I am 5 weeks away from departing for a vacation to London and Paris. We are a party of 7 (4 adults and 3 teenagers) and had to make a last minute change in where we are heading to for summer. Is there an agent you can recommend who can do both countries in such a short notice? It is the kid's first trip to Europe and we want to make it memorable/unique rather than a canned tour.....Help!

I noticed that you likes to use WhichBudget and that Cranky likes to use FlyCheapo. Maybe you should both try my website: www.CutTheCosta.com !

WHERE IS BERMUDA ?
I AM READING YOUR GREAT ARTICLE ON VILLAS IN THE JUNE 2007 MAG AND I CAN NOT UNDERSTAND WHY IT APPEARS THAT BERMUDA IS NEVER IN ANY OF THESE TYPES OF ARTICLES. IT APPEARSTHAT BERMUDA IS NEVER "ON SALE" AND ALSO IS VERY HARD TO FIND ACCOMMODATIONS OTHER THAN MAIN STREAM HOTELS. I HAVE BEEN TO THE ISLAND MANY TIMES AND KNOW IT WELL. BUT I WOULD LIKE TO STAY SOMEWHERE DIFFERENT THAN A BOX HOTEL. WE ARE A FAMILY OF FIVE, ANY SUGGESTIONS ??

Advice on how to pack lightly for a10
day med. cruise(on a small ship}with 3 formal nites,2 informal nites(coctail attire)&the rest "country club casual".Spending time pre&post cruise in Venice & Istanbul. I'm finding packing lightly a real challenge.Please advise.Thanks.

we are looking for a small group trip to Italy. Active-but not too much... There are several, so how can you tell which ones are good and which we should avoid. Can you make recommendations?
Thank you!

Dear Wendy,
We are loking to spend the month of September in Croatia. Do you have a travel agent on your "Rolodex" who specializes in travel to that country?

My husband and I plus our infant son are planning to take a 1 week road trip at the end of July. We live in NYC. Any route suggestions?

Thanks for the advice.

Our son's high school graduation gift is a visit to Paris. He is over 18 and has a US passport, but will be flying in and out of Montreal for complicated reasons. Will there be any complications? any difficulties at the border or airport when he reports for his flight? Do the new US-Canada regulations make this sort of trip more difficult?
Thanks,
cadcats in NY

My 85+ year old mother in law is planning a trip next May/June to take her 5 children + spouses to visit her family in Southern Italy. Her family is mainly in Nova Siri, Rotondella & Rocca Imperiale in the arch of the boot. She has stayed in the Imperiale Hotel in Nova Siri in the past & someone saw the Akiris in Marina di Nova Siri but heard it was a pretty loud holiday resort complex. She wants to be able to host a couple of receptions for all the relatives to come meet all of us. Do you know of any villa rentals in the area that would work for a party of 11-12 adults in 5 or 6 bedrooms, something in the mid to upper range, for one to two weeks. Appreciate any ideas you might have for us.

I'd like to travel to Antigua in November. The best flights I've found are on two different airlines. I'd be flying one way on Continental and one way on USAir. I can get a much better price online using the airline's website. In this day and age, is it possible to travel on two one-way tickets or will I have immigration issues? Thanks for your assistance.

I reviewed your Villa Rental Expert list and contacted the various web sites. Virtually nothing for the Amalfi Coast. Do you know of a villa rental person in that part of Italy?

Just read your VERY NEGATIVE cruise article about cruise costs in July issue of CNTRAVELER...Why don't you like to cruise (i.e. article did not mention if you got value for the money or even if you liked the cruise?)...it seems to me you probably did not pay for the cruise because it was an assignment or if you did pay for it, you could write it off on your taxes , lowering your net cruise cost by 40%...so what gives Wendy, why do you have a cruise burr up your travel b***?????...your article needed some positives!

RALPH CASTRO, CRUISE LOVER IN SAN DIEGO...

Dear Hommebronze,
I feel that I must reply on Wendy's behalf, as she's currently on her way to the first destination in the Where's Wendy? contest. Neither Wendy nor I -- nor any other Conde Nast Traveler editor or writer -- accepts any free or discounted services. It's part of our Truth in Travel policy, which also dictates that we always travel incognito. Wendy did not get a tax deduction from the trip either, since the magazine paid the full cost of the cruise. You can read more about the positive and negative aspects of a cruise in our upcoming cruise booklet, contained in the August issue of Conde Nast Traveler.

Please advise best place in India (Kerala?) to go for instruction in meditation, intro yoga and Avurvedic medicine. Any recommendations on same in the US? Thanks

My husband and I are taking a transatlantic repositioning cruise in December. We will be taking shore excursions in Morocco and in the Canary Islands. I need guidelines for tipping drivers and guides. Also, may tips be given in US dollars?

I have been told that tour buses are not allowed near Pisa and that it is a 2 mile walk from the bus to the city. Is there any provision for handicapped people?

Wendy,
Lynda and Gary Bayless here in Santa Rosa have become United Miles people, finally. After using their credit card we were able to accumulate enough miles for Lynda to fly to a wedding in Portland. I made the reservation for the July weekend. Unfortunately she will not be able to fly up there after all. United has responded with a charge of $100 to get the miles back and cancel the trip. Is this typical and fair? Anything or anyone we can contact or do to lower this unexpected fee, about half of the normal air fare? Since this is the very first time we have tried to use the Miles for travel, we are disheartened. Please say hello to your darling husband for us.
Gary

Thanks for your prompt response to my earlier question on tipping in Morocco and the Canary Islands. The day tours we will be taking are only 4 hrs in most cases. Doesn't $50/$20 and $30/$20 for guides/drivers sound excessive?

NancyF, if your shore excursions are only half-days, you can cut these prices in half.

We are taking a Mediterranean cruise in a few weeks and are disappointed with the shore excursions offered by HAL. Do you have any recommendations for shore excursions companies which are reputable? I see lots of things on the internet, but don't know which companies are legit and offer good value. We are particularly interested in customizing our experience in Livorno (Florence) and Naples (Pompeii, etc.) We have a wide age range 10-80 years, with the 80 year old having some mobility issues (not in a wheelchair, but can't walk far.) Thanks.

Is there a way to read the responses you send to the other folks who post questions? I am interested in the responses to some of the other questions as well as the one I posted. Thanks.

In the recent issue of CN you stated that the seas are always rough through the Panama Canal coming from the west coast. We are planning on taking a cruise through the canal in April and I wonder how bad it is then and is it better to go from east to west. aferrick

My son, who is traveling alone in Europe before starting medical school at the University of Washington in August, just called me (it is now about 8pm in Firenze, asking me if I could possibly find him a room for two or three rooms in Florence, starting tomorrow. He will be arriving in Florence early tomorrow morning, July 10, and needs accommodation for 1 from July 10 to July 12 or 13. I know it is very short notice, but would you please see if any of your convents or monasteries near the center of the city would be able to take him. He is carrying a backpack, but he is VERY responsible, and I will give you payment, in advance, using MC or AmExpress. I have a PayPal account, but would need to add more funds to it, which usually takes a couple of days. Thank you for any help you can give. Rita Markel

We will be traveling to northern europe on a Celebrity ship on Aug. 18 for 14 days. We are overwhelmed by the land packages offered by the cruise line. It has been recommended to us that we share a driver and van with other couples in many of the countries. How can we connect with others who might be interested? Thanks Judy

My husband and 20 year old daughter will be returning to Venice from a cruise of the Greek Islands on 8/4/07 and have 4 days to travel within northern Italy before flying out of Milan. We have been to Venice, Florence and Rome and want to make the most of the 4 days. We have a car rented, where do you suggest we go? Stay in Milan and do day trips to places i.e. Lake Como? We would also like to see the Italian Riviera, Portofino. Do we book hotels in advance or try to wing it as we go?

Hi Wendy,

I'm making my first trip to Koh Sa Mui, Thailand. I want it to be a budget trip yet be where the buzz is..We are two girls travelling and want to stay in a cheap but comfortable and safe hotel. Also of the 3 islands which ones' best to stay at and which ones' best to party and hangout at?
I'm planning to go in the first week of august.
Do reply soon,
Manisha

Hi Wendy,

I have a company (a project, really) called Stroll San Francisco that offers really entertaining audio tours of of the city in mp3 format, ideal for use on iPods and other audio devices. The tours feature professional actors portraying the city?s colorful historical characters, real San Franciscans telling their own stories, well-known city historians bringing the past to life, great music, sound effects and a lively narrator. There are 33 tours in all, 4 ? hours worth, covering every corner of San Francisco. You can check it out at www.strollsanfrancisco.com.

A little about myself? I?m a fourth-generation San Franciscan whose great-grandfather was mayor of the city in the late 19th century. I?m also an ex-Shakespearean actor and director who now creates radio advertising for clients all around the country (www.pondradio.com).

I hope you?ll take a listen.

Cheers,

Sam Pond
Founder/Chief Storyteller
Stroll San Francisco

Hi Wendy!
I have a question about speeding tickets in the UK! We spent 2 weeks in May touring Wales, Scotland and England in a rental car. I received a notice from the rental car agency today that we were caught by a speed camera, doing 42 in a 30mph zone! The rental agency said they supplied our information to the police and charged our credit card 23 pounds for doing so! We have yet to receive a notice of a penalty or fine from the British authorities. Will they pursue this since we live in the US? If we do not receive a letter/notice of a penalty or fine, will we have problems if we try to rent a car the next time we visit the UK? Do you know any non British residents who have received a speeding fine in the UK? Thanks for any info you can provide!

Hi Wendy! We are going to be taking a Mediterranean Cruise with our teens ages 18 and 19. We were hoping to rent scooters somewhere at a Port City and explore that way. What is the best way to find out how to do this? Are there in guided tours using scooters? Port Cities are: Barcelona, Palermo, Naples, Civitavecchia, La Spezia, Marseille and Villefranche.
Thanks.
veloskil

I want to cruise through the Panama Canal - probably a 15 day cruise. My only problem is I have elderly parents and I need to be able to get off the ship and get back home if I need to. If there are days at sea, sometimes one day, other times, two days at sea, does one have to wait until the ship is back into port before leaving or do the cruise lines have some way for a passenger to get off in an emergency? I have been on lots of cruises and have never seen this happen, but I can't leave without the assurance that I could get home quickly.
Thanks.

Hi Wendy,
Our nanny just announced she is taking off last week in August & my husband & I are scrambling to plan a very last minute week-long getaway for us and our 2 girls (2 and 4 years old, respectively). Someone mentioned Dominican Republic as a viable option and also "Casa de Campo" as the hotel to stay at. We are not "married" to DR but would like to try the "all-inclusive" family-friendly beach resort trip which we've never done before.
Do you think the DR is a good choice for end of August/beginning of September? Any other hotel/resort choices DR or other destinations (i.e. Caribbean) that would make sense?? We're in NY area and are willing to fly/drive and spend up to $5,000 for airfare and hotels, with some child-care/activities included.
Cheers!

Dear Wendy,

My husband and I are going to Italy and France for ten days. We will
fly into Pisa, drive to Nice, and fly home from Nice. We may also visit
Florence. Could you recommend what to see in Tuscany along the route?
Also, with the Euro being so strong, do you have any ideas about reasonably priced hotels? Thank you so much!

I need to purchase new luggage-both
checked-in&carry-on.Have used Tumi in the past & it wore well.However,weight
has become an issue. What luggage would you recom. for durability,well
layed out,& light in weight.Thank you.

emergency! leaving for Buenos Aires on tuesday, july 31. Need to know what kind of plugs to take/get for computer. computer automatically adjust current for country, but what about plug. In europe i add a plug to existing plug which then fits into wall plug. where and what does one purchase for Buenos Aires

Dear Wendy, My husband and I very much enjoy and appreciate your well researched reports in CN Traveler. My question: What is a reasonable compensation for business class seats that don't work properly? This has happened to us twice on United flights from Los Angeles to Europe; we have mentioned it to the flight attendants, but have never done anything about it. Thank you,

Dear Wendy, My husband and I very much enjoy and appreciate your well researched reports in CN Traveler. My question: What is a reasonable compensation for business class seats that don't work properly? This has happened to us twice on United flights from Los Angeles to Europe; we have mentioned it to the flight attendants, but have never done anything about it. Thank you,

I have planned a September trip involving Munich, Rome, Bologna, Venice, Ferraro, Geneva, Salzburg and Vienna. Can I assume that if I buy a Eurail Pass I can make easy connections between these cities w/o making reservations in advance?

Thanks you solved my electrical emergency-still don't know whether worth taking computer with me or not. Staying in new Park Hyatt - not my usual preference for accommodations, but was convinced as this is BA (not Europe where I have lived and explored for years) and I'm a woman traveling alone
need safely of luxury hotel, but do I need laptop. Life to be in charge of my own info - always wary of concierge s - they tend to send you to safe luxe
spots rather then everyday real places.
What do you think about computer.

Fashion Direction. Packing for my last minute trip to BA. Not alot of advice out there about what is worn in BA in the winter.Had the impression that BA retained its urbanity and people continued to "dress". Is this true?
Or do I not worry and just take jeans and leather jackets. Or will I want to wear skirts for dinners? Hope someone has some answers. thanks

I read your recent article in CNT on travel specialists and I was wondering if you could give me a bit of advice. I am planning my honneymoon for the summer of 2009 and we are interested in either travelling to Africa or the Galapagos with a focus on wildlife while still having some time alone to relax. I wasn't sure whether there was one specialist you could recommend to give us options for both trips or if it is best to talk to two different agents. We are also perhaps on a bit more of a budget than some travelers (I would say mid-range) so we also need someone that is mindful of that. Thanks in advance! Lisa

We are trying to come up with an idea for a family reunion to celebrate our parents 55th wedding anniversary this Christmas. Our ages span from 12 years to 79 years. 5 years ago we went to Club Med in Punta Cana. We would liket ot consider someplace else, or even a cruise. Any suggestions?
thanks

i'm looking for a place to go--maybe Florida?-- that would be appropriate over Thanksgiving to celebrate my dad?s 70th birthday while my husband and i could have a relatively relaxing time with twin two-year-olds. Ideally a short flight and a place that is ultra kid-friendly and hopefully has some character. Thank you!!

Hi. Regarding your annual list of terrific travel agents ... I'd love to find one who can help me plan a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the 2010 winter Olympics in Vancouver, for my wife's 40th birthday. I suppose that might be a super-specialty that either doesn't exist or doesn't merit its own category. (I also suppose your Canada agent recommendations could help.) Do you know of an agent who would be ideal for this? Thanks.

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I seem to have misplaced your info on a rental agent in PARIS. Would you be kind enough to give me that info.

We are planning one "romantic" overnight in Venice On May 5, 2008... are in need of a hotel or pension (close to everything as my husband cannot walk far) but have not been able to obtain prices for next year. We are looking for something around the $300,00 per night rate. Would so much appreciate your recommendations. Thanks!

I was on a cruise with Princess from Honolulu ( where I live) to Tahiti, with my 18 year old son. On the second day, Alex developed severe stomach pains and nausea. The ship doctor said that "she could make a good case for isolating him" but "gave him the benefit of a doubt". She told him not to touch railings or elevator buttons or tongs at the buffet. I knew that if he showed more symptoms of the dreaded norovirus that he would be isolated. I wouldn't leave him alone, so I would be isolated with him, for I didn't know how long. I decided that the best thing to do, not only for us, but for the other passengers, was to get off in Hilo and fly home. After Hilo, we were facing 2 days at sea, one day at Christmas Island ( basically a bird colony) and 2 more days at sea before reaching the Society Islands. I had to pay $300 each for us to be able to get off the ship at Hilo, because of the Jones Act. A doctor the next day told us that we were right to get off the ship. We did not have travel insurance. I don't know if this would be covered anyway, since we left "voluntarily". Do were have any chance at all of getting Princess to reimburse us for the portion of the cruise that we missed?

I am visiting Morocco for the first time July 2008. I want to hire a registered guide/ driver to take both my husband and I into the desert. I have made my own reservations and know exactly what I want to see. I am reluctant to do the driving by myself. Basically I require an English speaking driver/guide for 3 days to take us from Fes to Merzouga and continue on the Quarzazate. Finally from Quarzazate to Marrakesh. I have had proposals,but the these unregistered guides seem to be interested in making me stay at "their" hotels where I believe they get a kickback. I want to hire someone just for transportation and some commentary. Can you recommend such a person? I think you in advance.
Karen Adelman
Queenk2@aol.com

Just received Conde Nast Traveler 20th Anniversary issue. On page 106 you offer one of your famous uninformed travel tips: "dodging cruise-ship ATM Charges". Wow your staff must be very large and widely UNTRAVLED. All crusie lines charge in the range of 3% at the casino for credit card use. No free ride here.

Guess you should hire a real travel agent!

Ed Rudd
Adventure Travel of Sarasota FL

Ed,
Instead of stooping to your level, all I'll say is that I hope for your sake the folks at Ensemble don't read your remark. Boy will they be embarrassed.
On p. 106 I state clearly that this tip comes not from me but "from reader Gary Miller of Chino, California." I also state clearly that one of the purposes of this blog is to be a place where readers can share travel advice. Gary's original tip can be viewed here:
http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/blogs/perrinpost/2007/07/how-to-dodge-cr.html
Wendy

In my latest issue of travel in you report you said that Capital one does not charge for fees for foreign purchases, do they use the same conversion rates as amex, visa or do they use higher rates to make up for not charging fees. They also told me that if I put money in my account in advance I can use the card as ATM with cash advance fees. Is all this accurate.
Thank you.

Have you tried www.bidlesstravel.com as a resource for finding travel deals? I tried to serch the Priceline bids, but nothing came up; therefore, I tried the other priceline site you have blogged about...just wondering if I am missing something here, as the database feature would save me some time.

Wendy:
Could you please advise on how to find Y-UP and Q-UP fares? My airline of choice is United.

Jim Mitchell
Long Beach CA

Hello. I am looking for a full service travel agent who specializes in travel with a wheelchair. We are looking for luxury travel for special occasions and simpler, moderate travel for most trips. I am newly disabled and my husband and I don't want to abandon our dream trips around the world (France, Spain, African Safari, romantic secluded beach second honeymoon, etc). Is there a listing anywhere of these types of agents and whether the agent has actually looked at their properties from the perspective of a wheelchair user? thank you.

I'm amazed to read the question from Ms. Duckworth. She asked all the questions that I wanted answered. I too am a wheelchair user interested in finding a full service travel agent who specializes in travel with a wheelchair. I have been disabled for several years and my husband and I have relied on cruises for travel outside the US. Now we're ready to travel on our own, but realize we need special help. We too are interested in luxury travel for special occasions and simpler, moderate travel for most trips. Do you have a list of agents who specialize in assisting wheelchair travelers?

hi- I realize this is an incredibly open ended question, but would appreciate any insight or suggestions! Before kids my husband & I were very serious travelers; even when the kids were young we dragged them sailing to a remote Carribbean island, etc. However, they are now 9 & 14, we've traveled only in the US during the past years, and we discovered we have 10 days over Thanksgiving. We want to take them overseas but simply cannot focus on where to go-- Costa Rica/Belize? a cold & rainy but free-of-tourists London/Paris? Portugal? We're not really up for a full blown adventure trip, so we started to plan a Paris trip. That however seemed too canned (& I'm leery of dragging the 9 yr old to too many museums). Moreover, there appear to be very few good values over Thanksgiving. Any ideas are appreciated!

I am helping my daughter plan her honeymoon trip. They are flying R/T to Munich. From there they fly one way to Athens. After several days in Athens, they are planning to use Eurail passes to ferry across to Italy, stopping in Sorrento, Rome and Venice before taking the night train back to Munich. My question is, how to get from Athens to the ferry at Patras? The Greek rail schedules are confusing; the bus appears faster but is it covered by the Eurail pass? Secondly, are they OK with Youth 2nd class rail passes in Italy and Greece, or is the extra $'s for 1st class worthwhile there? Thirdly, the rail trip from Sorrento (Naples) to Rome is short. Is there a recommended day trip to piggyback onto that day to get the most out of the Eurail pass? They are traveling 16 days on a fairly tight budget.

I am looking for a very upscale,sophisticated cruise suitable for my husband and I and our two teenagers, 14 and 18, We would like to go for one week or less. We live on the east coast. Is there such a ship which can accomodate the adults, who like a quiet, small ship, and teens, who would like some other teens to hang around with? What would you suggest? We will go either over Xmas week or during February15-24, 2007.
Thanks.

Wendy-

Firstly, love your articles and your blog. You and I (and Brook) are usually on the same page when it comes to travelling!

I am looking for an idea of a destination to take my family (me, mom, kids ages (at travel time) 5,3 and 1.5, plus possible 2 grandparents) in late March 2008. We are considering a Disney Cruise (for the kids activities) or a villa in Jamaica (for the privacy with some kids activities). We want somewhere sunny, warm and fun with enough to keep the kids busy, happy and exhausted at days end but slightly fear the overstimulation that Disney would provide- and also some down time and relaxation for the adults. Any suggestions?

I want to travel over Thanksgiving week. Do airline tickets go down the closer I get to the month of travel or do they go up?

How can I tell what Priceline has accepted in the past for bids for flights for specific routes? Thanks

Thanks Jannine

Wendy,
Wow, just got my first Traveler magazine
and was blown away by the information in your Perrin Report. Amazing and very very helpful stuff for someone traveling internationally frequently.

Now if you could just tell me how to get
a cheap flight into Tel Aviv.

I would like to see Mt. Everest the old fashioned way-looking down. What commercial scheduled flights offer the best opportunity to see Mt Everest? Is a particular month or time of year more clear than others? Thanks. Dave Crook, Phoenix

im going to dubai in may for a friends birthday 4 days and want to plan a trip arround it wanted to go onsafari but east afarica at that time to rainy and didnt want to go so south to south africa thought of either egypt ,greece or turkey what are your suggestions

Recently my 75 year old father was booked on a flight to shannon ireland departing from jfk. He was on line 2 hours ahead of time to check in. After being on line for about 30 minutes he had to use a restroom. There was no restroom in the building that he was in so he had to go to another building to use the restroom. When he returned from the bathroom he got back on line. When he eventually got to the checkin counter at 7:12pm he was told that he was too late for the flight and could not board. The flight was scheduled to leave at 7:50pm which was still 38 minutes before departure time. Apparantly during the time he was trying to find a bathroom an announcement had been made for those passengers destined for shannon to get on a different line to help expedite boarding. He had no other alternative but to book a flight for the next night and pay another 200 dollars which was what he did. The ticket was a "use it or lose it" according to delta airlines and if he did not pay the 200 dollars for the flight the next evening he would not get any credit for the ticket. Is there anything else that can be done to get the 200 dollars back?

I booked a flight on United (turned out to be Lufthansa flights) earlier this year. I had to cancel the flight and received a credit towards later flights for about $700. I have tried several times to apply this credit, but there were always rules that prevented that (not the right airlines, refund higher than new flight price, etc.), and the refund will expire on 1/17/08. I hardly see a chance to use the refund until then. Do I just have to forfeit the money now? Is there a way to use the credit, get the money back from the airlines or extend the deadline? How can the airlines get away with "stealing" my money?

In an article cutout some time ago: The Tipping Point (Conde Nast Traveler) you indicated the customary practice for tipping a concierge in China should "mirror" what I would tip a concierge in the US. Can you please be very specific. I don't know what is expected in the US and have gotten mixed suggestions from various other travelers. Thank you very much.

Wendy, I need your help! I'm leaving for England in two weeks and with the exchange rate the way it is, we're on a tight budget. We're trying to figure out a way to get the best exchange rate. I have Bank of America, but I can't get a straight answer out of anyone as to what sort of exchange rate they charge at the ATM. I've searched the internet and I have talked on the phone to three different reps and emailed their customer service department twice, and now today for a third time. I get a different answer every time. Their rate to order cash in advance is 5.5% above the inter-bank rate and one rep told me that this was their ATM rate as well!

I know that if you use a bank in their network, like Barclay's, that there is no fee, otherwise it's $5. What I'm trying to figure out is what the actual exchange rate is, is it the inter-bank rate? Is it inflated? And is there a percentage tacked on? I'm figuring that there's a 1% fee for Visa. I've read on some forums that some banks are charging terribly inflated exchange rates at the ATM, exchange rates that are similar to the currency exchange desks in airports. Do you know if this is true? I was under the impression that the exchange rate at an ATM was the interbank rate.

Does anyone there have any first hand experience with using Bank of America debit cards overseas? I'd like to have extra money to spend on souvenirs instead of giving it to the bank.

Thanks!

Dear Wendy,

First of all, I want to say I read your blog every day and I always enjoy your tips and advice. But I actually need some advice on something right now...I am a senior journalism student in college right now, and my school is offering a short-term trip to Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands. It's a 10 day trip that includes a few days in Quito and a cruise around the Galapagos Islands. It costs about $3700. The problem is I am graduating in December and I really need to start repaying my loans...but I really want to go on the trip as well, as it seems like a golden opportunity! If you were me, would you go on the trip? Please advise!

Thank you!!!

This is an amendment to my comment above...I guess it would be easier to simiply ask how much would a trip comparable to the one my school is offering to the Galapagos normally cost?

Thank you!

Dear Wendy, I tried contacting LaDonna Epler about help redeeming FF miles. But you have given her so much good press that she says she is now unable to take on new clients. Can you recommend any other travel experts with expertise in redeeming miles? Thanks.

I would like to go to Vermont week of 10/22 and would like to know about deals for bed and breakfasts and which city would be best for leaf color for that week.

I booked thru Orbitz for flight with KLM/Alitalia to Rome in August. Lost luggage In Amerstedam while changing flights, did not receive them in Rome. Went on our cruise and did not receive our luggage for 5 days. Sent all pertinent proof of this the Alitalia and have received no reply from them. Do you think we should have any compensation from them for this? Christine

Wendy,

I have a question about people who read / visit travel sites such as Conde Nest?

Basically, I'm trying to figure exact what is it that people are looking for when they go online and visit your site? Is it the sights and sounds of a particular destination?

I'm doing research and I"m wondering what is on the mind of the traveler who visits a site like yours?

Are people just wanting to book a trip, hotel, airlines? The website has such vivid pictures and articles, I'm wondering if it's that?

Do you have a make-up of your visitors? What do they do when they get to your site?

Thanks for the help with this project. I appreciate any information you might be able to provide.

Terry

Because of a two-week flyfishing trip that I so graciously offered he take, my husband cannot take vacation with my children and me during February break. Since I don't think we should all suffer as a result of his fly-fishing obsession (and because I need a vacation really, really badly), I am planning on taking my three children - ages 9, 7 and 5 - somewhere on my own. We were originally going to go skiing (before we realized the trout would interfere); however, I highly doubt that I could handle that on my own given the ages of my kids. I need something as fun but more doable for a single parent. We generally like to be active on vacation - we're not just "sit on the beach or by a pool" types - although there's definitely room for some of that. I'm not a fan of dropping my kids off at a kid's club while I go off on my own; however, I am hoping to go somewhere where there are activities that we can do together or that they can participate in while I watch so that I am not their only form of entertainment (never fun). Most of all, it needs to be something I can handle successfuly solo without turning into psycho mom - which would kind of negate the whole idea. Any suggestions on places or travel agents I should consider would be greatly appreciated.

I am planning a trip to Alaska for late next August. The original concept was to fly to Anchorage, rent a car, and drive to various sites, mostly in the interior (where I lived for 3 years as a child in the 1950s). However, I'm now wondering if it is possible to fly to Seattle or Vancouver and take a cruise ship one-way to the Anchorage area, where I'd then pick up a car, take my interior drive, and then fly home from Anchorage. I'm not interested in a round-trip cruise but would like to see the inland passage, glaciers, etc., if possible. Thanks very much for any suggestions.

Hi Wendy, I am interested in going to Indonesia with my boyfriend who wishes to train in Silat from the different islands. Any suggestions on anyone capable in planning this and that also has knowledge with the different styles and Pendekars? We would like to stay for about 2 months. Thank you!

My husband and I would like to go on the Feb 2, 2008 cruise with Costa Marina to the Indian Ocean. There are not a lot of other choices so we would like to go with Costa but Costa is being very weird and I was hoping you could get a straight answer from them. Various stories: only Europeans can go on this ship, only Germans can go on this ship, this ship is sold out, American travel agents cannot book this ship, etc. Their website directly addresses American and Canadian passengers with a price in American dollars but then says you have to book on the phone, not online. Whereupon, the strange stories begin. Upshot, I spent 4 hrs with United for naught setting up award air.

My wife and I have taken four trips with Vantage Travel; the latest one was an 18-day riverboat cruise on the River Explorer from Vienna to the Black Sea, ending up in Bucharest for one night at the 5-star JW Marriott. We enjoyed everything about the trip, and in speaking with others who had traveled with Grand Circle, Viking, and Uniworld, all agreed that the Vantage ship, program, and tour guides were the best of all. We were 100% satisfied.

On each of the trips (Baltic cruise on NCL, Hawaii on NCL, and Alaska on Holland-America, plus this riverboat cruise) we have upgraded to business class air through Vantage at a reasonable rate.

My question is why is Vantage never mentioned in CNTraveler? I have been a subscriber for about 10 years, and have never seen one of their riverboats or other trips mentioned.

Around the world travel. I recently lost my job and am going to take this opportunity to see and do all I wanted. Looking for ANY advice, but especially regarding ATW business tickets and renting apartments for a period of time in other countries. Thanks. Keith

Our son is going on a cruise out of Tampa in a couple of weeks. He has been told that there are hotels in the area that, if you stay overnight prior to the cruise, you may park your car there for the duration of the cruise. The only three we have been able to locate are either:
a) rated poorly (dirty, dangerous area, etc.) or
b) costs as much in transportation as the parking does at the port.

Do you know of any that don't have one of these problems?

Thank you.

Carolyn
is looking for a ho

Was wondering if you have experience with the ePassportPhoto.com passport photos making website?

Wendy,
I am planning a trip to celebrate a milestone birthday and would like to go somewhere in Mexico that offers, historical, artistic, religious, and shopping interests and will not take a full day to get to leaving from the U.S. northeast coast. I am inviting close family members and would like to cover the cost of room and half board for up to 5 persons so I need a facility that is reasonably priced, close to attractions, safe, with great accomodations.

We are flying into Istanbul for a cruise. Please advise distance from airport to hotel district, need hotel recommendations 4* or less, distance to sights, and to seaport. If tour operator is option, we are interested.
Will be flying out of Rome from cruise. Please advise distance from seaport to Vatican and Roman sights, need hotel recommendations 4* or less, and distance to airport. If tour operator is option, we are interested. Thank you. mguyor

Wendy,

Thank you for your excellent advice and information to both experienced and novice travelers alike.

Starting on 11/30/07, I have tried to get in touch three times with your recommended travel agent (susie@noteworthy.co.uk), with no response whatsoever. I am disappointed, but possibly she has left the firm or they are no longer in business.

Do you have another recommendation for Scotland and the famous Military Tattoo?

Thank you for all you do to help make travel both enjoyable and safe.

Max Fratoddi
Conde Nast Traveler Subscriber

Just out of curiosity, does Wendy or anyone on her team respond, or do readers respond? I submitted a post a few weeks back regarding Around The World travel and haven't heard back.
Thanks Keith

Hi Keithrez,
We did in fact answer your question, in a blog post that you can read here: http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/blogs/perrinpost/2007/11/golden-parachut.html. Ask Wendy? questions are answered by one of us Conde Nast Traveler writers, but fellow Perrin Post readers often add their own comments too.

I am going to Geneva Switerzerland in June 2008 for an all-inclusive hiking trip with my mother. I am looking for the best way to get from Northern Michigan to Geneva. I have looked at flying into Paris and taking the train to see some sights, but I am open to any suggestions as this is my mother's first time out of the country and a retirement gift to her. Thank you for any help you can give me.

Now that LaDonna Epler is so busy are you recommending anyone else to assist people trying to book with FF miles. We are going to Africa this July. I started calling one minute after the right date and every few weeks since then and have been unable to make a reservation.

Doris Roland

My husband and I are going to the Loire Valley this May. We would like to tour some wineries and do some tastings. Can you recommend some wineries (especially where English is spoken)? Are there any day tour companies?

I have read several negative things regarding spirt airlines. I was just wondering if anyone could give me some more info and if anyone has had positive things to say about spirt airlines. thanks geri

I am traveling to Italy for a little over 2 weeks in late September/ early October. 1 of the two weeks we are looking for a villa/farmhouse to rent in Tuscany. I see that you have several options listed, however; we are interested in somewhere that is within walking distance of vineyards and a small town where we may find day guides or buses/taxis to various locations in the area.
Thanks for any direction!!

Hm-m-m just noticed note regarding Tuscany travel. I, too, plan to visit Tuscany later in 2008 (most likely during xmas). We want this to be a family get-away including younger grand children (2 & 4)/ 4 adults. Ultimate plan would be to arrive in Rome for a day or so - before driving to Tuscany region. Kind of open for options... vineyards not essential & we'll have a car. Appreciate any suggestions, links, options.

Any suggestions for a kid-friendly apartment rental in Rome? We have two boys, ages 2 and 4, and cramming into a hotel room together is just not appealing. We'd prefer a little more (toddler-proof) space, a kitchen, a centrally located neighborhood, and a gentle price (sizable hotel suites/adjoining rooms are very expensive). We will be in Rome in April, for only 3 nights. Thank you for any thoughts.

Dear Wendy Perrin,
I did not know how to contact you so I decided to send you this post. I hope that is fine with you.
I just wanted to make sure you do have my contact in case you need to get any special travel information or update about the City of Rome. I know you have already great sources but as a local who lives here I should be able to provide also the latest news and great travel tips.
Thank you very much for your attention and I look forward to talking with you soon.
Kindest regards,

Antonio Barbieri
"Concierge in Rome"
Tel. +39.06.97276353 office
Tel. +39.329.8511043 mobile
info@conciergeinrome.com
www.conciergeinrome.com

Dear Wendy. Last summer we flew from SF to Amsterdam via U. S. Air. In Philadelphia we gave up our ticket to Amsterdam, since U.S. Air had overbooked. We were told that the tickets we would receive as a reward would allow us to fly anywhere U.S. Air flies. No restrictions were ever communicated to us. The cleck took our tickets, gave us tickets for the next flight (via London which, incidentally, arrived 12 hours later than originally scheduled), and about an hour later gave us the reward tickets. We never read the fine print, assuming that the clerk had been honest and up front with us. About 5 months later, as we got ready to use the tickets we discoverd that the were treated only as frequent flier milage and that no tickets were available for any of the flights we were interested in. We never would have exchanged our tickets had we known the restrictions since we are on an academic calander and flights are never available during those peak times. The one flight to Milan that we wanted is empty, except for five seats taken already by, I assume, frequent flyers.
Is there anything that can be done by you. We have tried the ticket agent and customer relations which sent back the following unhelpful message:

Dear Dr. Cassuto:

I apologize in difficulities you experienced in making a reservation using your Round Trip Flight Credit/Take Flight Certificate.

We truly appreciate your willingness to volunteer during our oversold situation, and our intention is not to create difficulties for our customers. The number of seats allocated on each flight for use by customers redeeming these certificates is limited and I am sorry there were no available seats on your flight of choice. In addition, I regret the terms and conditions associated with the use of our Round Trip Flight Credits/Take Flight Certificates (RTFC/TFC) may have been miscommunicated to you.

If seating is not available, a dollar-based option is available. By choosing the dollar-based option, the certificate may be used towards the price of one (1) one way or round trip ticket in any class of service on US Airways and US Airways Express flights on a system-wide basis. If the price of the ticket is greater than the value of this certificate, you simply pay the difference. If the price of the ticket is less than the value of the certificate, there is no residual value. Please contact our Reservation department at 800-428-4322 to redeem your certificate and advise the agent you are using a RTFC/TFC. They will also be able to assist you in determining the dollar-based value of your certificate.

We appreciate the time that you have taken to write, since we believe that our customer's feedback is a vital link to our continued growth and success.

Thank you in advance for your help.

AEC

Dear Wendy or Brook,

In your January addition of Conde Nest, Wendy mentioned Consolidators that are independent. Could you advise me of the names of some these consolidators that sell to the general public?

Thanking you in advance,

Dave Ashby

Dear Wendy,
I thought you and your readers might want to know about a great value in New York's hot Meatpacking District - Chelsea Pines Inn. It is a 26-room hotel, newly renovated in 2007. Room rates for Deluxe rooms start at $250 a night! Check out the website at www.chelseapinesinn.com.

I'm helping an elderly aunt and 2 adult cousins plan their first trip aboard in June to France. Does anyone know how to rent a wheelchair for 2 weeks? They arrive and depart from CDG and need it upon arrival. She is also bringing her walker and can't transport a wheelchair from the U.S. also. Thanks!

I have been trying to get in touch with LaDonna Epler for weeks. Her number is not working and there is no reply to e-mail. Is there another travel agent that you can recommend who specializes in use of frequent flier miles?

I enjoyed your Iconic Itineary on China. Lots of good Info. I'm interested in your Bonus trip to Xi'an, but can't seem to to access it on line. Please inform how to get it. thank you. Phyllis Nova

we are planning a trip to Tuscany and would like to rent a villa. I have been looking at the agencies you recommended but also wondered if the companies recommeded in an article entiteled "trading places" in 2003 can be "trusted" to the same degree: villasitaly.com; domani-usa.com; internetvillas.com;
villasoftheworld.com; villasintl.com

thanks so much!

We will be taking a cruise through Scandinavia, Docking three days in St Petersburg. We are looking for a private or semi private tour.
Do you have a suggestion for finding a reliable guide.
How might we go about finding a few other interested travelers who will be in St Petersburg at the same time & might wish to do a semi private tour with us?
Thanks for any & all help.

I have purchased a car rental with Hertz in Paris through Hotwire using a Gold Master Card. Do you know whether I can still use the CDW insurance from Master Card (with all its perils) given that I did not directly pay Hertz? I called the 1-800-MC ASSIST number, and someone there told me "no". However, people on other forums have said that it doesn't matter: even if you use Hotwire, you can still get the coverage.

For family-reunion I am looking for villa, bungalows or
B&B rental accomodating 16 - 18 people next summer
(2009) in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil at or close to beach.
Any recommendations/suggestions ?
Thank you,
FvV

For family-reunion I am looking for villa, bungalows or
B&B rental accomodating 16 - 18 people next summer
(2009) in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil at or close to beach.
Any recommendations/suggestions ?
Thank you,
FvV

What do you do when you get taken for a ride?

On a recent trip to Montreal, I was renting a car for 10 days. It turns out that renting from a downtown location at the same car rental agency was about $150 cheaper than at the airport (all those airport fees, etc) So I booked an airport hotel for the first night that I arrived and planned to catch a taxi downtown to pick up my car the next day. I saved another 48 dollars by shortening the car rental by a day - cool.

I arrived in Montreal airport late in the evening and it turned out that the shuttle from the airport to the Novotel stopped running at 10:00 p.m. Grrrr. So I hailed a taxi. None of the taxi drivers wanted to take me on such a short trip - they said to take the free shuttle.

I finally found a taxi driver that would take me. As we were driving to the hotel the cabbie explained to me that he didn't understand why the Novotel was called an "airport" hotel, since it's not really that close to the airport. We did drive for quite a while and I thought I saw some of the same sights (but from a different direction). The cab ride cost me $30. Not being familiar with the area I didn't know if that was right or not.

When checking in I asked how much a cab ride from the airport should cost and was told "no more that $15".

I only overpaid by $15 bucks (well, Loonies) + tip, but how does one avoid being taken in by unscrupulous taxi drivers?

Thanks, Joe

I'm not able to book a business or first class mileage award on AA/Cathay Pacific, even though I try for 335 days out, calling at different times of the day and night. Do the agents make a distinction between miles earned by flying vs. by spending money on the affinity credit card? Most of my miles are from credit card transactions. Please advise.

Just read your article on Airline seat comforts and was wondering have any of you tried a product called Baceaz at a site baceaz.com, from a store called back care works. I bought one after a friend told me about it about 3 weeks ago, I travel a lot with a cheap company that always sends me coach and I can tell you this thing is a revelation. I am tall and my knees always took some punishment from the seat in front, well no MORE! This product really works. It does exactly as it says it does.It really does reduce both leg and elbow room. I also really like how it makes my back feel. I wish someone had thought about this years ago. I recently visited the website and it said it is closed for maintenance. I e-mailed the site and they said it will be back up by Sun. I intend to buy one for the wife and the mother-in-law (Wife's idea), I think they should need to be uncomfortable ( mother-in-laws I mean, not wives). Just thought I'd let you know.

I am booked on a cruise leaving from Los Angeles. We will be arriving 3 days ahead could you tell me where would be the best place to stay reasonably close to where the ship will be docked. The hotel package that the cruise line offers seems a bit expensive for our tastes ....We have not been to Los Angeles before so are quite ignorant of the area....

While the LowePro bags seem good, as Ms. Perrin notes, you should also look at the extraordinarily cleverly designed Patagonia shoulder bag, with multiple spaces and an incredibly comfortable and stable shoulder strap. Not as fashionable as the slim LowePro but seemingly far more flexible and amazingly durable...for computers, cameras...even some clothing for short trips.

Hi. I heard you on the Brian Lehrer show last week. You mentioned your favorite website for finding the best airfares, but I neglected to write it down. Would you be able to send me the site?

Thank you so much.

Best regards,
Amy Higer
Maplewood, NJ

Hi, Wendy. I believe that I just heard you say on The Brian Lehrer show that Tylenol is good for takeoffs for kids with otitis.
Tylenol is NOT anti-inflammatory. MUCH better are the NSAIDs (look it up)except NO ASPIRIN FOR SMALL KIDS.
--M.D.

We are planning a cruise to the mediterrenean starting in Barcelona in June of 2009. Is it better to book your airfare with the cruise line or get it on your own? Is it better to book shore excursions thru the cruise line, or to get a travel agent to help you book them?
Thanks.
Lori

Hi Wendy and crew,

My sister is currently on a nightmarish Hawaiian vacation. She and her friend were "upgraded" to the JW Marriott on Oahu, after signing up for a Marriott package deal on Kauai. This was supposed to be a five star experience, but has been anything but. It's been a considerable amount of stress actually, not a seamless wonderful vacation as one would expect from a hotel that claims top honors.

My sister's friend has many sensitivities and asked for a hypo-allergenic comforter in advance of their trip. The hotel agent asked if, perhaps, she wanted accommodation on their allergy-free floor, and she jumped at the chance. Upon check-in, it turns out there is a $50 a night charge for this service. It was offered without a single mention of the charge. Is this typical? To offer an amenity, and have it be so much extra? They fought it on the spot and won, but it was an unpleasant surprise.

It turns out their first "green" room was unsatisfactory. It was a king, not two queens, and the winds whipped the building so hard that dust/pollen was coming in throught a crack in the seal of the glass door. The wind was so penetrating, they couldn't even keep the do-not-disturb sign from blowing off the outside of their door! The hotel suggested they could move across the hall, but the extra view would cost them $199 extra a night. Again, they fought and won, but it cost some serious time and stress in arguing! The hotel said their luggage would be moved for them, and it had to be all packed up and ready to go by morning. By later that evening, though, not a single bag had arrived in their new room. The front desk was disbelieving that the girls had been told their bags would be moved for them. The earlier manager was to be consulted, and the present manager said they'd try to figure it out. At this point my sister noticed all their luggage on a cart, by the front door. This was strange, considering it was an across-the-hall move. They waited for a bellhop to gather it, and then proceeded back to their room.

Next up, a delightful sales pitch. Although both gals were travelling without significant others, they were offered the Marriott timeshare presentation. The sales agent assured them they were eligible, and could earn a spa treatment, even without a spouse attending. Their actual salesperson was considerably less gracious. He gave what could only be described as a lecture, telling them Marriott should not be putting them up in such a posh room, unless they brought their spouses to the presentation, as was the norm. They informed him that they had paid their own way, and were not on Marriott's dime. Further, they had agreed to see the presentation because it had been offered to them as individuals. He wasn't very apologetic about his attitude. Only after my sister informed him that she wouldn't bring her spouse or anyone else because of the way he was acting, did he seem to soften some edges. A few uncomfortable hours with a condescending salesman...really the hardest way to earn a pineapple scrub!

Then mid-trip, the gals returned to their room to find the beds, carpet, and luggage crawling with ants. They called the front desk right away, and were told "Those are fruit flies, Miss, you just need to throw out your fruit." Insisting they knew the difference between fruit flies and ants, my sister said someone needed to take care of this situation right away. The front desk said, "Wait...are they little, tiny ants?" Why, yes, they are. In ten minutes, five staffers in protective garb flooded into their room, and insisted it needed to be sprayed right away. My sister's friend was freaking out a bit, because she is extremely chemically sensitive. The girls had to leave, for four hours, despite the fact it was 9 at night. They grabbed their purses and toothbrushes, but on the way out, the head of housekeeping told them they had caused the problem by leaving a half eaten cookie in their garbage. My sister pointed out they were on the 17th floor, and at the moment, that very hall had several unattended, half-eaten room service trays. At this point, another staffer noticed that their planter and all other floral planters on the floor seemed to be infested. Ants were streaming from the balcony. Perhaps because the allergy free floor had not been sprayed as often, the ants had taken up residence. The girls stayed the night in another room, but the housekeeping supervisor wanted to charge them for the second room, because he was still insisting the cookie was really the cause of the problem. But realistically, who doesn't snack in a hotel room? And not at any point had they been warned about leaving out unsealed food. In fact, room service was still delivering trays of food to other patrons down the hall! The night manager took care of it, but it was not a pleasant scene, by now late at night.

So, it all boils down to one hellish trip, not the five star experience the hotel boasts. The girls paid their own way, and settled up issues as they went, but they wasted many, many hours of their trip, experienced quite a few unpleasant surprises, and had to fight for their right to a decent, habitable room. What kind of rights does a guest have when they don't enjoy what is promised? Everything was settled case by case, moment to moment, but they endured quite a bit of stress just fighting out the issues. Hey, maybe my sister could get some conpensation after the fact, maybe for pest control. After all, she did help a bird that was trapped in the atrium escape by way of the seventeenth floor... after it made a layover in her bathroom! (Seriously!) Not so great, JW.

What do you guys think? I'm sure in your CN Traveller wanderings, you've encountered some not-so-lovely stays? Is this just the way the cookie crumbles? (Better pick that cookie up, btw, lest there be an ant around!) Are some guests just unlucky, while others experience a stellar vacation? Is my sister's only recourse to warn others, and really forget about any sort of personal compensation for the room-changing, luggage-losing, extras-charging, pesticide-spraying, full-of-doubt, accusatory, patronizing experience that they had?

Hawaii is a beautiful place to visit; at least their pictures came out nicely! You'd never guess that their trip didn't. Thanks for any opinions!
Sincerely, Paula in Seattle

We are looking for the best way to get from the Charles de Gaulle airport to the Beauvais airport. We have 14 hours inbetween flights, can we make a quick stop in town for a bite to eat?

are there websites that list last minute bargains on air and/or hotel?

We are taking a Mediterranean cruise in November! We are flying into Rome - then going to Greece, Turkey, parts of Italy and then back to Rome. We are going to stay an extra day in Rome and are looking for a decent hotel. I don't know if we should stay near the airport or IN Rome for that extra night. Any hotels you can suggest would be wonderful because looking at them online is a daunting task.

And by the way, I only discovered your blog today. I have added to my newsreader and look forward to ALL your posts. THANKS!

I have a friend who has a passion for all things France. Over the last 10 years or so she has travelled to Paris and other areas of France at least 15 times. If France ever needed an American cheerleader, Jessica would be the one! I think there is a career here for her. She could take small groups of Americans to France as a guide or interpreter. Can you help by guiding her to the appropriate organizations, companies, or agencies. She lives in the Philadelphia area. She is passionate, articulate and enthusiastic. Thank you for your help.

My husband and I are accomplished travelers, and are capable of doing booking and research on our own. But we are planning a somewhat ambitious trip in May 2009 that we believe we could use the expertise of a good travel agent for; particularly with getting from place to place most efficiently.

We will be starting in London on Memorial Day weekend 2009. From there we want to go to Florence for a week or two (we will rent an apartment). From there we want to go to Sicily for perhaps 5 days or so, then on to Athens or Istanbul for a Greece/Turkey cruise, spend some time in Istanbul, then we want to go to Croatia and explore, most likely by land, and then home to San Diego.

Any suggestions on who could help us get the logistics of such a trip just right?

What do you think of booking a cruise with a Agency that is based in Canada. I found that the incentives (ship board credits and discounts) to book through this Agency are better than any Agency I have found in the USA. I just want to make sure I am protected in the same manner in making this booking/purchase.
Thanks in advance, Lori

What do you think of booking a cruise with a Agency that is based in Canada. I found that the incentives (ship board credits and discounts) to book through this Agency are better than any Agency I have found in the USA. I just want to make sure I am protected in the same manner in making this booking/purchase.
Thanks in advance, Lori

What do you think of booking a cruise with a Agency that is based in Canada. I found that the incentives (ship board credits and discounts) to book through this Agency are better than any Agency I have found in the USA. I just want to make sure I am protected in the same manner in making this booking/purchase.
Thanks in advance, Lori

YOU ARE OFFICIALLY MY NEW FAVORITE DISCOVERY! MY HUSBAND AND I ARE IN OUR EARLY THIRTIES AND HAVE TWO SMALL CHILDREN (ONE IS 1 AND THE OTHER WILL BE THREE IN OCTOBER). MY IDEAS OF A PERFECT VACATION IS THE OCEAN, MY FAVORITE BLACK BIKINI AND A STIFF DRINK. SINCE HAVING MY WONDERFUL BABIES THIS HAS BECOME INCREASING HARDER TO ACCOMPLISH! WE WANT TO TAKE A CRUISE, ARE MY KIDS ONLY REALLY WELCOME ON THE DISNEY CRUISE LINE? AND IF SO HOW MUCH "ALONE TIME" CAN ME AND MY HUSBAND REALLY GET? IS THERE ANY LUXURY AT ALL? I HAVE BEEN DOING MY RESEARCH ONLINE AND HAVE READ GREAT REVIEWS FOR THE CRYSTAL CRUISE LINE-COULD THAT BE AN OPTION? WE WANT TO LEAVE OUT OF CALIFORNIA. COULD YOU RECCOMEND ANY SAVVY TRAVEL AGENTS? ANY ADVICE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED! MILANA Z.

I was wondering if you knew when airline tickets for son country for february 2009 are going on sale???Also do you have any idea what the airfare is going to be??Thanks so much for your help.Carol

Dear Wendy,

I love sunflowers. Can you tell me when and where in Italy or France one can see the biggest fields of sunflowers? Thank you.

Entropy71

Forget Airtran and their new cost cutting measures! On a 90+ degree day (yesterday) I boarded a flight from Atlanta to New Orleans along with a full load of my new best friends. The pilot would not turn on the air conditioning even though many requests were passed along by the flight attendants - who, with the rest of us, had perspiration pouring down their faces. And of course at least 3 babies were bawling loudly. Midway throught the flight he turned it on - barely. The excuse given was that once we were up high the cabin would regulate. HA! AirTran, you charged us enough to spend a little fuel on AC! And, we were 40 minutes late arriving with no reason given as we boarded only 5 minutes late - another cost cutting measure, flying slower????