an oasis of bamboo-and-waterfall calm right in the hotel. I booked an amazingly comfortable room for $129 and enjoyed a lovely bath, in-room massage, fantastic dinner and appletinis at the bar, free Internet and movies thanks to a sympathetic staff. I read a whole novel and even got to see a (slightly creepy) children's dance competition in the conference center.

Gary Lee: Baltimore, we like this example of serendipity! We've put you on the list of potential prize recepients.

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McLean, Va: On timeshares, several friends and I rent a house in Ocean Pines every summer. Ends up costing around $1000 for the summer and I can go every weekend. Not a timeshare in the classic sense, but similar results.

Concerning holiday travel, does Dulles still insist passengers remove shoes, jackets, and belts at security?

Carol Sottili: Another way to go. I used to do that every summer up on Fire Island in New York. As for Dulles, yup, you still have to remove the jacket, shoes, belt with biggish buckle.

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Last Weeks Chat: In Last weeks chat you stated that many people have learned to sneak contact lens solution on to flights, by packing it deep in their carry-ons. This just proves how pointless the ban on liquids is. I agree with the point of the liquid ban, anything to make life for terrorists more difficult, I completely disagree with the implementation. When the rules can be so easily circumvented it makes adherence to those rules pointless. When those rules require us to wait in increasing longer security lines, check bags on an increasingly over burdened baggage system, and rearrange our packing habits to adhere to this strange 3-1-1 rule, and yet there are no discernable benefits to this rule, when will someone scream why? It is like the old security questions they used to ask, it was good in theory, but in practice it was just pointless.

I have written about this before, and I promise this is my last time, it just upsets me so much, and this forum is one of the only outlets for these complaints. Again, I understand the reasons behind the rule, I just don't understand enforcing it so strictly when a 9 year old kid can figure out a way to circumvent this rule.

Thanks.

Steve Hendrix: It certainly is hit or miss. I've never had any liquids found, even though I always have shampoo or something tucked away. Others I know have had the tiniest bottles confiscated.

I know some security experts say that very element of randomness is in itself an important deterrent factor. (Or maybe that's just what they say to justify the system's incompetence).

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Washington, DC: I have a general Europe travel question - money belt, or no money belt? They seem kind of awkward to wear under one's clothes, however, are they truly the best way to keep one's passport and money safe? I'd love to hear alternatives.

Anne McDonough: I am a firm moneybelt pusher. If you limit it to passport, credit/ATM cards and large bills, it shouldn't be too bulky and really, the piece of mind is well worth it (I keep money for that day's expenses in an easier to reach place so that I'm not constantly reaching in and broadcasting that I have a money belt, and if I'm pickpocketed then I only lost that day's allotment). I just traveled with a friend in Morocco who kept her passport in her purse and while she seemed totally relaxed about it I have to say it was giving me the heebiejeebies knowing that it was out there practically in the open. If you're staying in places with a safe, and you're sure you'll remember to take it when you leave, you could make use of it. Our gift guide this year included nifty socks that have a passport pocket in them--that could be an option but you'd need several pairs or need to wash your socks every day for it to make sense for being your default passport-place. The neck pouches to my mind are much more annoying than the money belts, and once you've worn it a few days you'll get used to it. I swear.

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For Paris-Bound: Sacre Coeur - excellent views of the city and Montmartre is a great area - and Sainte Chappelle - the stained glass is gorgeous. And the flea markets are always fun too.

For FC - any tips / suggestions for a Safari? I am trying to research one and don't know where to begin. What country(ies) / What time of year / Small group or large group / etc??? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Gary Lee: Like those Paris tips...

We're not on safaris and so want to open the floor for ideas on this one. Who has safari suggestions?

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Baltimore, Md.: Between the basic costs and the length of the deeds (48 years? c'mon!) and the annual fees - and then consider how easy the Internet has made it to find vacation deals - I can't even fathom why timeshare is not a total ripoff. Am I wrong?

Carol Sottili: Again, it really depends on the person. Most people who are on this chat are travel-involved. They like to work the system. They like getting on the Internet and researching deals. They want to go to different places. But not everyone is the same. Some people want a sure thing that they go to every year, where they'll know what to expect and they won't need to do any work. Different strokes.

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Washington, DC: I have a roundtrip ticket from DC to La Guardia. I am slated to return to DC on Dec. 30 but I would like to spend New Years in New York and return to DC on Jan. 1. I would change my flight but it would cost at least $80 ($50 to Delta, $30 to Orbitz) and I can take a Chinatown bus back for $25. Does anything happen if I just don't show up for the second leg of my flight? I would cancel but I'm afraid there are canceling fees as well.

Cindy Loose: Skipping the first leg or any leg except the last leg is strictly forbidden, as you clearly know, and will result in the loss of your entire ticket.

As to skipping the lst leg, the airlines are on recorad as being against it but they can't do anything about it. In fact, over the holiday they'll probably cheerfully resell your seat to some desperate passenger, so you're really doing a public service.

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Indianapolis,Ind: I wanted to add my penny and a half to what one of you suggested last week about frequent flyer programs. I fly to Eastern Europe maybe twice a year. I take whichever airline has the cheapest fares. So these miles are divided up between two airline's programs because of the partnerships with European airlines. Maybe I get 5,000 miles added to my membership of each. Not much.

I have no idea how to use my miles and probably will never learn. Getting a credit card or buying things to increase miles doesn't interest me either.

But I had an occasion to use my membership. Let me explain. My plane was broken in Indianapolis for NY Kennedy where I would catch an Austrian Air flight to Vienna and then on to my final destination. Delta paid for a taxi to drive me two hours to Cincinnati where I caught a flight to Frankfurt and got me to my final destination 20 minutes before my original flight arrived. And they put me in first class all the way, baby! I don't know this for sure but I think they wouldn't have done it if my membership number wasn't flashing across that ticket.

Oh, and that's my best travel experience of the year.

Gary Lee: We're delighted with your tip and that it all worked out so well for you. You could win our prize!

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Washington, DC: Best Trip 2006 - Twenty days exploring the wonders of Ecuador. One week sailing around the Galapogos. One week in the Ecuadoran Amazon. Four days in Quito. Two days in Guiyaquil. So many things to remember. And I lost weight and rekindled an old flame.

Gary Lee: Wow, sounds like your lucky year. Much thanks for your story.

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NYE travel: I am going to NYC for NYE (I know, I know, but my best friend is coming in from Africa and haven't seen her in a year and a half!).

I'm planning on travelling on NYE from PA, or on the 30th from DC... which do you suggest? Also, I'm leaving NYC in the evening on the 1st. Do you anticipate it still being mayhem then? I will be taking a bus home, and a car there, so I'm trying to figure out what times of the day will be the LEAST crowded.

Thanks!

John Deiner: First thing first: I LOVE NYC on New Year's Eve. I don't care if the ball dropping is for tourists. It's a hoot.

I'm guessing that the traffic won't be too terrible on either the 30th or the 31st, because it's a weekend and most folks will already be where they want to be. And the worst traffic will probably just be getting out of the city on the 1st. As always leaving before noon or after 8 p.m. is always the best way to avoid the biggest crowds on the roads. Happy New Year!

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Washington, DC: Hey! Thanks for the great info here! Heading to London for a long New Year's weekend. Anything I should not miss? Have already done the touristy stuff there (Tower of London, Big Ben, etc.). Thanks!

KC Summers: Lucky you! Definitely check out Time Out London (www.timeout.com/london) for up-to-the-week info on what to do and see while you're there, from theater to music to galleries to shopping. As for non-touristy attractions, if you haven't done the South Bank yet, definitely walk over the footbridge from St. Paul's to the other side of the Thames for great shopping, Shakespeare's Globe Theater, the Tate Modern, theaters, museums and other cool stuff. I also love seeking out small museums like the John Soane House (just awesome).

Anne also recommends the current photo exhibit at the Barbican Centre on European photography through the 20th century (through Jan. 28).

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Hyattsville, Md: Worst travel moment of 2006: Getting caught in Seattle during the gale of 2006. Not only did my hotel lost power early in the evening...the hotel's emergency lighting also failed, prompting the staff to light the corridors with strategically-placed glowsticks.

On a brighter note, power was fully restored to Seattle's downtown by the next morning, and it was truly fantastic - a must-visit for anyone visiting the west coast.

Gary Lee: Thanks. But, actually, last week was worst travel moment of 2006 week...

This is best travel moment of 2006 week...

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washingtonpost.com: Tips for Renting Abroad, Details: Rental Agencies With U.S. Offices, (Oct. 16, 2005)

KC Summers: Here's info on London apartment rentals, sorry it's not budget-oriented but our budget traveler may find some good tips here.

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Best travels in 2006: By far was to the Tuscany region of Italy. We hiked the Cinque Terre, drove the rolling hills of Tuscany and ate like Kings and Queens every night. The food and wine there are just fantastic. We still wish we had brought home more of their pastas and wines.

Gary Lee: We love that region, too and so fully understand your sentiment.

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Sarasota, Fla: For Vegas, Vegas:

I was in Vegas in late September and saw the 'Love' show--I strongly second the recommendation to see that one. Great vintage Beatles music (is there any other kind?) and the production itself is spectacular.

For an 'off the beaten path' half-day in Vegas, go out to Red Rock Canyon. You can hike or just drive around the scenic loop--great way get the glitz and glitter of the Strip out of your head.

John Deiner: Good stuff, Sarasota. It's true: Some of the best stuff in Vegas is OUTSIDE Vegas.

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Vienna, Va: Do any of the Travel Gurus know anything of Roatan Island? Thinking of taking a trip there in May! Thanks!

Steve Hendrix: We last ran a piece about Roatan two years ago. We'll link to it. The basic skinny is that it's very popular with divers, the underwater offerings are reportedly VERY strong. A colleague who has been recently says divers will love it, while others may find still a little lacking in beach resort polish. (Of course, for many, that kind of pre-Cancun level of refinment is just perfect).

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washingtonpost.com: To Live and Dive in Honduras, (Aug. 8,. 2004)

Steve Hendrix: Here's that Roatan link.

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New Jersey: A friend is visiting from France -- speaks virtually no English -- and I am having trouble finding a bus tour of New York City with French translation. Any ideas?

Andrea Sachs: Most bus tours should offer French translation, either live or audio. For example, Foreign Language New York City Tour & All Loops is a hop-on/ hop-off double-decker offered in various languages; Gray Line has the New York City Tour in Foreign Languages; and Next Stop New York can organize small or group walking or bus tours in French, among other languages. See the city's tourism office for other bus tours: www.nycvisit.com.

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Blacksburg, Va: I didn't fully understand the price comparison you made. The timeshare for Disney expires in 2054? In that case, I'm not sure your price comparison is fair, since by 2054 you would still get the price of the CD back, whereas the timeshare would literally be worthless. Maybe folks don't have that long a time horizon, but I do think that future value of the asset should have an impact. Maybe the comparison shouldn't be done if it is going to be so simplistic.

Carol Sottili: We knew the cost comparison was going to draw criticism, which is why we said more than once that it was intended only as one way to look at whether owning a timeshare makes sense. You need to look at your own reality and do your own homework before buying anything. Timeshares are not financial investments, and they don't hold value. Reselling them is difficult. But if you are truly Disney involved, spending time every year staying at a World Disney resort, it would make financial sense, even though the deed expires, because it's so darn expensive to stay at a Disney property.

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Australia: The young travelers who want to see Australia should inquire whether their workplaces are supportive of non-paid time off. It adds a bit to the cost of the trip since you're losing a bit from your paycheck, but extending the trip to two full weeks (with weekends on both ends that gets you 16 days) makes a huge difference in how much you can see. And hey, divide the flight cost by the number of days you're there to justify it to yourself!

I still haven't been to Australia, but my cousins have family there, and that's how they've visited with limited vacation time.

Andrea Sachs: Great idea, or maybe--cough, cough--start using up those sick days.

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Jamaica: We're staying at the Sandals Royal Caribbean next week -- haven't ever stayed at an all-inclusive before. Anything we should keep in mind that might help us enjoy our trip? Also, has anyone had any experiences with this particular resort? Thanks so much -- happy holidays!

John Deiner: Sounds great! One of the things I would keep in mind is that you should be prepared for a pretty insulated experience. So to get a sense of what the rest of the island is like, it be good to consider booking an excursion that gets you off of the property. Jeep tour, snorkel, day tour: Just get off the property.

Haven't stayed there myself, though. Does anyone have any reports from the resort?

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Bethesda, Md: Best trip of 2007, hands down: traveling to Jelgava, Latvia to bury my father's ashes. Yes, it was sad to say good-bye. But it was an amazing trip. Starting with being able to use frequent flyer miles (all that traveling does pay off sometimes!) to get to Latvia, continuing with actually enjoying the flight on Austrian Airlines, having good weather there, seeing dozens of relatives and my father's friends, and experiencing the most beautiful burial ceremony ever (they really do do it differently in Europe!). Even a delayed flight out of Riga that caused me to miss the connection in Frankfurt and having to stay overnight in Germany did practically nothing to dampen my emotions and spirit. I know that my mother, siblings and I carried out my father's last wish and that my he is now back in his beloved homeland.

Gary Lee: Having just visited Latvia last month, we can understand your bond to the place. We appreciate the specialness of the moment for you.

We've put you on the list of potential prize winners.

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Atlanta, Ga: Flight Crew

Best travel moment - 2006.

Actually, I have to first say that the advice I received from this chat was largely the reason I can comment on it at all.

New Zealand.

I was initially concerned about heading to NZ during their late fall, early winter (May/June). Holy hanna - no concern at all - quite the opposite. Amazing, amazing, amazing. Very few crowds, even at some of the most "tourist" minded sights. As well, no need to schedule in advance a bed at any hostels.

So, many thanks and happy holidays.

Gary Lee: Hey, Atlanta... we're glad that worked out for you and delighted to have paid a small role in that.

Happy holidays.

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Annapolis, Md: for the person asking about BWI parking - you can reserve in advance at the Park N Go website, so you'll be sure of a space. The actual lot is near BWI satellite parking. (You can also download a discount coupon on their website). We park there whenever we fly out of BWI - it's much easier than the airport's satellite parking. (no, I have no connection to the company - just a satisfied customer.)

John Deiner: Thanks, Annapolis. For that matter, both PreFlight and Econo Park Express offer the same sort of service, and the rates with Web coupons are lower than BWI's lots.

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to paris...: i'd say put the musee rodin at the top of your list! you can just tour the grounds and see amazing sculptures, or splurge the extra euros to visit inside and see more amazing work. if you do go inside, spend some time in the camille claudel room. other ideas are just take your time and walk around the streets, with no real destination in mind. my fave place there to do that is ile st. louis. not so easy to get lost, and well worth the time you take.

Gary Lee: Thanks. We agree.

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Vero Beach, Fla.: Tokyo without homework is like any big city, unprepared. The official tourist map (it'll fit a pocket) is indispensable. The subway is easy to use, except for the quirk of the Toei lines having separate tickets.

The Economist magazine has a useful quick guide. One of their recommendations, a shop selling traditional prints, is well worth the visit: http://www.harashobo.com/

It's worth visiting a historic garden.

http://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/english/index.html

Click the list of "historic spots". In October, I happened to meet two companions at the subway station, and joined them on their visit to Rikugi-en at 5 pm as day faded and the herons arrived to roost on the pines.

Anne McDonough: Thanks for the tips, Vero! I think being prepared is an excellent idea--as long as there's time built in for getting lost and just wandering, too. I'm a big fan of the getting lost in foreign places.

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cruising honeymooners: FI and I are thinking about booking a Mediterrianean cruise for our honeymoon. Two questions:

1. with all the viruses going around, is crusing safe? we would be sailing next late October/November

2. our cruise line offers airfare with our package (we would fly into and out of Barcelona, Spain), but they only offer it from Newark or LGA. We would have to book tickets to Newark or LGA seprately from DC. How much time would we need to allow for a lay over in Newark to get our bags, recheck in, deal with passports, etc.? Or should we just book our own tickets to Spain, not associated with the cruiseline?

Thanks! Love your chats! Happy Holidays!!

Cindy Loose: I reported this week that 20-something cruise ships using U.S. ports had norovirus outbreaks---meaning at least 3% of passengers and crew got an intestinal illness. Given the many thousands of cruises coming in and out of U.S. ports, that's realy not bad odds. Plus you can improve your chances of avoiding the virus by washing hands often and very thoroughly not only before eating but before putting your hands near your mouth. (You still run the risk of eating something a non-hand washer has touched, of course.)

Bottom line, odds are you won't get sick.

If it were me, I'd search for my own flight out of Washington. If you can find something similarly priced but more convenient, go for it. HOWEVER--be aware that if you don't book with the cruise line it won't help you out in any way if for some reason your flight doesn't make it in time for the cruise. So, I'd want to plan the trip so I'd be scheduled to be in Barcelona a day before the cruise is leaving--an added expense of course, but not a bad way to spend your first night. For a trip that important and expensive, I'd also want travel insurance.

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Chinatown, Washington, DC: I'm flying to Bangkok in a few weeks on United with a plane change in Tokyo on an e-ticket. I'm a little stressed out because United has not given me the flight number of the second leg of the trip or even when it leaves. Is this something that will be taken care of at my initial check in at IAD?

Andrea Sachs: I would suggest that you know that flight info before you arrive at the airport. Call United until they give you the flight numbers and times (tell them you want to confirm your reservation, then have them read back the times and flight information). You want to be prepared before you go, in case you need to hoof it to your connection, or in case only half of your reservation went through.

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Fairfax, Va: I was thrilled with the timeshare article, as I'm currently trying to talk my husband into buying one. My folks purchased a week in Sanibel the year after I was born and we went every summer until I graduated high school. Some of my best childhood memories take place during those weeks. There was something so wonderful about returning to the same island, the same bedrooms, at the same time every year. We developed relationships with other families who also owned that week, which meant that we had friends to run around with while the parents lay by the pool. By the time I was 10 I knew every inch of the island and felt like I was practically a resident.

I know that people have such negative reactions to the whole timeshare concept, but for my family it was the perfect vacation year after year. I really want that for my kids.

Carol Sottili: I don't own a timeshare, but I can understand how they work for some people. We have a beach place, and some people think we are crazy. Here are some typical comments: "How could you go to the same place all the time?" "I can't believe you pay for a place that you don't live in all the time." "Isn't Ocean City awfully tacky?" For us, it works. Different strokes.....

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For Vegas Bound: I'm not sure where the original poster is from, but Blue Man Group will be performing at the Patriot Center in Fairfax sometime in either Jan or Feb, so they may want to try to catch that show then - it's an awesome show but easier to catch at other places than some of the other Vegas shows (i.e. Love, O, etc)

John Deiner: Good point! Blue Man Group gets around, that's for sure. Vegas is a little different though in that the whole arena has been tailored for the act, and it's not a road production.

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Washington, DC: We had one significant travel experience in 2006, and it was magnificent. We spent two weeks in India in February, where my wife's family is from. Accompanied by my wife's father and sister, we witnessed long-overdue family reunions and received wonderful guidance from true locals.

Best of all, we went with our son. He didn't know it at the time -- my wife was two months pregnant. But now that he's out, we can't wait to tell him about his first trip to India.

Gary Lee: Nice way to get your son's travel juices flowing. Much thanks for sharing with us.

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Seattle, Wash: For the reader last week asking about carrying needles and syringes for his insulin. I carry them with a note from my physician written on a prescription pad stating that I am authorized to carry up to 5 syringes and 10 needles for use with my migraine headache medication. I've done this for many years and many trips and have not ever had to show the note (even at the Dublin airport where they had a sign stating no syringes or needles). Our state also requires a prescription to obtain syringes and needles --- which would also cover it if you carried all of the bulky original packaging with Rx numbers.

KC Summers: Thanks for that reality check, Seattle. Interesting that you've never had to show your doctor's notes -- don't try that at home (or at the airport) kids!

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Adams Morgan, Washington, DC: So what I really want to know is in that Southwest commercial the guy flies to Chicago, gets a pizza and flies home to his pregnant wife...would TSA really let you bring on what appears to be a large pizza? Wouldn't the sauce and melted cheese account for more than 3 oz. of a liquid/gel?

Cindy Loose: Great question! I read where TSA confiscted pies in Cleveland, then gave them to U.S. soldiers. ANd we keep hearing from people who follow the rules to which TSA swears, but still they get stuff confiscated. One day soon I intend to take another look at what's up with carryon, and I'll be sure at that time to ask about pizza.

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Timonium, Md: Flight Crew:

Our outstanding travel experience in 2006 was a vacation in Argentina where we visited BA and the outlying provinces of Salta & Jujuy. In Salta, we stayed at the very-guest oriented House of Jasmines, a restored farm owned by the actor Robert Duvall. In Jujuy we visited landscapes that would rival the desert in the American southwest. We took the vacation because of a descriptive article written by Cindy. Thanks, Cindy, and we're expecting more wonderful experiences from the Flight Crew in 2007.

Regards,

Sam

Gary Lee: Hey, we're so glad that we were able to inspire you. Glad it worked out.

Happy holidays.

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Paris + Paris / Las Vegas + Pregnant: Paris, France -- don't miss the Sacre-Coeur in Montmartre, and definitely pay extra to climb up on the rooftop (great view of the rest of Paris).

In Las Vegas, one of my favorite spots on a recent visit was the Mon Ami Gabi restaurant at the Paris. Ask to eat outside on the patio and watch convertibles and limos cruise up and down the strip to the backdrop of the Bellagio fountains. (Food's not bad either, though nothing special.)

For the pregnant woman with the nervous husband -- as an FYI, metal detectors magnetic field, and you probably encounter a bit higher field from your vacuum cleaner ("honey, I think you should do the vacuuming from now on ..."). Just don't ride on the conveyer through the x-ray machine!

Gary Lee: Hey, you've been generous with the tips here. We appreciate all of them.

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Washington, DC: Impending panic attack! Please calm my nerves. My wife and I are about to take TWO holiday air trips (one for X-mas weekend, then one for New Year's weekend) with our four-month old baby AND our seven-year old Pomeranian (as a carry-on). Any tips on preserving our sanity? Thanks!

Steve Hendrix: Hmmm. How much Percocet can you take and still drive to the airport?

No, you'll be fine. I've never traveled with a Pomeranian before, but I've taken plenty of trips with babies. Four months is an easy travel age (just wait till NEXT Christmas). At four months, they are still little sleepy carry-ons, and nursing is a great way to keep them settled on take-off (except for Delta, where they sometimes throw you off the plane for that).

The best thing you can do for yourself is give yourself as much extra time as you can. There's nothing that will happen that you can't get through, unless you have do all the battles with the clock ticking.

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Paris - things to do....: A great day trip from Paris is Giverny--a short train ride. Monet's gardens and house are beautiful any time of year. Be sure to have lunch at the cafe at the end of the road on the left. Also visit the Musee d'art Americain-they have a great collection.

Best travel of 2006-surprise...! A week in Paris where I was able to visit the beautiful sites that I couldn't see when there years ago, due to one of their infamous strikes! Then just over a week in Normandy and Brittany. It was a wonderful trip, and yes, everyone was friendly and kind, proving the theory that people react to people, not their leaders.

Gary Lee: Glad you enjoyed your France trip. Thanks also for the Giverny tip. We love the museum there, too.

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Washington, DC: This is a follow up to my question about not showing up to my return flight from NY to DC on Dec. 30th. So there is no penalty for not showing up? Orbitz can't charge my credit card or anything?? Thanks, you guys are great!

Cindy Loose: No, we've heard they can, but have never heard of it actually happening. For all they know you were desperately trying to get to the airport but were tied up in a traffic jam.

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For Paris bound: The Musee de l'Orangerie in the Tuileries Garden had reopened after a six year renovation. Go see Monet's "Water Lilies" there. It's totally worth it.

Eat a fromage et jambon (cheese and ham) crepe from a street vendor. It doesn't get much better.

Visit Pere Lachaise cemetary. It sounds morbid, I know, but it's beautiful. Jim Morrison is there, as are Edith Piaf, Chopin, Proust, Oscar Wilde and many others.

Gary Lee: Nice suggesions here. Thanks.

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Washington, DC: I travelled from Dulles on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving (5 pm flight). Arrived 2 hours early, was to the gate in about 15 minutes from the parking garage. do I really need to be at Dulles 2 hours before my flight this Friday evening (9:45 pm flight)?

Andrea Sachs: If you are flying domestic, don't have bags to check and print out your boarding pass beforehand, then you can arrive an hour to 90 minutes before your departure (check the airline's Web site to see what they recommend--just to be safe). I would not skate into the airport just before take-off, though, because the airline can bar you from boarding if you don't check in within their required time and because security can be fast or deathly slow.

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Arlington, Va: I've had lots of good travel experiences this year, but one of the best was a visit to the newly reopened Historic Green Vault in Dresden, Germany. Only 100 persons are allowed into the rooms each hour, so you're able to experience the place without crowding (with few exceptions, the art objects are not encased in glass but are laid out in cases, on walls, and on other flat surfaces, while the visitors to the rooms are kept probably 3 to 4 feet away by decorative gates/fences). Though tickets were sold out until 2007 (there are some same-day tickets available, but people start lining up for those in the early morning), the hotel concierge was able to find an available ticket.

Gary Lee: Arlington, we're jealous of your time in Dresden. We love that city. The Green Vault is an experience every traveler should have once.

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Another Paris idea: Take time to visit the department store windows, especially the Bon Marche on the Left Bank -- very festive!

Gary Lee: Another very good idea. Merci.

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Washington, DC: Number of United flights from National to O'Hare between 1:30 PM and 7:30 PM - 6

Number of flights cancelled due to weather - 1 (of course it was our flight)

Minutes spent on the phone with United being rebooked - 60

Minutes waiting in lines at National with my two kids - 35 at United counter, 20 at worng USAIR counter, 15 at correct USAir counter

Minutes the USAir rep took to get our tickets straighten out and corrctly printed - 30

Number of people in our party chosen for extra screening - 4

Number of savvy business travelers thinking of killing either my family or the TSA agent who picked us for extra screening - 2

Minutes rebooked flight delayed - 25

Minutes to make it from USAir gate at LaGuardia to United gate - 30 (there was a shuttle bus and we had to go through security again)

Minutes plane sat on runway due to ground stoppage at O'Hare - 75

Minutes waiting for gate checked stoller - 15

Time lost bags brought to house - 5:00 AM (and yes they called for directions and rang the doorbell)

Getting to see my brand new neice and nephew before they were 24 hours old - Worth every minute

Sometimes flying is rough, it is always rougher with a 2 year old and 5 year old, but it is simply amazing to be able to get places so quickly and safely. And to all the kind business travelers who readjusted seats, picked up stray sippy cups and in general were kind and polite to this stressed mom many, many thanks.

Steve Hendrix: My goodness, the Misery Index. So glad you came out it still able to find travel "simply amazing." That's the thing about bad flights. No matter how awful, when they're over, they're over; and there you are in some fun place. It's like childbirth (which, honestly, was almost as hard on my wife as it was on me.)

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New York: I'll be in Vegas on business for a week, and the boyfriend is joining me. Activity ideas for an outdoorsy person? He could be described as everything that Vegas isn't.

John Deiner: Yeah, get out of Vegas. Fast.

You didn't say when you're going, but if it's anytime before mid-May point the car toward Death Valley National Park. It's wonderful, vast and full of hiking trails. Or take a trip to Mount Charleston, just outside the city, where you can ski. Or head to the Lake Mead area, again just outside the city and replete with camping, hiking, fishing. Red Rock Canyon will also fit the bill.

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Washington, DC: Like at least one of the other chatters, my best travel experience of the year was my honeymoon in September. My wife and I traveled to Turkey and the Greek Islands for three weeks.

I highly recommend the Greek Islands in September. Although you run the risk of hitting the beginning of the fall rainy season, most of the time it's just as sunny and beautiful as in July and August. Indeed if you're there in the first half of September, you can just about guarantee it'll be nice. Ferries don't run quite as frequently as over the summer, but the crowds are far fewer. And best of all, the prices are drastically lower than they are in the summer. We paid half the cost for car rentals, and no more than a third of the cost for accommodation. And of course, you're still getting the great food, great wine, and great little villages, and great scenery that everyone else has to clamor for in the summer.

Gary Lee: Wonderful We went to Greece three Septembers ago and adored it, too.

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Brooklyn, NY: Best travel moment of 2006 was camping on the California coast, just north of Santa Barbara. One evening, a few hours before sunset, I was swimming in the ocean when I heard a strange noise. I lifted my head, and saw a dolphin just feet away from me, breathing through his blowhole. It was an amazing experience to swim with dolphins--and even the moreso because it was totally organic (and free!)

Gary Lee: Brooklyn, what fun! Thanks for sharing.

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Philadelphia, Pa: Hi: I will be traveling in Eastern Europe this summer. I am planning on flying from Budapest to Amsterdam on an airline called Sky Europe Airlines. Has anyone heard of them and are they ligit? Are there other alternatives from Budapest or Vienna to Amsterdam for discount airlines? Thanks, Bill Tyson

KC Summers: We haven't flown that airline so we'll throw this one out to the gang. Gang?

For other low-fare airlines in Europe, you could start by checking openjet.com, which lets you compare rates.

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Silver Spring, Md: For the sister studying abroad in Ireland - having lived overseas twice, the best present I got that I hadn't thought about before I got it was a travel wallet to keep my passport, tickets and visa documents in. My parents gave me a really nice leather one, and ten years later, I still use it.

Steve Hendrix: Another gift idea. Thanks.

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Woodbridge Va: I am a very satisfied timeshare owner; but recommend newbies check out the Timeshare Users Group at TUG.org. Tons of useful information.

Carol Sottili: I recommended doing that in a box that accompanied the article. Correct Web site is www.tug2.net. I agree - lots of good info. Some of it is free, some available only to members.

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Fairfax, Va: What could a possible merger of United and Continental mean to the Washington area air traveler

Cindy Loose: It would probably mean higher prices on those routes where the two currently compete, unless those routes happened to have other competitors. I don't actually know how many routes by those two overlap from the D.C. area, and in those cases what the competition is, sorry to say.

For the broader impact, though,a merger would probably mean one healthier company. No doubt in my mind there will be mergers, it's just not clear who will merge with whom.

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Virginia: About a month ago my beloved grandmother died. I was fortunate enough to be with her for the last few days, as she was rapidly declining. I tried to remain stoic, for the most part. About 5 hours after she died I got on a train to go home, from the Wilmington station. As the train pulled away someone asked me if I was planning to go to DC-- in my distress, I had gotten on the one going to New York!

I completely lost it at this point, and was now stuck being at least an hour late and possibly out an entire train fare. The conductor was as kind as could be and arranged the whole thing so that I would not have to pay anything extra. I was personally escorted to the new gate in Philadelphia and, once I was aboard the new train going the right way, the new conductor listened sympathetically to my story and brought me a complimentary cup of tea.

This is partially a sad story but was actually quite uplifting to me, in that it brought out the kindness of strangers and showed me a new side of Amtrak. I am still very grateful!

Gary Lee: First, very sorry for your loss. But we appeciate how you found the small bright light in the dark tunnel that comes with the passing of a loved one.

Thanks for sharing.

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Pittsburgh, Pa: My best trip of 2006:

To Angra do Heroismo on the island of Terceira in the Azores, for Carnaval. Nothing like US Mardi Gras or Brazilian Carnaval -- instead, 4 nights (and I DO mean nights, since they run well into the wee small hours) of folk theater performances by nearly 70 groups from communities around the island (plus a couple from North America). Though some of the skits are slightly racy, this is still definitely family fare.

Each group has a small band of 12-24 musicians, who open and close their act (ca. 40 minutes total). In the middle of the act is a skit, usually humorous, often with the outrageous female roles portrayed by (hairy) men in drag. The skits often rely on physical humor, making the gist of them hilariously comprehensible even to a visitor who doesn't know much Portuguese. The groups rotate around the island on a schedule, so townspeople can go to their local auditorium to see as many as 8-10 productions each night.

At most halls, admission is either free or nominal; a couple of the most luxurious auditoriums required advance purchase, though I managed to talk my way into one by arriving early and throwing myself at the mercy of the ticket-taker. An American lady of Azorean ancestry who had immigrated to the Azores several years ago recognized my obvious American accent and was moved to "adopt" me, interpreting the conversation re my plight with the ticket-taker, and even finding me an empty seat near her in the first balcony, which had a fantastic view. I reciprocated by taking her to lunch a couple days later.

On the big Tuesday of Carnaval -- an official holiday, so offices and schools were closed -- besides the evening performances, there was also a big parade down Angra's major parade route by college-age students, featuring homemade floats, performers in costume and topical themes -- e.g., bird-flu, Portuguese politics, outsourcing of labor(!), a parody of beauty-queen contests (naturally, in drag), etc.

I got lots of great pictures during these four days, the best of which I emailed to friends there, who it seems are so busy with the festivities that they tend to forget to commemorate them photographically. The Friday following Carnaval I attended the opening of a photo exhibit in Angra with some of the best pictures of Carnaval performances on display, that had just been taken by professional photographers invited from around the world (no, not mine -- I'm strictly amateur!).

And one of the nicest parts of this trip was that, although the weather was seasonably mild, it was off-season, so accomodations were reasonably priced (I stayed at a pensao) and there were relatively few tourists. I believe Angra's 2007 Carnaval starts ca. Feb. 17.

Gary Lee: Lovely. What an experience. Sound like something we'd like to do ourselves.

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Arlington, Va: Best trip of 2006 - ringing in the new year in Innsbruck, Austria. We flew into Munich and stayed one night while visiting local beer houses and met locals that we ended up hanging out with for the day. The next day we took a train to Innsbruck where we stayed in a B&B at the base of the Alps. We skied for 3 days at 2 different slopes (where the 1964 and 1976 winter Olympics were held). On New Years day, my then boyfriend proposed to me after a long day of skiing. We were married this August and plan on going back to Innsbruck again soon!

Gary Lee: Thanks much for your story.

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Charlotte, NC: I want to spend a month backpacking through Europe. I am saving money but don't know how much to save! How much would you budget for a 1 month European adventure? I'm young, frugal, ready to stay in hostels, etc.

Anne McDonough: Hey Charlotte, it totally depends on when and where you're going. Coming up should be a link to an issue on hosteling which we ran in August, with tips on how and where to book, what to bring, etc. One thing that's a definite, though, is to save more than you think you'll need; the money will of course still be good when you come home if you don't use it, and could be the difference between freaking out at 3 am in the middle of nowhere because you're stranded, and being able to pay for a bus to get you out of there. When you're picking your intinerary consider peak times--if it's a summer trip, you'll be paying more for everything, while November and February, for example, are often cheaper months. Say I was going to Hungary, the Czech Republic and Germany for one month, I'd budget an average of AT LEAST $15 per night for accommodation (you can go a lot cheaper--I've paid less than $5 for hostel beds in those countries--but there will be a time when the only thing available is a $30 pension. If you go for self-catering and falafel and pizza and other street foods instead of sit down places, you can save a lot on budgeting for food, and often long-distance coach buses are a better deal than even the cheap airlines and trains. And if they're overnight, you've saved a night of accommodation. So, ballpark and not including airfare, budget at least $450 for accommodation, the same for food, and if you can limit your actual travel time between places, spending longer stretches in each city/town instead of constantly hopping from one place to the next, you can keep the travel costs down too. All of those figures completely change if you're in, say, England (a movie on a Saturday night in London these days? $26. Yes, $26) or France. Don't forget to factor in internet cafe costs (you'll be saving on postcards and postage), souvenirs, memory cards/film, and getting to and from the airport at the beginning and end of your trip.

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Fort Wayne, Ind: Our best experience in 2006 was visiting a cemetery in Lipnik, Croatia. With the names of tiny family villages burned into my brain by my grandmother half a lifetime ago and a copy of her baptsimal certificate in hand, we finally made the trip, rented a car, and headed north from Karlovac on the D6. We found the family villages of Grice and Skradsko Selo, and just beyond,the parish church of Lipnik. Following the gravel road with an eye on the steeple, the cemetery appeared unexpectedly, and the first family plot that was visible had my maiden name on it. It was a really emotional experience. Cemetery workers who were pouring a vault came over to help us search, and we eventually found four more gravesites with the name I was raised with on them, and eight family plots bearing my grandmother's maiden name. One of them was her brother, for whom my father, and, by extension, I was named. It was an unforgettable afternoon in a country whose beauty almost defies description.

Gary Lee: This sounds like the trip of a lifetime. Thanks.

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Washington, DC: I am going to Buenos Aires for Christmas and New Years with the family but flying by myself on a direct flight. Any suggestions on how to make it through the 10-hour flight?

Cindy Loose: Books and snacks. A pair of slipper socks would be nice. My colleague recommends Ambian, which I never use caues I manage to sleep away some hours no matter. If you don't have a portable DVD player can you borrow one, in case the movies they show aren't to your taste.

Anyone else have ideas.

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washingtonpost.com: Hostel Environments: Eight Bedtime Stories, (Aug. 6, 2006)

Anne McDonough: For the Charlotte backpacker...some ideas to get you started. Thanks for posting, Kim!

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Re: money belt question: When I was traveling in Europe I wore a money/passport

"belt" that wrapped around my calf--it was great: totally

secure and much more comfortable than wearing a bulky belt

around my waist. It wouldn't work in the summer, though. I

think I picked it up at AAA or a travel goods store.

Anne McDonough: This is another option, certainly, just make sure your pants don't hitch up too much when you sit and make it obvious that's what's down there.

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Best Travel Moment 06: Watching the sun set over the Adriatic while sipping frosty beverages at the cutest cafe built into the side of the cliff in Dubrovnik. It was a bear to find, but totally worth the walk and search once we got there.

Gary Lee: Thanks for your story. Sounds like an experience worth repeating.

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Arlington, Va.: My boyfriend and I would like to do a 2-3 night getaway with snow and cross-country skiing and maybe sledding or snow tubing. We can fly or drive, although I'd prefer no more than a 4 hour drive. I was thinking maybe Blackwater Falls/Canaan Valley area. Any advice on lodging and/or location? Thanks!

Steve Hendrix: That's a bull's eye, Arlington. Great cross-country at the Whitegrass ski area (supreme-o food as well. Eat there). The two downhill areas have skiing, tubing and ice-skating between them. As for lodging, there are a few small hotels, rental cabins and motel style rooms at Canaan Valley Resort and State Park, and lots of rental houses near Timberline Resort.

We'll try to post a link from a Canaan Valley Escapes from last year.

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washingtonpost.com: Raising Canaan, (Feb. 16, 2005)

Steve Hendrix: Here's that Canaan Valley link.

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Miami, Fla: Hola Flight Crew! My wife and I are planning a three week trip to Turkey and Greece for spring 2007 and are looking for ideas as to how to split the time between the two countries. The only thing fixed right now is arrival in IST in mid-April and departure from ATH in early May. Obviously we want to spend a few days in each of the two cities, but after that, do you or other posters have any thoughts as to meaningful itineraries that will fit into this time-frame? In Turkey, I'm told that Ephesus is a must-see, and in Greece, we're debating making a trip to Crete/other islands vs. exploring Peloponnesus by car. Ideas?

Anne McDonough: Don't miss Cappadocia, in Turkey--going inland is a completely different experience than the coast, and Cappadocia is unlike any other place I've seen on earth. Ephesus, too, is wonderful. But I'm Turkey-biased, never having been to Greece.

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Eating in South Beach: Good afternoon, crew! My husband and I are headed to South Beach for 3 nights in January before we head out on a cruise. We have been to SoBe before, so we know that everything there is pretty expensive. Do you have any recommendations on places to eat that are reasonably priced for South Beach?

KC Summers: As someone who spent way too much on food in South Beach, and wasn't too impressed with the budget places I tried (a tired Cuban joint and the News Cafe), I like the online list by our colleagues at Budget Travel. They have some fun recommendations, including Big Pink, a Day-Glo diner that serves TV dinners on vintage trays (maybe you have to be there to appreciate it), and David's Cafe II, an "above average" Cuban place. Here's an unwieldy link:

http://www.budgettravelonline.com/bt-dyn/content/article/2005/12/05/AR2005120501396.html

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Washington, DC: Hi Travel Gurus -- I'm planning an August honeymoon using Marriott points. We're thinking of Hawaii or Aruba/Curacao but aren't sure of the Marriotts in Hawaii. Any suggestions?

Gary Lee: Of the Marriotts you mention, we've only been to the one in Curacao. It's a definite winner, right on the beach, nice pool, good food. Go for it!

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New York, NY: Hi,

I am going to Tanzania in January 2007, to climb Kilimanjaro and on safari. I've been recommended to buy travel insurance, which I've never done. Any suggestions on reputable companies or what to consider purchasing, considering my location and plans? thanks!

Cindy Loose: If you've arranged the trip through a travel agent, I'd start there, and get his/her advise. Generally, though, for a trip that expensive I'd definately want to be covered in case I couldn't go---you may be healthy but a broken leg would be a trip killer, and ask about coverage in case problems with a close family member that would prevent your going.

Then there is always the issue of medical insurance while you're there. How close is the nearest medical facility that's decent? If not close is the answer, then you're looking at medical evacuation if something unfortunate were to happen, and that is very expensive.

If you must shop without professional help, you can compare policies at a shopping mall like www.insuremytrip.com. Just make sure you compare apples to apples, and read the nitty gritty detail before buying.

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Sky Europe: Sky Europe is a Slovak airline based out of Bratislava. They use the SouthWest point to point method and have been exapanding all over Europe in the last few years. They sometimes have really cheap fares for 1 eur each way etc. I also believe they just bought some new planes.

KC Summers: Excellent, thanks for that.

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Washington, DC: So... I can buy 'points' and then use those points to stay at one of a selection of resorts around the world.

Isn't there already a system like that called money?

Carol Sottili: Different strokes.

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Sunny MS: Hi! I was just reading a travel question on wearing money belts. A few years ago I traveled to Spain on my own. While on a city bus in Grenada, a young American man was pick-pocketed. He had a zipper pocket in his jeans near his ankle. The thief had watched to see where he had put his money when he had finished paying for his bus ticket. The minute he got on the bus, his money was taken. He had put EVERYTHING in that one pocket except for his passport. He had no credit cards and was completely broke.

The moral to the story is, you are dealing with professional pickpockets in Europe. It is best to divide up your valuables and put most of your money in a money pocket that is completely covered by clothing at your waist.

I also took one of these cloth money bags and stitched one round of elastic to each end. I wore this just below my knee - over my calf. No one ever saw this, but I had an extra credit card, about $500 cash and my passport there.

Better to be safe than sorry!

Sue

Anne McDonough: Absolutely, divide so that you won't be conquered. I don't check any money/cards, etc but do divvy up valuables once I'm on the ground. It's also a great argument (perhaps the only one) for having multiple credit cards, just in case one goes missing.

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Silver Spring, Md: On several flight search engines, the best flights I want are split between two airlines (outbound on USAirways and returning on American). Is is wise to buy the 'roundtrip' ticket through the search engine interface, or should I just go to each airline site and buy a one-way ticket there? Also, will it cause any security red flags to use a one-way ticket?

Cindy Loose: I'm guessing that the price for two one-way tickets will be much higher, but check it out. No huge problem either way, if the price by some miracle is the same.

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Gary Lee: Hey, clicksters, we love you all dearly and enjoyed working with you in 2006. We're off for the next two Mondays.

We appreciate all of the remarkable experiences you had on the road in 2006. We had a really tough time picking one story for the prize. In the end, we were most touched by the reader who lost her way on the train after the passing of her grandmother -- and then found it again with some help.

If you e-mail us your mailing address at leeg@washpost.com, we'll make sure you get the calender.

We hope you all have a special holiday season.

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washingtonpost.com: One of my all-time budget eat finds in South Beach is Tap Tap, a Haitian restaurant (819 5th St; (305) 672-2898) that serves up killer mojitos, terrific fish and a grilled chicken to fly down for. Was just there last week and it still rocks my world.

Gary Lee: Thanks for the tip.

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