Talk About Travel: Travel Staffers Help You Plan Great Escapes

So-bad-I-never-told-Mom stories, Berkeley Springs, W.Va., Atlantic City, London and more

Have a travel-related question, comment, suspicion, warning, gripe, sad tale or happy ending? The Post Travel Section Flight Crew is at your service. They were online Monday, May 11 at 2 p.m.

Browse an archive of previous live travel Q&As.

Christina Talcott: Hi everyone, and thanks for joining us! You've got Andrea, Scott, Nancy and me here waiting to hear what's on your mind. Today's question, inspired by Mother's Day, is about vacation mishaps you never told your mom (or dad, grandparent or other guardian) about. A few weeks back a chatter shared a story about a bad start to a study abroad experience; anyone care to weigh in with a so-bad-I-never-told-Mom story? There's a Carnival Cruise Line tote bag in it for the best story.

Ready to go?

_______________________

Arlington, Va.: I'm planning a 7-day trip to Lisbon in August. I have somewhat flexible dates but looking to be there early- to mid-August. I'm seeing flights as low as $768. Is it worth booking now or waiting to see if the prices drop further? A number of the booking sites have "price assurance" policies so it seems worthwhile to book now. Thanks!

Scott Vogel: That price sounds about right to me, and especially worth risking if you book through an aggregator that offers price assurance. That may not sound like a bargain basement fare, but compared to Augusts past, it's not bad at all.

_______________________

Jersey Boy: We are planning a theater overnight to see a play this summer (July). Can you or any of your chatters recommend a NYC Hotel in or very close to the theater district that won't require a second mortgage for a room? Thanks!

Scott Vogel: I bid $110/night and got a room at the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers a few weeks back (Priceline). It was a great price for that 53rd Street property and way cheaper than it would have been a year or so ago.

_______________________

D.C. to U.K.: Eeek...I know it's a little high maintenance, but I can't really live without my special hair dryer and flat iron. I don't think these are dual voltage electronics, so do you have any recommendations for the best and most compact voltage and plug adapter?

Thanks in advance for saving my hair from being a frizzy mess on my glamorous trip to London!

Christina Talcott: Ah, the age-old hair-maintenance question. Here's the scoop: Buy a voltage converter-adapter for your blow dryer, but consider buying a dual-voltage flat iron or you might ruin your regular iron, according to this warning. Apparently, flat irons need to be plugged in longer than most appliances, increasing the chance that they'll burn out. Dual-voltage flat irons are available for $30 and up from various travel sources like Travelsmith and Magellan's, though don't forget to check your local drug store. Those same sources have converter-adapter sets with plugs you can use in the UK, Europe, Asia, etc. Anyone have an adapter brand they'd recommend or other advice on traveling with hairstyling tools?

_______________________

Just back from Paris (back to Chicago): I took my first trip to Europe -- Paris. And I'm not in my 20s. Had a wonderful time. My French wasn't that good, but I did okay. Wherever you have ever thought about going, do it. Make it work.

What was intriguing for me was that I got lost, a lot, but somehow you ended up in some other cool place. I never had to ask for directions, always found my way out. You learn something about yourself when you are in that situation.

And even if Parisians were a little rude, the other tourists were very friendly, even to an American.

Scott Vogel: Glad you had a great inaugural experience. Hopefully it'll be the first of many more. Sometimes I think getting lost on vacation ought to be a requirement...

_______________________

Petworth: Can you recommend a hotel/B&B near the Inn at little Washington for a night's stay after a meal at said place? Does not have to be fancy AT ALL. More of a place to rest our heads before heading back to D.C. and pick up the kids at Grandma's.

Thanks.

Nancy McKeon: Yum! There's a dozen possibilities for an overnight near the Inn. To start (these places fill up), go to the Rappahannock County B&B Guild web site, and go down the list. The places right in town tend to be on the higher side, no doubt thanks to their glamorous neighbor, but a short drive can find something reasonable (meaning under $200 a night). I don't know of anything truly rustic or cheap, though there may be some secret motel somewhere. Anyone?

_______________________

20002: Looking for a quick weekend getaway and stumbled across Berkeley Springs, W.Va. There's just two of us, we'd like to relax and visit a spa -- do you know anything about this town or the specific spas? Are they good? Thanks. Love the chats!

Christina Talcott: My sister and I had a blast in Berkeley Springs last December, where we got pampered at the Country Inn's Five Senses Spa and dined like queens at Panorama at the Peak. I've heard great things about dinner at Lot 12 and breakfast at Earthdog Cafe there, too. Anyone have a favorite spa in Berkeley Springs or another nearby spa town?

_______________________

Mount Pleasant, Mich.: Hi, this is for the person who is traveling to London and wants to have great hair. When we went to France about five years ago, I purchased a dual-voltage styling brush from Magellan. It was wonderful, worked well, and I took it with me to Italy last year. Hope this helps. In our travels in Italy, we found that the hotels we stayed in all had hair dryers.

Christina Talcott: Thanks for the styling brush tip! And that's been my experience, too, that most hotels have hair dryers.

_______________________

New Jersey Diners?: My mom and I are headed to New England for Memorial Day Weekend. I thought we might make a slight detour off the New Jersey turnpike for lunch. I seem to remember a Post writer did a tour of New Jersey diners but I can't find it in your archives. Does this ring a bell?

washingtonpost.com: Here you go: Spud Mountain or Bust: A Jersey Diner Diary (The Washington Post, April 13, 2008)

Christina Talcott: Mm, Spud Mountain...

_______________________

Silver Spring, Md.: We've got $3000 for two of us to take a vacation this summer. Where should we go? We had thought about an Alaska cruise, but can such a cruise be had for the price?

Scott Vogel: I wouldn't give up on that Alaska cruise just yet, especially if you've got money like that to spend. 7-day cruises are going for $500 or so per person in July these days, and while you will have to add air to that, I think you should be able to find something in your price range. Check cruise.com or one of the other aggregators.

_______________________

Fairfax, Va.: Hi Flight Crew! Do I need an international driver's license from AAA to drive in Canada? Thanks!

Christina Talcott: Nope.

_______________________

Rockville, Md.: Hi Flight Crew,

Hoping for a suggestion! I desperately want to get away for a couple days some time in August; what are some good, INEXPENSIVE options for places to travel solo for a mid-20s guy? I was thinking maybe Boston or Chicago, just to get a change of scenery, but I'm looking for other ideas! Thanks again.

Nancy McKeon: We should open this up to everyone. But to start you off, have you thought about Philadelphia? No joke -- it's a lot closer, and the city is bursting with things to do. The Cezannes will be gone, but the museum is fabulous even without them, the central food market is bustling, there's a great, innovative restaurant scene (Tom Sietsema's Postcard will address Philly in a few weeks) and the age-old neighborhood dives, there are terrific home furnishings and design shops. And then there's all that history -- you remember that stuff, right? And it's all clustered in a very doable area. Other ideas?

_______________________

New Haven, Conn.: Story I never told mom: In college, two friends and I traveled to the Copper Canyon in Mexico. We reached Divisadero, where the train stopped for about 15 minutes near a canyon overlook. When we heard the whistle, one friend and I climbed back on the train, only to find that our other friend was nowhere aboard. Panicking that we would never find her again if we got separated (this was before cell phones were ubiquitous), my friend and I grabbed all of our bags and jumped off the moving train! We walked back to Divisadero, where we discovered that yes, the curly-headed girl (our friend) had just gotten on the last bus of the day to Creel (further down the line). My friend managed to wheedle us a ride in the back of an open pickup truck bouncing alone the not-so-well-maintained roads while we held on for dear life. Luckily, we ran into our friend shortly thereafter on the main street in Creel. We got very drunk that night, due to relief and having forgotten the effect of altitude on alcohol!

Christina Talcott: Woah, that's got all the elements of a parent's worst nightmare: Train-jumping! Hitchhiking! Pickup truck beds! Drinking! Egad!

_______________________

Washington, D.C. to Paris: A while ago, I looked at airfares to Paris for the beginning of December, and they were around $1,000, and you advised me to wait. Now they are a bit under $700. First, thank you; second, should I wait longer, or pull the trigger now?

Nancy McKeon: O! for a crystal ball! Being an optimist (and assuming you're not talking about Christmas-week December), I would vote for waiting. That sounds a bit high. (But don't hate us if we're wrong!)

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: I enjoyed reading your article on Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. We spent a week there last fall and enjoyed hiking, canoeing, and wandering through the small towns.

I have two items to add:

Air and car aren't the only ways to get there. Amtrak's Vermonter goes from Union Station each morning and is more relaxing than driving and more scenic than flying, especially once you get north of New York. (It's about 12 hours, so spring for business class. It was only about $30 or $40 extra, I think.) The only drawback is that it arrives after the car rental office close. We arranged for a cab to take us to a motel when we arrived in Montpelier/Barre, then got a pickup from the car rental agency the next morning.

Second, it's usually much cheaper to stay at state parks than at private residences. We rented a cabin on a lake with kitchenette, full bath, and private canoe for about $70 a night.

washingtonpost.com: In the Far Reaches of Vermont, a Kingdom of Riches (The Washington Post, May 10, 2009)

Scott Vogel: Thanks so much for writing in and sharing your thoughts.

_______________________

Georgetown: So my first trip to NYC as an adult, I clearly wasn't very savvy about online hotel booking and I took the cheapest price I could find. Surprise, surprise... the hotel was in Jersey City! Luckily my friend and I survived, even thought numerous cab drivers refused to take us there and warned us we shouldn't stay there. It was otherwise a great trip, but yeah, that detail was NOT shared with Mom!

Christina Talcott: Haha, that's a lesson to always read the fine print. Thanks!

_______________________

Atlantic City: Any great tips on what to do for first timers in Atlantic City? We're staying at the Trump Taj Mahal this weekend. We're figuring some time at the Steel Pier, some time at the pool, and some time gambling. anything else can't miss? Also, we're leaving at noon Friday: any best route to take?

Andrea Sachs: Definitely check out the chichi scene at the Borgata. Visit the aquarium and the historical museum on Garden Pier. Play late-night mini-golf on the Boardwalk. Take a dolphin watching or sunset cruise (see Atlantic City Cruises). Catch a Vegas-style show (upcoming shows: Jay Leno, Kathy Griffin, Chicago). Eat and shop really well at the Pier Shops at Caesars; or spend your (hard-won) cash at the The Walk outlets.

For routes, you don't have too many choices. I take the N.J. Turnpike to the Atlantic City Expressway.

_______________________

by the White House: We got rid of our credit cards some time ago and have not had any problems using a Visa debit card. However, an upcoming hotel specifies credit card or cash (no debit cards) at check-in. Is this allowed? Isn't a debit hold the same as cash? Anything we can say or do at check-in so it isn't an issue? (And yes, we're probably getting a credit card again due to more traveling.)

Nancy McKeon: Allowed? By whom? The credit-card police? (We know how well they're doing THEIR job, don't we?) So far as I know, the hotel is free to accept the methods of payment it wants, and you're free to stay somewhere else. If the hotel states flat out that it doesn't accept debit cards, I don't know what you can say to change their policy.

_______________________

Arlington, Va.: I just booked some tickets to a matinee at the Blackfriar's Playhouse in Staunton for the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. Any recommendations for a tasty, but not fancy, place for lunch before the show? Thanks.

Nancy McKeon: From a piece staffer Moira McLaughlin did on Staunton back in November: Mugshots (32 S. New St., 540-887-0005) and the Pampered Palate Cafe (26-28 E. Beverley St., 540-886-9463) are great for breakfast and lunch. The Pampered Palate will also prepare a picnic basket for you.

_______________________

Potomac, Md.: Hello,

Does any of the Flight Crew have experience with EasyJet? Our family of four (kids are five years and 20 months) is traveling to London and Zurich this summer. From London, we will be taking EasyJet. Do you know if families are allowed any pre-boarding? The EasyJet seats are first on board, first served. The flights are about 90 minutes long, so we don't mind being split up as long as the kids are with an adult. We would like to avoid paying for the priority boarding unless it is essential to avoiding four middle seats scattered throughout the airplane.

Scott Vogel: I took EasyJet to Ljubljana a few months back. There didn't appear to be pre-booking for families, although one mother with three young children had no trouble getting passengers to agree to switch seats on her behalf. People will accommodate you, I should think, especially if you're only asking for 2 seats together.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: I know what the CDC and State Department say, but are folks still vacationing in Mexico? I desperately need a get-away and I really don't want to cancel a Memorial Day trip to Riviera Maya.

Nancy McKeon: Obviously you want to go. So go! Just take precautions.

_______________________

Arlington, Va.: Submitting early as I'll be in meetings all day Monday. I have enough free miles to take me just about anywhere, and I'll have 10-14 days. Am thinking about Greece/Turkey, Eastern Europe (Prague and ??) or South Africa. I haven't been to South America yet, any suggestions? I just can't seem to decide, I've been to most of Western Europe, Aus/NZ, not really interested in Asia. Thanks!

Christina Talcott: That's a nice chunk of time to cover Prague, Budapest and maybe somewhere on the Dalmatian Coast, though if you can get to South Africa on your miles, take the full two weeks and you should be able to see Cape Town, Durban, at least one game park, maybe a day or two in Joburg. Then again, I'd vote for Greece and Turkey, since I've never been there. My one suggestion is to go somewhere where you have friends or friends-of-friends, since seeing a place through a native's (or resident's) eyes is so rewarding.

_______________________

Falls Church, Va.: Hello,

My girlfriends and I (all in our late 20s) are planning a trip to Australia and NZ for 3 weeks this summer. We would like to find a package deal that covers our flights there and back, hotels during the trip, and transportation (both train and plane) within Australia and on over to NZ. We are not looking for a tour that schedules all events and meals too. We want to do that on our own. Any ideas where we should start our search? Thanks!

Andrea Sachs: Sounds like you need to either use a travel agent who can arrange these pieces of your trip, or book a vacation through Quantas or Air New Zealand, which offer independent tours that include air and hotel. Check the American Society of Travel Agents lists of agents for an Aussie-NZ expert. Depending on the size of your group, the agent might also be able to get you group rates.

_______________________

Philadelphia, Pa.: Do you have any sort of "intro to finding flights online" articles? I take the aforementioned Amtrak usually and there is very little research involved with that. For a trip to say Las Vegas, where do you even start? There's endless flight booking sites, the airlines themselves, farecast, I'm not sure where to turn first, second, etc. Thanks for any tips.

Scott Vogel: I really like FareCompare.com, especially when you're sure of the destination and know the month you want to travel. It's a fast and accurate way of finding out what the best prices are, as well as the best prices for later in the year (info that may well convince you to shift your travel dates).

_______________________

Silver Spring: Travel related -- just moved to the area recently, and I don't have any friends within an hour's drive. I need a pet sitter! Are there any services recommended? I want someone I can trust to stop by and check on my two cats once a day. Any advice would be great! Need to go to a wedding in California in a month.

Nancy McKeon: I just plugged "pet sitter" and "silver spring" into a search engine and found half a dozen. My experience (with Sit-a-Pet, which also serves Silver Spring) is that the sitters wind up making you feel guilty for leaving your wonderful animal behind -- that's how much they love them!

_______________________

for mid-20s guy: Go to southern California. Three airports serve southern California and you can get good prices mid-week. See San Diego, LA LA land -- the Getty, the beaches, great bike hiking, zoos -- upscale or roadhouse nightlife. Don't miss a Sunday in Laguna, the American Riviera. Fly open jaw and spend a night in Vegas, or drive there from LA and fly home from there. Drive out into the Red Rocks and see Hoover Dam. Then -- cards, 'tinis and, well, whatever else he's up for. A lot to see and do in So-Cal and Vegas -- easily done in four or five days (fly home red eye, lean on window to sleep). Hey -- he said he was young.

Nancy McKeon: Whoa, there's an idea for our 20s guy! (Me? I'm taking a nap!)

_______________________

For the person using a debit card: Just don't tell them it's a debit card. You said it has a Visa symbol, right? They ask what kind of card you have, you say Visa and give them the number, expiration date, and three digit code on the back when they ask for it. They don't need to know details. There are "straight" debit cards out there that won't run on the Visa network -- that's probably what they're trying to avoid.

Nancy McKeon: Okay, there's an approach.

_______________________

Where to Exchange Currency: Where is the best place in the D.C. area to get some British pounds before my upcoming trip? I was going to get a small amount at AAA but their exchange rate is terrible. Today's exchange rate is about $1 = £1.51 but I can't seem to find a place to get it better than £1.61 or is this inflated rate typical? Should I expect to pay a transaction fee as well? I do plan to use ATMs when I get to London but would like to have some local currency when I land just in case. Thanks!

Andrea Sachs: Depending on when you arrive in London, you might want to wait to exchange money at the airport. Still might not be a great rate, but could be better than stateside. I have changed money at the Thomas Cook currency exchange office on K Street. I changed only $40, and they were kind enough to not stick me with the full surcharge. You can also exchange money at any of the three D.C. area airports. Also, if you have any friends who recently traveled to England, perhaps they have some spare change they can lend you.

_______________________

Visa debit card for travel expenses: Whatever a particular hotel's policy, I would think twice about charging travel expenses (and big-ticket items) on my debit card. In case of a dispute with a merchant, there aren't nearly as many consumer protections as there are with a credit card. The money is gone from your checking account, and you have to fight to get it back. It's a good idea to keep at least one credit card on hand for travel expenses and big-ticket purchases.

Nancy McKeon: And a debit-card caution.

_______________________

New York, N.Y.: We'd like to go away for a few days to Maine during the July 4th holiday. Since we have a relatively small time frame (3-4 days), can you give us some must-see ideas? Thanks!

Andrea Sachs: I love Camden, the perfect place for a true red, white and blue holiday escape. You can sail around the harbor, fill up on seafood and beer, hike small mountains, shop in the darling town, hang out on beaches, ferry over to Monhegan or Islesboro islands, etc. Then on the way back, you can swing by the outlets in Freeport.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Hey -- I enjoyed the article on Calistoga, but the author surely could have done a little more research before expressing surprise at the Russian involvement in northern California.

The author might have looked at a map and wondered how places such as Sebastapol and the Russian River got their names.

And, the Solano Mission was not built solely to defend against Russian religious incursions; after all, the Russians gave some of the church bells and other supplies for the Mission, so it was a more harmonious co-existence than what the author presented. Maybe the author wanted to hype the drama, but the reality is even more interesting.

washingtonpost.com: Getting a Taste for the Fine Life of Wine and Mud in Calistoga, Calif. (The Washington Post, May 10, 2009)

Christina Talcott: Thanks for writing! Yeah, the history of that area is very interesting, and I'm laughing because I spent so much time looking into places to see in the Russian River Valley without thinking about how it got its name. If I'd had more space, I would have talked about that fascinating twist, how the once-feared Russians ended up helping the struggling mission. So I'm glad you brought it up. That's one reason I love traveling -- no matter how much research you do beforehand on a place, there's always going to be something surprising!

_______________________

For the person wanting to drive in Canada: Your US license is valid in Canada so you don't need the IDP, but note that if you are driving your own car, Canadian law requires you to have an "Inter-Provincial Motor Vehicle Insurance Card." It's basically a little yellow slip of paper about the size of a Post-It Note that verifies that your car insurance provides at least the minimum limits of liability required by all of the provinces and territories. You get it from your insurance carrier; just call your agent and tell him that you're driving to Canada and that you need the "Canada card" and they'll probably know exactly what you mean.

Odds are you'll never need the thing (let's hope, anyway!), and you will not need to produce it at the border, but since it's such a minor nuisance to obtain there is really no good reason not to do so.

Christina Talcott: Thanks for the info!

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Going to London this September. Any recommendations for good priced hotels?

Thank you.

Nancy McKeon: BelgraviaRooms.com seems to handle a bunch of row-house-type hotels on Ebury Street, which is located near Victoria Station. The site shows singles with bath from about 45 pounds, doubles from 65 pounds, though it points out that this is a low-season rate. The different buildings seem to house rooms that are more dorm-style as well, holding up to six beds! They seem pretty basic, but I stayed several times at hotels on that street, and was satisfied enough (of course, I was younger and less cranky then). Take a look.

_______________________

Alaska cruise for $3000: But at $500 per person you've got a small inside cabin. Which would be okay for just sleeping. Airfares are not round trip -- Dulles to Vancouver/Seattle but back from Anchorage. And you haven't budgeted for shore excursions.

Scott Vogel: Good points, at least with regard to certain itineraries. Budget-conscious travelers ought to consider cruises that begin and end in Seattle, and therefore avoid the open jaw charge.

_______________________

For 20s guy: Chicago can be miserable in August. Sure you want to switch the heat and humidity of the D.C. area for the heat and humidity of Chicagoland?

Nancy McKeon: A question for our 20s guy to ponder.

_______________________

Central European Trains: Do you know of reliable websites to find train schedules and prices between Prague and Vienna, and Vienna and Budapest? I found one or two, but they have conflicting timetable information, so I'm not sure which is correct. And I'm finding little-to-no info on prices to work into my budget.

Andrea Sachs: Have you tried Rail Europe? If that does not work, contact the Austrian tourism office at 212-944-6880.

_______________________

Pet sitter: go to American University's job board -- lots of AU students around looking for work as pet sitters, house sitters, babysitters.

Nancy McKeon: Another idea for the newcomer with a pet. Thanks.

_______________________

Getting Sterling: Rather than going to an exchange place, I just use one of the ATMs when I get to Heathrow (there are plenty of them). You get a better exchange rate most of the time. Check your bank's website before you leave, too, because sometimes your bank might have a deal with a British bank such that if you use the other bank's ATM you won't pay a fee. (I believe Bank of America won't charge a fee if you use a Barclays ATM, for example.)

Andrea Sachs: Thanks for the sterling tip.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: RE: things to do in Atlantic City. I grew up there. If you want to get out of the casinos for a bit, take a ride down Atlantic Avenue to Margate and see Lucy the Elephant. She's a folly that dates back to late 1800's -- there's a beach bar right next door if you're looking for a place for lunch. Speaking of lunch, if you like hoagies, subs, etc., A.C.'s rival South Philly's. I like Sacco's on Ventnor Ave. in Ventnor or the White House near the entrance to the A.C. Expressway. Directions: take 95 to the Delaware Memorial Bridge and take Route 40 (50 miles but its a 2 lane highway and can be slow going) or do a Google and go up 295 (you'll have to do a U-turn around route 72) and then head down the A.C. Expressway. Have a tuna sub for me!

Andrea Sachs: Great local tips. Thanks!

_______________________

Arlington, Va.: For the folks going Down Under it is definitely worth looking at QANTAS vacations or AirNZ's vacation arm. But I don't know if they will have any packages that are 3 weeks long. I took a one week (crazy, I know) trip with QANTAS Vacations 15 years ago. It included airfare, hotel, some entrance tickets, and I believe airport transfers. It was a very good deal at the time and, since I was just recently out of college and had always wanted to go to Australia, I jumped at it. I went all by myself and enjoyed the trip. It was just Sydney but I did take a day trip to Canberra by bus. I think they called it an independent trip or something like that as it is not a bus tour with a group of people or anything.

Andrea Sachs: Thanks so much for the feedback.

_______________________

Waynesboro, Va.: For the person looking for lunch in Staunton, Mill Street Grill is a great (not too fancy) restaurant. I'm a local, and this is one of my favorite spots!

Nancy McKeon: Always good to get the dope from a local! Thanks.

_______________________

For the 20 y.o. guy looking to get away: A few years ago (in my late 20s) I did a last minute weekend in Boston and had a blast. But I also did it at the last second: went to the last minute fare page for one airline, chose Boston, then did Priceline for the hotel.

If you don't need to plan ahead, wait until a week or two before. Then use lastminute.com or any of the other search tools out there for a good deal.

Nancy McKeon: More advice for the 20s guy!

_______________________

Wheaton, Md.: Okay, so I've let this go way too late. I'm looking for a hotel in Paris for mid- to late September. In the 5th or 6th, hopefully a 15-minute walk from the Seine -- off one of the major avenues, within 5-10 minutes of a Metro stop, for less than 200 euros. Not asking much, am I? Oh, and I'd like one with an interior courtyard/garden. Thanks!

Nancy McKeon: Wheaton, you know what you want! Now just plug those criteria in to Venere.com or Hotels.com. That will give you the best up-to-the-minute info. (You may have to hunt and peck a bit for the interior courtyard -- so many of which have been filled in and turned into breakfast rooms!)

_______________________

Arlington, Va.: I am flying to Paris then London in about 2 weeks for vacation. Not to sound like one of those alarmist freaks, but should I wear a mask on the airplane to avoid possible exposure to H1N1? Should I bring a precautionary prescription for Tamiflu?

Andrea Sachs: It all depends on your comfort level. I recently flew to Atlanta and saw two passengers wearing masks. By the time we landed, they had taken them off. Too much of a nuisance. I personally would not, nor would I bring a prescription. Just be smart about hygiene, such as washing your hands, covering your nose when sneezing, etc. However, again, it all depends on what makes you feel confident during your travels.

_______________________

Pounds sterling: I got British pounds from my bank (Wachovia) before my last trip. I think the exchange rate was slightly better than AAA. You have to place the order in advance; I picked up the currency at my local branch, but I think they might even deliver/courier it to you if you order well ahead of time.

And then I made sure to save 20 quid for my next trip's Heathrow Express tickets. It's in my passport.

Andrea Sachs: Great to hear. Thanks!

_______________________

Cash in London: Also, there are ATMs at the airport, which (even with fees) is probably a better deal than a currency exchange. When I went to London last year, one of the ATMs at Heathrow was right in the baggage claim area, which could not have been more convenient.

Andrea Sachs: So easy.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Hello flight crew,

Thank you for this very informative chat! My husband and I will be celebrating our first anniversary this July 4th. We'd like to go to Europe, since we have a baby on the way and won't be able to travel for a while after he/she is born. At the same time, we do have a budget -- don't want to spend too much. We were seeing deals for flight +4 nights to Barcelona for about $1000 per person and thought this was expensive, but wanted to get your perspective. What would be a good fare (with hotel included) for 4 nights in Europe? Have you seen any good deals recently? I would really appreciate it if you would help us out! Thank you.

Nancy McKeon: Um. if you're not going to take that deal, I WILL!

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Hello, I am going to Iceland this summer, but my flight gets into Reykjavik very late (11:40 p.m.). I heard the airport is very far from the city. What are my options for getting into the city at that time of night? I'm staying at a youth hostel, so they won't have airport shuttles.

Thanks.

Christina Talcott: No need to worry at all. The Flybus shuttle leaves the airport about 30 to 40 minutes after every plane's arrival, and it will take you to the youth hostel by way of the main bus terminal. It costs 2200 ISK one way, 4000 round-trip, way less expensive than a cab. It'll take an hour, probably, door-to-door, but if you want to go out afterwards (take a cab downtown from the hostel), the runtur will just be getting started.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: How about a story that was shared but shouldn't have been: first road trip my twin sister and I took, felt very grown up, at age 20, both of us 90 pound weaklings, about 30 years ago. Visited Williamsburg; on our way home, car died. Had no option but to hitch-hike to a gas station, got picked up by a guy, car towed to a gas station; mechanic "fixed" car; drove less than a mile; car broke down again; hitch hiked, well you get the picture. It ended well, but when sister called home to say we'd be a little late, she went into all the details that perhaps Mom DIDN'T need to know. What you don't know won't....

Christina Talcott: Oh boy, your mom must have been livid!

_______________________

Arlington, Va.: Is it possible to book tickets for the Eiffel tower in advance? The website is confusing.

Scott Vogel: As of now, only groups can book online for the tower (I know, we were surprised too). The rest of us can expect to continue to endure hours-long waits, especially during popular periods.

_______________________

Not my mom, but...: A week before a trip to visit my widowed father, I was making myself a new dress and managed to run the sewing machine needle all the way through my finger and out the other side. Fortunately (since I was home alone and imagined being trapped in a sewing machine for hours till someone arrived) the needle broke and I escaped the machine. But since I was feeling slightly woozy, I phoned a good neighbor, who took me to the nearest ER, then waited for me. Several x-rays, a doctor's deft removal of the offending metal, a tetanus shot, some enormous prophylactic antibiotic pills and a $275 bill later, I went home. By the time of my trip to my father's a week later, I only had a regular band-aid on my finger, as the hole was healing nicely. Upon my arrival, my father immediately noticed the band-aid and asked what happened. Oh, I replied nonchalantly, just a routine minor household cut, almost healed now... I knew better than to tell him the truth because he would've gone ballistic over my perceived recklessness, since the same thing had happened to my mother when I was a child, and he would have told me that I should have learned to be more careful from her example. He went to his death never knowing...

Christina Talcott: Ouch! Now I'm going to be nervous every time I fire up the sewing machine.

_______________________

Native New Jerseyan: Hey, don't diss Chicago in the summer -- it's less humid and hot than here, and every weekend has activities -- the Air and Water Show is in August -- tailor made for a guy. And there are neighborhood festivals, outdoor music and just about every other activity you can imagine. And plays, incredible food, etc, etc. I'd recommend it -- in fact, I may be going this summer. I wouldn't let an 85 degree day deter you.

Christina Talcott: And don't forget the beach!

_______________________

Baggage Fees?!: Hi know all travel gurus! Flying to Amsterdam this august on NWA and can't find any info on baggage fees for international flights -- they only have a section on tickets purchased before April 21, 2009. Are we going to have to pay a fee for first and 2nd bags for an international flight?

Thanks!

Andrea Sachs: If you are flying coach, first bag is free, second is $50, as long as you stay within the size allowance. It's all right here.

_______________________

Better not tell mom!: On November 2008 I did my first solo trip to Egypt and Jordan. My mother was a little bit worried since I first told her about the trip, but well... In Aswan, Egypt after asking the front desk about how safe was a trip around the town in one of the multiple horse carriages parked in front of the hotel I decided to venture. After discussing the price with the "driver" he took me in the carriage to a place in the small town where I was the only tourist. People started yelling at me and even threw things to me; the driver was yelling and joking with them. I told him I wanted to go back and he kept going farther and farther, I thought about running out of the carriage but I was also afraid of the commotion of people that were surrounding the carriage. After the longest 15-20 min of my life I was able to get back, and the driver even asked me for a huge amount of money plus a kiss. This has been my worst travel experience so far and my mother would be pretty mortified if I told her this story.

Christina Talcott: Oh no, that sounds awful!

_______________________

Arlington, Va.: Thanks for the restaurant recommendations for Staunton. In return, here's some advice for a couple of folks:

1. For the Aussie/NZ travelers -- check out the Qantas Aussie Airpass. It covers your airfare from LAX or SFO to either Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane AND 3 internal flights. You don't have to return from the same city you fly into, so you can cover a lot of ground with the Airpass. Likewise, you can purchase a Virgin Blue Airpass for 3 - 8 internal flights in Australia, but it doesn't cover the flight to/from Australia.

2. For the traveler to London wanting to buy pounds ahead of time -- WHY? The easiest and cheapest way to go is to use your ATM card once you get to the airport. If you are worried your ATM won't work (but it will), just take a few $20's and exchange them at the airport. ATM's are everywhere these days and it's the most cost-effective way to get foreign currency.

Andrea Sachs: Whoa, you are a travel guru yourself. Thanks!

_______________________

Frederick, Md.: A friend and I (ages 17 and 18) are planning a trip to Europe this summer. We can't afford to stay in a hotel every night; what are some cheap alternatives? Also would it be less expensive to get plane tickets at the end or the beginning of the summer?

Nancy McKeon: Don't think "hotel." Think "pension" (or pensione). Also, youth hostel, even convent (and note the Ebury Street rooms mentioned above, if London is in your plans). Now start your search engines and see what's out there. As for when to buy the plane tickets, summer sales have been announced already, so you probably should start shopping soon to be sure you get the dates you need.

_______________________

Reston, Va.: For the chatter whose hotel doesn't take debit cards -- a lot of places that say they don't take debit cards WILL take ones with a major credit card logo -- Visa, Mastercard, etc. They may just mean that they don't take the ones that are JUST a bank card. I could be wrong, but it's worth confirming.

What I didn't tell my mother: when my husband and I were in college, we went on different European study groups the same semester and met up in Paris for a weekend. We were on the Metro quite late one night and I overheard a group of teenage boys discussing the best way to separate me from my wallet.

Luckily nothing bad happened; my husband can be rather physically imposing when he wants to be, and when the kids realized that (a) I wasn't alone, and (b) my companion could fight back, they stopped following us. But it was pretty unnerving to listen to them speak so casually about robbing me.

My mother's going to Paris for the first time this summer. I won't be telling this story.

Christina Talcott: Haha, yeah, best to hold your tongue.

_______________________

Pet sitting: Another company to consider is Capital PetSitters. A couple I know have used them for years.

Nancy McKeon: More advice for the pet owner. Thank you!

_______________________

Silver Spring, MD: For the person booking Paris hotels: try the Paris tourism office's own site. They have discounts.

Nancy McKeon: Good advice!

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Re: Rockville single 20-something guy, sure, Boston and Chicago are great places to visit. How about taking Amtrak and NJ Transit to Atlantic City, and enjoy a night or two walking the world-famous boardwalk? Please be advised, however, that some hotels will charge an arm-and-a-leg for single occupancy of rooms, so find a room from one of the consolidators.

Nancy McKeon: Hey, 20s guy, everyone's looking out for you!

_______________________

Midway vacation place: Can anyone think of a nice vacation spot midway between Chicago and central Pennsylvania? (About a 5-hour drive, I imagine. Maybe something in Ohio?) We'd like to rent a house with some friends, preferably in an area with a lake or easy hiking. Does anything come to mind?

Scott Vogel: Ever thought of visiting the Cedar Point area on Lake Erie? Seems to fit your criteria.

_______________________

Fairfax, Va.: My senior year of college my boyfriend and I decided to take a weekend trip to the Bahamas at the last minute. We had stumbled across a bargain package trip and we decided to just go for it. I knew my folks weren't going to love the idea for a few different reasons, so I kept it to myself. Two weeks later I was home for winter break and we were headed off to Vegas as a family. When we got the airport I realized I had forgotten my purse. My mom was in a state of panic about it but then I remembered my passport was still in my backpack. Which was great for getting on the plane and into the casinos, but resulted in my having to explain why I was carrying it around with me. So much for that secret.

Christina Talcott: Ooh, busted!

_______________________

Reston, Va.: For the chatter looking for inexpensive hotels -- check out LondonTown.com. They often have discount rates for pricy hotels -- a few years ago, I had a room in Knightsbridge, a block away from Harrods, for less than half the going rate on the hotel chain's website. There are other discounts on that site too. (No business relation -- just a satisfied customer.)

Nancy McKeon: London bargain alert -- thanks!

_______________________

San Francisco, Calif.: Dear Travel Gurus,

I'll be in D.C. in mid-July for a conference and would like to take a day trip somewhere by train before the conference starts. I don't know the area very well. Could you give me some suggestions on cities that can be reach in 60-90 minutes by train?

Thanks very much!

Andrea Sachs: Baltimore is the closest city. And if catch the MARC train, you will pay less than Amtrak.

_______________________

Hillsboro, Va.: My family is traveling to London with side trips, next April-May. We'd like to stay in B&Bs. How do we find good B&Bs in safe areas?

Thanks!

Nancy McKeon: See the post about LondonTown.com

_______________________

Canada cards for driving: FYI, I bought a new car last October and called my insurance agent for a new card for driving in Canada (we live in a border state and this was an Allstate agent). I was pleasantly surprised to learn that they are no longer required. So I'd check to be sure, but I think you are now okay with your own U.S.-based insurance card.

Christina Talcott: Ok, we'll have to look into this...

_______________________

Alaskan Cruise: It's totally doable for $3000... we had an inside cabin which was fine, we spent much of the time on deck anyways, and having been on many cruises, if I can't afford a balcony, a window is a waste of money, you want the fresh air.

We went round trip out of Seattle, Pricelined a hotel downtown, and even with excursions came in under their budget price (and we added a couple days in Vancouver and Victoria as well).

If you go, 100% do the Bearing Sea Crab Fishermen's tour in Ketchikan. It's a boat that was on Deadliest Catch, with a captain and crew that have been there, and it's fascinating (and a beautiful tour as well).

Enjoy!

Scott Vogel: That's the spirit. Thanks!

_______________________

Ellicott City, Md.: First, I'd say New Haven's story contains every parents fondest hope: true friends who really look out for each other. I hope my kids are so lucky when they're grown.

Regarding the Oz/NZ trip -- Just go to New Zealand. I spent three weeks there ten years ago and it was a whirlwind trip. I was exhausted at the end of it. You won't have time for both, trust me. There are several backpacking tour operators that run up and down the islands. They drop you at a hostel, you stay as long as you want, and then get on a bus when it comes by next. It's very convenient and if you feel like staying in a particular place for a few days, it's no big deal. I think I took Magic Bus. Kiwi Adventures is another, I think. New Zealand is gorgeous and spectacular, and deserves at least six weeks, I think!

Australia deserves a few trips on its own.

Christina Talcott: Thanks for the recommendation!

_______________________

New York, N.Y.: Hello all -- I just returned from a ten-day trip to Italy (Rome, Venice and Naples). Had a WONDERFUL time, didn't want to come back! Before going over there, I did a lot of research and read quite a bit about how forward and aggressive Italian men are supposed to be (catcalling, whistling, etc.), especially to blondes (which I am and, without false modesty, reasonably attractive). Happily this did not turn out to be the case at all, everyone was very respectful. Question: Has the culture changed that much? I did try to dress to blend in -- no shorts or backpacks, tight-fitting, fashionable clothes, etc. But I confess it was a shock to get more street attention here in NYC than in Italy!

I also read about how the gypsies had gotten so aggressive toward tourists that the Italian government was going to crack down on them -- and they must have done something because I didn't see ANY in Rome or Venice. (Did see a few in Naples.) What happened?

Nancy McKeon: I may be all wet, but I think that particular culture changed a loooooong time ago. As for Gypsies, dunno.

_______________________

Former Chicagoan: After 16 years there, I stand by my statement that Chicago can be miserable in August (don't you remember that heat wave when something like 600 people died?). However, I agree the neighborhood festivals can't be beat. And I'm sure a 20s guy would enjoy the beach volleyball on Oak Street Beach. I'm just sayin'...

Nancy McKeon: Okay, okay!

_______________________

D.C. cubicle: I've traveled to plenty of places without telling my parents (mostly while of age) -- Amsterdam, Thailand, and Mayorga -- but the most mishaps happened in Tijuana, Mexico.

As a college student in S.D., it wasn't uncommon to cross the border to party. Students heard and circulated "tips" on partying in TJ. Some stories encouraged people to hide cash in shoes so cops and pick-pockets wouldn't steal it.

Funniest mishap: A father offers his teen daughter (who looked 15 years old) as a bride to my guy friend. The funny part is that we couldn't tell if he was serious, drunk, or had a better sense of humor than us!

The best mishap: Ending up onstage at a strip club.

Worst mishap: Having a foreign exchanged student deported to his home country because he didn't realize he was not allowed to leave the U.S.

Common mishap: having no recollection of crossing the border back into the U.S.

Christina Talcott: Ooh, I'm cringing here...

_______________________

Pennsylvania: You know, I have to say that my parents are far more adventurous than I am -- and they think the hair-raising stories are the best part of any trip. I always told them everything. Perhaps there were things THEY didn't tell ME about their trips.

Christina Talcott: Haha, that's great!

_______________________

Midway Ohio Vacation: A few years ago, we held a family reunion at Put-in-Bay, Ohio -- adorable little ferry-access-only island in Lake Erie, not far from the recommended Sandusky/Cedar Point area. Lots of B&Bs and rentals.

Christina Talcott: Thanks!

_______________________

Chicago-PA midway: Another option is Louisville, southern Indiana

Christina Talcott: Good rec, thanks!

_______________________

Old Town, Va.: My husband and I are looking for a small getaway for a week in July. We'd love to rent a pet-friendly (new puppy) house in a laid-back, fun community within a 6 or 7 hour drive from D.C. Someone suggested Hudson, N.Y. Any experience with Hudson or alternate suggestions?

Nancy McKeon: Hudson is great for antiquing, but you're also near Olana and other historic houses, and Rhinebeck and other great towns. You could have a lot of fun in the area.

_______________________

S. California in August?: I think the poster who recommended this to the mid-20s guy is crazy. That's the time of year you can't breathe in L.A. I lived there for seven years, and that's when you want to leave.

Nancy McKeon: More advice for 20s guy.

_______________________

RE: Baggage fees: Thanks so much -- I looked at that site up and down over the weekend and that page specifically -- it wasn't there! Thanks so much for responding.

Nancy McKeon: Ah, the vagaries of the Web!

_______________________

Christina Talcott: Ok, that's it for us this week. Thanks for all your questions and helpful hints for your fellow travelers. To New Haven with the horrifying Copper Canyon story, I'm sending you that Carnival bag. Send your name and address to talcottc@washpost.com. And to everyone else, let's hear it for surviving youthful indiscretions! Talk to you all next week.

_______________________

Editor's Note: washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions. washingtonpost.com is not responsible for any content posted by third parties.