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: Whitewater adventure in Utah, gourmet pub food in Prague and a nostalgic visit to a Southern Maryland summer camp.

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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Christina Talcott: Hello, and welcome to another edition of Travel Talk. I'll be your host today, and it is my pleasure to introduce you to our new interim editor, Nancy McKeon, whose sure hand and travel savvy will be a major boon to us this summer. She just returned from a cruise in the Adriatic, so ask her anything about Croatia, Greece, cruising, etc. Also joining me today are the estimable Flight Crew of Andrea Sachs, Carol Sottili and Scott Vogel.

Today's question: If you read my story about Camp Merryelande in yesterday's section (link below), you know I have a soft spot for summer camp. Send me your favorite summer camp memory and you could win the nifty Fandex Family Field Guide to the Wonders of the World, with pictures and info about 46 "monuments of civilization," as it says on the box.

You ready? Let's go!

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washingtonpost.com: In Maryland, A Dip Down Memory Lane (Post Travel Section, July 6)

Christina Talcott: Here's that summer camp story.

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Anonymous: Didn't the Post publish an article evaluating the various Web sites for purchasing air tickets, such as Expedia, Travelocity, Vayama, Mobissimo, Cheapseats, etc.? We are planning an international trip. I noted some slightly negative comments about Cheapseats.com in last week's chat (and found more online, though they do not necessarily represent a scientific sampling). There are lots of sites, though I understand that some sites are owned by others (e.g., Orbitz owning or administrating Mobissimo). Thanks!

washingtonpost.com: Here are some good tips: Finding a Flight at a Price That's Right (Post Travel Section, Feb. 3)

Carol Sottili: The story that is linked here may help. There are differences between aggregators, which just take you to other sites to book, and those that do the actual booking. I usually buy my air tickets directly from the airline.

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Nancy McKeon: Hi, it's Nancy, just back from Croatia!

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Vienna, Va.: Hi Crew - I am interested in visiting the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, Pa., on my way back from a vacation in upstate NY. I've never been to that part of Pa. Is there enough to do in that general vicinity for 2 or 3 nights with a 7-year old in tow? Do you have suggestions on what town to stay in to maximize our activities while minimizing driving around? Am willing to go 1 to 2 hours away for day trip activities. Thanks!

Scott Vogel: Definitely consider a visit to Pittsburgh, which is about 80 miles northwest. It's a terrific destination for kids, what with the Carnegie Science Museum and Pittsburgh Children's Museum. If you're into amusement parks, consider Kennywood Park there too.

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Portsmouth, N.H.: Our daughter wanted to visit Germany over her Christmas break, so I found what I thought was a good price to Nuremberg (from Boston) on Vayama.com, which bills itself as specializing in international travel. After purchasing the ticket (sigh!), I later found a site called StudentUniverse.com, which had even better fares. Just wondering if you've heard of StudentUniverse.com and how they're able to offer cheaper prices than other sites. Thanks!

Carol Sottili: Yes, have heard of StudentUniverse. It's a site that sells only to those with a .edu email address. In other words, students and profs only. It negotiates special rates with the airlines based on those restrictions. Vayama is open to all.

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Bowie, Md.: Hi, Folks,

A few weeks ago you printed some good websites for travel insurance, but I lost the info; could you give it again?

Thanks!

washingtonpost.com: Insurance: What, When, How, Why (Post Travel Section, June 13, 2004)

Christina Talcott: Here you go. Also, try quotewright.com, insuremytrip.com and squaremouth.com.

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Washington, D.C.: Flight Crew, I've had my heart set on visiting France and London but the weak dollar has me hoping to find a place with a European feel that won't break the bank. I've been to Quebec and Montreal already (and loved them both!) -- any suggestions?

Christina Talcott: How about New Orleans? It's much more than just Bourbon Street and Mardi Gras, and the European feel is unmistakable, from the architecture to the sprinkling of French words and phrases everywhere. The major tourist spots were either unaffected by Katrina or have been restored; for instance, the famous St. Charles streetcar started running again last December, and two more streetcar lines just got back in business. I'd wait to go till the fall for it to cool down a bit, but if you don't mind a little humidity, go now and feel your body slow down to a tropical pace. Any chatters have other suggestions?

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Washington, D.C.: I just made a huge ticketing blunder! I scheduled the return leg from our annual family vacation to Montana for my kids' first day of middle school. We're flying United. Do any of you savvy travelers have any tips for how to avoid the nearly $300/passenger change fees ($150+ diff in fare)? Can I keep calling back United and possibly find someone who will take mercy on me?

Andrea Sachs: I wish I had better news, but the airlines are sticklers when it comes to change fees (plus, you will have to pay for any difference in fare). Some airlines let you change your ticket within 24 hours of booking without a penalty. Another idea is to cancel, then rebook, though you will have to do the math to see if that is economically wise.

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Vienna, Va.: We want to take the kids to Day Out with Thomas at the Strasburg Railroad in early December. Is it worth making it an overnight stay? What hotels are kid friendly and worthwhile? Would a B-and-B be a good option? Thanks!

Scott Vogel: You can definitely do it and return the same day, but that's about 5 hours of driving, which depending on the age of your child, can be a harrowing experience. There are several kid-friendly hotels in Hershey, which is just 45 minutes away and has its own share of attractions (visit www.hersheypa.com) for more info).

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D.C.: I have a few miles here and there on different airlines - haven't ever earned enough to get a free ticket. Has anyone used Points.com to consolidate miles from different airlines? Is it worth it?

Carol Sottili: I just heard about Points.com last week and haven't had time to check it out. But I believe it's a swapping system. Let's say you want to get rid of your United points, but you need Qantas points - they'll match you with a person who needs the opposite. Has anyone out there tried it yet?

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Pacific Northwest: Some have asked what to do when visiting Portland or Seattle. Since I live there I know of a few things you should do:

Portland: Japanese Gardens, Powells Books, Saturday Market, Multnomah Falls and the Gorge are must sees. Depending on your interests there are museums in the downtown area like the art museum and OMSI. Day trips outside of the town are the Columbus Gorge, Cannon Beach, Astoria, Mt St Helens, and Mt Hood. There are a bunch of Lewis and Clark sites to see. Mt Rainier 2 hours, Olympic National Park 4 hrs, Seattle 2.5-3 hrs, Bend 3 hrs, Newport 3 hrs.

Saturday Market is NOT a flea market. I have been to flea markets which consists of people doing their garage sales. This is more like The Arts and Crafts fairs you will find in Dulles Expo Center. It happens every weekend.

Seattle: Similar to Portland's Saturday market is Pike Street Market except it's open every day and it's also a place locals will go to to get fresh seafood and produce. The other things in Seattle are the Aquarium, art museum, science museum, as well as the Needle. Easy Day trips are Mt Rainier, Snoquakmie Falls, driving into the Mountains on I-5 or US 2, Deception Pass State Park. You can take a ferry to Victoria (make it an overnight trip), North Cascade National Park 2.5 hrs, Olympic National Park 3 hours, Leavenworth and the eastern Cascade towns where you will find apples and wines 2.5-4 hrs, San Juan Islands as a day trip or overnight, and Vancouver is about 3 hrs. If you go to Vancouver, then you should plan on a day trip uo to Whistler. After the Beijing games, Vancouver is the Olympic town on the map with games in 2010. There is a lot of construction happening now.

Both Seatle and Portland have different sections of town where you will find different characteristics.

washingtonpost.com: Just back from Portland myself and second these recommendations - great city to visit. - Elizabeth

Scott Vogel: Thanks for all this great stuff on these perennially asked-about destinations.

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Falls Church, Va.: Have anyone been to Uluru (Ayers Rock) in Australia? What do you do once you are there?

Scott Vogel: Throwing this one out to our readers. Please help!

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Berkeley Springs, West Virginia: I tried to find the Southwest $198 round trip fare from BWI to ABQ. It is not on the Southwest web site. I called Southwest and they knew nothing about it. Do you have any other information?

washingtonpost.com: What's the Deal? (Post Travel Section, July 6)

Carol Sottili: I just fake booked it and had no trouble getting it for several different dates in September. It's selling out fast, so if you tried to get it for summer travel, it may be already gone. It is on the Web site. Scroll down to the bottom and you'll see the special to New Mexico box. Click on there.

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Ellicott City, Md.: There was a chatter last week who was concerned about an upcoming trip to South Africa due to the reports of violence. We went in May, when this story was starting to get major attention. The violence is poor South Africans beating up on poor foreigners who they claim are stealing their jobs. It's an unfortunate situation but as a tourist, you won't have any trouble.

We were there for just a week but loved it! It is a beautiful country, and the people are very jovial and friendly. And despite the dropping dollar, the rand has dropped even more, so that makes the bill a little less painful!

Scott Vogel: Thanks for the follow-up to our recent South Africa discussion.

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Washington, D.C.: I'm headed to Detroit for a family event, but will have time to kill on my own. Am I out of luck?

washingtonpost.com: In Motown, Stop in the Name of Hope (Post Travel Section, June 22)

Scott Vogel: Not if you read our recent story by Ellen McCarthy. It's got lots of suggestions for fun.

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Arlington, Va.: I'm looking to purchase trip insurance, but there are so many options available - what should I make sure my insurance includes/covers?

Carol Sottili: Go to a Web site that compares travel insurance policies to investigate. They include www.squaremouth.com, www.insuremytrip.com and www.quotewright.com. You need to figure out what you want to cover, and you need to read the fine print. In other words, if you're afraid of hurricanes, make sure it covers evacuation. If you're afraid your sister-in-law is going to die while you're gone, make sure it covers deaths of in-laws.

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Arlington, Va.: We are going to Asheville for a long weekend to celebrate our 20th anniversary. Have you heard about the Grove Park Inn? We heard it was a nice place to stay but were wondering if you know about it or could recommend somewhere else. Also do you know of any places to eat or good websites to find the really good restaurants? I have been to TripAdvisor and while it can be helpful with hotels - I have not found it useful when it comes to food.

Any suggestions are welcome.

Christina Talcott: Asheville's got a ton of dining and lodging options, and Grove Park Inn and the Biltmore Inn are at the top of the heap, luxury-wise. I liked the Mariott Renaissance for its downtown location, huge swimming pool and general cushiness without a hefty price tag. You can find more suggestions on www.exploreasheville.com. As for dining, Asheville shines when it comes to local ingredients, vegetarian food and beer, and everywhere you look, someone is cooking something amazing. Some of its best restaurants are also its most casual, like Early Girl Eatery, 12 Bones for BBQ and Mellow Mushroom for pizza. I loved Mela for Indian food and considered Bouchon for French, but I don't have a lot of recs for fancy places to eat. Anyone out there have suggestions for the happy couple?

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Ellicott City, Md.: For a place with a European feel that won't break the bank, how about Buenos Aires? It's a very lively city (not before noon, though!), with lots of great restaurants and things to do. It was cheap a few years ago; I don't know what the exchange rate is now.

Christina Talcott: Great suggestion! A little pricey to get to, but I've heard rave reviews about it.

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Late Summer Camping: Some girlfriends and I are trying to put together a beach camping trip. We're planning for Columbus Day weekend in October. I've never been to the Outer Banks but that general area is a good compromise for friends coming down from NH and NJ, coming up from Atlanta, and me in DC - as well as warm enough weather. Two friends requested scuba activities. I really want to sit around a camp fire and roast hot dogs and burn marshmallows. But I don't know if that would even be allowed on any beach. Suggestions, recommendations, thoughts?

Andrea Sachs: I am a big fan of OBX, and you can definitely camp there and roast up some s'mores (and for your scuba pals, there are loads of sunken ships to explore). My pick would be to camp on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore on Ocracoke Island (take a free car ferry from Hatteras). The sand is white, the town artsy and quaint, the beer cold. However, check closing dates for the campground. Closer to the mainland, you can find campgrounds at Kitty Hawk, Rodanthe, Avon. etc.--pretty much up and down the bank.

For other beachy camp sites, you might also want to consider Cape Henlopen State Park or Bethany Beach in Delaware, Assateague Island National Seashore in Maryland and Virginia Beach.

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K St., NW: For the parent with the ticketing blunder: Just let your kids skip the first day of middle school. It is not as critical for them as you think. Showing up on day two is really fine. In general, I think all of us in this area succumb too easily to the tyrrany of the school calendar. Your children will suffer no lasting effects from missing the first day!

Andrea Sachs: Some say travel is the best form of education.

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Washington, D.C.: Does Airtran have any special charges due to the high cost of fuel (like charging to check a bag)?

Scott Vogel: According to the airline's Web site, the first checked bag is free, the second costs either $10 (if you check-in online) or $20 (if you check in at the airline kiosks).

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Reston, Va.: I don't need the prize, but my favorite summer camp memory was my first time at sleepaway camp. The session I attended had to do with colonial-era history and we did a lot of outdoor cooking, making dyes out of flowers and leaves we found, and also took a trip to Sturbridge Village in Mass. The best part was baking rolls over an open fire -- no camp food had ever tasted so good!

Christina Talcott: Wow, that sounds terrific! Thanks!

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Chicago Ill.: For Washington's question about European-like places closer to home that won't break the bank -- you suggested New Orleans, and I'd also throw in Old San Juan, PR and Guanajuato, Mexico. Both have very well-preserved old towns that are very walkable and full of fascinating sights. You can keep it touristy if you want or go totally local. Either way you definitely don't feel like you're in North America anymore.

Christina Talcott: Great suggestions, Chicago. Thanks!

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Springfield, Va.: Don't know if this would have been a "favorite" summer camp memory THEN, but I can laugh about it now years later. Don't need the prize, either. I was at Boy Scout camp down at Goshen, Virginia, and the showers are outdoor facilities where there's a brick wall around the showers but no roof overhead (picture the group shower in your high school gym, only at camp). So I was in there showering, eyes closed due to shampoo running down my face, and I stepped on a bee. Instant agony in my left foot and I had to wash off all the soap while hopping on one foot, then I couldn't find the stinger in my foot so I had to dry off still hopping on one foot, put my clothes on (and more importantly my shoes due to the gravel path I was about to have to use), and hobble off to the first-aid station to have the stinger pulled.

This was perhaps the ONLY time I really wished that someone else would have been showering at Scout camp at the same time I was in there so that I could have asked for help with my foot, although on the other hand that would have been really awkward standing there in the nude having another kid looking at your foot.....

Christina Talcott: Hahaha, sounds awful but also hilarious.

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San Diego: Do you or the chatters have recommendations on reasonably priced family resorts or hotels in the Philadelphia area? For price comparison, something under the Hershey area resorts, which are surprisingly high.

Scott Vogel: I've gotten great deals through Hotwire at the Hyatt Penns Landing in Philly ($75 a night if I remember correctly) and the Westin Philadelphia, which wasn't very kid-friendly but a great deal nonetheless. Anyone out there have kid-friendly resort ideas?

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Ayers Rock: I went to Ayers Rock in 1994 and at the time there was very little to do at the rock beyond walking around the base and taking the white-knuckle trail to the top. My recollection was that the trail to the top was something that the Aborigines did not approve of but people were doing it. It was scarily vertical. Nearby are some rock formations called the Devils Marbles that are really beautiful - however, a walk through those rocks must be done early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid being baked in the sun. It was worth the trip but it was pretty desolate.

Scott Vogel: Thanks for the info.

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Not Quebec or Montreal: For the person looking for a city with a European feel that's less expensive than Europe, my new mantra is Go To South America.

Christina Talcott: I like that mantra. Maybe I should adopt that, too.

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Washington, D.C.: re: Shanksville, Pa. There are some underground caves, including Penns Cave, near State College, Pa., about an hour from Shanksville, which you might find interesting. Also at Penns Cave is a wildlife preserve type of trip. My twin sister and I went to Shanksville last year, and found it surprisingly moving. Hard to find, so follow directions carefully and look for the (very small) signs pointing the way.

Scott Vogel: Here's more information on the chatter taking a Shanksville trip with a child.

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Pittsburgh, Pa.: In response to the person from Vienna, Va. who wants to visit Shanksville/Flight 93 site, there really isn't too much around that specific area. Bedford is nearby - there is a restored village and an old inn - probably not too interesting for kids. Other places nearby include Ligonier (on Route 30 in the Laurel Highlands) - there is an old restored fort and Idlewild Park - an old fashioned amusement park with lots of trees, picnic areas and a small waterpark. It is charming in a quaint low tech way. Also, the town of Ligonier has great little shops and places to eat for the parents. Seven Springs ski resort is also not too far away. There are some summertime activities there, too.

Scott Vogel: And still more good info.

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Cambodia - Sights?: Hi,

I am going to Cambodia to see the temples but will have time -- what else should I see? Are the beaches worthwhile?

washingtonpost.com: Angkor: When It Rains, You Score (Post Travel Section, Nov. 4, 2007)

Christina Talcott: I'm going to have to ask for Cambodia suggestions from the peanut gallery.

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Eye Street: Flight Crew -- I am considering allowing my 7 year-old daughter to fly solo on SW from BWI directly to ALB, a trip of just an hour. The opinions of my friends and families on the wisdom of this plan are all over the map, so I thought I'd consult the experts. She is a fairly experienced flyer, and a fairly independent kid, and she is excited about the adventure of it all. But people keep citing a diverted flight or a 9/11 type incident as reasons not to allow this. How often are flights diverted for say, a sick or unruly passenger, or a mechanical problem or whatever? Any statistics on this out there? Thanks!

Carol Sottili: Read Southwest's policies at http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/children.html

Only you know how mature your daughter is, and whether she'll be able to handle such a long flight alone. (BWI to Albuquerque takes four hours, not one hour). My own kids would have been too young at age 7.

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Alexandria, Va.: Hello Flight Crew! (And welcome Nancy.) I've been considering a trip to Croatia for some time now, but I run into the problem of trying to see the whole country in 10-12 days. I love the idea of seeing the coast, but get lost as to where I want to go (besides everywhere). Can you provide any hints into where to start looking? Thank you.

washingtonpost.com: Croatia Travel Stories (Post Travel Section archives)

Nancy McKeon: Croatia was gorgeous, as you've probably read. We cruised up the coast in a smallish vessel, then headed inland north of Split. One glorious inland stop was the Plitvice (plit-VITZ-uh) Lakes, a series of 16 (I think) lakes that cascade down from one to the next. They're no secret, though: It was a Sunday and all the wooden pathways along with lakes were thronged with locals as well as at least two groups of Japanese tourists and lots of Germans (not many Americans that day). Dubrovnik is a must, a walled town that locals pay through the nose to live in (even though they can't have air conditioners sticking out of their historically accurate windows--and it was HOT last week!). Zagreb's upper city has an older charm, and a funicular to get you up there (the city museum turned out to be a beautifully designed place that, in essence, delineated the history of most European cities from the middle ages on). I'm still jet-lagged, so I can't think of the millions of other places I saw. Do go, and enjoy. Best of all, Croatia is not a euro economy!

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Farragut North: Speaking of Pittsburgh, does one need to rent a car for a 3 night stay there? What about getting from the airport to the city center and then around to see the sights? Thx

Scott Vogel: The Post's Ellen McCarthy, a frequent Pittsburgh visitor, says "there is a bus to the airport, and pretty good public transportation, but I would recommend getting a car -- especially if they want to take a side trip out to Falling Water."

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S. Arlington, Va.: To the traveler going to Shanksville, PA. Fallingwater - one of the most architecturally famous houses in the USA, is not far from Shanksville. While the tour tickets are not inexpensive, I think the tour is great and even if you are not a Frank Lloyd Wright fan - there are great walking paths around the area and a decent cafe.

Scott Vogel: Hey, we just mentioned that!

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Pittsburgh: Help! Back in the '70s we had lunch at Stowe House in Brunswick, Maine, while on vacation. Searching for it now online, it's hard to tell whether it's still open, even as an historical site. Do any of the clicksters know?

Andrea Sachs: From what I can see (if we are indeed talking about the same place): Bowdoin College bought the Harriet Beecher Stowe House and turned the hotel into a dorm, while the house sits in disrepair.

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Summer Camp Memory: I grew up on Long Island, near the beach, but I'd never been in the woods until I went to Girl Scout camp for a couple of summers. I ADORED running around in the forest. As an adult I took up hiking. For years, the smells of the forest would bring a flashback to Girl Scout camp.

Christina Talcott: I love those sense memories. Thanks for writing!

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Arlington, Va.: Flight Crew - I am going to a wedding in Orange County in September, it will be my first time in CA. Any suggestions for what a person who has never been to California check out?

washingtonpost.com: Laguna Beach in Orange County is a great place to visit.

Christina Talcott: Laguna Beach sounds amazing. Also nearby is Disneyland, but you can also check out the terra cotta warriors exhibit at the Bowers Museum of Cultural Art in Santa Ana that we wrote about in yesterday's section. Other suggestions out there?

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washingtonpost.com: China's Terra Cotta Warriors: East Goes West (Post Travel Section, July 6)

Christina Talcott: For the Orange County-bound.

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Bethesda, Md.: I have so many fabulous camp memories that I wouldn't even know where to begin. I attended programs at a foreign language and culture camp in Michigan where one could start at age 6, and the last year was at age 17. My love of camp came full circle several years ago when I became the camp's full-time development director. Most of the year I worked from home, but I spent 7-8 weeks at the camp every summer for the 3 years I worked there. Although I spent a lot of time in the office, my favorite moments were when I helped out in the programs -- serving as a special lecturer on events in the 1980s and 1990s for the teenagers (for kids born in 1992, the 80s are a long time ago!), playing the bad guy in a scavenger hunt type of game, reading stories to the 4 and 5 yr olds in the new day camp for pre-schoolers program.

Christina Talcott: Wow, you REALLY went back. Sounds like an amazing experience. Thanks!

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SW Pa.: For Vienna, Va. who wants to visit the Flight 93 site near Shanksville: In the area there's also Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater (tours probably require reservations), Ohiopyle (hiking, rafting), and Fort Necessity (where George Washington lost a battle during the French-Indian War)

Scott Vogel: It's a hat trick for Fallingwater!

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Pittsburgh: For Washington D.C., who's searching for places with a European feel, how about Toronto, with its numerous ethnic neighborhoods? For a British touch, the Canadian Maritime provinces, or Victoria, British Columbia (on Vancouver Island)?

Christina Talcott: More suggestions for European-feel cities. Thanks!

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Arlington, Va.: I asked this late last week and it didn't get in so I'm resubmitting - my husband and I are traveling with my elderly parents. We're leaving next Tuesday for a Danube riverboat cruise (which includes a visit to Prague - thanks for the pub grub update Sunday!), and we're changing planes in Amsterdam. Flying KLM out of Dulles, and Malev out of Amsterdam. Never been through Amsterdam airport. While I've ordered wheelchair service for my parents, I would welcome any tips on navigating the Amsterdam airport.

Carol Sottili: I just took a quick look at www.schiphol.nl (click on the UK flag for the site in English), and it appears both airlines use departure gate 2, so it shouldn't be a long hike.

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Alexandria, Va.: For the person going to Uluru -- there are lots of camping outfits in the Outback that will take you to Uluru and the many other natural wonders in the area. There are permanent camp sites to stay at. I hate camping and am not much of a hiker, but I took a 3-day trip out there and loved it. Of course, I also went in June -- their winter -- and the constant black flies were just annoying, not Biblical in proportion, and the weather was perfectly tolerable. I hear it gets much more unpleasant as the temperature rises.

Scott Vogel: Thanks regarding earlier Ayers Rock query.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Hi there, My husband and I are planning on heading to Costa Rica for about 7 days in August. Is this a bad idea due to the weather? Any recommendations on an itinerary or target ticket prices? We're swamped with work this summer and don't have as much time as we'd like to do research for the trip... Thanks!!

washingtonpost.com: Costa Rica Travel Stories (Post Travel Section Archives)

Scott Vogel: This is a tough one. August is always noted as among the wetter of Costa Rica's months. Then again, you can find some real travel bargains. Please look at the above link for more info.

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Um, "ALB" Is Albany, Not Albuquerque: And of all the reasons to keep a 7-year-old from flying solo, a diversion or 9/11-type incident are not among them. If those are the only reasons the poster's family can come up with to keep this girl from flying, then I'd say go for it. She's at vastly greater risk driving in a minivan.

Carol Sottili: Right you are. But my kids would have been too young at age seven to go to Albany alone either.

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RE: Uluru: I haven't been there in a long time, but there are tours to see the rock at sunset, tours to the nearby Olga mountains, Aboriginal tours, etc.

And from there, you can go on to Alice Springs, which has more Aboriginal tours, the Royal Flying Doctor Service headquarters, and Alice Springs Desert Park, which is terrific.

Scott Vogel: Uluru redux.

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Camp Steere, N.C.: Boy Scout camp in the 1960s. There was a guy everyone called "Greasy." He came into the mess hall with a white glove on after we had washed our tables. If the glove was not clean when he ran a finger along your table, he said the G word and you had to scrub it down again.

Christina Talcott: Haha, I love it.

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Kid flying alone: A long time ago, I flew to JFK - Amsterdam alone when I was 8. My father met me in Amsterdam. I was an extremely experienced traveler. I loved it! My mother gave me a 'game bag' filled with goodies. I still remember it - it literally had a snakes and ladders 'board' printed on it and everyone spoiled me. If she seems like she wants to do it, I'd go ahead.

Carol Sottili: Like the questioner said, her family/friends are all over the board on this one. You have to know your own kid, and figure out how comfortable you are with the trip.

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ALB . . .:. . . is Albany, NY, not Albuquerque!

Carol Sottili: Yes, again, you're right. Albuquerque is ABQ.

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Southwest to ABQ tip: The fares are still available in August/Sept, on certain dates. A Southwest booking tip -- after you enter your departure and destination cities, and select dates, when you get to the page where you select fares, click on "Shortcut to Low Fares" on the right -- you will get a calendar with the lowest fare for each day, so you can see fares for the whole month without going back and changing dates on your booking.

Carol Sottili: Thanks!

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Camp in the Poconos: Growing up we were always sent to summer camp so there are plenty of memories. The camp I attended the longest was overnight camp. I started out there around 11 years old and stayed until I was a Junior Counselor at 17. My older sister, younger brother, and now younger sister have all attended this camp. One of my favorite memories of camp was once I learned how to row a boat/kayak, etc, I would take the kayak out on the lake, face the trees and just space out. It was such a peaceful, serene place and feeling for me that I "go there" during stressful times. Camp was not only something for us kids to do during the summer months, but we grew to love as an escape from reality and any family drama. Besides, it was the one place my older sister and I got along!

Christina Talcott: Yeah, there's a lot to be said for getting out of the day-to-day routine of home and being able to just veg out in nature instead of in front of the TV. Sounds like the sibling peace was a nice side-effect. Thanks!

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Takoma Park: ALB is Albany, I believe, although 7 still seems a bit young.

Carol Sottili: Never knew we had so many airport code experts! I think it's a common Jeopardy category.

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Carlisle, Pa.: I would have to say there isn't a whole lot to do near Shanksville, it is absolutely the middle of nowhere. Heading out my way toward Harrisburg/Hershey afterwards you've got the aforementioned Hersheypark/chocolate world and Strasburg RR, and downtown Harrisburg might be interesting as capitol tours are available and the Whitaker (Science) Center might have something interesting going on.

Scott Vogel: Here's more info for the Shanksville bound, although Hershey is quite a haul from there.

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Baltimore, Md.: I've been on a few self-guided inn-to-inn hiking tours in England and Scotland, and really enjoyed them. Does anyone know of something similar in the US?

Andrea Sachs: Inn-to-inn hikes are popular in Vermont and New England. New England Hiking Holidays (www.nehikingholidays.com), for example, offer a slew of tours; also check with REI Adventures/www.rei.com/adventures/trips/weekend/mih_wend.html). You can also hike between inns along the Ice Age Trail in Wisconsin (www.iceagetrail.org/Inn-to-Inn.htm).

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Alexandria, Va.: Flight 93/Pennsylvania: Fallingwater has been mentioned but there's another Wright house nearby, Kentuck Knob, that's just as nifty, much less visited, and likely won't require reservations in case you can't get them at Fallingwater.

Scott Vogel: Good idea, thanks.

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Cambodia Suggestions: Was just there on my honeymoon. It's not relaxing or romantic, but the Tuol Slang prison and the killing fields near Phnom Penh were incredibly moving. I'm glad I can bear witness. Phnom Penh itself was a great city, and I wish we had spent more time there. We didn't make it to the beaches, but have heard from others we trust that they are fabulous, and much cheaper than their Thai competitors. Also, massages in Cambodia ran about $6/hour. Get two a day.

Christina Talcott: That should be someone's new mantra - Two Massages a Day. Thanks for the advice.

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Annandale Va.: You go to Uluru for the sunrises and sunsets and the walk around the base of the monolith. Even though you can still climb it, show respect for the aboriginal tribe that honors it (the Anangu) and stay off the rock. You can also take a 5 hours "side trip" to Alice Springs. Sort of an interesting little outback town (with a secret US Military facility tucked away somewhere out there!).

Scott Vogel: Do we have the best-informed chatters, or what?

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D.C. to Cartagena: Hi crew!

I decided that I really want to pay a visit to Cartagena, Colombia in October to take advantage of my Columbus Day three-day weekend. Airfare so far is coming out to around $420 from D.C., flying out on Thursday and coming back Monday. Does this seem like a price I should jump on, or should I hold off for a little while and see if the prices drops some more? Thanks!

Andrea Sachs: For a holiday international fare, that sounds very respectable. I would book it!

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Philadelphia, Pa.: I have been to countries all around Croatia yet have not yet made it into Croatia and am thinking I should finally explore that country. What are some of the "must see" recommendations of what to see and do in Croatia?

washingtonpost.com: Croatia Travel Stories (Post Travel Section archives)

Nancy McKeon: There's a reason everyone touts the Croatian coast--that's where 2,000 years of history is, including old Roman settlements. Large portions of the interior (at least the route I took) are rural, or barely inhabited, and there are small settlements still half-standing that serve as a kind of open-air museum for the 1991 war with Serbia. A couple of national parks take advantage of the internal beauty (the Plitvice Lakes are in one park). But the towns that I saw along the coast offered history, like Diocletian's Palace compound, and good food (lots of great pizza!) and fabulous pebble beaches right by the main docks where you could dip into the clear green Adriatic (you can see your feet). And again, for those watching their pennies, Croatian tourist retailers seem to accept the euro, but the national currency is the kuna, which last week was about 4.5 to the dollar.

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Annapolis, Md.: Usually I spend about a week each summer visiting relatives out West. With higher airfares and sharply reduced opportunities to redeem frequent-flyer awards -- even on Southwest, which has abandoned its old if-we-have-a-seat-you-can-use-it policy -- I am striking out for the dates I want (about 3-6 weeks from now). Can you give me any tips for "magic windows" for frequent flyer redemptions or last-minute fares? Or do I just need to check every day?

Carol Sottili: Sorry, I have no magic here. But have you signed up for Southwest's Ding fares? You need to download, and they're not as cheap, common as they once were, but you can still get a good deal from time to time. And sign up on other sites, including www.orbitz.com and www.farecast.com, to receive email notifications when fares dip.

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Rockville, Md.: Any suggestions for a romantic weekend for a couple married for almost 20 years with kids for a couple of nights? We would like something to remember without totally emptying our bank account (a partial emptying is OK, though!). Thoughts?

Scott Vogel: How about a weekend at the beach off-season? The Bellmoor Inn gets raves as a romantic spot for 20-something anniversary types (or at least one here on staff, that is.) Web site is www.thebellmoor.com. And don't forget to have a meal at Espuma.

Other ideas?

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Points + tours: I have used Points.com and found it helpful especially for airline or hotel miles/points I won't use though it does compress them (10,000 miles may be 3,000 on another airline) but it worth the effort.

As for me, I am going to Italy in the early fall and wanted to know if I should book the site tours on line here or when I get to Italy. Any tips? Recommended on line tours other than Expedia?

Thanks!

Christina Talcott: Thanks for the points.com report! As for Italy, in this week's Deals column, we had a two-for-one offer on day tours in Rome; book before July 31 for the offer at viator.com. Are there other cities and places you want tours of? Anyone have suggestions? I've always booked tours on the spur of the moment, but maybe people have other experiences...

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D.C.: Went to Uluru a few years ago and did not climb it (because of the Aborigines' objections) but did take an Aborigine-guided tour around the base, and did an early am hike (in the Olgas) nearby. I am not sure it was worth the trip. I generally describe it to people as the Niagara Falls of Australia -- a really impressive natural wonder that everyone knows about but is way out in the middle of nowhere.

Scott Vogel: Uluru, etc.

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Pittsburgh, Pa.: In response to the question about renting a car for a three day visit in Pittsburgh, the answer is definitely YES. Public transportation is OK, not great, and on weekends, the buses run on an abbreviated schedule. Taxis are undependable and expensive. They (taxis)many times will not show up, even after several calls. At the airport it is eay to get a taxi but taxi fare from the airport to the city is expensive. Of course, driving in Pittsburgh can be a challenge with the constant summer road construction hills and tunnels and lack of good directional signs, but you will need a car unless you plan to just stay downtown.

Scott Vogel: YES, from a poster who should know.

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The Native New Jerseyan says: Forget Disneyland!!! There are SO many great places to see. Go to towns like La Jolla, or San Juan Capistrano,both north of San Diego, or Coronado, the island off San Diego, and see the Coronado Hotel. If you go up to LA, do Santa Monica - the shopping, the restaurants, the Pier and Amusement Park are legendary. Venice Beach, the Hollywood Bowl, studio tours - there are dozens of real places to see, not just the manufactured Disneyland type of place.

Christina Talcott: Thanks, New Jerseyan! Great suggestions for the California first-timer.

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Rockville, Md.: So if high fuel prices are causing airlines to cut back on flights, does this mean that crowding at airports is less of an issue this summer? Does this also mean fewer problems with on-time departures (due to fewer flights across the same amount of airport and gate space)? Is this at least one positive to airline travel this year?

Scott Vogel: Gee, I'd like to see a silver lining in all this too, but at least from my experience, I've noticed no improvements like the ones you mentioned. Perhaps it's because airlines seem to have reduced personnel along with the number of flights. I'd be curious to hear from others, however...

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Alexandria, Va.: Seeing the other post about Boy Scout camp made me think of some of my own misadventures at Goshen over the years. I don't need the prize either -- remembering some of these things was funny enough.

One time we were out on canoes in the lake. My friend Joe somehow managed to lose his glasses into the water. Joe was nearly blind without them, so he decided to dive to try to find them... only he forgot to take off his life jacket before attempting this stunt.

Another year we had a new kid in the troop who found the pit toilet latrine disgusting, so he went in the woods and "sat" over a log. He then grabbed some leaves to clean up since he didn't bring TP with him, but the leaves turned out to be poison ivy! In future years, the first thing we did when we got to camp was to find poison ivy and show the new kids what it looked like so they wouldn't repeat this one.

Then there was a time I was out canoeing and had to "go"... so I stood up in the canoe and did what males do. Unfortunately, the lifeguards saw it. Standing up in a canoe is strictly against the rules because you're likely to overturn the boat, so I was banned from canoeing for the rest of that week.

Christina Talcott: Great stories!

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Solo Flight: Carol -- My 7 year-old would be flying from BWI to ALB, which is Albany, NY. The flight is 1 hour and it is direct. I am getting from your tone that you think this is a bad idea. My understanding is that I can put her on the plane from the gate (much the same way I put her on the school bus each day) and her grandparents can meet the plane at the gate as well. All she has to do is sit there for an hour. I appreciate that you are a parent and wouldn't do so, but I would appreciate knowing your specific concerns that could be applied generally. Of course, some issues are kid-specific. Thanks

Carol Sottili: I think Southwest generally does a good job with kids. I sent my son when he was about that age to Long Island to visit his grandparents via Southwest on his own. I thought he was mature enough to handle it, but he was scared. And I regret doing it. That said, there are plenty of people out there (divorced, relatives in other cities, etc.) who send their kids back and forth via plane, and have had no problems. If you go forward, you can review the stranger talk with your child, and tell her to go right to the flight attendant with any questions. They usually seat the unaccompanied minors together up front. Make sure she has your address, phone number, etc. memorized, and also put it somewhere on her person.

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New York: I'm having trouble figuring out whom is telling the truth. Both a UN organization and an association of international airlines claim tourism and air travel are up, sharply, this year. But the airlines all claim they are dramatically cutting capacity by eliminating flights. What gives here?

Scott Vogel: I haven't seen the studies to which you refer, but my guess is that air travel is indeed up worldwide; however, air travel in the US has not increased.

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Chantilly, Va.: For the chatter going to Costa Rica -- for what it's worth, I went in early September a few years ago, when it was supposedly the rainy season, and it amounted to a ten-minute shower every other day. Wasn't even worth getting out of the pool (although the swim-up bar might have had something to do with that decision).

We were in Guanacaste, in the northwestern part of the country, fyi.

Scott Vogel: Definitely not worth canceling Costa Rica over!

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Washington, D.C.: I think you've answered a similar question before, but I'm preparing for a trip to Thailand this winter and want to learn a bit of the language - can any one recommend a good at-home language course - or even better - a local class in DC that teaches Thai.

Thanks!

Andrea Sachs: I believe the Wat Thai buddhist temple in Silver Spring, which caters to the area's Thai population, holds Thai language classes. You can also try the International Language Institute. For at-home lessons, check out the U.S. Foreign Service Institute's language programs. If it is good enough for our government's bigwigs . . .

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Capitol Hill, D.C.: Speaking of flying a seven year old to Albany, our SW flight from there to BWI last night got to BWI four hours late because, and I swear I'm not making this up: Albany closed the big runway we needed at 11 pm and wouldn't reopen it. So if your seven year old could get off the plane at midnight, wait a half hour, and then reboard another plane (eligible for the other runway), and arrive at 2 a.m., hey go for it. Most of us were sleepwalking.

Carol Sottili: Yes, things can go wrong. Most airlines won't allow minors to fly on the last flight of the day.

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Rockville, Md.: I know this is more of a "local" travel question, but could you please link to the story you did not long ago about the new inexpensive bus lines to NYC? Also, do you have any recommendations about which one is best? Thanks!

washingtonpost.com: Planes, Trains and Automobiles and Manhattan for a Buck? (Post Travel Section, May 4)

Christina Talcott: My favorite is Vamoose, but Greyhound never let me down on early morning rides to NYC.

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Re: Romantic Weekend: Me again. Sorry, I wasn't specific enough. While the Bellmoor is a great idea, the weekend will be in early August and we'd like it to be within driving distance. Is there a favorite resort in the area?

washingtonpost.com: Take a look at KC Summers' piece on Keswick Hall in Charlottesville...

Scott Vogel: Maybe the above will help or spark more ideas?

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self-guided hikes?: Noticed Baltimore was asking about self-guided hikes. Not sure if those places offer that. It is possible to go from AMC hut to hut in the White Mtns. of NH, but the accommodations may be a little bit less posh.

Andrea Sachs: Good suggestion. Thanks!

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Bronx, N.Y.: For the poster considering flying her daughter solo up to Albany, it will in all likelihood be just fine. It appears there aren't good stats on this (hello, IATA and FAA), but here's what a quick Google turned up, from an April 2006 trade publication: In 2004, American had 835,447 departures. Of those, 2,458 flights, or 0.29% made unscheduled landings, with 1,320 pegged to weather, 591 to mechanical problems, 214 (an average of 18 per month) to medical emergencies and 333 to assorted reasons. Figures provided by British Airways are less specific. That carrier experienced 230 unscheduled landings in 2004 and 246 in 2005. John Lampl, VP-corporate communications-the Americas, says weather was the prime culprit.

Link to full article: http://www.atwonline.com/magazine/article.html?articleID=1582

And as has been repeated above, the final decision should be the parent's/guardian's assessment of the child's readiness to fly solo (interact with strangers, take responsibility for belongings, etc.).

Carol Sottili: Stats should be considered, although I think you have to go with your gut on this one.

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for romantic getaway: The Chesapeake Hyatt is another possibility (spa on site, have dinner in St Michaels...).

Scott Vogel: And here's another thought for a couples weekend.

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Bethesda Mom: For several years I went to a sleep-away camp in Ontario, Canada, on a beautitul (but icily cold) lake. Imagine my shock years later to see a promotional ad for a Relais and Chateau resort on the same lake, and with the same name!! Something tells me their guests will not be running to the communal shower house in the cold Canadian mornings!

Christina Talcott: Wow, that's a shock - both the changeover and the cold mornings. Brr!

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Flight 93 sideline: Just wanted to get in a plug (not affiliated with them, but support their efforts) for the Flight 93 foundation, which maintains the Shanksville site. They have been trying to raise $ for more education/awareness about the Flight 93 site, and having difficulty...if anyone can support, please do. This site does not get the press or attention the Pentagon and WTC sites do.

Scott Vogel: Thanks. One thing's for sure, based on this chat, there's certainly great respect for and interest in Shanksville.

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7 year old to ALB: I'm with Carol. My daughter would have been too young at 7 to travel alone, and she had traveled by plane quite a bit (accompanied) by then, including trips to Asia. I would just worry about how she would react in the event of any sort of snafu -- at age 7, I'm not sure most kids are able to envision potential problems (say a canceled or diverted flight) and have any idea how they would deal. Is there really a need for her to go alone?

Also, the person who flew JFK-Amsterdam "a long time ago" -- depending on how long ago, flying was much more civilized. I remember dressing up for air travel in the 1960s and 1970s. It wasn't the mayhem it is now.

Carol Sottili: Another point of view.

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Parent Perspective: To the parent who is considering letting the 7 year old fly alone, we did let our same age daughter do that exact flight with no problems. But we actually did a dress rehearsal -- set up chairs in the dining room, took her to "board" the flight. Left her mostly alone for the hour, and escorted her off the plane in Albany (our living room). We practiced turbulence, how to talk to the person next to her, and what to do if Aunt Sue didn't met the plane. I think it improved all of our comfort levels immensely.

Carol Sottili: More on unaccompanied minors.

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Rosslyn: My favorite summer camp experience was a 2 week camp at the German language village of Concordia Language Villages in Bemidji, MN. For those who aren't familiar with this camp, its actually a series of summer camps affiliated with Concordia College where you only speak a foreign language. About half of them are dedicated to a certain language...in other words, they have actual architecture from parts of the world where that language is spoken. The food, activities, everything is related to the language/culture. You still do all the regular summer camp activities too. Its complete immersion without having to travel outside the US or deal with a not so good exchange rate. I didn't end up trying to pick up German afterwards (going to the camp to see if I wanted to learn German was a main draw), but it was a great experience. I tried to be the Sprachmeister for the day (by not uttering a single word of German), but I just couldn't do it. I had no prior training in the language...but Ive become quite a polyglot/world traveler since.

Heres a link: http://www.concordialanguagevillages.org/newsite/

Christina Talcott: Lots of foreign-language camps out there, huh? Sounds like a great way to learn a language.

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20th anniversary ideas: There are so many things to do and so little to go on on this question. I can start throwing darts, but really, anything that's out of the ordinary could be memorable. You could visit the Biltmore Castle, the old Vanderbilt estate, in North Carolina, or tour some of the beautiful hotels in the Finger Lakes. Have you always wanted to try hot-air ballooning or rafting down Oregon's Rogue River? You could put together a nice road trip exploring NFL training camps or minor league ballparks for under $1000. Brainstorming is half the fun, I think.

Scott Vogel: I like these ideas. I think the chatter was interested in destinations that are a short drive, but maybe this will inspire them to cast a wider net. Thanks.

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Passport hell, USA: I am in passport hell. I have an upcoming trip to Ireland and Scotland - leaving in a week, returning before the end of the month. The problem: my passport expires in Jan, 2009. I know, I know. I should have realized this earlier, but it honestly never crossed my mind until a couple days ago.

Several guidebooks say you must have six months of validity left on your passport to enter certain countries and some airlines won't let you get on the plane without that much leeway. If you go by the day my passport expires, Jan. 31, I have just over six months left. BUT BARELY. So I called the airline in a panic - they were no help. I can't find any firm info about this on the U.S. passport website for the two countries I'm travelling to - they just say you must have a valid passport. What to do? Should I get an appointment for an emergency passport? Will I get my new passport right away?

For what it's worth, I live two hours from a passport office and would have to take off a day of work to make it happen.

Andrea Sachs: Call the country's embassies or consular affairs office; they should be able to tell you. If they do require that cushion, you can use a passport service that promises to deliver renewals in a few biz days.

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Baltimore, Md.: Airline incompetence strikes again!!!

So I have a pleasure trip scheduled through Northwest from Philly to San Diego. As I'm sitting at the departure gate I notice the departure time move back an hour (no announcement made). With a pretty tight connection in Minneapolis, I was concerned that I might get stuck, or at the very least my bags would get stuck. I went up to the gate agent to find out what the deal was. Just as I reach the counter, she's in the process of pushing the departure time back ANOTHER hour, which would definitely mean that I would miss the connection. I speak to the agent, and discover that the plane that is supposed to take us to Minneapolis is still in, you guessed it, Minneapolis because of "mechanical problems." She didn't really seem to care (as evidenced by her lack of announcements to the waiting crowd), and her only resolution was to book me and my partner on the next flight from Minneapolis to San Diego, which was the NEXT DAY. I was pretty upset, but there wasn't anything I could do.

Thankfully, the plane in Minneapolis NEVER took off, so our flight was cancelled, freeing ALL passengers to request bookings on other airlines, which meant we got a direct flight and arrived earlier than we would have if we had actually flown on out original flight. It was the first time I was excited that my flight was cancelled!!!

Warning to everyone traveling the not so friendly skies that it's getting REALLY bad out there!!!

Scott Vogel: Wow, thanks for giving us the details.

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Washington, D.C.: I am fortunate to have some 4-day weekends in the fall and the ability to afford some trips--either intl or US--but certainly not an unlimited budget. What is my best strategy for finding last-minute flight deals? I am signed up for a couple "e-saver" type emails already, so what else should I be doing? Is there one website that makes this type of searching easy yet? Are the price increases and schedule cuts predicted to increase sales or mean full planes and no deals?

Carol Sottili: Those weekend e-saver fares are still around, but not as many flights, deals are being offered. I'd sign up on the major airline sites, the third-party booking sites (www.travelocity.com, www.orbitz.com, www.expedia.com) and the aggregator sites, such as www.kayak.com and www.farecast.com. Sign up for ding fares at Southwest. And when you get a spare moment, check the airline sites to see if they've announced a fast Web-only sale, which seems to be the way they're all going now.

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Richmond, Va.: Does anyone have any experience with Discovery Cove in Orlando? I'm dying to swim w/dolphins and am trying to decide if it's worth the high price.

Also, any ideas on fun thing to do in Cocoa Beach, besides the Space Center? Thanks!

Scott Vogel: I haven't visited Discovery Cove myself, but I think it's worth rooting around on the Internet for others who have. One thing I've heard: your enjoyment of the attraction has everything to do with how you define "swimming with dolphins."

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From D.C. to Los Angeles: Hi Crew and clicksters! I'm heading to LA this weekend and have daylight hours on Saturday to see what's around town. I'm staying near UCLA -- going to the VH1 Rock Honors there Sat. night -- so is there anything I shouldn't miss during my limited time in LA? I thought about typical stuff, like walking down Hollywood Blvd. I'm a female in early 40's, no kids, so nothing kiddie needed, and I'm not up for the map of celebrity homes. Any ideas? Thanks.

washingtonpost.com: California Travel Stories (Post Travel Section archives)

Andrea Sachs: I am a big fan of the Getty Center (great art and views), poking around Venice Beach and Manhattan Beach, hiking around the Hollywood Hills and strolling around Santa Monica (shops, restaurants, pier, etc.).

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Denver, Colo.: I'd like to purchase plane tickets for the Dec holidays now to avoid increasing costs, but am worried about buying on Frontier Airlines due to their $$ troubles. What are the chances they will still be operating then?

Scott Vogel: Impossible to say, but keep in mind that several major carriers (United, Continental among them) have filed for bankruptcy in recent years, and the filing itself does not mean that the airline won't continue to fly.

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Harrisburg, Pa.: If anyone does wish to visit the Harrisburg-Hershey area, and if one is interested in the Civil War, I highly recommend the Civil War Museum in Harrisburg. I know people who spend half a day there.

Scott Vogel: Thanks, Harrisburg.

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Chicagobound: The husband and I are headed to Chicago for 2 nights this weekend. While we have our itinerary squared away, do you have any restaurant suggestions? It seems that Pizzeria Uno is one of the main pizza places there (I get because it was started there, but we've had it here, seems like a waste) and my husband wants to have "authentic" Chicago pizza and a hot dog, Chicago-style.

Christina Talcott: Lucky you! I've heard good things about Coalfire (see the story we ran last year on Chicago's thin-crust havens), and I saw some amazing stuffed pizzas at Taste of Chicago last week, but I'm sure chatters have suggestions. Get 'em in in the next 2 minutes...

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washingtonpost.com: In Chicago, Thin is In (Post Travel Section, Sept 2, 2007)

Christina Talcott: For Chicago pizza fans...

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London, UK: Hello. London calling.

We're visiting D.C. in August to spend some time in the city and also at Shenandoah National Park. But we've got a day free and we want to go somewhere else. We've got a car but don't want to waste time driving. Where to go? Is Richmond nice? Baltimore?

Thanks!

Tom

Christina Talcott: I'd recommend Baltimore, since it's so close and has so much going on: incredible free museums (the Walters and the Balt. Museum of Art), nice harbor, good restaurants, interesting ethnic neighborhoods... Catch a baseball game at Camden Yards and be as confused as we are when we watch cricket.

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Christina Talcott: Thanks, everyone! Sorry if we didn't get to your question - you can try again next week, or we'll try to answer it in the Chat Plus column. As for the summer camp winner, can the communal shower/bee sting camper please send your address to talcottc@washpost.com? Have a great week, and see you all back here next Monday!

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