Monday, August 18, 2008

You'll never have to check a bag again—and pay that annoying $15 fee—with these lightweight and compact items beloved by hikers and campers. read more

• Pack Better, and Still Keep Your Style
• Slide Show: Upgrade Your Gear
• Blog: Flight 001's Sleek Travel Products on Sale
• Blog: First Checkpoint-Ready Laptop Bag to Hit Stores

The U.S. Postal Service doesn't track the changing volume of "wish you were here" type cards. And no organization seems to publish estimates of postcard sales. So, I'll put the question to you: In this age of travel blogs, cell phone cameras, text messages, and Facebook social-networking websites, do you send postcards?
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• Be Skeptical of Rome's Plans for Gladiator Theme Park
• Q&A: They Ate at 700 Diners, Shacks, and Joints to Find the Best
• Video: Garden Gnome Took World Tour Without Owner's Knowledge

Slide Show: 7 Uncharted Islands They might be a little out of the way, but they're worth the trip… Do-It-Yourself China Inspired by the Beijing Olympics? Arranging transportation to and within China isn't as complex as you might think… Real Deals: NYC Take a boat tour to see artist Olafur Eliasson's Waterfalls installation or try other city experiences, thanks to these hotel packages from $209, plus trip-planning resources.

Good friends (and fine wine) are all restaurateur Tina Vaughn needs to whip up the tastiest chicken and grits on either side of the Mason-Dixon Line. read more

More from Girlfriend Getaways:

• How to Host a Cooking Party
• Cocktail Recipes to Try at Home
• Be My Guest: An Insider's Guide to Charleston

Summer's not over just yet—you can still plan an escape over Labor Day weekend thanks to these hotel packages from $89 and sales from airlines and online booking agencies. why they're a deal

• Where 50 Important Americans Grew Up
• New Theme-Park Thrills
• Wacky Festivals: A Month-by-Month Guide
• 59 Jaw-Dropping Roadside Attractions

Enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountain range on this guided journey through the spiritual heart of Tibet, beginning and ending in Kathmandu, Nepal. Highlights along the way include a pilgrimage to Jokhang Temple, a hike in Everest National Park, and overnight stays at traditional monasteries. The Intrepid Travel package costs $2,035. why it's a deal

• The Sky Train from Beijing to Tibet; Plus, Were We Wrong to Cover Tibet?
• Scouting Report 2007: Jomsom, Nepal
• Forgotten Kingdom: Lijiang, China
• Real Deals: Mongolia Air/Hotel, $2,875

Sara Benson, author of Lonely Planet Las Vegas, answers your questions about trips to Sin City on Tuesday, August 19, at noon (ET). Submit a question now

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