Fine print: What makes insurers balk

A great many people - and you can count me among them - will tell you that Yosemite National Park in California is the most beautiful place in America. Towering granite walls. Cascading waterfalls. Majestic groves of giant redwoods. My eyes are dazzled and my spirits soar every time I go. But what many people don't know is that this premier vacation spot - a park everybody ought to see (in my opinion) at least once - ranks also as one of America's best vacation bargains. You can travel on the cheap here knowing that in terms of nonstop scenic views and hearty outdoor fun you're really going first-class. So what makes Yosemite such a good deal? Both inside the park and outside it in neighboring communities, good, comfortable lodgings in appealing mountain settings are quite reasonably priced - although you may have to book early (like right now) to get the best buys for the popular summer season. In Yosemite Valley itself, the bustling heart of the park, you'll find an unusual village of canvas tent cabins that provide rustic but otherwise cozy accommodations for just $40 a night per couple (plus tax). I don't know of a better lodging bargain anywhere - and yet you aren't really roughing it here. Equipped with electric lights, these tents are a far cry from camping. You even get fresh linens, and a crew of housekeepers tidies up. The hot showers are just down a pine-shaded path. I return to Yosemite almost every year for serious hiking. More than 800 miles of marked trails-some of them easy, many of them strenuous - trace the huge, ruggedly mountainous park. That's plenty enough to fill anyone's vacation, and unless I factor in the cost of a sturdy pair of boots, I don't spend a penny. But even nonhikers can enjoy full days of no-cost or low-cost fun. Awestruck visitors spend hours watching daredevil rock climbers slowly ascend El Capitan, a sheer, 3,000-foot-high granite rock wall towering above Yosemite Valley. It's a great show, and it's free. Many folks are content simply taking in the majestic views on sight-seeing drives or easy strolls. I first visited Yosemite as a teenager, when my parents moved to the nearby town of Merced. The park captivated me, and I'm eager now to share my enthusiasm for it. I'll show you where to stay, where to eat, and where to play - all on a budget. Unlike many parks, Yosemite is open year-round. Summer is the busiest and most expensive season; winter is much quieter and cheaper. Which is better? Each season has its appeal, and I'll help you decide which is for you. Having fun - Yosemite style On a recent visit to Yosemite, I quickly jotted down two dozen interesting and rewarding things to do for free. I don't have space here to list them all, but the point is that this park will keep you busy - whether you stay for a day or a week. In Yosemite, the thrills are real; at a theme park, you pay big money simply for simulated excitement. Here are four of my favorite no-cost adventures that many guides overlook: Climb the Mist Trail One of the most spectacular - and scary - day hikes in America, the three-mile (round-trip) trail out of Yosemite Valley ascends countless steep stone steps alongside thundering Vernal Falls, which plunges 317 feet. As you climb, the powerful falls seem almost near enough to touch; their roar drowns any conversation. But watch your step; a stumble could tumble you over a precipice. Often a rainbow forms at Vernal's base, created by the billowing, cloudlike mist that gives the route its name. If a breeze is blowing, the mist is apt to drench you. Tote lunch in your day pack (fruit, trail mix) and picnic at the summit while you rest - and dry off. Frolic on the Merced River Once the Merced makes its dramatic leap over Vernal Falls, the river quiets down. Adventurous souls can float it on inflatable mattresses or inner tubes (you provide). Or you can rent family-sized rubber rafts ($12.75 per person). The rental fee pays for a shuttle ride back to the launching site. Otherwise you walk, as I recently did - a hike of a mile or two depending on how far you float. Sandy beaches along the river's winding path invite swimming or simply napping under the sun. The Merced is formed by Sierra Nevada snow melt; by midsummer the water warms up some but is never above 55 degrees. Take a lesson in outdoor photography Thursday through Sunday mornings year-round, the Ansel Adams Gallery hosts a free 90-minute walk and photography class presenting Yosemite through the camera's eye. For years, Adams captured the valley's unusual beauty in his now very expensive black-and-white photos. You don't have to buy a print; just use those on exhibit as examples of what you might achieve. Similar photography walks are offered Monday through Thursday by Yosemite Concession Services, the organization operating the park's lodgings. Hours and location of these and other day and evening programs (most for free) can be found in the Yosemite Guide, a seasonal paper distributed at the Yosemite entrance gates. Stroll through a giant sequoia Yes, "through." To draw tourists to the park at the turn of the century, promoters cut tunnels high and wide enough for stagecoaches in two towering giants in the Mariposa Grove of sequoias. One tree toppled in 1969, but the California Tunnel Tree remains standing. Sequoias are the world's largest living things known to mankind - and they are among the oldest. Some have stood for 3,000 years. Many people, overwhelmed by their majesty, compare the experience of viewing the sequoias to visiting an ancient European cathedral. No fee here to gaze and reflect for as long as you like. Affordable lodging and dining inside the park Camping is cheapest, but let's assume you prefer a roof over your head. The best place in Yosemite to stay is Yosemite Valley, the hub of the park. But summer accommodations are often sold out months in advance. So you may have to find a place for the night in the mountain and foothill communities near the park. I've scouted out plenty of options (all rates are for the 2000 summer high season). As a budget traveler, your first choice within the park should be the canvas tent cabins (with solid wood flooring) at century-old Curry Village in Yosemite Valley, where I've stayed on several occasions. Set in a pine forest beneath a towering granite cliff, the village is comprised of 427 tents - enough so that last-minute vacancies sometimes are available even on holiday weekends. Each is furnished with two to five cots with full bedding, which means a family can share, although space is tight. The basic $43 fee is for two people; the charge for each additional adult is $6 and children under 12 are $3. An electric light dangles from the ceiling, a dresser with mirror is provided, and the tent door can be locked. You should sleep well in the cool night air (some tents have heaters), but canvas is thin and the wail of a child does sometimes echo across the night. Several large rest rooms are scattered throughout the village, and separate bathhouses provide private hot-water showers and dressing rooms. A large woodsy-looking lodge building holds clusters of easy chairs where you can write postcards beside a roaring fire. If the Merced River proves too chilly, then jump into Curry Village's swimming pool (summers only). Free evening ranger programs and other entertainment are presented in the outdoor amphitheater. As for meals, you won't want to dine anywhere except at the Curry Village cafeteria, an architecturally attractive building with high ceilings and lots of wood paneling. At breakfast, a bowl of cold cereal and two slices of toast is $2.40. Add $1.15 for a large glass of juice. At dinner, an entree of fried chicken is $3.95; green salad, 35[cents] per oz.; and a glass of house wine, $3.15. Other somewhat more expensive valley options include individual cabins with or without private bath at Curry Village or lodge rooms with bath at both Curry Village and Yosemite Lodge. Many Yosemite Lodge rooms open to magnificent views of famed Yosemite Falls, a five-minute walk away. A cabin without bath is about $60 a night for two; with bath, $75. A standard room with bath begins at about $92; deluxe lodge rooms start at $114. A second cafeteria at Yosemite Lodge offers a menu with prices similar to Curry Village's. Elsewhere within the park, a riverside cluster of odd structures of canvas and concrete form what is called Housekeeping Camp, where folks without tents or recreational vehicles can go camping. These four-person shelters - with picnic table and a cooking area - rent for $43 a night. And in a mountain meadow well away from the sometimes crowded valley, the venerable Wawona Hotel (built in 1879) charges $94 a night for a room for two with shared bath. The hotel's restaurant is moderately priced. All park accommodations can be booked through Yosemite Reservations (559/252-4848). Outisde the park There is nothing quite so cheap - or so scenically situated - as the above-mentioned Curry Village. But White Chief Mountain Lodge (559/683-5444), a 23-room motel in the tiny town of Fish Camp near Yosemite's southern entrance (Route 41 from Fresno), comes close. "I'm not chasing a buck any more," says owner Wally Stovall, 76 and retired from the electronics business. "I'm just having a hell of a good time." And his prices reflect this. A motel room in the pine woods is $65 a night for two. At the lodge restaurant, $12 buys you an entree of rainbow trout served with soup or salad, a baked potato, and fresh vegetables. Just down the hill, two-story streamside cabins (with full kitchen) at Owl's Nest Lodging (559/683-3484) rent for $110 a night for two people. However, four can stay for $140. Cook your own meals here or dine at White Chief Mountain. Owners Robert and Barbara Taylor have hiked many of the park's trails and can point you to hidden waterfalls only the local folks know about. If you want something fancier, try Yosemite View Lodge (800/321-5261) in the town of El Portal just outside Yosemite's western entrance (Route 140 from Merced). The modern 278-room motel stands alongside the Merced River, which cascades out of the park in a frenzy of white water. The setting is gorgeous, and the rooms border on deluxe. Unfortunately, the cheapest accommodations ($109 a night for two) face the road. For a room with a balcony overlooking the river, the rate begins at $139. But everybody is welcome to use the heated river-view swimming pool and hot tubs. At the lodge's attractive restaurant, a platter of fried fish with coleslaw and batter-fried potatoes is about $9. More distant from the park, the two attractive Sierra foothill communities of Oakhurst (Route 41) and Mariposa (Route 140) offer a wide choice of well-priced lodging and dining options. I suggest staying in either town only if you are planning a one-day trip to Yosemite. Though each is only about 50 miles from the park, the driving time into Yosemite Valley can stretch from 60 to 90 minutes one way. To see the best of Yosemite without retracing your path, enter the park from the Oakhurst entrance and exit to Mariposa, or vice versa. The overhanging balconies along Mariposa's main street are a legacy of its gold-mining days. In both towns, you'll enjoy a view of pine-covered ridges. All the motels are well kept and boast swimming pools, and most provide a complimentary continental breakfast (ask when booking). In Oakhurst, try for the Ramada Limited (800/658-2888), about $95 a night for two; Oakhurst Lodge (800/OK LODGE), about $78; and the Comfort Inn (800/221-2222), about $90. The Comfort Inn offers a 10-percent-off coupon for dinner at the neighboring Jade Gazebo Restaurant, where the special Mandarin Chinese Dinner is $6.95. For western-style grub, the Sierra City Grill (outdoor balcony dining) treats you to a full dinner of barbecued pork spareribs, roasted potatoes, ranch beans, salad, and marinated red cabbage for $11.95. In Mariposa, I recommend the Best Western Yosemite Way Station (800/528-1234), $79 a night for two; the hilltop Miner's Inn Motel (888/646-2244), about $68; and the Comfort Inn (800/221-2222), $59 and up. At dinnertime, head for the Gold Rush Grill, a family restaurant atop an Old West saloon. For light diners, the broiled chicken breast dinner is $11.95. If you're just back from a strenuous hike, maybe the rib eye dinner ($14.95) is what you're looking for. Yosemite roads Most Yosemite visitors drive to the park. The nearest large airport is in Fresno, about 105 miles from Yosemite Valley. The city is served by most major airlines. But you might be able to get cheaper fares into San Francisco, Oakland, or San Jose - all roughly 200 miles away. The Yosemite Entrance Pass is $20 per car, good for a week. Seniors 62 and older can buy a lifetime Golden Age Pass to all national parks for $10, which also admits everybody else in the group. To save on the cost of a rental car (particularly solo travelers), travel to Yosemite by bus, departing from Fresno (spring into fall) or from Merced (year-round). The round-trip fare from Fresno is $48, with afternoon pickup at the airport or Amtrak station. From Merced, the round-trip fare is $38, with five daily pickups from the Amtrak station. Get schedules from VIA Yosemite Connection (888/727-5287). Once in Yosemite Valley, explore by foot (a gentle 13-mile trail circles the valley), bicycle ($20 per day rental), or by the free shuttle bus linking Curry Village, the Visitor Center at Yosemite Village, Yosemite Lodge, and the Happy Isles gateway to the Mist Trail. In summer, tour buses carry you into the high country. Your best budget bet is the trip up to Glacier Point, a lofty perch where the bird's-eye view of the valley 3,000 feet below is spectacular. Buy a one-way ticket ($10.50) and save the return fare by hiking back down to the valley. Depending on the trail you pick, the distance is either five miles (steep route) or eight miles (gradual). For other tours, call the Yosemite Lodge Tour Desk (209/372-1240). Pick your season The crowds thin, prices drop, and heavy snows close the high country above Yosemite Valley from autumn into late spring. May is usually the best month to see the falls flowing at their fullest; Yosemite Falls often diminishes to a bare trickle by August. Early autumn, when summer's heat abates, is prime time for hiking. And winter yields its own special beauty. The valley's walls are etched with snow, and giant icicles form alongside Vernal Falls. But winter is also the time for cold-weather sports - downhill and cross-country skiing, ice-skating, and snowshoeing. And it's the season for real bargains. At Yosemite Lodge in winter, the weekday room rate ($78 a night for two) includes complimentary chairlift tickets at Badger Pass ski area - and a free shuttle bus ride to get you there. Down in Oakhurst, the Oakhurst Lodge is willing to negotiate winter prices, says owner Don Olsen. In summer, Olsen has no trouble booking full at $78 a night, he says; in winter, figure on paying about $50 for the same room. Confirmed bargain-hunters can even shave six bucks off the price of a Curry Village tent cabin ($34 a midweek night for two).

What is a dude ranch, anyway? Some are working cattle ranches with "dude seasons"--when guests pay to play cowboy--while others are full-time tourist operations. "There's such a variety," says Amey G. Adams, a former ranch owner who gives seminars to people thinking of getting into the business. "Before booking anything, ask, is this a basic ranch with horseback riding, or is this an upscale place where all our needs are taken care of, including very elaborate meals?" Where do I find one? It's no surprise most dude ranches are out west. The Wyoming-based Dude Ranchers' Association (307/587-2339, duderanch.org/) is particularly trustworthy, because it inspects every one of its 116 member properties. State dude-ranch associations, such as www.coloradoranch.com and www.montanadra.com, are also good sources. (Find other state associations by doing a Google search. Investigate the criteria involved in getting listed--if it only involves paying a fee, look elsewhere.) Finally, there are websites, such as ranchweb.com/ and duderanches.com/, which list ranches around the country. What's it going to cost? Anywhere from $800 to $3,000 per head per week. Sounds steep, but most dude ranches are all-inclusive--one price covers all riding, meals, beverages, and activities, with three- to seven-night minimum stays, and you can expect mucho pampering on the high end. If you're priced out of traditional dude ranches, consider a horse-friendly B&B. Some, like West Pawnee Ranch in Grover, Colo. (970/895-2482, westpawneeranch.com/), offer lodging by the night ($60-$100) and riding by the hour ($20). Is this ranch right for my kids? Dude ranches seem like they all should be kid-friendly, but many are not. "They don't come right out and say, 'We don't take any kids,' but they make it pretty obvious," says Cheri Helmicki, co-owner of Bar Lazy J in Parshall, Colo. (800/396-6279, barlazyj.com/). Ask up front about kids' programs and discounts. Ranches that want to please everyone have been known to stay open a few weeks into the fall, when they only accept adults. What are my options? Call up and find out. Do you want short beginner rides? An overnight trip? Other activities such as fishing or swimming? Bigger ranches tend to have more options, while smaller ones usually yield closer friendships. And ask about chow: Many are heavy on steak and potatoes; others hire chefs rather than cooks. At Bar Lazy J--co-owner Helmicki is a vegetarian--there's fare like vegetable medley Alfredo (in addition to meat). "It's not the norm," she admits.

Author of "The 10 most incredible National Parks of Canada" in the May issue of Budget Travel, Izon chatted on Tuesday, May 18, 2004, at noon Eastern time. Whether you are looking for advice and sources of information on exploring Canada, or backpacking budget travel, she'll be here to help to steer you in the right direction. For 25 years Lucy Izon has written a syndicated youth/budget travel column, which appears in leading Canadian and American newspapers, including The Los Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune. She is the author of Izon's Backpacker Journal (Ten Speed Press) co-author of Thomas Cook's Touring Eastern Canada, and a contributor to Chicken Soup for the Traveler's Soul. She has served as the Canadian Chapter Chair, and Vice President of the Society of American Travel Writers. Lucy recently launched greatlearningvacations.com/ - an ezine focusing on experiential learning for travelers. Stories and listings highlight intriguing international opportunities ranging from photography tours with award-winning experts, to working on an archaeological dig. Read the transcript below._______________________ Lucy Izon: Hi, I'm Lucy and I'm sitting in Toronto and happy to answer your questions. _______________________ Portland, OR: Travel in Montreal, Canada: is it friendly for Americans who do not speak French? Lucy Izon: I was in Montreal just a week ago and it was a good experience. Montreal needs tourists, so visitors should find the people working in that industry are very welcoming. It's novel to be in a North American city where English is not the first language, but that's part of the reason we travel -- to experience differences. Take advantage of what Montreal does especially well -- which is throw a good party! Try to schedule your visit for one of the major festivals. Two of the most popular are: The Montreal International Jazz Festival (montrealjazzfest.com/), which opens with by Diana Krall on June 29th and run until July 11 (there are 150 indoor concerts, and 350 free outdoor events); and the another great event, which draws top North American Comedians, is the annual Just for Laughs Festival (hahaha.com/). This year it runs July 15 to 25. Visit the websites, or Tourism Montreal (tourism-montreal.org/) for details on special event tickets & accommodation packages. _______________________ Oshkosh, WI: What are the "must sees" in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island? We'll be there for two weeks in late June. Thanks! Lucy Izon: For Nova Scotia definitely Lunenburg, a wonderful village with a shipbuilding heritage. Stop on your way in Chester, a beautiful vacation spot popular with Canadians and Americans for decades. Schedule time for one of the best drives in the world - the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton Island. In PEI my favorite is to be in Charlottetown on July 1 for the Canada Day celebrations. It's a great 'family-style' event at the birthplace of Canada's Confederation. _______________________ Worcester, MA: I am interested in taking a hiking vacation for 2 weeks in Cape Breton Highlands and Gros Morne Parks this July. However, I'm not a big fan of humid weather. I've seen that the average temperature in July in Nova Scotia is about the same for Massachusetts - what's the humidity factor? Would early September be better to avoid the humidity? Thanks! Lucy Izon: Can't tell for sure what mother nature is going to do, but in Atlantic Canada you have to be prepared for rain. I'd contact Nova Scotia Tourism novascotia.com/ and Newfoundland Tourism gov.nl.ca/tourism for their weather recommendations. I was actually in NFLD in the winter this year, beside Gros Morne, and was surprised to find that there is a good ski centre, with wonderful accommodation in luxury houses in the woods. Maxxim vacations maxximvacations.com/ has some very well-priced packages. _______________________ Milwaukee, WI: Hi Lucy, Thanks so much for answering our questions on traveling Canada! My fiance and I are planning a honeymoon in Vancouver/Victoria Sept 20-27, 2004. What are some good places to stay, eat, and see? How would you recommend that we split our time? Any information you can provide would be great! Thanks again! Lucy Izon: One of the things I love most about Vancouver is that you stand on the main street of a major city, look up and see forest and mountains. It's a treat. There are lots of sunny days, but just in case, do pack an umbrella or rain jacket. A popular place to stay in Vancouver is the Pacific Palisades Hotel. It's fun, favoured by film crews, has the popular Zin Restaurant and Bar (with a great tasting menu) and conveniently located on Robson St, in the heart of the shopping district. This hotel even has a complementary evening wine reception for guests, and offers yoga packages and soft adventure packages, such as kayaking. Check it out online pacificpalisadeshotel.com/. You can get more background on Vancouver at tourismvancouver.com/. If you are heading for Victoria, keep in mind that one of the big special events this year is the Eternal Egypt exhibit at the Royal BC Museum. It runs July 9 to October 31. If you go on the Tourism Victoria website hourismvictoria.com/, you''l find details on special packages including tickets for the exhibit and accommodation at a wide range of hotels. I saw the show in Toronto earlier this year and it was wonderful. It features 144 artifacts from the British Museum. Some of the packages also include the option of entry for one of Victoria's most popular sites ---the 55-acre Butchart Gardens. With its mild climate, the city is known for its flowers, although I'm not sure what is featured in late September. _______________________ Alexandria, VA: I'm going to Toronto, Canada next week. I'm wondering what are some favorite local places to eat/see. Lucy Izon: One of the great things about Toronto is its many neighbourhoods, each with its own history, style and often ethnic background. Be sure to take in the new Distillery District, which has been used as a location for many feature films, including Chicago. Other neighbours you might want to visit include Bloor West Village, trendy Queen Street West, upscale Yorkville, the Danforth for its Greek restaurants, the Beaches with its great board walk. And, take a break and a $2 cruise to Toronto's Islands, you'll feel like you're a world away from the city, and there are even some B & B's there. Be sure to visit the CN Tower and consider that if you reserve for a meal in the 360 restaurant, your ride up the elevator is free. For more details log onto torontotourism.com/. _______________________ Atlanta, TX: How hard or easy is it to travel to Canada via Amtrak and get around without the expense of renting a car? Lucy Izon: In Canada the national rail service is VIA Rail (viarail.ca/). Go online and take a look at the map of the route. You'll find it links the major cities and takes you through some wonderful countryside, stopping at key resort areas, such as Jasper in the Rockies. It is limited, but you can use it and then rent a car or take local tours in the areas where you stop. If this works for you, there is a North America Rail Pass that gives 30 days of travel in Canada and on AMTRAK in the United States. A minimum of once connection to/from the United States is required, and the remainder of the time can be spent exploring Canada. You can find rates on the VIA website. There are two other VIA deals operating this summer that are well worth knowing about. Here are the details from VIA: Kids Travel Free  --this summer you can get free tickets for your children. Purchase a ticket for someone 18 years of age or over (at the best available senior, student or adult fare), and you will receive one free ticket for a child 11 years of age or under for the same trip. This is even helpful for tiny tots. Normally, children aged under two travel free as long as they are sitting on your lap, but this promotion lets them enjoy a seat at no extra cost. It's for travel in economy only (Comfort Class), and for travel between May 29 and August 29, 2004. The deal is, you must purchase a ticket for a passenger of at least 18 years of age. It is not possible to get a free ticket by purchasing a ticket for a passenger 17 years of age or less, and there is a maximum of one free ticket per paying passenger. Tickets must be purchased together at least five days prior to departure and must be for travel on the same trains, dates and between the same stations. Seniors, aged 60 + can bring a friend for FREE! You get a free ticket for the person traveling with you. In all other classes you get a 75% discount for the person traveling with you. This offer expires on February 28, 2005. To benefit from it, your ticket must be purchased at the full senior's fare (which already includes an automatic 10% discount on the full adult's fare). There are no restrictions on the age of your travel companion: so you can take your spouse, a friend, or a grandchild. For more details on either program and VIA services log onto: httrail.ca/ _______________________ Cadiz, OH: Lucy, we are looking for a great place to go for honeymoon in late October. We are early 50s and not looking for the resort scene. More scenic and adventure-oriented. Thought about Lake Louise but didn't know about the weather. Any suggestions? Thanks. Lucy Izon: Late October is an iffy time. If you're lucky you could still get colour in the trees. In Ontario (ontariotravel.net/), when the trees turn (usually, late September till mid-Oct) it's spectacular - my favorite time here. You get wonderful colours reflected in the beautiful blue lakes of Ontario. So, you're into adventure? Well, one really fascinating event that goes on in October is the polar bear migration through Churchill Manitoba. No, kidding. The bears want to get back out on Hudson Bay to feed on seals for the winter and the little town is right in the middle of their route. It's one of the most unique tourism opportunities you can have. Get details through Manitoba Tourism travelmanitoba.com/. Usually it's quite expensive but there were special budget packages available last year. Memorable, to say the least. _______________________ Washington, DC: Hi Lucy. My boyfriend and I are planning a trip to Vancouver in early August, and we want to stop by Victoria as well. What's the best way to combine these two areas--will a day trip do Victoria justice, or is it more appropriate to stay a night (or two!) instead? Lucy Izon: You can make the trip in a day, but I'd take my time and spend at least one night. The ferry leaves from Tsawwassen, about 24 miles /38 km south of Vancouver (a 40-minute drive). The crossing takes 1 hr 35 min, and it arrives at Swartz Bay, about 20 miles/32 km north of Victoria (about a 30 minute drive). Depending on the weather, it's a nice trip through the Gulf Islands and if you're lucky you could see dolphins, etc. For more details on the ferries in BC, fares, etc., log onto BC Ferries website at bcferries.bc.ca/. _______________________ Westland, MI: I have visited almost all of the provinces in Canada except for Labrador, Newfoundland and the territories. Can you give me some idea as to which one I should visit first, second and third. Thanks! Lucy Izon: Technically, it's now the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, and it makes the most sense to visit them on the same trip. I'd probably do this first. One of the most fascinating sites in Newfoundland is near Labrador, L'Anse aux Meadows, where Viking ruins have been found. The site has an orientation centre operated by Parks Canada. Again, Maxxim Vacations has good self-drive packages that would enable you to combine key sites in Newfoundland and Labrador maxximvacations.com/. For info on the Northwest Territories go to explorenwt.com/. _______________________ Leominster, MA: We are planning a trip to Canada this year and we will be taking our dog with us. What, if any restrictions are there for taking pets into Canada? Thank you. Lucy Izon: According to the Canadian tourist Commission (travelcanada.ca/) Pets must be accompanied by their owners. Cats and dogs from the U.S. are required to have a signed and dated (the previous 36 months) veterinarian vaccination certificate for rabies &. Cats and dogs under three months do not require certification but must be in good health. Seeing-eye dogs face no restrictions. You can get more information on Customs regulations, sales taxes and visitor tax rebate in Canada online at hcra-adrc.gc.ca/, or hassages.gc.ca/menu-en.asp. This site will give you the waiting times for border crossings: hbsa-asfc.gc.ca/general/times/menu-e.html. _______________________ New York, NY: If you can only go to either Montreal or Quebec City, which do you recommend? Lucy Izon: Although my Montreal friends are going to hate this answer, I'd pick Quebec City first, simply because it is so charming. It's wonderfully historic, and is the only walled city north of Mexico. It's easy to do the core on foot, but be ready for the stairs in the old city. For one section there is a funicular. There's a vibrant arts community, lots of galleries and craft shops, and some of Canada's finest dinning. The fabulous Chateau Frontenac Hotel is the heart of the city, with a splendid view overlooking the St. Lawrence River. Be sure to drop by for a drink even if you're not staying there. _______________________ Carson City, NV: Lucy, do you need to have a "Break Away" hitch on a towed vehicle behind an RV when crossing into Canada from the US? We are traveling to Alaska this summer and need to know. Thanks. Lucy Izon: You've got me on this one. I've never dealt with a Break Away' hitch. But, if I were in your position I'd start with my local automobile association and see if it has a reciprocal arrangement with the Canadian Automobile Association: caa.ca/indexm.asp, so you can get info from them. There are also Canadian RV Clubs which might be able to help you. In British Columbia there's the Good Sam Club, British Columbia, phone: 604-859-5089 Website: hypage.uniserve.ca/~rebel1, and there' s the Recreational Vehicle Owner's Association of BC (RVOABC), phone: 604-857-8828, hvoa.bc.ca/. A list of Canadian RV Clubs is online at: horving.ca/rvclubs.asp#clubs1. If you are planning a road tour in Canada this summer and you'r' looking for route suggestions, the Canadian Tourist Commission has launched a program called Get Going Canada. It appears to be aimed at Canadians, but US visitors should find the information quite helpful. The focus is a handy booklet covering 13 of Canada's best drive routes, including details on what to see, motoring tips, events, etc. You can find an online version at httgoingcanada.ca/, where can cruise the booklets' information, get details of where you can pick up a free printed copy, or you can download a PDF version. _______________________ Washington State: We want to bring our 4-year-old twins and 7-year-old daughter to the Vancouver area for a vacation, either by renting a RV and tooling around for 3-4 days OR staying at a kid-friendly hotel (with a pool) and visiting Dinotown or a waterslide park. What is your suggestion on a fun, low-stress vacation when packing 3 crazy kids? Is a 7-year-old too OLD for Dinotown, and are the waterslide parks too OLD for the 4-year-olds? We are not "set" on any one idea. Thanks for your advice. Lucy Izon: I haven't done Dinotown, but what I really like there for kids is the Vancouver Aquarium. A baby beluga whale was born there last year and you used to be able to go on the website and watch it from home. They have a special 'behind the scenes' tour that costs a bit more but takes you through the areas where the staff works with the marine life and even allows you to hand feed the seals. Most kids can't wait to get up to their elbows in that kind of yucky stuff. The Aquarium is in Stanley Park where you can also see a collection of wonderful Totem Poles. _______________________ Lakeville, MN: What is a good day trip from Vancouver during the month of August? Lucy Izon: If you really want to push it you could get over to Victoria. You can make the trip in a day. The ferry leaves from Tsawwassen, about 24 miles /38 km south of Vancouver (a 40-minute drive). The crossing takes 1 hr 35 min, and it arrives at Swartz Bay, about 20 miles/32 km north of Victoria (about a 30 minute drive). Depending on the weather, it's a nice trip through the Gulf Islands and if you're lucky you could see dolphins, etc. For more details on the ferries in BC, fares, etc., log onto BC Ferries website at bcferries.bc.ca/. _______________________ Pearce, AZ: What options are there for cross-Canada travel by train, where one can get on and off at various stops, perhaps spending a night or two before getting back on? Lucy Izon: Take a look a VIA Rail's Canrailpass for unlimited travel. Details are online at viarail.ca. You get 12 days of unlimited economy class travel during a 30 day period. This will get you anywhere VIA goes, from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Peak season (June 1 to Oct 15) adults $741 Cdn, and kids rates are available. You can stop in major cities including Halifax, Quebec City, Montreal, Toronto (plus Niagara Falls), Winnipeg, Edmonton, Jasper & Vancouver. So there are lots of options depending on time and where you want to begin. _______________________ Lucy Izon: Thanks for your questions. I'm sorry I couldn't get to everyone, but wishing you a wonderful Canadian adventure! Cheers, Lucy _______________________

Think of houseboats as RVs on water--only with houseboats, there's a lot less traffic, and every day you can roll out of bed and take a dip or drop your fishing line. You don't need a special driver's license, and anyone can figure out how to operate the equipment. "Every rental company will give you a manual and run you through a full orientation," says Steve Smede, executive editor at Houseboat magazine. "Some boating experience is helpful, but that's mostly for your own peace of mind. No one's going to turn you away if you haven't driven a boat before." Here are five great spots to rent a houseboat. But first, a few things to keep in mind. Reservations are essential in summer. Gas is not included in the rental price, and it's rare to use less than $100 worth over a long weekend. Shop for groceries in town--stores at the marinas are notorious for ridiculously high prices. Lake Cumberland, Kentucky Five species of bass and 1,200 miles of shoreline. A 64-foot boat that sleeps 12 is $1,357 to $1,704 for four days. State Dock, 888/782-8336, statedock.com. Shasta Lake, California Warm waters near 14,162-foot-high Mt. Shasta. A 56-foot boat that sleeps 12 is $1,550 to $2,230 for four nights. Shasta Marina Resort, 800/959-3359, shastalake.net. Lake Roosevelt, Washington Wends among forests and craggy shores (they're perfect for jumping off of--just look at our cover). A 62-foot boat that sleeps 13 is $1,995 to $2,795 for four days. Lake Roosevelt Houseboat Vacations, 800/635-7585, lakeroosevelt.com. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota In summer, much is accessible by foot or boat only. A 42-foot boat that sleeps five is $1,130 to $1,260 for four days. Ebels, 888/883-2357, ebels.com.