Planning a trip to North Carolina

Health & Insurance

Insurance

Although it's not required of travelers, health insurance is highly recommended. Most health insurance policies cover you if you get sick away from home -- but check your coverage before you leave.

International visitors to the U.S. should note that unlike many European countries, the United States does not usually offer free or low-cost medical care to its citizens or visitors. Doctors and hospitals are expensive, and in most cases will require advance payment or proof of coverage before they render their services. Good policies will cover the costs of an accident, repatriation, or death. Packages such as Europ Assistance's Worldwide Healthcare Plan are sold by European automobile clubs and travel agencies at attractive rates. Worldwide Assistance Services, Inc. (tel. 800/777-8710; www.worldwideassistance.com) is the agent for Europ Assistance in the United States. Though lack of health insurance may prevent you from being admitted to a hospital in nonemergencies, don't worry about being left on a street corner to die: The American way is to fix you now and bill the daylights out of you later.

If you're ever hospitalized more than 150 miles from home, MedjetAssist (tel. 800/527-7478; www.medjetassistance.com) will pick you up and fly you to the hospital of your choice in a medically equipped and staffed aircraft 24 hours day, 7 days a week. Annual memberships are $225 per individual and $350 per family; you can also purchase short-term memberships.

Canadians should check with their provincial health plan offices or call Health Canada (tel. 866/225-0709; www.hc-sc.gc.ca) to find out the extent of their coverage and what documentation and receipts they must take home in case they are treated in the United States.

Travelers from the U.K. should carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which replaced the E111 form as proof of entitlement to free/reduced cost medical treatment abroad (tel. 0845 606 2030; www.ehic.org.uk). Note that the EHIC only covers "necessary medical treatment." For repatriation costs, lost money, baggage, or cancellation, seek travel insurance from a reputable company, such as Travel Insurance Web (0870 890 3641; www.travelinsuranceweb.com).

The cost of travel insurance varies widely, depending on the destination, the cost and length of your trip, your age and health, and the type of trip you're taking, but expect to pay between 5% and 8% of the vacation itself. You can get estimates from various providers through InsureMyTrip.com. Enter your trip cost and dates, your age, and other information, for prices from more than a dozen companies.

U.K. citizens and their families who make more than one trip abroad per year may find an annual travel insurance policy works out cheaper. Check www.moneysupermarket.com, which compares prices across a wide range of providers for single- and multitrip policies.

Most big travel agents offer their own insurance and will probably try to sell you their package when you book a holiday. Think before you sign. Britain's Consumers' Association recommends that you insist on seeing the policy and reading the fine print before buying travel insurance. The Association of British Insurers (tel. 020/7600-3333; www.abi.org.uk) gives advice by phone and publishes Holiday Insurance, a free guide to policy provisions and prices. You might also shop around for better deals: Try Columbus Direct (tel. 0870/033-9988; www.columbusdirect.net).

Trip-cancellation insurance will help retrieve your money if you have to back out of a trip or depart early, or if your travel supplier goes bankrupt. Trip cancellation traditionally covers such events as sickness, natural disasters, and State Department advisories. The latest news in trip-cancellation insurance is the availability of expanded hurricane coverage and the "any-reason" cancellation coverage -- which costs more but covers cancellations made for any reason. You won't get back 100% of your prepaid trip cost, but you'll be refunded a substantial portion. TravelSafe (tel. 888/885-7233; www.travelsafe.com) offers both types of coverage. Expedia also offers any-reason cancellation coverage for its air-hotel packages. For details, contact one of the following recommended insurers: Access America (tel. 866/807-3982; www.accessamerica.com); Travel Guard International (tel. 800/826-4919; www.travelguard.com); Travel Insured International (tel. 800/243-3174; www.travelinsured.com); and Travelex Insurance Services (tel. 888/457-4602; www.travelex-insurance.com).

On flights within the U.S., checked baggage is covered up to $2,500 per ticketed passenger. On flights outside the U.S. (and on U.S. portions of international trips), baggage coverage is limited to approximately $9.07 per pound, up to approximately $635 per checked bag. If you plan to check items more valuable than what's covered by the standard liability, see if your homeowner's policy covers your valuables. If it doesn't, get baggage insurance as part of your comprehensive travel-insurance package.

If your luggage is lost, immediately file a lost-luggage claim at the airport, detailing the luggage contents. Most airlines require that you report delayed, damaged, or lost baggage within 4 hours of arrival. The airlines are required to deliver luggage, once found, directly to your house or destination for free.

Health

For up-to-date health-related travel advice in the U.S., go to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov/travel.

You'll have little trouble finding hospitals and doctors in the Carolinas and Georgia -- in fact, the region has some of the most highly regarded medical centers and teaching facilities in the country.

If you suffer from a chronic illness, consult your doctor before your departure. Pack prescription medications in your carry-on luggage, and carry them in their original containers, with pharmacy labels -- otherwise, they won't make it through airport security. Visitors from outside the U.S. should carry generic names of prescription drugs. For U.S. travelers, most reliable healthcare plans provide coverage if you get sick away from home. Foreign visitors may have to pay all medical costs upfront and be reimbursed later.

Safety

Although tourist areas are generally safe in the South, crime can occur anywhere, and U.S. urban areas tend to be less safe than those in western Europe or Japan. Visitors should always stay alert. This is particularly true of large U.S. cities, especially Atlanta. Parts of Savannah, Charleston, and Charlotte can be unsafe at night. Avoid deserted areas at night. Don't go into any city park at night unless there's an event that attracts crowds. Generally speaking, you can feel safe in areas where there are many people and open establishments.

Remember also that hotels are open to the public, and security may not be able to screen everyone who enters. Always lock your room door.

Georgia and the Carolinas are among the safest places in the Southeast, especially in the small towns and villages. Resort areas such as Myrtle Beach attract more crime, of course. But on a per-capita basis, Georgia and the Carolinas have far less crime than does Florida, to the south.

Money

ATMs

Nationwide, the easiest and best way to get cash away from home is from an ATM (automated teller machine), sometimes referred to as a "cash machine" or "cashpoint." The Cirrus (tel. 800/424-7787; www.mastercard.com) and PLUS (tel. 800/843-7587; www.visa.com) networks span the country; you can find them even in remote regions. Look at the back of your bank card to see which network you're on, then call or check online for ATM locations at your destination. Be sure you know your personal identification number (PIN) and daily withdrawal limit before you depart.

Credit Cards & Debit Cards

Credit cards are the most widely used form of payment in the United States: Visa (Barclaycard in Britain), MasterCard (Eurocard in Europe, Access in Britain, Chargex in Canada), American Express, Diners Club, and Discover. You can withdraw cash advances from your credit cards at banks or ATMs, provided you know your PIN.

Visitors from outside the U.S. should inquire whether their bank assesses a 1% to 3% fee on charges incurred abroad.

It's highly recommended that you travel with at least one major credit card. You must have one to rent a car, and hotels and airlines usually require a credit card imprint as a deposit against expenses.

ATM cards with major credit card backing, known as debit cards, are now a commonly acceptable form of payment in most stores and restaurants.

Traveler's Checks

Traveler's checks are widely accepted in the U.S., including the Carolinas and Georgia, but foreign visitors should make sure that they're denominated in U.S. dollars; foreign-currency checks are often difficult to exchange.

The most popular traveler's checks are offered by American Express (tel. 800/492-3344 or 800/221-7282 for cardholders -- this number accepts collect calls, offers service in several foreign languages, and exempts Amex gold and platinum cardholders from the 1% fee); Visa (tel. 800/732-1322) -- AAA members can obtain Visa checks for a $9.95 fee (for checks up to $1,500) at most AAA offices or by calling tel. 866/339-3378 -- and MasterCard (tel. 800/223-9920).

When to Go

For the most part, North Carolina's climate is moderate, with average winter temperatures in the 60s along the southern coast and in the low 40s inland. Summer temperatures can rise to the high 90s in the state's interior, accompanied by some serious humidity. In the mountains or at the shore, temperatures can be in the mid-60s or high 70s.

So if you're thinking about a summer vacation in North Carolina, escape to Boone, which has an average temperature of 69°F (21°C). It's warm enough during the day to swim or hike, but you'll want a light blanket to sleep under at night. The Outer Banks is another great destination in summer; bring your beach gear, and enjoy the breezes.

In late September or early October, fall colors are brilliant here. Thousands of monarch butterflies cluster in the mountains near Asheville, around Wagon Road Gap on the Blue Ridge Parkway, as part of their annual migration to South America. (Be prepared for incredible crowds along the parkway.)

Spring is also a spectacular time to visit. In March and April, the state bursts into bloom, with azaleas in vibrant hues everywhere and delicate dogwood blossoms in pink and white in the woodlands.

Calendar of Events

January

Duke University Jazz Series, Durham. Formerly known as the NC International Jazz Festival, this event is in its 20th year. Internationally renowned jazz musicians are featured at various locations throughout the city. Call tel. 919/660-3300 or go to www.duke.edu/music for more information. Throughout the year.

February

African American Arts Festival, Greensboro. Many cultural and artistic events highlight the achievements of the state's African-American population. Call tel. 336/333-6885 or visit www.ncgov.com for more information. Early February to April.

Home, Garden & Flower Show, Raleigh. You can find everything from roses to garden fountains to furniture in this vast display in the Raleigh Convention Center, which attracts serious gardeners from all over the South. Call tel. 919/831-6011 or visit www.raleighconvention.com for more information. Late February to early March.

March

Annual Star Fiddlers Convention, Star. This event features performances by virtuoso bluegrass fiddlers from all over the South. Call tel. 910/428-2171 for more information. First weekend in March.

April

Stoneybrook Steeplechase, Southern Pines. This event features horse races and tailgate parties. Call tel. 910/875-2074 or go to www.carolinahorsepark.com for more information. April (exact date varies).

North Carolina Azalea Festival, Wilmington. A parade, entertainment, and home and garden tours are all included in this annual festival. Call tel. 910/794-4650 or visit www.ncazaleafestival.org for more information. Early April.

Full Frame Documentary Film Festival, the Carolina Theatre, Durham. The largest festival of its kind in North America, this event (formerly the DoubleTake Documentary Film Festival) has been hailed for its creative programming and exhibition of films rarely seen on screen. Call tel. 919/687-4100 or visit www.fullframefest.org for more information. Early April.

Festival of Flowers, Biltmore Estate, Asheville. This festival celebrates a century of elegance at the Biltmore Estate. The gardens are brilliant with color for your viewing. Call tel. 800/411-3812 or go to www.biltmore.com for more information. Early April to mid-May.

Spring Garden Tour, Winston-Salem. Each spring in historic Old Salem, people gather from everywhere to celebrate spring with a tour of the city's 18th-century gardens. Call tel. 888/653-7253 or visit www.oldsalem.org for more information. Mid-April.

Easter Sunrise Service, Winston-Salem. Thousands of people come to see this Moravian religious service in "God's Acres," the cemetery where the early settlers are buried. Call tel. 336/725-0651 or visit www.carolinamusicways.org for more information. Easter Sunday.

Spring Historic Homes & Gardens Tour, New Bern. Tour Tryon Palace and other area homes, gardens, and historic sites. Call tel. 252/633-6448 or visit www.visitnewbern.com for more information. Late April.

May

CityFest Live! Charlotte. Live bands provide entertainment at this 3-day music festival while folks stroll through the streets of the Uptown Entertainment District, buying snacks from food vendors and checking out the arts and crafts. The city missed a few years, but is planning to host again starting in 2009. Call tel. 704-987-0612 or visit www.cityfestlive.com to check their plans. Three days in early May.

Ole Time Fiddlers and Bluegrass Festival, Union Grove. Traditional musicians and the fans who love bluegrass make a yearly pilgrimage to what may be the most renowned fiddling competition in the country. PBS made an award-winning documentary on the festival, held in the Brushy Mountain foothills. Call tel. 828/478-3735 or visit www.fiddlersgrove.com for more information. Memorial Day weekend.

Coca-Cola 600, Charlotte. This action-packed race, which is part of the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, takes place at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Enjoy the Food Lion Speed Street, 3 days of race-related festivities on Tryon Street in Charlotte. Call tel. 704/455-5555 or go to www.600festival.com for more information. End of May.

June

Herb Day, Durham. See displays of traditional herbal remedies and recipes from the mid-19th century. There are herb plants from an on-site garden, herbal crafts, and food available for purchase. Call tel. 919/477-5498 for more information. First Saturday in June.

American Dance Festival, Durham. Considered to be the largest and most prestigious modern-dance event in the world, this festival has been held on the Duke University campus since 1978. Call tel. 919/684-6402 or go to www.americandancefestival.org for more information. Early June to late July.

The Lost Colony, Roanoke Island. Paul Green's moving drama is presented in the Waterside Theater Monday through Saturday at 8:30pm. It's the country's oldest outdoor drama, running since 1937. Tickets cost $16 for adults; $15 for seniors, military personnel, and people with disabilities; and $8 for children 11 and under. Contact the Waterside Theater (tel. 252/473-3414; www.thelostcolony.org) for tickets. Early June to late August.

75th Anniversary Weekend, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park staff offers programs and events honoring the region's Cherokee and Appalachian ties. Call tel. 865/436-1200 or visit www.nps.gov/grsm/parknews for more information. June 13-15, 2009.

Hillsborough Hog Day, Hillsborough. Featured attractions include barbecue, potbellied-pig contests, entertainment, crafts, and a vintage car show. Call tel. 919/732-8156 or visit www.hogdays.com for more information. Mid-June.

National Hollerin' Contest, Spivey's Corner. Immortalized by a visit from Charles Kuralt at its 1969 inaugural, this event celebrates hollerin' as a traditional form of communication. Drawing visitors from all over the country, the contest swells Spivey's Corner's usual population of 49. Call tel. 910/567-2600 or visit www.hollerincontest.com for more information. Third Saturday in June.

Brevard Music Festival, Brevard. For more than half a century, this has been one of the major open-air events in western North Carolina, featuring opera, classic music, pops, and jazz. The center for information is at 100 Probart St. (tel. 888/384-8682 or 828/862-2105; www.brevardmusic.org). Mid-June to early August.

July

Shindig on the Green, Asheville. At the City/County Plaza (College and Spruce sts.), you'll find mountain musicians and dancers having an old-fashioned wingding. The event is free and lots of fun. For details, call tel. 828/258-6101 or go to www.folkheritage.org. Every Saturday night from early July to September.

Grandfather Mountain Highland Games and Gathering of the Scottish Clans, Linville. This event is complete with Scottish dance, music, and athletic competitions. Call tel. 828/733-1333 or go to www.gmhg.org for more information. Early July.

Festival of the Arts, Brevard. This weeklong festival features a children's exhibit, creative and performing arts, and food, in venues throughout the city. Call tel. 828/884-2787 or go to www.tcarts.org for more information. Early July.

Coon Dog Day, Saluda. For more than 30 years, coon hunters and nature lovers have gathered for dog trials, arts and crafts shows, a parade, a pancake breakfast, a treeing contest, barbecue, bluegrass and Southern folk concerts, and a square dance. It's truly folkloric Carolina. Call tel. 828/749-2581 or visit www.saluda.com for more information. Saturday following the Fourth of July.

Folkmoot USA (North Carolina International Folk Festival), Waynesville and Maggie Valley. Folkmoot USA provides international music and dance, plus good old-fashioned North Carolina mountain music. Call tel. 877/365-5872 or 828/452-2997 or visit www.folkmoot.com for more information. Mid-July.

National Black Theatre Festival, Winston-Salem. This festival includes performances, workshops, and seminars at various theaters around the city, produced and hosted by the city's own North Carolina Black Repertory Co. Call tel. 336/723-2266 or go to www.nbtf.org for more information. Late July to early August. Held biannually in odd years.

Bele Chere, Asheville. Billed as the "largest outdoor street festival in the Southeast," this music, arts, and food festival has big-name bands and "Taste of Asheville" samplings from local restaurants. Contact the Department of Parks and Recreation (tel. 828/259-5800; www.belecherefestival.com) for more information. Late July.

August

Mountain Dance & Folk Festival, Asheville. At the Diana Worth Theatre, 2 South Pack Square, the fiddlers, banjo pickers, dulcimer players, ballad singers, and clog dancers don't call it quits until nobody is interested in one more dance. This is the oldest such festival in the country, and you're encouraged to join in. For details, call tel. 828/258-6101 or go to www.folkheritage.org. First weekend in August.

September

North Carolina Apple Festival, Hendersonville. Bring your favorite apple-pie recipe, and enjoy music, crafts, games, and a cooking contest. Call tel. 828/697-4557 or go to www.ncapplefestival.org for more information. Labor Day weekend.

Festival in the Park, Charlotte. A celebration of regional arts and crafts, with entertainment and good food as bonuses. Call tel. 704/338-1060 or visit www.festivalinthepark.org for more information. Late September.

Mayberry Days, Mount Airy. A celebration of The Andy Griffith Show, with entertainment, a golf tournament, walking tours, and a pig pickin'. Call tel. 800/576-0231 or visit www.visitmayberry.com or www.surryarts.org for more information. Last weekend in September.

October

SAS Championship, Cary. This $2-million PGA Champions (Senior) Tour event is drawing such well-known golfers as Tom Kite, Lanny Wadkins, and Fuzzy Zoeller as it approaches its seventh tournament year. Call tel. 919/531-4653 or go to www.saschampionship.com for more information. Early October.

MUMfest, New Bern. Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corp. hosts a street festival loaded with food, fun, arts and crafts, and tours. Call tel. 252/638-5781 or visit www.mumfest.com for more information. Early October.

North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh. This traditional gathering draws crowds from all over. Call tel. 919/821-7400 or visit www.ncstatefair.org for more information. Mid-October.

Chrysler Classic of Greensboro, Greensboro. Some 275,000 fans come to the galleries of Forest Oaks Country Club to watch the pros compete for the $5-million purse of this nationally televised tournament, one of the richest on the PGA tour. Call tel. 336/379-1570 or visit www.chrysler-classic.com for more information. Mid-October.

November

Christmas at the Biltmore Estate, Asheville. The Biltmore Estate becomes a winter wonderland long before Christmas. Enjoy Christmas lights, trees, decorations, and music. Call tel. 800/411-3812 or 828/225-1333, or go to www.biltmore.com for more information. Early November to early January.

Festival of Lights, Tanglewood Park, Winston-Salem. For 9 weeks, more than 750,000 lights are presented in more than five dozen displays. Enjoy storybook themes. Call tel. 336/778-6300 or visit www.tanglewoodpark.org for more information. Mid-November to early January.

December

Holiday Festival, Raleigh. The city hosts the Holiday Festival at the North Carolina Museum of Art. It's an old-fashioned yuletide celebration. Call tel. 919/839-6262 or visit www.ncartmuseum.org for more information. Early December.

Old Salem Christmas and Candle Teas, Winston-Salem. A re-creation of yuletide as it was celebrated 200 years ago in Old Salem. Enjoy making candles, tasting Moravian sugar cakes, and touring the 1788 Gemeinhaus by candlelight. Call tel. 336/722-6171 or visit www.home-moravian.org for more information. First 2 weekends in December.

Regions in Brief

The High Country -- The Blue Ridge Parkway seems to touch the sky as it traces the jutting peaks and rising plateaus of the North Carolina mountains. Set in the splendor of these hills are the mountain folk, who strive to retain their lifestyle despite the headaches and traffic caused by tourists taking in the sights along the parkway.

The peak time for entering the parkway is May through October, when hotel accommodations are plentiful and visitor facilities are open. Fall is when the landscape is at its best. The natural foliage of the mountain evergreens is magically enhanced by a brisk palette of reds, yellows, oranges, and golds. Although winter rates are appealing, cold-weather conditions may make roads inaccessible. As though the mountains were not inspiring enough, North Carolina also offers other sites filled with natural splendor.

You can create your own script for this 470-mile drive -- called the "Most Scenic Highway in America" -- by entering at the southern end of Shenandoah National Park near the Virginia border. The slow drive that follows the road's sharp curves and narrow straightaways is full of serendipitous discoveries, from fresh-grown apples sold at stands along the roadside to rustic "junk" stores.

The rolling pasturelands of the Blue Ridge's northern access lie in Allegheny and Ashe counties, picture-perfect with grazing cows and lichen-covered split-rail fences. As you approach Watauga, Avery, and Mitchell counties, the mountains seem to rise like images in a fast-paced video game. Grandfather Mountain is the site of a staggering engineering feat: a roadway that swings treacherously 1,243 feet around the curve of the craggy mountain. With down-home eateries, inns, panoramic views of misty blue mountains, and hiking trails spread along the length of the parkway, plus the highest peak in the eastern United States at Mount Mitchell State Park (6,684 ft.), you'll be amazed by the sights you'll see along the road, in spite of the traffic.

There are ways to avoid crowds and traffic even during the peak season. Park rangers suggest that you drive the parkway Monday through Friday, when the roads are less congested. Avoid Sunday afternoon altogether, and be adventurous: Go off the beaten track. Numerous side roads run parallel to the parkway or branch off from it. Visitor centers furnish detailed maps, but rangers recommend that you get specific instructions before venturing out onto one of these roads.

Plan on spending at least 2 days in the Cherokee area. Although the town is a little touristy, a smattering of intimate hideaways is concealed along the back roads of Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Cherokee.

Set just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, about 40 miles east of Cherokee, is Asheville, a stunning small city worthy of a 3-day stay, with attractions such as the Biltmore Estate, the Thomas Wolfe Memorial, and the Folk Art Center.

The Piedmont -- After you visit the mountains, head east to Winston-Salem, our favorite Piedmont City. The former seat of the powerful Reynolds tobacco fortune, Winston-Salem is also home to Old Salem, a restored 18th-and 19th-century village settled by German-speaking Moravians, and Wake Forest University.

Another component of the Piedmont is the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area, often referred to as the Research Triangle. This area has attracted all sorts of high-tech industry to the state -- no wonder, because three of the premier universities in the South (Duke, the University of North Carolina [UNC], and North Carolina State) are located here, within a stone's throw of one another. The proximity of Duke to UNC has given rise to perhaps the greatest rivalry in college-basketball history -- although State's consistently competitive hoops program can never be counted out of the equation. Chapel Hill is the charming college town, Durham the up-and-coming hot spot, and Raleigh the bustling state capital.

The largest city in the Piedmont is Charlotte. Surprisingly cosmopolitan and set amid rolling hills, this fast-paced city rivals Orlando or Birmingham and dismisses the down-home label. It's a major banking center and transportation hub, and its diversified manufacturing capabilities include machinery, textiles, metals, and food products. Charlotte has also been transformed into a big-time sports town: The state's first pro-football team, the Carolina Panthers, continues to draw fans to its state-of-the-art open-air "retro" stadium.

The Coast -- A trip through North Carolina wouldn't be complete without sticking your toes in the brisk Atlantic. The largest city on the coast is Wilmington, although much of North Carolina's shoreline remains much less developed than the frenetic scene along South Carolina's beaches. In spite of the slowpoke summer traffic, Nags Head especially has a little something for every family member, from a rustic fishing pier to nearby video arcades. It also offers some of the finest seafood restaurants on the East Coast, many in modest settings. Local specialties include Hatteras-style clam chowder, crab cakes, and deep-fried hush puppies. Surprisingly, Nags Head lacks one thing that most of its rival resorts do have: high-rise condos. Instead, towering overhead is Jockey's Ridge, a giant sand dune that forms the tallest médano (large, isolated hill of sand) in the East. Climb to the top of the mile-long dune for outstanding views of the ocean and sound.

Another wonderful spot is Ocracoke Island, a 45-minute ride across the waters of Pamlico Sound. A free ferry departs Hatteras village every 30 minutes, beginning daily at 5am. Disembark at the north-end ferry visitor station, and head for the village of Ocracoke while enjoying the expanses of wild dunes and forests of cedar and pine. The beaches leading into Ocracoke Village are some of the best on the East Coast.

Much of the island is a National Seashore area where large development is prohibited. While this is a place where you still can go into the post office barefoot to check your mail, it's not the sleepy little backwater it was even 10 years ago. The town of Ocracoke has ceded to the demands of tourism, building several multistory hotels around Silver Lake; restaurants; and shops selling the requisite beach hammocks, taffy, T-shirts, and souvenirs. In the summer, the tourist crush can be overwhelming; visit in the fall, when you'll see the island at its best, a real North Carolina charmer.

Sustainable Travel & Ecotourism

Sustainable tourism is conscientious travel. It means being careful with the environments you explore, and respecting the communities you visit. Two overlapping components of sustainable travel are eco-tourism and ethical tourism. The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) defines eco-tourism as responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.

You can find some eco-friendly travel tips and statistics, as well as touring companies and associations -- listed by destination under "Travel Choice" -- at the TIES website, www.ecotourism.org. Also check out Ecotravel.com, which lets you search for sustainable touring companies in several categories (such as water or land based, or spiritually oriented).

While much of the focus of eco-tourism is about reducing impacts on the natural environment, ethical tourism concentrates on ways to preserve and enhance local economies and communities, regardless of location. You can embrace ethical tourism by staying at a locally owned hotel or shopping at a store that employs local workers and sells locally produced goods.

Responsible Travel (www.responsibletravel.com) is a great source of sustainable travel ideas; the site is run by a spokesperson for ethical tourism in the travel industry. Sustainable Travel International (www.sustainabletravelinternational.org) promotes ethical tourism practices, and manages an extensive directory of sustainable properties and tour operators around the world.

In the U.K., Tourism Concern (www.tourismconcern.org.uk) works to reduce social and environmental problems connected to tourism. The Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO; www.aito.co.uk) is a group of specialist operators leading the field in making holidays sustainable.

Volunteer travel has become increasingly popular among those who want to venture beyond the standard group-tour experience. Some programs provide free housing and food, but many require volunteers to pay for travel expenses, which can add up quickly. For general info on volunteer travel, visit www.volunteerabroad.org and www.idealist.org. Volunteer International (www.volunteerinternational.org) has a helpful list of questions to ask to determine the intentions and the nature of a volunteer program before you commit.

Tips for Gay and Lesbian Travelers

In Charlotte, the Gay Visitor Information Line (tel. 704/535-6277) is open from 6:30 to 9:30pm Sunday to Thursday. You can get information on gay issues from the helpful staff at White Rabbit Books & Things, 1401 Central Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205 (tel. 704/377-4067; www.whiterabbitbooks.com).

Raleigh offers the Gay and Lesbian Help Line (tel. 919/821-0055). Another resource is another branch of White Rabbit Books & Things, 309 W. Martin St., Raleigh, NC 27601 (tel. 919/856-1429; www.whiterabbitbooks.com).

The International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA; tel. 800/448-8550 or 954/776-2626; www.iglta.org) is the trade association for the gay and lesbian travel industry, and offers an online directory of gay- and lesbian-friendly travel businesses.

Tips for Senior Travelers

The National Park Service (NPS) offers an America the Beautiful -- National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass -- Senior Pass (formerly the Golden Age Passport), which gives seniors 62 years or older lifetime entrance to all properties administered by the NPS -- national parks, monuments, historic sites, recreation areas, and national wildlife refuges -- for a one-time processing fee of $10. The pass must be purchased in person at any NPS facility that charges an entrance fee. Besides free entry, the America the Beautiful pass also offers a 50% discount on some federal-use fees. For more information, go to www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm or call the United States Geological Survey (USGS), which issues the passes, at tel. 888/275-8747.

Nearly all major U.S. hotel and motel chains now offer seniors a discount, so ask for the reduction when you make the reservation; there may be restrictions during peak days. Then be sure to carry proof of your age (driver's license, passport, and so on) when you check in. Among the chains that offer the best discounts are Marriott Hotels (tel. 800/228-9290) for those 62 and older, and La Quinta Inns (tel. 800/531-5900) for ages 55 and older.

Members of AARP, 601 E St. NW, Washington, DC 20049 (tel. 888/687-2277; www.aarp.org), get discounts on hotels, airfares, and car rentals. AARP offers members a wide range of benefits, including AARP The Magazine and a monthly newsletter. Anyone older than 50 can join.

Many reliable agencies and organizations target the 50-plus market. Elderhostel (tel. 877/426-5768; www.elderhostel.org) arranges study programs for those 55 and over.

Recommended publications offering travel resources and discounts for seniors include the quarterly magazine Travel 50 & Beyond (www.travel50andbeyond.com) and Unbelievably Good Deals and Great Adventures That You Absolutely Can't Get Unless You're Over 50 (2009), by Joann Rattner Heilman.

Seniors may want to contact the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (tel. 803/252-7734; www.seniorresourcesinc.org). When you're sightseeing or attending entertainment events, always inquire about senior discounts.

Fast Facts

Area Codes -- North Carolina has various area codes: 828 for Asheville and Banner Elk, 919 for Chapel Hill, Durham, and Raleigh; 704 for Charlotte; 252 for the Outer Banks; 910 for Wilmington, and 336 for Winston-Salem.

ATMs -- These are found in every city and town of the tri-state area, especially at banks, but at many other outlets as well, including convenience stores.

Automobile Organizations -- Motor clubs will supply maps, suggested routes, guidebooks, accident and bail-bond insurance, and emergency road service. The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the major auto club in the United States. If you belong to a motor club in your home country, inquire about AAA reciprocity before you leave. You may be able to join AAA even if you're not a member of a reciprocal club; to inquire, call AAA (tel. 800/222-4357; www.aaa.com). AAA is actually an organization of regional motor clubs, so look under "AAA Automobile Club" in the White Pages of the telephone directory. AAA's nationwide emergency road service telephone number is tel. 800/AAA-HELP (222-4357).

Business Hours The following are general open hours; specific establishments may vary. Banks: Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm (some are also open Sat 9am-noon). Most banks and other outlets offer 24-hour access to automated teller machines (ATMs). Offices: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Stores: Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm, and some also on Sunday from noon to 5pm. Malls usually stay open until 9pm Monday to Saturday, and department stores are usually open until 9pm at least 1 day a week.

Car Rentals To rent a car in the Carolinas and Georgia, you need a major credit or charge card and a valid driver's license. Sometimes a passport or an international driver's license is also required if your driver's license is in a language other than English. You often need to be at least 25 years of age, although some companies rent to younger people (they may add a daily surcharge). Be sure to return your car with the same amount of gasoline that you started out with; rental companies charge excessive prices for gas. Keep in mind that a separate driver's license is required in most states to drive a motorcycle.

Drinking Laws -- The legal age for purchase and consumption of alcoholic beverages is 21; proof of age is required and often requested at bars, nightclubs, and restaurants, so it's always a good idea to carry ID when you go out. Although local laws can vary, in general, no alcohol is served at bars, restaurants, or nightclubs between 4am and 12:30pm on Sunday. In addition, alcoholic beverages are not sold on Sunday in liquor stores, convenience stores, or grocery stores. Do not carry open containers of alcohol in your car or any public area that isn't zoned for alcohol consumption. The police can fine you on the spot. And nothing will ruin your trip faster than getting a citation for DUI (driving under the influence), so don't even think about driving while intoxicated.

Driving Rules -- Speed limits are posted on tri-state highways. In addition, the law requires the driver and front-seat passenger to wear seat belts while the car is in motion. Children 4 and under must be buckled into safety seats in the back seat; those 5 to 12 must sit in the back seat if the front seat is equipped with air bags.

Electricity -- Like Canada, the United States uses 110-120 volts AC (60 cycles), compared to 220-240 volts AC (50 cycles) in most of Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Downward converters that change 220-240 volts to 110-120 volts are difficult to find in the United States, so bring one with you.

Embassies & Consulates -- All embassies are located in the nation's capital, Washington, D.C. Some consulates are located in major U.S. cities, and most nations have a mission to the United Nations in New York City. If your country isn't listed below, call for directory information in Washington, D.C. (tel. 202/555-1212) or check www.embassy.org/embassies.

The embassy of Australia is at 1601 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (tel. 202/797-3000; www.austemb.org). There are consulates in New York, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

The embassy of Canada is at 501 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001 (tel. 202/682-1740; www.canadianembassy.org). Other Canadian consulates are in Buffalo (New York), Detroit, Los Angeles, New York, and Seattle.

The embassy of Ireland is at 2234 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel. 202/462-3939; www.irelandemb.org). Irish consulates are in Boston, Chicago, New York, San Francisco, and other cities. See the website for a complete listing.

The embassy of New Zealand is at 37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel. 202/328-4800; www.nzembassy.com). New Zealand consulates are in Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, and Seattle.

The embassy of the United Kingdom is at 3100 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel. 202/588-7800; www.britainusa.com). Other British consulates are in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Seattle.

Emergencies -- Dial tel. 911 to report a fire, call the police, or get an ambulance. This is a nationwide toll-free call (no coins are required at a public telephone).

If theft or an accident has left you stranded, check the local telephone directory for a nearby office of the Traveler's Aid Society (www.travelersaid.org), a nationwide, not-for-profit social service organization that is geared to helping travelers in distress. If you're in trouble, seek it out.

In Georgia, the Council for International Visitors, 34 Peachtree St., Ste. 1200, Atlanta, GA 30303 (tel. 404/832-5560), can provide a wide variety of help to international visitors in more than 42 languages. Offices are also located in North Carolina (322 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte, NC 28204; tel. 704/342-2248) and South Carolina (1 Poston Rd., Ste. 103, Charleston, SC 29407; tel. 843/852-9880).

Gasoline -- At press time, in the U.S., the cost of gasoline (also known as gas, but never petrol), is abnormally high. Taxes are already included in the printed price. One U.S. gallon equals 3.8 liters or .85 imperial gallons. Fill-up locations are known as gas or service stations.

Holidays -- Banks, government offices, post offices, and many stores, restaurants, and museums are closed on the following legal national holidays: January 1 (New Year's Day), the third Monday in January (Martin Luther King Day), the third Monday in February (Presidents' Day), the last Monday in May (Memorial Day), July 4 (Independence Day), the first Monday in September (Labor Day), the second Monday in October (Columbus Day), November 11 (Veterans Day/Armistice Day), the fourth Thursday in November (Thanksgiving Day), and December 25 (Christmas Day). The Tuesday after the first Monday in November is Election Day, a federal government holiday in presidential-election years (held every 4 years, and next in 2012).

Hospitals & Medical Centers -- No matter where you go, you will rarely be far from a hospital or medical center, or emergency clinic. The major hospital facilities in the Carolinas and Georgia include the following: Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, 1600 Tullie Circle NE, Atlanta, GA (www.choa.org); Duke University Medical Center, Erwin Road, Durham, NC (www.mc.duke.edu); Mission Hospitals, 509 Biltmore Ave., Asheville, NC (www.missionhospitals.org); Medical University of South Carolina, 171 Ashley Ave., Charleston, SC (www.musc.edu); Pitt County Memorial Hospital, 2100 Stantonsburg Rd., Greenville, NC (www.uhseast.com); St. Joseph's Hospital of Atlanta, 5665 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA (www.stjosephsatlanta.org); University of North Carolina Hospitals, 101 Manning Dr., Chapel Hill, NC (www.unchealthcare.org); and Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC (www.wfubmc.edu).

Internet Access -- Most hotels in the tri-state area provide Internet access. Cybercafes are found in large cities such as Atlanta or Charlotte. Rural areas are not as well connected, of course. To find a cybercafe in your destination, try www.cybercafe.com.

Legal Aid -- If you are "pulled over" for a minor infraction (such as speeding), never attempt to pay the fine directly to a police officer; this could be construed as attempted bribery, a much more serious crime. Pay fines by mail, or directly into the hands of the clerk of the court. If accused of a more serious offense, say and do nothing before consulting a lawyer. Here the burden is on the state to prove a person's guilt, and everyone has the right to remain silent, whether he or she is suspected of a crime or actually arrested. Once arrested, a person can make one telephone call to a party of his or her choice. International visitors should call their embassy or consulate.

Lost & Found -- Be sure to tell all of your credit card companies immediately if you discover your wallet has been lost or stolen and file a report at the nearest police precinct. Your credit card company or insurer may require a police report number or record of the loss. Most credit card companies have an emergency toll-free number to call if your card is lost or stolen; they may be able to wire you a cash advance immediately or deliver an emergency credit card in a day or two. Visa's U.S. emergency numbers are tel. 800/847-2911 and 410/581-9994. American Express cardholders and traveler's check holders should call tel. 800/221-7282. MasterCard holders should call tel. 800/307-7309 or 636/722-7111. For other credit cards, call the toll-free number directory at tel. 800/555-1212.

If you need emergency cash over the weekend when all banks and American Express offices are closed, you can have money wired to you via Western Union (tel. 800/325-6000; www.westernunion.com).

Mail -- At press time, domestic postage rates were 27¢ for a postcard and 42¢ for a letter. For international mail, a first-class letter of up to 1 ounce costs 94¢ (72¢ to Canada and Mexico); a first-class postcard costs the same as a letter. For more information go to www.usps.com and click on "Calculate Postage."

If you aren't sure what your address will be in the United States, mail can be sent to you, in your name, c/o General Delivery at the main post office of the city or region where you expect to be. (Call tel. 800/275-8777 for information on the nearest post office.) The addressee must pick up mail in person and must produce proof of identity (such as a driver's license or passport). Most post offices will hold your mail for up to 1 month, and are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm, and Saturday from 9am to 3pm.

Medical Conditions -- If you have a medical condition that requires syringe-administered medications, carry a valid signed prescription from your physician; syringes in carry-on baggage will be inspected. Insulin in any form should have the proper pharmaceutical documentation. If you have a disease that requires treatment with narcotics, you should also carry documented proof with you -- smuggling narcotics aboard a plane carries severe penalties in the U.S.

For HIV-positive visitors, requirements for entering the United States are somewhat vague and change frequently. For up-to-the-minute information, contact AIDSinfo (tel. 800/448-0440 or 301/519-6616 outside the U.S.; www.aidsinfo.nih.gov) or the Gay Men's Health Crisis (tel. 212/367-1000; www.gmhc.org).

Newspapers & Magazines -- National newspapers include the New York Times, USA Today, and the Wall Street Journal. National newsweeklies include Newsweek, Time, and U.S. News & World Report. In large cities, most newsstands offer a small selection of the most popular foreign periodicals and newspapers.

North Carolina's major dailies are the News & Observer (Raleigh) and the Charlotte Observer (Charlotte). There are also local papers in Asheville, Durham, Fayetteville, Greensboro, and Winston-Salem. The North Carolina Folklore Journal is available by subscription. (Contact the North Carolina Folklore Society, Department of English, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC 28608, for publication schedule and subscription rates.)

Police -- Call tel. 911.

Taxes -- The United States has no value-added tax (VAT) or other indirect tax at the national level. Every state, county, and city may levy its own local tax on all purchases, including hotel and restaurant checks and airline tickets. These taxes do not appear on price tags.

Telephones -- Many convenience groceries and packaging services sell prepaid calling cards in denominations up to $50; for international visitors these can be the least expensive way to call home. Many public pay phones at airports now accept American Express, MasterCard, and Visa credit cards. Local calls made from pay phones in most locales cost either 25¢ or 35¢ (no pennies, please). Most long-distance and international calls can be dialed directly from any phone. For calls within the United States and to Canada, dial 1 followed by the area code and the seven-digit number. For other international calls, dial 011 followed by the country code, city code, and the number you are calling.

Calls to area codes 800, 888, 877, and 866 are toll-free. However, calls to area codes 700 and 900 (chat lines, bulletin boards, "dating" services, and so on) can be very expensive -- usually a charge of 95¢ to $3 or more per minute, and they sometimes have minimum charges that can run as high as $15 or more.

For reversed-charge or collect calls, and for person-to-person calls, dial the number 0 then the area code and number; an operator will come on the line, and you should specify whether you are calling collect, person-to-person, or both. If your operator-assisted call is international, ask for the overseas operator.

For local directory assistance ("information"), dial tel. 411; for long-distance information, dial 1, then the appropriate area code and 555-1212.

Telegraph, Telex & Fax -- Telegraph and telex services are provided primarily by Western Union (tel. 800/325-6000; www.westernunion.com). You can telegraph (wire) money, or have it telegraphed to you, very quickly over the Western Union system, but this service can cost as much as 15% to 20% of the amount sent.

Most hotels have fax machines available for guest use (be sure to ask about the charge to use it). Many hotel rooms are wired for guests' fax machines. A less expensive way to send and receive faxes may be at stores such as the UPS Store.

Time -- The continental United States is divided into four time zones: Eastern Standard Time (EST), Central Standard Time (CST), Mountain Standard Time (MST), and Pacific Standard Time (PST). Alaska and Hawaii have their own zones. For example, when it's 9am in Los Angeles (PST), it's 7am in Honolulu (Hawaii Standard Time, or HST), 10am in Denver (MST), 11am in Chicago (CST), noon in New York City (EST), 5pm in London (Greenwich Mean Time, or GMT), and 2am the next day in Sydney.

Daylight saving time is in effect from 1am on the second Sunday in March to 1am on the first Sunday in November, except in Arizona, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Daylight saving time moves the clock 1 hour ahead of standard time.

Tipping -- Tips are a very important part of certain workers' income, and gratuities are the standard way of showing appreciation for services provided. (Tipping is certainly not compulsory if the service is poor!) In hotels, tip bellhops at least $1 per bag ($2-$3 if you have a lot of luggage) and tip the chamber staff $1 to $2 per day (more if you've left a disaster area for him or her to clean up). Tip the doorman or concierge only if he or she has provided you with some specific service (for example, calling a cab for you or obtaining difficult-to-get theater tickets). Tip the valet-parking attendant $1 every time you get your car.

In restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, tip service staff 15% to 20% of the check, tip bartenders 10% to 15%, tip checkroom attendants $1 per garment, and tip valet-parking attendants $1 per vehicle.

As for other service personnel, tip cabdrivers 15% of the fare; tip skycaps at airports at least $1 per bag ($2-$3 if you have a lot of luggage); and tip hairdressers and barbers 15% to 20%.

Toilets -- You won't find public toilets or "restrooms" on the streets in most U.S. cities but they can be found in hotel lobbies, bars, restaurants, museums, department stores, railway and bus stations, and service stations. Large hotels and fast-food restaurants are often the best bet for clean facilities. Restaurants and bars in resorts or heavily visited areas may reserve their restrooms for patrons.

Useful Phone Numbers -- U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory tel. 202/647-5225 (manned 24 hr.)

U.S. Passport Agency tel. 202/647-0518

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention International Traveler's Hot Line tel. 404/332-4559

Getting There

By Plane

Delta (tel. 800/221-1212; www.delta.com) and US Airways (tel. 800/428-4322; www.usairways.com) serve the largest number of North Carolina destinations from out of state, although not all flights are direct. American Airlines (tel. 800/433-7300; www.aa.com), JetBlue Airlines (tel. 800/JET-BLUE [538-2583]; www.jetblue.com), and United Airlines (tel. 800/241-6522; www.united.com) also have direct flights to many North Carolina cities. Raleigh-Durham International Airport (www.rdu.com) and Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, in Charlotte (www.charmeck.org) are the major hubs, offering connecting flights to most major U.S. destinations.

US Airways (tel. 800/428-4322; www.usairways.com) and Delta (tel. 800/221-1212; www.delta.com) have several in-state connecting flights between cities such as Raleigh, Charlotte, Asheville, Wilmington, New Bern, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Jacksonville, and Fayetteville.

Overseas visitors can take advantage of the APEX (Advance Purchase Excursion) reductions offered by all major U.S. and European carriers. In addition, some large airlines offer transatlantic or transpacific passengers special discount tickets under the name Visit USA, which allows mostly one-way travel from one U.S. destination to another at very low prices. These discount tickets must be purchased abroad in conjunction with your international fare.

Immigration & Customs Clearance -- International visitors arriving by air, no matter what the port of entry, should cultivate patience and resignation before setting foot on U.S. soil. U.S. airports have considerably beefed up security clearances in the years since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and clearing Customs and Immigration can take as long as 2 hours.

By Car

From Virginia and South Carolina, you can enter North Carolina on either I-95 or I-85. I-27 and I-77 also lead in from South Carolina. The main Tennessee entry is I-40. All major border points have helpful welcome centers, some with cookout facilities and playground equipment in a parklike setting.

Unless you plan to spend the bulk of your vacation in a city where walking is the best way to get around, the most cost-effective way to travel in North Carolina is by car.

Foreign driver's licenses are usually recognized in the U.S., but you should get an international one if your home license is not in English.

North Carolina has a law that requires all front-seat passengers to wear seat belts. The state also has a child-restraint law that requires children 3 years old and younger to be secured in a child safety seat. Children 3 to 16 years old must ride in a safety seat or use a car seat belt.

North Carolina's 76,000 miles of toll-free, well-maintained highways and some state roads have rest areas with picnic tables and outdoor cooking facilities. Write to Travel and Tourism NC (www.nccommerce.com), Department of Commerce, 301 N. Willmington St., Raleigh, NC 27601, for the Official North Carolina Highway Map and Guide to Points of Interest, which is also filled with tourist information.

Leading car-rental firms are at North Carolina's major cities and airports. They are: Avis (tel. 800/331-1212; www.avis.com), Budget (tel. 800/472-3325; www.budget.com), Hertz (tel. 800/654-3131; www.hertz.com), and Thrifty Car Rental (tel. 800/367-2277; www.thrifty.com).

By Train

North Carolina is on Amtrak's New York-Miami, New York-Tampa, and New York-Washington-New Orleans runs. Be sure to check for excursion fares or seasonal specials. For reservations and fare information, call tel. 800/USA-RAIL (872-7245) or go to www.amtrak.com.

International visitors can buy a USA Rail Pass, good for 5, 15, or 30 days of unlimited travel on Amtrak (tel. 800/USA-RAIL [872-7245]; www.amtrak.com). The pass is available online or through many overseas travel agents.

By Bus

Bus travel is often the most economical form of public transit for short hops between U.S. cities, but it's certainly not an option for everyone (particularly when Amtrak, which is far more luxurious, offers similar rates). Greyhound (tel. 800/231-2222; www.greyhound.com) is the sole nationwide bus line. International visitors can obtain information about the Greyhound North American Discovery Pass. The pass can be obtained from foreign travel agents or through www.discoverypass.com for unlimited travel and stopovers in the U.S. and Canada.

Southeastern Stages (tel. 404/591-2750; www.southeasternstages.com) offers limited bus service linking cities in the Carolinas and Georgia, such as Fayetteville, North Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; Augusta, Georgia; Columbia, South Carolina; and Charleston, South Carolina.

By Ferry

North Carolina has a system of car ferries that ply the coastal sounds and rivers; most are toll-free, but there is a fee for longer trips. Crossings can be made between Currituck and Knotts Island, Currituck and Corolla, Hatteras and Ocracoke, Ocracoke and Swan Quarter, Cedar Island and Ocracoke, Bayview and Aurora, Cherry Branch and Minnesott, and Southport and Fort Fisher. To obtain a ferry schedule, contact the North Carolina Department of Transportation Ferry Division at tel. 800/BY-FERRY (293-3779) or www.ncferry.org.

Tips for Travelers with Disabilities

Thanks to provisions in the Americans with Disabilities Act, most public places in the U.S. are required to comply with disability-friendly regulations. Almost all public establishments (including hotels, restaurants, museums, and so on, but not certain National Historic Landmarks), and at least some modes of public transportation provide accessible entrances and other facilities for those with mobility challenges.

The America the Beautiful -- National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass -- Access Pass (formerly the Golden Access Passport) gives visually impaired or permanently disabled persons free lifetime entrance to federal recreation sites administered by the National Park Service (NPS).

The America the Beautiful pass can only be obtained in person at any NPS facility that charges an entrance fee. The pass also offers a 50% discount on some federal-use fees for facilities such as camping, swimming, parking, boat launching, and tours. For answers to common questions, visit www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm or call the United States Geological Survey (USGS; tel. 888/275-8747), which issues the pass.

Though hundreds of hotels and restaurants in North Carolina now provide easy access for those with disabilities, it's always a good idea to call before you book to find out just what the situation is.

Many travel agencies offer customized tours and itineraries for travelers with disabilities. Among them are Flying Wheels Travel (tel. 507/451-5005; www.flyingwheelstravel.com), Access-Able Travel Source (tel. 303/232-2979; www.access-able.com), and Accessible Journeys (tel. 800/846-4537 or 610/521-0339; www.disabilitytravel.com).

Organizations that offer assistance to travelers with disabilities include MossRehab (tel. 800/CALL-MOSS [225-5667]; www.mossresourcenet.org), the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB; tel. 800/232-5463; www.afb.org), and SATH (Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality; tel. 212/447-7284; www.sath.org). AirAmbulanceCard.com is now partnered with SATH and allows you to preselect top-notch hospitals in case of an emergency.

Also check out the quarterly magazine Emerging Horizons (www.emerginghorizons.com).

A helpful website for assistance while traveling in the U.S. is www.disabilityresources.org, a nonprofit group that supplies information about available resources. Just click on the state you are traveling to.

Amtrak (tel. 800/USA-RAIL [872-7245]; www.amtrak.com), with 24 hours' notice, will provide porter service, special seating, and a discount.

Staying Connected

Internet Access Without Your Own Computer

To find cybercafes in your destination check www.cybercaptive.com and www.cybercafe.com.

Aside from formal cybercafes, most youth hostels and public libraries offer Internet access.

Most major airports now have Internet kiosks scattered throughout their gates. These give you basic Web access for a per-minute fee that's usually higher than cybercafe prices.

Internet Access with Your Own Computer

More and more hotels, resorts, airports, cafes, retailers, campgrounds, RV parks, and even entire towns are becoming hot spots for high-speed Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity or wireless Internet) access. Hotspot Finder at www.jiwire.com holds the world's largest directory of public wireless hot spots.

For dial-up access, most business-class hotels in the U.S. offer dataports for laptop modems, and a few thousand hotels in the U.S. and Europe now offer free high-speed Internet access.

Cellphone Use in the U.S.

Just because your cellphone works at home doesn't mean it'll work everywhere in the U.S. (thanks to our nation's fragmented cellphone system). It's a good bet that your phone will work in major cities, but take a look at your wireless company's coverage map on its website before heading out. If you need to stay in touch at a destination where you know your phone won't work, rent a phone that does from InTouch USA (tel. 800/872-7626; www.intouchglobal.com) or a rental car location, but beware that you'll pay $1 a minute or more for airtime.

If you're not from the U.S., you'll be appalled at the poor reach of our GSM (Global System for Mobiles) wireless network, which is used by much of the rest of the world. Your phone will probably work in most major U.S. cities; it definitely won't work in many rural areas. (To see where GSM phones work in the U.S., check out www.t-mobile.com/coverage/national_popup.asp) And you may or may not be able to send SMS (text messages) home.

Package Tours

Tour companies offer package tours that include the Carolinas and Georgia. Most tours include airport transfers, admission to attractions, meals, and accommodations. Be sure to ask whether your tour is included under the USOTA consumer-protection guarantee (in case of bankruptcy or insolvency).

Adventure Depot, 200 Yellow Mountain Rd., in Cullowhee, North Carolina (tel. 800/903-4401; www.adventuredepot.net), offers the state's most diversified cross section of activities, including white-water kayaking, canoe tours, llama trekking, horseback riding, rappelling, biking tours, and fly-fishing, among other adventures. Most packages are 2 days and 2 nights with 1 more day of optional adventures; longer packages are also available. The town of Cullowhee is in the Blue Ridge Mountains 4 miles off Route 64 and 8 miles from the town of Cashiers.

Barrier Island Kayaks (tel. 252/393-6457; www.barrierislandkayaks.com) offers instruction and guided day trips to the barrier islands of the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Day-trip prices range from $35 to $80. Daily equipment rental for outdoors enthusiasts is an additional charge.

Nearly Perfect Tours (tel. 704/481-9415) is a western North Carolina mountain-tour company specializing in custom tours of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The company will design a tour to fit your interest -- whether it's history, music, mountain culture, architecture, or old general stores. It also offers a North Carolina wineries tour in the Charlotte area. Full-day tours are $125 per person, and tours have five or fewer participants.

The region's leading tour operator, Mid Atlantic Tour & Receptive Services (tel. 800/769-5912; www.midatlantictours.com), features all-inclusive customized individual group tours. Tours usually begin at 3 days and 2 nights. Destinations include the Outer Banks, Old Salem, and the western mountains.

Entry Requirements & Customs

Passports

As of January 23, 2007, all persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport. As of January 31, 2008, U.S. and Canadian citizens entering the U.S. at land and sea ports of entry from within the Western Hemisphere will need to present government-issued proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, along with a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license. A passport is not required for U.S. or Canadian citizens entering by land or sea, but we highly encourage you to carry one.

The websites listed below provide downloadable passport applications as well as the current fees for processing applications. For an up-to-date, country-by-country listing of passport requirements around the world, go to the "International Travel" tab of the U.S. State Department at http://travel.state.gov. International visitors to the U.S. can obtain a visa application from the same website. Note: Children are required to present a passport when entering the United States at airports. More information on obtaining a passport for a minor can be found at http://travel.state.gov. Allow plenty of time before your trip to apply for a passport; processing normally takes 4 to 6 weeks (3 weeks for expedited service) but can take longer during busy periods (especially spring). And keep in mind that if you need a passport in a hurry, you'll pay a higher processing fee.

For Residents of Australia -- You can pick up an application from your local post office or any branch of Passports Australia, but you must schedule an interview at the passport office to present your application materials. Call the Australian Passport Information Service at tel. 131-232, or visit the government website at www.passports.gov.au.

For Residents of Canada -- Passport applications are available at travel agencies throughout Canada or from the central Passport Office, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ottawa, ON K1A 0G3 (tel. 800/567-6868; www.ppt.gc.ca). Note: Canadian children who travel must have their own passport. However, if you hold a valid Canadian passport issued before December 11, 2001, that bears the name of your child, the passport remains valid for you and your child until it expires.

For Residents of Ireland -- You can apply for a 10-year passport at the Passport Office, Setanta Centre, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2 (tel. 01/671-1633; www.irlgov.ie/iveagh). Those 17 and under and 66 and over must apply for a 3-year passport. You can also apply at 1A South Mall, Cork (tel. 21/494-4700) or at most main post offices.

For Residents of New Zealand -- You can pick up a passport application at any New Zealand Passports Office or download it from their website. Contact the Passports Office at tel. 0800/225-050 in New Zealand or 04/474-8100, or log on to www.passports.govt.nz.

For Residents of the United Kingdom -- To pick up an application for a standard 10-year passport (5-year passport for children 15 and under), visit your nearest passport office, major post office, or travel agency or contact the United Kingdom Passport Service at tel. 0870/521-0410 or search its website at www.ukpa.gov.uk.

Visas

The U.S. State Department has a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allowing citizens of the following countries to enter the United States without a visa for stays of up to 90 days: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. (Note: This list was accurate at press time; for the most up-to-date list of countries in the VWP, consult www.travel.state.gov/visa.) Canadian citizens may enter the United States without visas; they will need to show passports (if traveling by air) and proof of residence, however. Note: Any passport issued on or after October 26, 2006, by a VWP country must be an e-Passport for VWP travelers to be eligible to enter the U.S. without a visa. (You can identify an e-Passport by the symbol on the bottom center cover of your passport.) If your passport doesn't have this feature, you can still travel without a visa if it is a valid passport issued before October 26, 2005, and includes a machine-readable zone, or between October 26, 2005, and October 25, 2006, and includes a digital photograph. For more information, go to www.travel.state.gov/visa.

Citizens of all other countries must have (1) a valid passport that expires at least 6 months later than the scheduled end of their visit to the U.S., and (2) a tourist visa, which may be obtained without charge from any U.S. consulate.

As of January 2004, many international visitors traveling on visas to the United States will be photographed and fingerprinted on arrival at Customs in airports and on cruise ships in a program created by the Department of Homeland Security called US-VISIT. Exempt from the extra scrutiny are visitors entering by land or those (mostly from Europe) who don't require a visa for short-term visits. For more information, go to the Homeland Security website at www.dhs.gov/dhspublic.

For information about U.S. visas go to http://travel.state.gov and click on "Visas." Or go to one of the websites listed below:

Australian citizens can obtain up-to-date visa information from the U.S. Embassy Canberra, Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600 (tel. 02/6214-5600) or by checking the U.S. Diplomatic Mission's website at http://usembassy-australia.state.gov/consular.

British subjects can obtain up-to-date visa information by calling the U.S. Embassy Visa Information Line (tel. 0891/200-290) or by visiting the "Visas to the U.S." section of the American Embassy London's website at www.usembassy.org.uk.

Irish citizens can obtain up-to-date visa information through the Embassy of the USA Dublin, 42 Elgin Rd., Dublin 4, Ireland (tel. 353/1-668-8777), or by checking the "Consular Services" section of the website at http://dublin.usembassy.gov.

Citizens of New Zealand can obtain up-to-date visa information by contacting the U.S. Embassy New Zealand, 29 Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington (tel. 644/472-2068), or get the information directly from the website at http://wellington.usembassy.gov.

Medical Requirements

Unless you're arriving from an area known to be suffering from an epidemic, inoculations or vaccinations are not required for entry into the United States. If you have a medical condition that requires syringe-administered medications or treatment with narcotics, you should carry documented proof with you.

Customs

What You Can Bring into the U.S. -- Every visitor more than 21 years of age may bring in, free of duty, the following: (1) 1 liter of wine or hard liquor; (2) 200 cigarettes, 100 cigars (but not from Cuba), or 3 pounds of smoking tobacco; and (3) $100 worth of gifts. These exemptions are offered to travelers who spend at least 72 hours in the United States and who have not claimed them within the preceding 6 months. It is forbidden to bring almost any meat products (including canned, fresh, and dried meat products such as buillion, soup mixes, and so on). Generally, condiments including vinegars, oils, spices, coffee, tea, and some cheeses and baked goods are permitted. Avoid rice products, as rice can often harbor insects. Bringing fruits and vegetables is not advised, though not prohibited. Customs will allow produce depending on where you got it and where you're going after you arrive in the U.S. Foreign tourists may carry in or out up to $10,000 in U.S. or foreign currency with no formalities; larger sums must be declared to U.S. Customs on entering or leaving, which includes filing form CM 4790. For details regarding U.S. Customs and Border Protection, consult your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, or U.S. Customs (www.cbp.gov).

What You Can Take Home from the U.S.
Canadian Citizens: For a clear summary of Canadian rules, write for the booklet I Declare, issued by the Canada Border Services Agency (tel. 800/622-6232 in Canada or 204/983-3500; www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca).

U.K. Citizens: Contact HM Revenue & Customs at tel. 0845/010-9000 or 02920/501-261 from outside the U.K., or visit www.hmrc.gov.uk.

Australian Citizens: A helpful brochure available from Australian consulates or Customs offices is Know Before You Go. For more information, call the Australian Customs Service at tel. 1300/363-263 or visit www.customs.gov.au.

New Zealand Citizens: Most questions are answered in a free pamphlet available at New Zealand consulates and Customs offices: New Zealand Customs Guide for Travellers, Notice no. 4. For more information, contact New Zealand Customs Service, The Customhouse, 17-21 Whitmore St., Box 2218, Wellington (tel. 04/473-6099 or 0800/428-786; www.customs.govt.nz).