The Effects of War on Travel: A Mixed Bag of Updated Cancellation Policies
We've researched and rounded-up the most recent changes in travel providers' cancellation and refund policies to help you make an informed decision when planning your trips for the next few months. more>

Cruise News You Can Use: A Roundup of Current Discounts and Sales on the High Seas
Select from among this general sampling of online resources to choose your cruise in 2003. more>

We Kid You Not, Freebies for the Tots! Ski Packages in the American West and Fijian Resorts for the Whole Family
You could do worse than skiing out west, where winter was late, but snow has been copious, or even farther west, into the Pacific Ocean and its territories. Many programs have freebies for children, the subject for this potpourri of packages and deals. more>

March Madness Lasts All the Way through 2003 for Condo Rentals in Orlando
Okay, Florida's high season is drawing to a close, and prices have got to come down. The owners of Global Marketing Services are positioning themselves to be the leader of the price cut pack. To that purpose, they've just announced that they will rent their three-bedroom condos down there for just $79 a night. more>

Hydration Packs and Airlines
From g gad:"My family and I love our Camelback hydration day-packs and use them often for ground travel. We're planning a trip to Alaska and want to take the packs with us, giving us all the water we'll need for a long and dry flight. But we've never taken them aboard an airliner. Has anybody done this? These packs easily conform to size restrictions. But they have plastic water bladders inside, allowing you to sip water via a hose which hiking, biking, touring, etc. Given the increased security, I am worried that the guards may look askance at the water bags (even as other passenger lug huge water bottles aboard)." more>

Use of International Cellphone with Autoeurope Car Rental
From dianeg: ""While making plans for a rental car prior to leaving for our recent trip to Spain and Portugal, we discovered that Auto Europe was offering the free use of an international cellphone with any car rental through them. The only cost was $35 to ship us the phone before our trip, plus any airtime, which ran about $1.35/minute. Since we only planned to use the phone for emergencies, we felt the $35 was a good value for the extra "peace of mind" while we were in Europe." more>

Castles and More in Ireland
From Terri Colby: "I am traveling to Ireland with my husband, two children, ages 13 and 16, and 70-year-old mother the week before easter 2003. We are interested in staying in a castle, but can't afford the luxury 5-star resorts. Any suggestions. We also was to go the the Aran Islands and would welcome suggestions there." more>

Back From BA: A Trip Report and Recommended Tour Guide
From Sanfrancisco: "I'm back from my first--but not last--trip to Buenos Aires. I had been planning this trip for over four months and around two months before my arrival I contacted a private guide. I was very impressed so many people recommended her so I sent her and email and she replied on the same day." more>

Do the New X-Ray Machines Damage Cameras?
From Rheta Jenks: "I'm wondering about the safety of screening cameras at the airports. Does it damage the batteries or memory chips? Will the X-rays damage the cameras? How safe is it to pack these in unlocked luggage?" more>

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