Talk About Travel

Avoiding the gas-price crunch, stopovers in London, Tulum, Mexico, Myrtle Beach, the Azores, Rehoboth, Las Vegas and more.

Got a travel-related question, comment, suspicion, warning, gripe, sad tale or happy ending? The Post Travel Section Flight Crew is at your service.

On the itinerary this week: Keeping it local, as we explore the Carroll Counties of Virginia and Maryland. But if you really want to get out of town, we'll check out a cheap and cool beach spot in Uruguay.

All other travel topics are open as well. If you have insights, ideas or information to add to the discussion, just press the call button above your seat and we'll get to you as soon as we can. 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.

A transcript follows.

You may also browse an archive of previous live travel discussions. For daily dispatches, check out Travel Log, the Travel section's new blog.

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Andrea Sachs: It's hot outside, so grab a cold one and let's talk travel. (Bonus points for questions on beaches and Antarctica.) Of course, we do have a hot issue to discuss -- the skyrocketing price of gas. $4, plus change. Ouch. So, please tell us your ingenious ways on how to travel without feeling the pain of the gas pump. Shorter trips? Train? Hitch? Best idea wins a prize. (Sorry, it won't fill your tank or lower the thermometer.)

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Harrisburg, Pa.: I am thinking of going to Tulum, Mexico in late July and early August. Has anyone been there that time of year? Is the weather bearable? It is probably cooler there right now than it is here!!!

John Deiner: Hey, HP. I was in Chichen Itza, near Cancun, last September and it was brutal then. But I'd much see the sites than not go because of heat and humidity. Bring some water and sunscreen and do it -- you won't regret it.

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Va. flying out of BWI: This week I fly out of BWI at 7:15 AM and the sheer idea of flying out of an airport so far out of my comfort zone makes me nervous. (Plus, the last couple of times I've gone there, I've gotten lost along the way. I'll leave plenty of time for getting lost.) I've looked at your chats, etc. and you answered a question about parking at the non-BWI lots, but returning at 12:30 AM (my return flight). How about arriving at the lot - with a reservation - at 6:00 AM? Or should I just stick with long-term airport parking?

John Deiner: Hey, Va. Now, take a deep breath and repeat after me, "It'll all be okay, it'll all be okay..."
Reassure our friend, folks.
I'm a natural worrywart as well, so I would probably arrive a little earlier than 6 a.m. at the lot for a 7:15 flight (ya never know, and it's better to kill a few extra minutes at the gate than to panic if you're a few minutes behind schedule). And those lots are all good -- plenty of service at that time of day.

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Greensboro, N.C.: In the fall, will have an all-day (12 hour) layover at Heathrow in route to Lisbon. How should I spend that time? Could I see a few things and make it back in time to catch the Lisbon flight? And what to do with luggage?

Christina Talcott: Heathrow has Left Baggage offices in every terminal where you can leave your bags for up to 24 hours. The bags have to get screened first, and it costs about $12 per bag per day. If you take the Tube into town, count on at least an hour each way, just to be safe, and plan to be back at Heathrow at least 2 or 3 hours before your Lisbon flight, depending on where you leave your bags (I'd recommend leaving them in the terminal you're flying out of). The Piccadilly line goes right into the heart of the city, so you can wander around for a good 6 or 7 hours (anyone have recommendations? It's been forever since I've been to London!). Alternatively, there are lots of places to shop and eat and rest in the airport, but it sounds like that's not your cup of tea, so to speak.

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McLean, Va.: We have a flight from Dulles airport to Montreal, Canada on Wednesday July 2 at 9:03 in the morning. What time do you suggest we arrive at the airport for this short international trip? Also, how far in advance do we need to arrive at the Montreal airport on our return trip?

We are traveling with a 2 year old and wondering if you know the best way to get to downtown Montreal from the airport without taking a taxi. If we take a taxi we have to check the carseat at the airport. It would be nice to leave the seat at home if there was another way to get to the downtown area. Thanks for your help!

Andrea Sachs: Two hours ahead, both ways. Though check with your airline to see what it recommends.
From my research, it looks like the subway does not link the airport to downtown. That means, you will have to take a bus, shuttle or cab. Which also means you will need to bring the car seat. For transportation options, see www.admtl.com.

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washingtonpost.com: Heathrow Left Baggage

Christina Talcott: Info on leaving bags at Heathrow. Thanks, Elizabeth!

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Baltimore, Md.: My husband and I will be celebrating our third anniversary in September. For our first, he took me to Montreal; for our second, we stayed over in D.C. This time around, we want to find a place that would still be fun with the three-month-old (who was supposed to arrive yesterday).

Daytime attractions are good; direct flights three hours or less are good; something different than what we'll be doing over the summer (NYC, Ocean City) is good.

Southwest (frequent flyer tickets!) is good, but not necessarily. I was trying to think up a small town/city, like upstate New York, Cape Cod, Maine, that might be charming to roam around in, but I don't know how easy those are to get to. Maybe something like Austin if there's enough to do during the day. Nightlife is sort of out of the question.

John Deiner: Hey, Balt. First, congratulations! Sounds as if you have an exciting couple of days coming up. Let us know in the next few weeks how things work out, will you?
For September, I guess I'd suggest anything north (you'll want a break from the heat then, right?). You could use your SWA tickets to fly to Providence and visit Newport, Albany and drive to Lake Placid or Saratoga Springs (I love both of those spots), or Manchester and take a drive up the Maine coast.
And one thing about those tickets: my wife and I have been splitting our free round-trip tickets in two lately and sharing. We pay for one way and use the half-ticket to cover the other fare. (This works if the fare in one direction costs more than the other.) You may want to consider that to stretch your freebies.
And, again, good luck!

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VA flying out of BWI: I live 10 minutes from BWI, know exactly where it is and won't get lost, and I'd get there and be parked and in the terminal at LEAST by 5:30 for a flight that early.

Have you considered staying at one of the airport hotels the night before?

Christina Talcott: Andrea did a story on staying near BWI on April 23. She stayed in a cabin in Patapsco Valley State Park, but she also listed hotels near the airport that offer free parking for travelers. The link's coming up.

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SWDC: re: BWI. Just offering reassurance; it's crowded with all of those early-morning flights and there are enough late-night Southwest arrivals to keep it busy well after midnight.

If the VA person is really worried, may be worth checking into a stay-and-fly rate at an airport hotel; if the trip is any length of time, the premium over just parking gets pretty small.

John Deiner: Hey, good idea. Actually, excellent idea. Go to ParkSleepFly.com to find some options.

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Washington, D.C.: For the chatter with the 12-hour layover at Heathrow, I wouldn't recommend taking the tube into London. Since you're short on time, spend the money for a return ticket on the Heathrow Express. It gets you into Paddington in 15 minutes, and especially since you will have such limited time in London, is well worth the additional costs.

Christina Talcott: Thanks for the tip! That'll give them much more time to spend in the city, though it depends on their bankroll, of course... We had a conversation a few weeks back about the best way to get from Charles de Gaulle airport into central Paris; anyone have a fail-safe way to get from Heathrow into London that they want to share?

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Tenleytown, DC: It's hard to think about winter plans when it is brain-meltingly hot outside, but I have a group of family and friends planning a trip to Las Vegas for New Year's Eve.

I know hotel prices will be crazy expensive on the strip, so we're definitely open to staying off-strip. Any suggestions on good properties?

Also, in this new air travel age, what could we consider a "good" airfare from DC?

THANKS!

Andrea Sachs: Try Rock Red Casino Resort, Hard Rock and the Palms (my fave). Fares for less than $200 are of the good old days. Rates will be closer to $300 and above (gulp), especially over the holiday. SO, when booking, be flexible. If you can leave D.C. on New Year's Eve, perhaps, and return a few days after Jan. 1, you might find better fares.

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Washington DC: On the heat in Tulum in August: We went there 4 years ago, in August 2004. We were worried about the heat and splurged for a honeymoon at the only hotel on the beach with air conditioning (Los Lirios). It turned out that at least for that week, the ocean breezes were plenty cool and we would have been better off at a place with fans. (Our room had A/C but strangely no ceiling fan.) When we went inland to see the ruins and the lovely colonial city of Merida, it was much warmer, and we timed our long walks to avoid the mid-day heat.

John Deiner: Beautiful, D.C. That's a good thing to know -- and good advice. When I was at Chichen Itza, I was stuck with a very boring guide (part of the package). I would have been better off just listening in on different guides at the various sites.

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Washington, D.C.: We were planning to go to Myrtle Beach this summer although we haven't picked a place yet. I just heard that they are doing beach reconstruction this summer in Myrtle Beach. Do you know anything about it and where can I get accurate reports on what areas are affected and where is the beach in good condition, either because no work has been done yet or the work was done in the past and the beach is now in good shape?

I am afraid to just ask the rental agents because they have no incentive to tell the truth and may not even know what things are going to be like in mid to late August when we are going. Is it better to just go somewhere else? We were attracted to Myrtle Beach because we wanted to go further south where the water would be warmer, liked all the activities, the ability to get 2 bedroom condos with pools on the beach and it was really reasonable for pretty nice places.

We would appreciate any help you can provide.

Many thanks

Christina Talcott: Hey there, I'm afraid I'm going to have to throw this out there to the chatters. Scott Vogel is in Myrtle Beach at the moment and can answer any question you have if you can wait a week. In the meantime, can anybody help out?

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Washington, D.C.: Hello Flight Crew,

We'll be going to a wedding in Spain this summer (Valladolid), and we have a three days after the wedding before we fly on to Paris. We have been to Spain several times, and so we have seen much of the country and this region in particular. Given that we have three days, would you recommend going to Porto, Barcelona, Valencia, or something else?

Thanks so much.

Andrea Sachs: Hmm. Spain is not our strong point today, but Christina says, "Basque country."

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Luggage and Heathrow: A few years ago, I flew through Heathrow on my way back to DC from Prague. The agents at BA told me that I could just check my bags in Prague and, as long as the layover was less than 24 hours, the airline would hold them. Since my layover was 18 hours (on purpose) it worked great! I just put enough of the necessities in my carryon and checked everything else. Spent the night at a night hold and got to see a little more of the city before I flew home, not worrying about toting heavy luggage or picking it up at left luggage. (Saw a little less of the city than I wanted, since the alarm clock didn't work, but it all ended well!)

Christina Talcott: That's great! Glad to hear it worked out for you.

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Reassuring: I live near Richmond and used to fly out of BWI a couple times a year. I don't do it anymore because the fares here have become more reasonable (thank you JetBlue and AirTran!). But BWI is nothing to worry about. As far as getting there, the B-W Parkway always worked for me, it's nearly foolproof, just take the airport exit and you're there.

John Deiner: Thanks, Richmond (well, near Richmond). I drove from the north today (two hours of traffic because of an accident . . . ack!) and had to get to BWI -- have never really gone to BWI from that direction before but there was a ton of good signage.

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washingtonpost.com: Park, Sleep And Fly at BWI (Washington Post, April 23)

Christina Talcott: Here's info on staying near BWI.

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More on BWI: I have to pick up my sister-in-law and nephew from BWI on a Sunday at about 5:30 pm. I am going to need to park and then meet them at luggage to help with the baggage. Is hourly parking going to be a problem, as it sometimes is at National?

John Deiner: No! There is copious amounts of parking next to the airport -- I'm thinking you'll be fine.

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Chichen Itza: I'm going to be in Cancun on a family vacation in July and want to do a day trip to Chichen Itza. Is that possible? And is it something I could do on my own (rent a car) or should I go with the resort or another group?

John Deiner: Hey, there. I think it's entirely possible to do it on your own. I mentioned a little earlier in the chat that I went with a group on a big crowded bus - and it was a mistake. I could have rented a car (lots of places to do so) and just driven. Roads are good, plenty of signage and it's a pretty straightforward route.
Anyone else ever do this?

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Washington, D.C.: My wife and I are planning a vacation to Costa Rica, and I'm a little overwhelmed with all the tour companies and travel web sites that cater to traveling there. Can you guys recommend where to look for a week-long tour of the country?

Christina Talcott: In our Way to go Guide (on Feb. 3; you can find it under Special Reports on our Web site), we had a tour operator round-up that recommended Costa Rica Connection (800-345-7422, www.crconnect.com) and Costa Rica Expeditions (011-506-257-0766; www.costaricaexpeditions.com). Maybe start there and see what you find.

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Pittsburgh: Follow-up to another chatter's comments last week re enjoy his/her visit to the Azores: I was just there last month, and enjoyed attending local festas on two successive weekends! An English couple I met at my hotel, who'd never been to the Azores before and who spoke no Portuguese, commented on how much they enjoyed the fact that the festas are still authentic, rather than commercialized for the foreign tourists -- although the locals made us feel most welcome to join them at all the various activities (parades, band concerts, free community "sopas" luncheons, etc.) and to snap photos to our hearts' contents. Each island has at least one festa during the summer as well (larger islands have two or more, in different towns), so there's one nearly every weekend for the next few months. And enough North Americans come to visit their Azorean relatives that it's quite easy to find bilingual new friends who are delighted to translate and share their culture with interested tourists.

John Deiner: Thanks, Pitts. Those islands are something else, aren't they?

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London: Depending on which Terminal they're flying into, and when they actually get through Immigration (if they're leaving the airport they'll need to go through Immigration upon arrival, and then security again to catch their flight, instead of just staying in the airport all day), the Heathrow Express might make more sense than the Piccadilly line. It's more expensive, but faster (if you're not coming out from Terminal 5, anyway - in my experience, that's about the same amount of time, but still more expensive). It goes to Paddington Station, and from there people can switch to one of the Tube lines to spend a little bit of time downtown. As for suggestions of what to do during that time - it all depends on if you've been to London before, what your interests are, how long the flight is that you're on coming over and what time you arrive, etc. But there's certainly enough time to walk down along the Thames or wander through the Parks or one of those city tour buses.

Christina Talcott: Another vote for the Heathrow Express for the Lisbon-bound travelers with 12 hours in London...

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Anonymous: If you have not been to London before, pick an area of the city to explore and have at it. I like Westminster Abbey and Houses of Parliament. If you are there in September, I believe you can get a tour of Parliament. You could walk along the river, and then head over to Covent Garden for a meal and shopping. Alternatively you could hang out in The City and see St. Paul's, the London Museum, and the Tower of London. There are lots of lunch options in The City, but it's pretty dead at night (business district). Have a great time!

Christina Talcott: More tips on the London layover...

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Heathrow to city center: Heathrow Express is definitely worth it! Quick and comfortable all the way. Plus, Paddington is a very nice area to just walk around in, and only an hour or so walk from the city center. Quicker via the Tube, obviously, but I've done the walk and it was fun the stuff to stumble upon (including Buckingham Castle!).

Christina Talcott: Great! Thanks!

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Washington, D.C.: I am trying to decide between driving and taking Amtrak to NYC for a weekend trip in July. (This is new territory because we usually take the bus but now have an infant.) I went to the Amtrak site and it looked like going up Friday eve and coming back Sunday eve would be well over $400 for two adults - a big shock when you're used to $35 per person roundtrip bus tickets. Is that a typical price? Is there a way or a site to search for days with lower prices? (The Amtrak site let you search for the lowest price on a specific day, but not for the cheapest day.)

Andrea Sachs: Prices vary according to day and time, but for the most part, the one-way rate starts at $69. (Or less if you have AAA.) You can't search by best price, but look at the whole day's schedule to find the lowest price.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Flight Crew,

Any insight into whether the various bus companies that travel the DC-NY route will raise fares because of higher gas prices? Right now that is my best and cheapest way to travel up to NY for a long weekend away. Thanks.

John Deiner: Hey, D.C. That's a good question -- I'm still trying to wrap my brain around the economics of those $1 fares, especially when some of those buses aren't exactly packed. The tolls alone must cancel out a lot of fares, right? I'd say book what you can and keep your fingers crossed.

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Bethesda, Md.: I'm planning to take some pictures this weekend and I'm particularly looking for a place with flowers and a lake. Where I can find such a place? I was thinking of Meadowlark in VA but I would like a place closer to Bethesda...

washingtonpost.com: Maybe Wheaton's Brookside Gardens (washingtonpost.com City Guide)?

Christina Talcott: Thanks for the suggestion, Elizabeth! I've been curious about Lake Needwood, too - anyone have other ideas?

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Oakton, Va.: A chatter last week wanted a recommendation for a B and B in Munich. A couple of years ago we stayed during Octoberfest at the Gastehaus Englischer Garten located at the edge of the English Garden in Schwabbing. It was a very nice stay, but it may be difficult to book there during Octoberfest.

My tip for reducing the pain of the gas pump is to book a Hertz rental car which includes a free tank of gas. AAA runs this promotion.

Andrea Sachs: Great suggestion. And love your tip!

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Washington, D.C.: I purchased a ticket from Iberia.com that was intercepted by Airfare.com and issued by them. I only realized this when I tried to change my ticket--Airfare.com charges twice as much as Iberia to change tickets, which is why I purchased my ticket from Iberia to begin with. I have proof that I purchased my ticket from Iberia (I printed the Iberia screen). Airfare.com refuses to reduce the change fee or admit fault. Please help!

Carol Sottili: This is a new one. I think your beef is with Iberia.com. Don't know how they can arbitrarily switch you to another issuer without your consent. Found this number for customer service on the Iberia.com site: 800-772-4642. I'd start there.

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Nightmare in Chicago for DC resident: Wow, came back from Chicago Friday evening, what an incredible mess. The only reason I actually got back after all ORD-DCA flights were canceled (one was only delayed by more than 3 hours) and most other UAL and other airlines' flights were canceled or delayed as well was because I walked to a gate that had a United flight to IAD--said it was closed but the door was still open--and got the last seat. United thinks I'm still in Chicago despite 3 phone calls I've made. It wasn't even raining in Chicago. The rest of the weekend apparently was about as bad.

How can air travel as we know it survive this kind of nonsense?

Christina Talcott: Uh oh, that makes me nervous. I'm flying United to Chicago in a couple of weeks. It's always risky flying in the summertime, but yet we still do it, don't we?

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Raleigh, N.C.: Hello,

I know that you must get a lot of questions, but would really appreciate some advice on where to go in Scotland. I will be there for 6 days in early September and have never been before, and have no idea where to go or what to do.

Thank you for any help! You're a great resource!

washingtonpost.com: Scotland Travel Stories (Post Travel Section Archives)

Christina Talcott: Here's a good place to start. Anyone out there who's been to Scotland recently?

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Wondering where the crowds went, Rehoboth, Beach, Del.: We spent the sweltering weekend in Rehoboth Beach, and if there's a sure sign of the economic crisis, its the easy time we had parking, dining and shopping in that mecca of Washingtonians. Parked at the boardwalk, found lots of room on the beach, didn't encounter any crowds at fine restaurants and bars. And traffic down and back was a breeze. What gives? When it's hot, you go to the shore, right? Or, will the beach towns wither due to the gas prices, when it costs $50-75 to fuel up for the ride down? Tough times, what do you hear?

Carol Sottili: I just got back from Ocean City and it was really crowded there. Traffic along Coastal Highway was thick, but it's mostly high school seniors this week. Families don't go to the shore until school is out. And high season doesn't really start until July 4, when the water starts to warm up. It can be pretty miserable sitting on the beach when the water temperature is 62 degrees (that was the temperature when I checked the lifeguard stand this morning). I talked to several people this week about bookings, and everyone said they are up for the summer. The thinking is that people will go closer to home. We shall see.

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Ocracoke, N.C.: Hi Travel Crew -- I've been at my house here on Ocracoke for a month or so and I've noticed a travel trend. It seems like a lot of people are going on vacation in the cars they commute to work in. Normally about 90 percent of the vehicles here are trucks or SUVs. We have noticed maybe 30 percent more cars of the Honda Civic type with out of state licenses than ever before. Interesting.

Carol Sottili: Remember when Hummers were all the rage? Now, not so much. But again, I think you'll see those SUVS when the families start arriving. And that time is coming soon.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi there, do you know if an eight-hour layover in Helsinki is enough time to do a little sightseeing? And would it be worth it to attempt?

Andrea Sachs: It is about a half-hour taxi ride to downtown, so I think it's worth the trip --if nothing else but to get some fresh air. You could take a guided tour through Helsinki Expert (1.5 hours) or wander Senate Square and other downtown attractions yourself. Be sure to leave two hours for check-in though. For other sights: www.hel2.fi/tourism/EN/tama_yleista.asp.

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Laurel, Maryland: I would just like to know if there are any decent beaches in Maryland, and if so, where, and also if either Carroll County has one?

Carol Sottili: No beaches in either Carroll County. Both are inland.
I don't know what you mean by "decent beaches." For some, it means wide open spaces with no people. For others, that would mean lots of bars and restaurants along a hopping boardwalk. Assateague would fit the bill for the former and Ocean City for the latter.

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Providence, R.I.: Hi! For an upcoming trip to Seattle I used frequent-flier miles in part because I was afraid of fuel surcharges. And when we get there, we're taking the bus whenever we can, instead of airport shuttles and cabs: There was NO way I was going to rent a car for this trip!

Andrea Sachs: Good planning!

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San Jose, Calif.: (Submitting ahead of time due to work). Some friends and I are planning a bachelorette party in Las Vegas in October. (Cliche, I know). Likely there will be at least 8 people, maybe 10 or 12. Can anyone recommend a good site for Vegas hotels? It seems like trying to book through the websites directly is expensive. Should we wait and see if there are sales? Also, has anyone done one of the bachelorette evening packages with the limo, VIP service, etc? Trying to keep costs as low as possible, and still give the bride the party she wants. All suggestions are greatly appreciated!

John Deiner: Hey, San Jose.
Here's what I do when it comes to booking Vegas hotels: I always book through the hotel, as they usually offer the same rates or very close to the rates you'll find on sites such as Expedia and the hotel sites. This far out, the prices will be expensive, but nine times out of 10, I rebook the room as I get closer to the visit.
There's almost always a package the hotel is offering to unload rooms, or the prices have been slashed. If you book and keep a close eye on what the rate is doing, you'll see you can find some good deals -- and if you've booked through the hotel there's no fee to rebook. Also, some deals are harder to find on the hotel sites; for example, it took me forever to find the "hot deals" button atop the Flamingo hotel page -- even though it's as plain as day when you know where to look.
As far as bachelorette parties go . . . okay, guys. 'Fess up.

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BWI parking: also - parking at the primary lot (right up close) is free if you get out within the first 1/2 hour, I think.

John Deiner: Yeah, but you really got to move it if the person you're fetching has checked bags. Better to wait at the cellphone lot for free then swoop in and pick them up.

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Silver Spring, Md.: I am getting married next May and was thinking about taking a cruise in Europe (western Mediterranean) for our honeymoon. I did some searches and saw several options, but considering we are nearly a full year out, when would be a good time to actually book? Are more cruises typically added, or do cruise likes generally have their schedule nailed down this far in advance? Costs as well... would it be better to book earlier rather than later?

Carol Sottili: Cruise lines have published their itineraries for next year, and they're not likely to change unless there's a crisis. I'd book early: Prices are generally cheaper.

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Re: Gas Savings Idea: Hi,

I see vacation as "new places to discover" so I will be housesitting at 2 different local friends' places as part of my summer plan. One is in Reston next week, the other is in Olney in July. I am not that familiar with those areas, and will totally treat is as vacation (pack the bags, read about the area, go to farmer's markets, bike around the neighborhood, meet local people and ask for advice, check out local restaurants, museums etc.) I did this in Colorado 2 years ago, and it worked great, so I am planning to do exactly the same thing minus the air fare and the car rental (maybe I should drive to Reston via Dulles and to Olney via BWI to put me in the right mood). If you see and plan it as vacation, there always is something intriguing in local areas, just because we are from here it doesn't mean we can't have fun! My plan is to look at our city through a tourist's eyes, and outside the DC area.

Andrea Sachs: How creative. I need to start looking up long-lost friends in far-off places.

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BWI flyer: I highly recommend Airport Fast Park. They tell you where to park and a van follows you there, picking you up IMMEDIATELY AT YOUR CAR. No schlepping to a shelter and waiting.

They give you a card with your space number on it so that when you return, a van drops you AT YOUR CAR.

And I've never waited more than 5 minutes at the terminal for one of their vans to pick me up. They even have a frequent parker plan. I recently parked 7 days for FREE.

www.airportfastpark.com

John Deiner: Thanks, Flyer. I haven't tried that one before; I've parked at EconoPark Express and PreFlight and they both pick you up at your car (also, BWI's Express service does the same thing).

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Soon to be honeymooner: Hi to everyone on the flight crew! Thanks for your helpful tips.

I have a quick question about getting upgrades on your honeymoon. I know a lot of airlines upgrade you to business class and hotels will also upgrade and whatnot, but how exactly does one go about trying to get an upgrade? (Or do companies not do this anymore due to the tanking economy?)

Andrea Sachs: For hotels, you can ask nicely or explain how it is a special occasion. Or if you have frequent stay points, use those to bump up your accommodations. Planes are tough. Use your miles or ask at the gate, but these days, nothing comes free or easily.

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Re: Las Vegas: USAir has nice packages combined with airfare, and I found it to be cheaper than the two bought separately. If you want the nicer hotels though, I'd say book through a travel agent, they get special deals and sometimes upgrades at the biggest hotels which would be worth it. Also, check out Planet Hollywood, they are new and are trying to impress.

John Deiner: Good stuff on Vegas -- particularly if there's a group, may indeed be better to get some help. And my understanding is that a lot of the hotels are suffering because of the economy, so prices could really take a tumble out there in the heat.

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Edgewater, Md.: I've directed my sister to COGO, but would welcome your thoughts as well. She has a friend coming to visit from Iceland and originally booked him to fly to BWI from Logan on a late evening Air Tran flight. When that flight was canceled, they wanted to switch him to a 6:30 p.m. flight, but that's the time his plane is scheduled to arrive from Reykjavik so there's no way he could collect his luggage, clear customs and make that flight. My sister therefore canceled the reservation and booked him on another airline later that evening. However, Air Tran is continuing to bill her for the canceled flight. Does she have any recourse? There was no Air Tran flight that would get him to BWI on that same day. Thanks.

Carol Sottili: Your sister needed to figure all that out with AirTran before canceling the flight. Now it's just her word as to why she canceled it. She could try calling their customer service number, but my guess is that they will offer her a voucher minus a cancellation fee. Call 866-247-2428.

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NYC: Another Heathrow question, as I seem to be unable to find a final answer for this: I am flying to Finland in two weeks, with a direct flight on the way there but a change of planes in Heathrow on the way back. I'm worried about the carry-on situation at Heathrow. Will I be restricted to one bag on the way back? I'm worried about having to jettison my laptop.

Andrea Sachs: The one-bag rule no longer applies to Heathrow. But check with your airline to be sure they permit two pieces (British Airways does, for example.)

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Arlington, Va.: How do you rebook a hotel room in Vegas? Do you cancel the first one and make a new call, or just call them up and say, I want a better rate?

John Deiner: Hey, Arl. Sometimes you can just cancel online and rebook right then. I always have a paper trail. Or you can call and tell them you found a better rate on the resort's site; I've always gotten it since they can see for themselves. Also, if you find a better rate on another site, such as Travelocity or Hotels.com, the hotel will often match it.

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London, U.K.: Hi,

Farecaster won't help me with this question, but I'm hoping you can! I need a one-way ticket from London to the Washington D.C. area in late December. Prices right now are around $400, which I think will probably go up. My problem is, I can't afford to buy the ticket right now, so how long do you think I can wait before the price goes up?

Thanks!!!

Carol Sottili: If it's $400 one-way with all the taxes, you should buy it as soon as possible. That price won't last, especially if jet fuel continues to go up in price.

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Silver Spring, Md.: My family is taking a flight on Scandinavian Air later this summer. We'd love to get exit row seats, since my husband and son are quite tall, but out travel agent said they aren't assigned in advance. How early should we arrive to get a chance at an exit row seat, or is there another strategy that might help? Thanks!

Andrea Sachs: We are confounded by that mystery. Try calling the airline directly and explaining how your family is eight feet tall. Otherwise, arrive more than an hour early and talk to the check-in agent. Or, if you are frequent fliers, play that card.

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Bowie: I was at a Delaware beach Saturday and overheard one merchant telling a customer that the summer to date had been "real slow" due to gas prices.

Are there any actual measures of how much quieter it has been than normal?

John Deiner: Hey, Bowie. Interesting stuff. Right after Memorial Day, which was a spectacular weekend if you remember, AAA announced that fewer cars than expected had traveled across the Bay Bridge to the beaches. I've been doing a lot of driving myself up and down I-95 the past few weekends for various reasons, and I've been surprised by the (relative) lack of cars. Still lots on the road, but not what I'm used to this time of year.
Anyone else out there find this?

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Washington D.C:. I second the Airport Fastpark for BWI, it's been the most hassle-free part of airport traveling I've had in the past 4 years of using it. They often have internet sales too and its just so comforting to know how well they time their services. I hate gushing about this service though, I feel like it's a great little secret that not many people know about.

John Deiner: Cool...another vote for Fastpark. Thanks, DC.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi! Given the high prices and the falling dollar, what is a good destination right now for a couple of single guys in their late 20s who would like to have a great and exciting vacation without spending a fortune? Good nightlife, parties, and maybe an interesting culture are some of our criteria. Europe is out of the question due to the prices. And we've already been to most places in the US, including Miami. Thanks

Andrea Sachs: I would suggest Puerto Rico, Montreal, New Orleans, Key West, Toronto.

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FLL: I booked a Spirit Air flight to San Juan (after American canceled their nonstop service for this November). Now Spirit Air has mentioned they "might" cancel all their San Juan flights. I want to cancel the Spirit Air flight and find something guaranteed (if a guarantee is possible in this economy), but can I not cancel until the flight gets officially canceled by the company?

Carol Sottili: I think you're out of luck. The airline is not going to allow you to cancel without penalty unless the service is canceled. Have you looked into travel insurance? Don't know if there are policies that would cover this, but it's worth investigating: www.insuremytrip.com or www.squaremouth.com to compare policies.

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Falls Church, Va.: We are driving to Asheville to have a long weekend to celebrate an anniversary. In a previous chat you suggested taking your time on the drive down and driving the scenic way on Route 29 and stopping on at a Bed and Breakfast overnight. That sounds like a great idea and we would love to do that but I am having trouble finding a B and B that is more than halfway down. Do you have any suggestions of nice, relaxing places to stop or at least towns or counties that would be especially nice places to stay?

Thank you for your help.

Christina Talcott: If you wanted to swing through the Carroll County, Va., area that Roger Piantadosi wrote about in yesterday's section, its breathtaking scenery and small towns' charms sound like wonderful mountain getaways. From a story about three years ago, here are some lodging suggestions:
"Oak Haven Lodge (323 Webb's Mills Rd., Floyd, 540-745-5716, www.oakhavenlodge.com) is a new but rustic and affordable lodge close to downtown Floyd. Double rooms are $65. The Damascus Old Mill (215 Imboden St., Damascus, 276-475-3745, www.damascusoldmill.com) is a small inn next to the Holston River. Rooms from $119 to $189. There are good campgrounds and plenty of beauty at both Grayson Highlands State Park (829 Grayson Highland Lane, near Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, 276-579-7092, www.dcr.state.va.us) and Natural Tunnel State Park (Route 3, 276-940-2674, www.naturaltunnel.info) near Duffield."
Another story, this one from 2004, has these two B&B suggestions:
"The Old Spring Farm B&B (7629 Charity Hwy., 276-930-3404, www.oldspringfarm.com) is a working 25-acre farm about 30 minutes from Floyd, up and over the Blue Ridge Parkway in Woolwine. Comfortable rooms in the 1885 farmhouse or outbuildings are $105 to $135 a night. In Abingdon, the Shepherd's Joy B&B (254 White's Mill Rd., 276-628- 3273, www.shepherdsjoy.com) is a working sheep farm in town with rooms in the Queen Anne home for $110 to $125."

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London: For Scotland in September, I would (and may actually be) head (ing) to the Highlands, starting with the Fort William area and working my way north toward Loch Ness and then Inverness. That time of year should still have gorgeous plant and wildlife scenery, but it's past the high tourist season (July and August are quite badly crowded) - but not so far past the tourist season that things are likely to be closed up already. What are your interests? The area I just suggested is good for hiking and/or hill-walking, but if you're more interested in cities there's more than enough in Edinburgh to keep you busy for a week. You could, actually, base yourself in Edinburgh and go out on day trips to the Highlands. One such company (I've no affiliation and haven't ever actually used them, but they seem to offer typical services) is Timberbush Tours. You can check their site to see what sort of things are possible from Edinburgh. If you're into younger, more European-gap-year-style travel, there's MacBackpackers (I've never toured with them, but have stayed in one of their hostels and heard only good things), which travels around the country and offers a variety of tour packages for pretty decent prices, although they don't include lodging in their price and you are, um, trapped in a bus with mostly European-gap-year students for part of each day...

Christina Talcott: Great! Thanks!

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Re: honeymoon: Travel agent here... If you are flying peak times forget about being upgraded to business class, the airlines will upgrade their high level frequent fliers before anybody who paid regular fare, and that is even a rare case. As for hotels, definitely asking at the hotel and indicating before your arrival that it is a honeymoon helps. Also, the higher the level of hotel the likelier it is that they will do something special for you. And of course working with a travel agent is another option, since I send clients regularly to certain hotels, and have the connections, they will prioritize my clients for upgrades when a room is available. I also do special amenities and gifts for honeymoon/special occasion clients to make it as special as possible.

Andrea Sachs: Great advice. Honeys, you listening?

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Alexandria, Va.: My travel tip for BWI is that if you get there too early for your flight, stop off in Arundel Mills (the exit before BWI) for a snooze in a parking lot or a bite to eat.

John Deiner: Get outta here, Al! You've taken a nap in the Arundel Mills lot? Heck, I'd be afraid I'd oversleep.

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Lothian: Just saw the answer about Rehoboth vs. OC.

Because the drive is quicker, does Rehoboth do more day-trip business than OC, which might be more elastic on fuel prices?

Carol Sottili: It's not that much closer. I don't see either place as day-trip material, unless you happen to live closer to the Annapolis side of D.C. life.

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Christina Talcott: Uh oh, that makes me nervous. I'm flying United to Chicago in a couple of weeks. It's always risky flying in the summertime, but yet we still do it, don't we? : I think we should not. I for one will not fly to -- and especially not THROUGH -- Chicago again except for a really urgent, unavoidable situation. (By the way, I was part of a group of about 12 people, and I had by far the best outcome; the next best was a 2.5-hour delay.)

And yes, it should make you nervous.

Christina Talcott: Well, I can't and don't want to avoid Chicago because some of my favorite people live there and it's one of my all-time favorite cities.

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Re: Scotland Recently: I was in Scotland last summer for about a week, and it was awesome! I highly recommend traveling by train - it's a great and relaxing way to see the countryside - I recommend a BritRail pass. Also, Scotland has so much natural beauty that it's possible to have a great time without spending a lot of money.

My favorite parts of Scotland were: Edinburgh - you can walk around the Parliament building for free, and the park is beautiful and great for picnics/hiking. Also great museums for free. The old town is a great place to walk around in.

Highland games in the highlands - I would google to find whether there will be any going on while you're there. I managed to find one in a tiny town in the highlands - it was lots of fun

Loch Ness is really beautiful and there are some great little towns that are easily accessible by bus from Inverness if you're interested in seeing Scotland away from the beaten tourist path.

Glasgow - again, lots of free museums here. Go up to the graveyard overlooking the city for a nice walk and view.

Christina Talcott: More on Scotland...

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12 hours in London: Just to add to my comments about Paddington Station, the British Museum, Trafalgar Square, London Eye and Harrods'...

I have to second Parliament and Westminster Abbey, as well as the Tower of London. Those would be my top choices, since they only have 12 hours. And since the London Eye is across the Thames from Parliament, they could do that too, getting tickets online in advance.

But since Parliament is only open in August and September when they're out of session, they might not get to tour it... if they do, it's an amazing building... might have to contact the US Embassy for tour tickets.

First stop if they've never been should be the Tower of London and a guided tour by a Beefeater, and to see the Royal Jewels. Then to Westminster Abbey. Then to Harrods', where they could have lunch.

Speakers Corner is Sundays-only... just an FYI for them.

Happy running around and Tubing!

Christina Talcott: Terrific!

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Alexandria: In response to London and Scotland questions:

1. London -- True that it depends on level of experience/interests, but for a first-timer, I'd definitely start with Westminster Abbey/Houses of Parliament (on Circle Line from Paddington, where Heathrow Express comes in), then walk up Whitehall past the Cenotaph and Horseguards to Trafalgar Square (Nat'l Gallery, St. Martin-in-the-Fields), then through Admiralty Arch on to the Mall, down to Buckingham Palace and St. James/Green/Hyde Parks. Then maybe treat yourself to a black cab back to Paddington?

2. Scotland -- For a short first trip, I recommend a few days in Edinburgh (like it better than Glasgow), perhaps with an excursion out to Stirling (easy on the train), and then a couple of days further north, around one of the lochs or further up into the Highlands.

Christina Talcott: Great, thanks!

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Raleigh to Scotland: Raleigh didn't say where in Scotland he's staying but...I was there in April and we drove from Edinburgh to Stonehaven in a few hours. It was lovely.

Not so lovely was the snow storm we drove through the next day in the Caringorm Mountains on our way to Aveimore. But I bet those mountains would be stunning in September.

By the way, our entire driving tour of the country was only 3 days!

Christina Talcott: More Scotland ideas...

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DC: I'm trying to fly to Atlanta for a weekend this summer to help out my dad (cleaning/organizing his apartment) but I can't find flights under $350. That seems absurd for a weekend to Atlanta when I just paid less than $300 for a flight to/from San Diego to DC! Any ideas? I've tried Kayak, all the major websites (orbitz/expedia/priceline).

Carol Sottili: Keep checking www.airtran.com for sales. That price should go down.

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For Scotland-bound: A friend and I went to Scotland a few years ago and spent less than 6 days and were able to cover a decent amount of ground. We started in Glasgow (definitely visit the old church and graveyard there). We then spent a few days in Edinburgh before taking a train to Inverness. Inverness was beautiful - definitely take a tour on the lake. We also did a day stop in Stirling on the way back to Glasgow (there's a cool William Wallace memorial there). We were going to do the Whisky (Scotch) trail but didn't have a car so we just did tastings in some of the cities. I've also heard great things about the Isle of Skye.

Christina Talcott: Thanks for the suggestions! Sounds like a great trip.

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RE: Heathrow and Spain: The Heathrow Connect only takes 10 minutes longer than the Express... and costs significantly less. Just see which one is arriving closest to when you get to the station. With 15 minutes between each Express train, it might actually be faster to take the connect.

Also, just got back from Barcelona and loved it. One of the few cities that lived up to its hype. But of course, it will be really hot and super busy in the summer, so maybe consider something with a bit more altitude.

Christina Talcott: Great! Thanks!

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Paddington Station: For the 12-hour London layover person... Another bonus of the Heathrow-Paddington Express is that if they have kids, grandkids, nephews, nieces or friends with kids, there's the Paddington Bear statue and kiosk/store (they don't sell the bears in the U.S.)

I think "unanimous" meant the British Museum, not the London Museum... go for the Elgin Marbles, Rosetta Stone and great Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Assyrian and other Middle Eastern artifacts.

Also not to miss are the London Eye, Trafalgar Square, Speakers Corner in Hyde Park, and, of course, the Harrods' food halls.

Christina Talcott: More on Heathrow-London transport...

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Annapolis, Md.: I have to get to Singapore in August, and my best options seem to be Singapore Air (transferring through Heathrow) and Qatar Air (6-hour layover in Doha.) I hear great things about Singapore Air but really want to avoid Heathrow... What does the flight crew think about Qatar Air, and the Doha airport? Friendly for a young woman traveling alone?

Andrea Sachs: Qatar is a five-star airline, so you should be safe and comfy during the flight. You must stand out as a solo female traveler, but will be safe in the airport.

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San Francisco, Calif.: For the poster looking for a site with flowers and a lake, I heartily suggest Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens in Anacostia. It is one of the National Park Service's truly hidden gems, with far fewer visitors than it should have.

Christina Talcott: Yes, great suggestion. Thanks!

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Washington: I hope I'm not too late for the Cancun to Chichen Itza trip. Years ago I traveled around Yucatan using only local transit. Cheap, frequent. I don't speak a lot of Spanish, but the big schedule board in the Cancun bus station (in town, not in the tourist area) is not bad. I remember the bus stopped right there at the park. When was the last time you rode on transit with chickens? You'll remember this.

John Deiner: Great stuff, Wash. Certainly more of an adventure than my trip to the ruins. Thanks for sharing.

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Richmond, Va.: I am traveling to the Amalfi Coast with an artists' group on November 1, returning November 10. The group leaves from New York. Should I go ahead and book a flight to/from New York now or should I wait? Thanks so much for these valuable chats.

Andrea Sachs: When you see a price you like, book it. But don't wait too long.

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London again: Heck, if the Lisbon-bound traveler is really industrious and has flight times that work for it s/he could go into the city, stop by the cheap tickets both in Leicester Square, catch a show that night (there's not much else to do at night), then hop the Piccadilly back to Heathrow or another line up to Paddington to catch the Heathrow Express - although in that case, check the Tube's Web site before you come over here just in case there are planned engineering works in the area. Or use a black cab to get from the theatre to Paddington to catch the Express (although, you should also check to see how late the Express runs, just in case).

Other options are one of the Tate Museums, the National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery, the British Museum, the British Library...all these places have pretty good Web sites and you can get an idea of possible exhibits or free talks there might be the day you're there that you can catch.

Christina Talcott: Wow, I think you just got challenged to catch a show on your layover. Sounds ambitious but totally memorable!

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Nightmare for DC resident: That person should have been at O'Hare last night when the flight I was on had 270 people on the waiting list. I arrived 9 hours late from Minneapolis via O'Hare. The airport was so busy you could not walk in the aisles.

Christina Talcott: Oh man. Driving there doesn't sound that bad now...

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Judiciary Square: Hi gang, Looking to do a trip to Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg. What are people's opinions of it, anyone been? I have a 3 yr. old so in theory can go whenever, should I wait until the fall or would weekdays in the summer be less crowded? How many days do I need there? Thanks.

John Deiner: Hey, JS. Cindy Loose went for us a few years ago and had a ball -- my recollection is that she went for two days/one night. I imagine weekdays would be less crowded, and when it turns colder, I'd bet an indoor water park would be much appreciated!

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Halifax, N.S.: Hello Crew - Does Penn Station offer any luggage-holding facilities or lockers? I'm going to Manhattan for the day before flying out of LGA later that evening. I can't find a website for Penn Station, only limited station info on Amtrak's site.

Many thanks!

Andrea Sachs: From my understanding, the lockers/luggage check room has been closed. Some institutions check bags though, like museums.

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"Anyone have a fail-safe way to get from Heathrow into London that they want to share?": As the other chatter said, take the Heathrow Express, especially if you're short on time. It costs £15 one-way and takes you to Paddington. More importantly, unlike the Tube, the Heathrow Express is air-conditioned.

A cab from Heathrow to Central London (say, the Ritz Hotel) will run at least £50 if the traffic is LIGHT.

But the alternative that I'd really like to try is the Virgin Limobike--a chauffeured motorcycle. I don't know what it costs. Motorcycles are allowed to lane-split and to move to the head of the queue at traffic lights, so this could be a great way to travel. I'm not sure how well it would work for two people, though.

Christina Talcott: Whaa? I've never heard of this! Are you just pulling my leg, or has anyone actually taken the Virgin Limobike?

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about Myrtle Beach:

Here is the official site regarding the "Myrtle Beach Shore Protection Project."

Christina Talcott: Thanks!

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Annapolis: I have found that traveling at night, you use less gas as there is less traffic. It is also cooler. When I go to visit my relatives in Mass. I leave at 10 PM at night. I get there in the early morning before any traffic back ups. I rarely hit any back ups and usually do not have to use my AC.

Andrea Sachs: If only gas prices dropped after dark.

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Re: Single Guys: I would also add Cancun or Riviera Maya area (my preference is Riviera Maya). You can fly non-stop, there is plenty of nice all-inclusives (which means you don't have to pay extra for drinks, parties, nightlife) and the prices are really low for the summer. Of course you also get plenty of culture if you want to.

Andrea Sachs: Good additions. Thanks!

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Tulum and Chichen Itza: Tulum - do it -- anytime of the year is good. It's right on the ocean, so if you get hot, go for a dip.

Chichen Itza - sure, you COULD drive yourself but honestly, you are better off with a tour. If you have ever driven in or around Cancun, you will understand. Yeah, roads are clearly marked but that sure doesn't mean the other drivers obey the rules. I white knuckled it the whole way.

Keep in mind there isn't much between Cancun and Chichen Itza, just a few hours of jungle, so if you break down or run into trouble and don't know the language, good luck getting back.

John Deiner: Hmmm. I don't know how we went, but we passed through more than a few villages and was on highways for a spell as well. But I've only done it once, and I may have had a few too many on the way . . . .(that's one good thing about tours: cerveza is often included).

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Washington, D.C.: Will be in Halifax next weekend. Any recommendations? May look up a kayak trip.

Andrea Sachs: None from this crew at the moment, unfortunately. Any chatsters have suggestions?

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Herndon, Va.: Crew: I didn't have a chance to reply to your question last week after I posted a warning about pickpockets in Lisbon and Madrid. There were at least two obvious attempts: in Lisbon, I was the last one getting on a trolley, and a woman kept getting in my way as I tried to walk over to where my wife was seated. Just as I figured out this was more than someone who couldn't make up her mind, I looked behind to my left to see a man with a coat over his arm and hand approaching. He backed off as soon as I looked. In Madrid, the attempts, or semi-attempts I observed were groups of young men who would get around you and cause a lot of body contact - prepatory to someone going for your wallet. If you look "touristy" and/or are on the metro when its crowded, the odds are good someone will try something. I always keep my wallet in my left front pants pocket, and ended up keeping my left hand in my pocket most of the time. Best to keep cash on hand to a minimum and don't have a big wallet which is obvious when you have it in your pocket. Try not to be one of the last people boarding the train/bus/trolley and, if you can't sit, try to stand with so no one is behind you (easier said than done).

John Deiner: Herndon, thanks for the update. Was wondering what happened to you, and those tips are priceless. Thanks for filling us in.

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Montreal Airport public transit: There is definitely a shuttle bus from Trudeau to downtown, maybe about $25 (Canadian) round trip per adult. Also there is a way to go by regular public transit bus (I think the fare is around $3 one way now) but (unless there is a new bus route in the last couple of months) requires a change of buses at the main bus station in Dorval. There is also a shuttle to that same Dorval station to pick up a train, but I have never done this myself.

Andrea Sachs: So true, but those modes require a child seat.

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Washington D.C.: TFC or chatters - Planning a Family Reunion for late July 2009. We would like it in the San Juan Islands. We would like privacy - i.e., our own houses/kitchens but certainly don't need a 'compound' to be away from neighbors. Our extended family has a history of family reunions at Lake Tahoe, North Carolina coast and Colorado mountains. We love water and mountains. Catch is, we will have between 25-30 people there for a week. I haven't been able to find Vacation Rentals via the internet that could accommodate all of us, let alone half of us. We're happy to have houses close to one another if not next to each other. Any suggestions, books, websites, travel agents?

On a logistical note: I'm the coordinator,despite being in Washington D.C. and having 3 cousins that live in Seattle!!, but they are in graduate school, so I'm giving them a free pass this time around. Although now that I think about it, I coordinated the last one 3 years ago... hmmm... I sense a conspiracy here.

thank you!

Carol Sottili: Try www.cyberrentals.com or www.vrbo.com. And if that doesn't work, try a local rental agency, such as www.sanjuanpm.com. And you must do a good job, that's why they make you the coordinator!

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I'm Still Driving...: Hi flight crew! Don't get me wrong, I'm not happy to be paying $4/gallon for gas, but I'm very happy to not pay $8 or $9 like folks in Europe have been for years. So it still costs me less to fill the tank of my Honda Civic and go for almost 300 miles than it does to buy 2 tickets on even an inexpensive airline, or Amtrak, or much else, except maybe Bolt Bus! So I'm still driving...

For other/general travel savings, I always check out apartments before hotels. Rented a great apt in Paris a while back and loved it, so now always explore that as an option. We have one booked for a week in Krakow in September. You can really save some money and also eat what you want by having your own kitchen.

Keep up the great work with the chats!

Andrea Sachs: Thanks for putting our gas situation in perspective. (Poor Europeans.) And great ideas. Thanks!

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Re. Halifax: Maritime Museum! And the double decker bus tour, where you can get on and off.

Andrea Sachs: Cool! Thanks.

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Cell Phone in Europe?: Help Oh Travel Gurus:

My son is going on a study program in Spain, leaving in a week or so. My sister lent him a "Europe-compatible" cell phone, saying that he will only need to buy a SIM card in Spain that will work in its networks. He's heard informally from the group leader that kids just usually buy a "pay as you go" phone while there, and everyone gets the same company so they can phone/text eachother for free. He's afraid his borrowed phone won't work.

Do you have any advice about this? With the lousy euro-dollar exchange rate, I believe it will be cheaper just to buy a SIM card, but, on the other hand, if it's not compatible with the group, he'll pay more in usage.

Carol Sottili: My daughter also bought a pay-as-you-go phone when she was an exchange student in London. It was definitely cheaper than taking a phone from here. Not sure if that would be the case in Spain. You may have to do some research. Call the carrier and find out what they are charging and then compare to pay-as-you-go rates. It took me a long time to puzzle it out for London.

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Silver Spring, Md.: I flew to Chicago (the best city!) over Memorial Day weekend. We flew Southwest into Midway and had NO problems coming or going. I recommend Southwest into Midway to everyone.

Andrea Sachs: Good to note. Thanks!

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for Cancun to Chichen: For the traveler wondering about driving solo to Chichen Itza from Cancun -- just be aware that it's close to 4 hours, one-way. It's doable -- my husband and I drove from Playa del Carmen, about an hour south of Cancun, to Chichen, and driving in a foreign country is great, but it's a haul, and probably hard to do in one day.

John Deiner: Good stuff, and an excellent point.

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Baltimore: Planning a two-week European rendezvous with my spouse (who is in Afghanistan). We decided on Switzerland, since neither of us have been there before. Was thinking of visiting Lichtenstein too. What do you think of this idea? Any suggestions of best places to go/see in Switzerland and Lichtenstein?

Christina Talcott: I haven't been there yet, but I heard a lot about the train system there. Apparently, trains go everywhere in Switzerland, even up the sides of mountains, and they always run on time (wouldn't you know?). Lausanne, in the south, sounds lovely - on a lake, next to a mountain - and the portion near Italy sounds intriguing, too. Of course, I think you'll find something interesting to do in Zurich, Bern, the Matterhorn region... Have fun and report back!

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London: One more bit of advice for the Lisbon-bound, Heathrow lay-over person. Don't set your heart on anything! If you do, your flight will be delayed, Immigration will take hours, and you'll get stuck on a broken-down train car regardless of which option you choose. But, if you have a very loose idea of what you want, you'll get your 12 hours in London, maybe more if you have an early morning flight, since those usually arrive early...

Christina Talcott: One last suggestion...

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Helsinki layover ideas: A few things do to during a quick layover in Helsinki: if you're into design, check out a few places in Central Helsinki, including Design Forum Finland (on the Bulevardi), the Iittala/Arabia and Marimekko stores on the Pohjoisesplanaadi, and ogle Alvar Aalto's Finlandia building. Go have a pasty at Fazer's cafe on Kluuvikatu or at Stringberg's on the Pohjoisesplanaadi. If you're in need of reading material, go to the Academic Bookstore, one of the best around. Check out the National Museum and the Ateneum or the Design Museum, always fun. Go check out the Kauppatori (market), right by the sea, and make sure to taste Finnish summer strawberries if they have them - the best. I could go on and on, there's definitely a lot of fun stuff to do in the center city.

Andrea Sachs: What great tips. Thanks!

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AMTRAK: The further ahead you buy your tickets, the cheaper it is. Plus the special categories (i.e. discounts) sell out fastest, so check several trains on several days to get the lowest price. Rush hour is always more expensive.

AAA membership is worthwhile for the 10 percent discount on all fares.

Andrea Sachs: Thanks for the Insider on Amtrak. Much appreciated.

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Ellicott City, MD: For the chatter asking about Qatar Airways: we flew them from Hyderabad to Abu Dhabi a couple of years ago, with a four hour stop in Doha. The service was excellent (which is often NOT the case for flights between India and the Gulf). Doha's airport is tiny and boring but very modern and comfortable. Bring a good book!

Andrea Sachs: Comforting to hear. Thanks!

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Halifax ideas: Check the websites of cruise lines that stop there. Don't take their excursions, just follow their ideas and go to the same or similar places.

Andrea Sachs: Clever. Thanks!

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Arlington, Va.: Regarding the comments early in the chat about the high ($4/gal) price of gas -- just returned from 2 weeks in Greece, where unleaded regular is 1.28 - 1.32 euros per liter. That works out to around $8 per gallon. Suddenly $4 gas doesn't look so bad. Somehow the Greeks (and other Europeans) manage -- I talked to a German tourist who said gas is about 1.50 euro/liter in Germany.

Andrea Sachs: Again, we don't have it THAT bad, right?!?!?!

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Deep Valley, USA: Montreal - no subway connection, but there is a convenient bus that leaves from outside the airline terminal and goes to major hotels. about $12 each way with a round trip discount, don't know if there is a discount for kids.

Also, for Canada 2 hours ahead is probably too long unless you're checking baggage. There isn't much special clearance for those flights.

Andrea Sachs: Thanks for the help.

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Colorado/New Mexico: I'll be in Denver in late August, and going from there to Santa Fe to meet relatives for a few days. Trying to decide whether to fly or do the 6-hour drive; is there anyplace worth stopping overnight for along the way?

Christina Talcott: You could stop in Pueblo or Taos on your way, both nice places to stop.

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Gas prices: My husband and I were just looking at this, as we plan a trip to Boston. Even if gas goes up to $5/gallon, it'll still be cheaper for us to drive than to fly or take a train. Short of biking to New England, every mode of transport needs fuel...

Andrea Sachs: So true. If only we could bring back the Pony Express.

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Camp Hill, Pa.: A friend and I are traveling to Ireland this summer and are wondering if it's ok to go without B and B reservations? We are planning to go in early to mid-July.

Thanks!

Andrea Sachs: It is high season there, so I would definitely book ahead.

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Andrea Sachs: The hour is up: Has the temperature cooled or the gas price dropped? Hope so!
Thanks for joining us, and please come back next Monday when we will tackle more travel questions and quandaries. And for the chatter who told us about Hertz and free gas, please email me at sachsa@washpost.com for a surprise.
See you in a week.

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