Talk About Travel: Transcript Hosted by Craig Stoltz Washington Post Travel Editor Monday, April 5, 1999

Craig Stoltz The Washington Post

Stamford, CT: When should air travel to Ireland for the Millennium - New Year's Holiday be booked? Would you expect air fares to rise dramatically as the year end approaches?

Craig Stoltz: Book your year-end flights now. Today. Prices will not be going down. Given the unusual nature of the coming travel period--the time when people want to go is remarkably compressed--airline seats are in fixed supply. As fewer become available, prices will certainly not go down. All major airlines should be accepting bookings by now.

Germantown, MD: This is a question about staying right here for the millenium.

I understand that the local and federal governments have big plans for New Year's Eve events in D.C. - but the details have not been released. Do you have any updated information on this?

How would you recommend that D.C. sell itself better as a tourist destination?

Craig Stoltz: Alas, you were about to guess: our friends in the D.C. government have not yet agreed on plans--there's some sort of turf war between local and federal folks. But we know this: The Mall will be involved, with a series of activities beginning July 4 and stretching into 2000. Watch the Post's metro section for details as they develop.

As for you latter point: D.C. has for a long time been underpromoted, pretty much letting the presence of Federal Washington promote it. As the area's economy and population diversify, it needs a good coordinated campaign. Alas, coordination isn't something the area is very good at.

Washington, DC: The April 4 Travel Section P. E2 "Exhibit A" by Robyn Davis is headlined "In Minnesota, a Museum of Madness." Does Ms. Davis believe that Saint Joseph, Missouri is in Minnesota? It's pretty sad when travel writters are this geographically challenged&-33 How about an acknowledgement of the blunder.

Craig Stoltz: The mistake was ours. As you'll notice, Davis--who lives near St. Jo.--got it right in the story. It was we of the Travel section who topped it with the bad headline. We're embarrassed. We're sorry. Ack.

Woodley Park: There's lots of talk about where people can spend the Millennium; just wondering where the "experts" at the Post travel section plan to go?

Craig Stoltz: A brief survey of-the-pods reveals: Outer Banks, North Carolina; three undecideds; a party at home. Gary Lee, in Louisiana today, author of yesterday's piece, is likely to be the most exotic New Year's traveler among us, but hasn't yet announced. Truth told, the thinking here is that none of us wants to fly--for fear of hassles, not death--and since we travel a lot anyway, we're deferring more ambitious plans for a saner, more affordable time. An industry insider we know has chosen Amelia Island, Florida--East Coast, driveable, quiet, civilized. Sounds like good thinking.

Dayton, MD: We'd love to travel to Italy in the year 2000. Rome specifically. We have heard that typically March is a good month to go...good weather, few tourists. I know you can't forecast the weather but do you expect things will still be crowded with year 2000 celebrations? How about Christmas 2000? Thanks.

Craig Stoltz: March is a great time for Italy, but try to avoid Easter (pilgrims seeking the Pope), and be aware that Millennial stuff is certain to be continuing all year in the seat of the Catholic church. So it may not be as quiet a spring as in most years. Yet it'll probably be one of the quieter times in a busy year. Also, as usual, avoid school holidays (spring break).

Falls Church, VA: HELP&-33 Where could my betrothed and I go on a reasonably-priced, yet exciting honeymoon in August? Airfares to Europe seem outrageous. The Carribean seems vulnerable to hurricanes. I would love to go someplace beach-y. How's Hawaii that time of year? Any suggestions to start the process would be very much appreciated.

Craig Stoltz: Let's turn this one over to our vast clicking audience. Any advice here for August honeymooners?

Washington, DC: Hello:

My husband and I will be taking a a very short trip
to San Francisco at the end of May for a cousin's graduation.
Any suggestions for making the most of our short stay. By the way, we will arrive on a Thursday at around noon and our plane does not leave to come back to D.C. until the following Sunday night at 10:50. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated&-33

Thanks&-33

Craig Stoltz: Three things: (1) Run the gauntlet of Fisherman's Wharf only to buy tickets for the boat that takes you under the Golden Gate Bridge to Muir Woods. It's unforgettable, the most concentrated dose of bridge and nature you can ask for. (2) Walk from the Marina District to North Beach, say via Lombard or Bay (both pretty busy, but you can sneak into back neighborhoods for a while). It leads to Coit Tower, offering a neat view of the waterfront and the city. It's also a good chance to feel those remarkable hills in your legs when you visit SF, essential for any visitor. (3) Ride the trolleys (see our Web site for a story we did not long ago about this, author Tom McNichol). NOT the cable cars, which are just for tourists. The trolleys are anachronistic conveyances that carry you through neighborhoods and let you rub shoulders with natives. Under no circumstances may you spend money at Fisherman's Wharf. It will only encourage them.

Potomac, MD: When should we begin making reservations for our April 2000 honeymoon? Will it be more difficult than usual to book hotels in and flights to the Caribbean?

Thanks for any information you can share&-33

Craig Stoltz: Airlines don't take reservations until some 340-350 days before the flight, so you won't be able to book air now. From what I've read and heard, the places most likely to be crowded for year 2000 travel (i.e., all year long) are the Holy Land, Italy, Egypt--places with religious or cultural resonance to 2000. The Caribbean may seem a bounce upward, but it should not be of the magnitude that would make you alter your plans.

loveland, co: what is the best way to get information on the area that i will be going to? i'm going to waynesville, nc and i have never been there. i'll be there at the end of the year.

bw

Craig Stoltz: In Waynesvill, in North Carolina's mountain panhandle, you won't be far from Asheville, one of the U.S.'s most beautiful "undiscovered" arty, college-y small towns. You'll also be on the cusp of Great Smoky Mountain National Park if that suits your tastes. For more info: www.commerce.state.nc.us.

Washington, D.C.: For the honeymooners:

Try South Africa. Truly exciting, beautiful scenery, and beaches. One drawback is that it's the winter there then so you probably won't be able to swim. But that also means you won't be innundated with crowds. I don't know about the prices during August.

Craig Stoltz: Thanks, D.C. But: The airfare can be quite pricey.

Arlington: A friend of mine needs to go to LA this weekend for a family emergency -his uncle is dying-. Other than paying the exhorbitant walkup fare or trying a consolidator are there any other alternatives?

Craig Stoltz: All airlines have bereavement fares, less than walkup but not as cheap, usually, as advance purchase. Try priceline.com--usually we advise against it, but the bid-on-a-seat approach may kick out a low far. (Try aiming at 14-day-advance purchase price with your bid.)

N. POTOMAC, MD: We wanted to do something special for the New Year -2000- but have been told by many not to fly because of Y2K problems. What do you think?

Craig Stoltz: If you plan to fly during the days immediately before or after The Big Night, expect crowds, delays, grouchiness, overtaxed infrastructure, high prices. . .but not, say, falling from the sky in a flaming fireball. The only serious warnings I'm aware of relative to air travel are in developing countries, which may lack the resources to deal with Y2K issues or the backup systems needed to deal with computer meltdowns. If you're flying domestically, your big question is why you're doing it, not whether you should.

Columbia, MD: Is it too late to make arrangements for Cornwall and view the solar eclipse in August? I'll be traveling alone, or with a friend who lives in London, and we can either rough it or go high level. After the eclipse we would like to attend the Edinburgh film festival, but the eclipse is 1st priority.

Craig Stoltz: One good source to start with is www.bedbreak.com, which lists b&bs all over the United Kingdom. 800-454-8704. Better still: Look at next week's Post Travel section, which will feature information about how to view the eclipse from many different locations, including Cornwall.

Arlington, VA: Good afternoon&-33 I am in the early planning of an October honeymoon to Italy. We have determined our general itinerary -- but wish to enlist a good travel agent to do all of the hotel reservations and leg-work. How can we locate a reputable travel agent that specializes in Italy -- but not organized tours?

Craig Stoltz: You should interview several agents, insisting on on-the-ground, recent experience in the country. That's hard to find. We happen to know that McCabe/Bremer in Fairfax has a dedicated Italy specialist, but many others do too. But *don't* put yourself into the hands of a generalist or someone who just says, "oh, we handle a lot of Italy trips." Sample question: Pick out a hotel that, from your reading, seems promising. See how the agent responds. If they don't know it but steer you elsewhere, that may not be a good sign. If they say they'll find out, good. If they try to sell you a pre-packaged itinerary without regard to your personal interests, bolt. But no matter who you use, you need to be a partner with that agent. Read as much as you can, canvass your friends for those who have been there repeatedly. Use this knowledge to inform your agent about what you might want.

Fairfax, VA: Also for last minute fares, most airlines have "e-fares," although they don't come out until Wednesday. You can check the individual airline websites, or try www.smarterliving.com.

Craig Stoltz: Thanks, Fairfax. Washingtonpost.com also rounds up all last-minute weekend fares every Wednesday on our Travel site.

Arlington, VA: In response to the "where should we go for August?"...
Edinburgh, Scotland&-33 The city hosts a fine arts festival, and a "Fringe" festival has sprouted up, even larger than the original. Street performers, musicians, experimental plays, etc. I was there -by coincidence- for the festival last year, and I had a great time. The pubs stay open much later during the 3 week period, so you won't find the party over at 11pm&-33 It's not just for partying, of course, and Edinburgh has so much to see and do. Tour the Scottish highlands while you're there, of course.

Craig Stoltz: Thanks, Arlington. . . .

Kensington, MD: I'm going to Barcelona in a couple of weeks, but only for a long weekend. Please suggest some things to see or do. Coming from the Washington area, I am less interested in wandering through museums and more interested in seeing natural beauty, such as the sea and mountains. Are there mountains in Barcelona? What about the beaches?

Craig Stoltz: As it turns out, I'm headed to Barcelona soon. I'm told there's a funicular leading into the mountains nearby (yes, there are mountains), and some great hiking/biking day trips in the nearby country. I don't know any of this from experience, however. Anybody out there taken a recent Barcelona trip who can help us out?

Ft. Myer Heights, VA: Millennium or otherwise, can you offer some Italy tips for the first-time traveler going for about two weeks? Best time to travel? Key cities to hit? Any particularly good packages?

Craig Stoltz: Please send this question in next week, when deputy editor KC Summers will be back from a 10-day "major sites and cities" tour of Italy.

Washington,DC: With 2 weeks in the British Isles in July, what would be 3 or 4 -or more- home base villages in order to see the rural beauty of England, Scotland and Ireland?

Craig Stoltz: A good place to start is the British Tourist Authority, 800-462-2748, www.usagateway.visitbritain.com. Anybody out there have village suggestions? None of our Brit countryside travelers is in the office today. . . .

Arlington, Va.: Let's say I want to drive to New York just for New Year's Eve, watch the ball drop, revel with the mob for a few hours and drive home. Any suggestions or predictions on whether this is possible, whether I-95 will be a parking lot that day, etc.?

Craig Stoltz: In yesterday's Travel section, we ran a sidebar about really cheap chain hotels near major cities, that can serve as simple quarters for the foray you plan. I would recommend a roadside inn for the night rather than driving both ways. The farther away from Manhattan, the lower the prices are. . . .

radnor hts va: paris on july 4th -- a good idea?

Craig Stoltz: What say you, clicksters?

McLean, Virginia: I'm planning on spending a three-four day long weekend in Paris in early December to celebrate my 30th birthday. Any advice on getting the best airfare and a reasonable rate for accomodations? Any tips on short stays in Paris? Thanks&-33

Craig Stoltz: If you're going *early* December--not near Christmas or the New Year--wait until fall to make your plans. We hear that, because so much travel will "relocate" itself from the fall to the New Year slot this season, hotels, air and whatnot may be going begging. And every year, early December is a seasonal trough when airlines and packagers offer cheap-cheap-cheap deals. You should be in a buyer's market. Wait two weeks and you'll be out of luck entirely.

Gaithersburg, MD: To the August honeymooner...
My husband and I went to Hawaii in August-Sept for our honeymoon&-33 It was great&-33&-33 We were also concernced about the hurricaine problem. In fact, we went to the OuterBanks, NC last year to celebrate our anniversary and had to evacuate because of Hurricaine Bonnie. I would recommend Hawaii-- it was, of course, warm and a little humid, but we loved it&-33

Craig Stoltz: Thanks for sharing, Gaithersburg

St. Joseph, MISSOURI: To the couple going to Waynesville, N.C.: Plan to go to Linville Falls and grandfather mountain. Linville falls is a beautiful walk up a mountain with waterfalls and lots of that kind of neat stuff. Grandfather mountain offers an exhilerating view, with a
mile-high bridge that is somewhat terrifying if it's clear that high up. Also has a neat little zoo. One option for you might be some of the little cabins and things that rent cheap around there. Craig is right about Asheville --- great town with interesting arts scene and lots of antique stores.

Craig Stoltz: We can always count on St. Jo, Minnesota for words of wisdom. . . .

Arlingtony : Any suggestions for us single folks who enjoy active vacations, i.e. swimming, tennis, golf. Everything always seems to couples oriented at New Years.

Craig Stoltz: We turn to our vast clicking audience for this one. Truth told, this is a wrinkle of New Year 2000 travel we haven't explored yet, and wonder what sort of plans soloists are making? [By the way, is "Arlingtony" the fashionable part of Arlington?]

Washington, D.C.: For the Barcelona bound: Try a day trip to the Costa Brava. It's just north of the city, with woods and mountains and beaches all together. There are inexpensive local buses that go there.

Craig Stoltz: Thanks, D.C.

Arlington, VA: Well, I hate to post again -I recommended Edinburgh-, but I was in Spain in November, and spent the first weekend in Barcelona. You can lose an entire weekend just wandering the Ramblas and Barri Gotic -Gothic Neighborhood-, snacking at Tapas bars and enjoying the water. The "sights" in Barcelona don't really draw you in... this place is a beach city, and a cool city: the nightlife is a major draw. The cathedrals are a yawn compared to elsewhere in Spain. Avoid this place in the hottest summer months, unless you're fond of German tourists. Do not rent a car. We did, and only God knows how we kept from wrecking it. Parking is non-existent, as well.

Craig Stoltz: Great stuff, Arlington. . .

St. Joseph, Missouri, Minnesota, whatever: About Italy: In Rome and Venice -must-sees-, many, many people speak English. But learn a few words and greet people as you enter their shops. That seemed to help me a lot, with getting help in shops and not getting looked at suspiciously.
When to go: GO IN FEBRUARY. Airfare is cheap, crowds are minimal and if you go to Venice, hotel rates drop dramatically. The weather is very nice, too, generally speaking.
I wouldn't even rent a car. Walk the cities; it is easy to do. Consider also figuring out the bus system; it's an easy, cheap way to get around in Rome.

Craig Stoltz: Yessir, we can always depend on Mongolia for great advice. . . .

Alexandria, VA: Craig: Pardon my ignorance, but what is &33? Thanks.

Craig Stoltz: At first I thought it was one of those too-cute emoticons, designed to express some winky attitude. Luckily, it's just a bit of digital lint that our Web site seems to have in its pockets lately. So ignore &33. ;) (just kidding!)

washington, dc: Some ideas for the Barcelona trip: there are mountains nearby, try the beautiful views from Montjuic, and also many lovely beach towns, the names of which are escaping me. These are all accesible by car or bus. Also, the area where the Olympics were held has many lovely parks and places to stroll, and this area actually winds through the city's higher points, leading you to the top of a smaller-sized mountain, from which you can take a cable car down to the marina-- a great walk and great view of the city below. When in Barcelona, the true joy is to be found in two activities: walking through the narrow streets of the ancient Bari Gotic; and sitting at a cafe-restaurant on Las Ramblas, watching the daily parade of people and characters passing by.

Craig Stoltz: Still more Barcelona. . ..

Alexandria, Va.: Some people say the millennium doesn't really start until 2001 -if it started in 1000 it won't end until the end of 2000-. Do you think there'll be another travel frenzy next new year's?

Craig Stoltz: No, because pedantic bores usually stay home.

Washingtonpost.com: '&33' is how our discussion software seems to translate a dash. We're working on it.

Washington, DC: For Paris travellers I would recommend an renting an apartment. My wife and I just got back from there yesterday and we rented one from Paris Connection. The service cost about the same as a mid-priced hotel room for a one bedroom apartment, but we also received an orientation to the city including the metro and bus lines and metro passes for our stay. We found it so much nicer than a hotel because you are in a nieghborhood rather than a tourist location. Although the apartment route is not for all if you need hotel type services.

Craig Stoltz: Great advice for Paris. . . But was there a minimum stay requirement? Web site?

College Park, MD: To the person who wants to go to Paris for the Fourth of July: I was there last year and my friends and I went to an American bar and had the time of our lives eating apple pie and watching the World Cup. Parisiens don't care about the holiday. If you have a chance, stay for Bastille day, July 14th, which is the French Independance day.

Craig Stoltz: Thanks, College Park!

Rockville, MD: I just entered bedbreak.com and got Bed and Breakfasts in France not in the UK.
HQ

Craig Stoltz: The British Tourist Authority sent us this Web site address directly, so we can't figure this out either. A spokesman said he'll clear it up tomorrow. Meantime, fall back on that dreaded digital time-hog: The Search Engine.

Arlington VA: Craig, have you heard of this spa called Villa Bejar in Mexico -- and if so, do you know if it's a bargain?

Craig Stoltz: Noone here knows of it, and it's not in either of our spa directories. Any spa-going clicksters know this place?

Washington, DC: Our group of 5 couples would like to rent a house in the Outer Banks for the Thurs. through Sun time slot of the New Years weekend. Checked with a few rental agencies and they are all renting only for the week at peak rates. Or we can take our chances the week before to see if we can get a place for a few days instead of a week. Any recommendations for our group who prefer a nice quiet New Years away together and preferably have our plans decided before the week we're supposed to go? Thanks.

Craig Stoltz: John Deiner is the staffer who's planning an O.B. New Year's too. He says that traditionally, rental firms charge more and require longer commitments the farther out the weekend/week is. But the holiday season is usually nearly empty on the Outer Banks. He was told that if he waited until the fall, he's more likely to find something cheaper and for a shorter period. He's still looking for a place now, but may wind up waiting. But yes, it's a crapshoot if you wait too long. Have connections with a homeowner down there? Owners may be more likely to deal now than rental firms.

If you can't do the Banks but want the beach, you can try Rehoboth/Dewey/Bethany, or Hilton Head, S.C.

Rockville, MD: Answer to "Arlingtony" Active Singles Vacations:

One company to check out is Backroads. They do many "singles" trips to beautiful places, although their definition of active is more hiking and biking, not the country-club sports. Food and culture also feature. Last time I checked their Web site, there were several year 2000 singles trips available.

Craig Stoltz: Thanks, Rockvilly!

Washington DC: We're arranging for a group of friends to head out to Barcelona for the Y2K New Year's Eve bash&-33&-33 We're leaving 29th and returning the 9th of Jan. First, many of our friends say that we're absolutely insane for attempting this trip during "the Y2K"; is it? or are they just chicken? Second, any suggestions for cool spots in Barcelona to be at during the BIG countdown? Adios

Craig Stoltz: It's possible that both you are crazy *and* your friends are chicken. Give us a buzz from your seatback phone on the 29th and let us know how the flight is going.

As for places in Barcelona: Ask again in mid-June, when I may (or not) have some first-hand observations.

Washington, Dc: As far as Paris Connection is concerned they don't have a web site but their phone number is 954.475.0615 and they will fax you floorplans of the apartments. I think they may have a minimum stay requirement of a week but perhaps less. Other services have web sites but this one seemed to have the best service.

Craig Stoltz: Thanks again, D.C.. . . .

Washington, DC: Chincoteague is an interesting-funky, low key beach town. We rented a house there last year that would be great for 5 couples from Island Properties in Chinco. It's huge, modern, tons of decks and on water. House is called Wildcat Cover

Craig Stoltz: Thanks, D.C.

Rockville, Md.: I want to do something fundementally American for the millennium, avoiding the big cities. Any suggestions? How about St. Joseph, Mo.?

Craig Stoltz: Williamsburg has some special plans for the New Year (they always have a big Christmas crowd anyway). As for St. Jo, Michigan, I hear they're all a little nutty out there.

And on that fond note, we sign off another session of Travel Chat. Next week we cruise the Seine, visit Mexico via the Web, play through the entire state of Alabama, advise you on seeing that much-anticipated eclipse, and tour three new cruise ships. And if that isn't enough? Visit us again next Monday at 2 p.m., for more of the same.