A: I agree with you. No one should be treated like that when they travel.
_ Christopher Elliott
Q: I haven't taken a vacation all summer and I feel I could really use some time away from the city. The "problem" is, I am a single woman and none of my friends are able to travel in the coming months. What are some places within driving distance of Washington, D.C., that are good for a woman traveling on her own? I enjoy arts and culture and wouldn't mind a relaxing spa treatment!
A: We recently ran a piece about 12 of our favorite destinations within a short drive. For spas, you might try the newly renovated Nemacolin in Pennsylvania. Salamander Resort and Spa in Middleburg, Virginia, is also a nice getaway.
_ Andrea Sachs
Q: Any notion yet as to how low airfares will be for non-stop flights to California in early 2016 (after the holidays)? I wonder if airlines haven't made decisions about fares yet, because the fares don't seem to be bargains, although winter post-holidays often the cheapest time of year to fly. Will keep checking online in hopes of lower fares.
A: If there are sales, they won't be announced any time soon. Airlines are doing more last-minute sales with lots of restrictions. If you can get flights to California with convenient times/connections anywhere between $300 and $350 round trip, that's about as low as it goes. And yes, there are discount airlines, such as Frontier and Spirit, that sometimes offer even cheaper fares, but make sure you include the extra fees for baggage, seat assignments, etc., when comparing fares.
_ Carol Sottili
Q: Where would you go if you had a month off in December?
A: India and Sri Lanka.
_ A.S.
Q: Anniversary and birthday all in the same week; would like to go away for a few days to Paris (never been). Couples-only trip. Is that a good time? Best place to stay (not cheap but not super expensive) and how many days? This would be the first time leaving children home with grandparents (so well overdue for a few days).
A: I just went to Paris in May, and it was lovely. If you're looking for a short stay, maybe take five days, with two reserved for travel. (Just be prepared for some painful prioritizing about what to see.) I took a red-eye and regretted it; you lose the "gained" time to exhaustion, and arrive grubby, tired and cranky long before hotel check-in time. Per choosing a hotel: Hop online and start sleuthing, using your preferences as search parameters, e.g., go for "1st arrondissement" if you want to be more or less within walking distance of most major attractions or "boutique" if you're looking to avoid chains. Dip into TripAdvisor to get a consensus on places you're considering. And BOOK EARLY, because, not surprisingly, mid-range lodging fills up very quickly.
_ Nicole Arthur
Q: I am really interested in going to Cuba next year, but the prices for even four- or five-day tours have been way too high. Do you know whether it's possible to go there now through another country without repercussions from the U.S. government?
A: Americans have been visiting Cuba through alternate routes for decades, but we can't suggest any because taking such a trip is breaking the law. (Just Google the topic and you will get the inside scoop.) However, some tour operators, such as Friendly Planet, do occasionally discount their Cuba trips. You can also see whether you can go with a charitable or humanitarian group.
_ A.S.
Q: I will be going to England and several European nations on a cruise. Before I go, I would like to exchange some US dollars for British pounds and also for Euros to have with me for tips, small local expenses, etc. Where is the best place to do that?
A: AAA or your bank. Just give both a few days' advance notice.
_ A.S.
Q: Do you have any experience with rental cars in Italy? I'm wondering if it's possible to drop off a rental car after hours, just like we do in the states. Now that I type it out it seems obvious, but I was surprised to see the location closing at 1 p.m. on Sunday and would prefer to drop it off closer to 3.
A: Yes, I've spoken with customers who have done it. But I would recommend returning the car during working hours. You'll want to go over the vehicle with an employee for any damage and to make sure the fuel tank is completely filled. Otherwise, they could simply charge you (often, without asking for permission).
_ C.E.
Q: Since lodging in national parks fills fast, we already have room reservations for a trip 13 months away. When should we start looking for rental cars? What about flights? Hotels outside the parks? No reservation sites or search engines go that far out.
A: You can easily cancel and rebook hotels without penalty. So if you see a price you like, book it, knowing that you can cancel and rebook if you find a better deal. I would not look too far out, though, because the travel industry can be volatile and places can close down.
For flights, set up alerts or start poking around major booking sites and grab the fare that fits your budget.
_ A.S.
