Cash Back on Your Next Hotel Stay

By Sean O'Neill
January 18, 2007
Hotels.com's newest incentive to attract repeat business is a classic: The online booking engine is handing out cash rebates.

Hotels.com is offering rebates of up to $100 on rooms booked for dates through Mar. 31. If you stay two or three nights, you qualify for a $25 rebate. If you stay four, five, or six nights, you qualify for $50. Longer trips qualify for $100. Rooms must be booked before Jan. 31, 2007, and you must finish your trip by the end of Mar. 2007.

The rebate process is simple when compared with the frustrating rebate-coupon paperwork you often face when buying appliances and consumer electronics. First, you book a room at Hotels.com, which will give you a "booking number." Enter that booking number at the Hotels.com rebate website. Rebates will be credited to your credit card account.

But watch out for the fine print. The rebate only works for reservations you prepay in full. Trouble is, if you have to cancel a prepaid reservation, you may have to pay a fee--or even the full amount--depending on the hotel. Adding insult to injury, you won't qualify for the rebate, either. So be sure to review the details of your hotel's advertised deal to confirm its cancellation rules before you book.

Two other catches: This rebate offer isn't valid for Marriott and Starwood hotels or for Hotels.com vacation packages. And you must submit your rebate request form online or by phone no later than Apr. 8, 2007.

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    Readers React to "Ads on Airport Shoe Bins?"

    We've gotten some lively letters in reaction to our recent article, Ads on Airport Shoe Bins. Here's a sampling: Perhaps, some of the funds generated by the "shoe box" ads could be used to buy chairs for people to use while taking their shoes off. --Bob Ittleson, Union, N.J. In general, I have no problem with the TSA generating ad revenue to help the budget. However, my concern is that people will be more likely to overlook some personal item in the tray when it's on top of a visually busy ad. When this happens, the TSA screener will call them back, and it's just one more delay in getting people through the check point. Not to mention that travelers might actually lose something. --Sam Peach, Ijamsville, Md. I can see both sides; if the money coming in can reduce the taxpayer's expense, ads at the shoe bin are ok w/me. I might just laugh; however, if it causes planned delays, then no. --Bernadine Bednarz, Los Angeles, Calif. Hmmm... let me see now. I am on a journey, with all of the challenges that presents--packing, making decisions, rearranging my routine, going into the busy known or the adventurous unknown--and I am at the airport thinking about things like did I pack everything I need, and how will the weather affect the flight, and did the pilot get a good night's sleep, and will someone find a reason to question me at security. And then I reach that security point, where I have to pull things out of my pocket and watch someone scrutinize my personal belongings, and take off my shoes and stand on a cold floor in the middle of winter. So, am I likely to react at all positively to an advertisement on the plastic box where I've just had to put the contents of my pockets and my nice, warm footwear, and as I am preparing to go through a machine that is likely to beep and subject me to a body search or at least intensive questioning? How open am I going to be to considering buying a product that's being forced in my range of vision in the middle of all of this? What do you think? --Felicity Hallanan, Sandy Creek, N.Y. This is yet another example of the abuse we suffer at the misguided hands of TSA. --Steve Postle, Lincoln, Calif. It's an ingenious idea to raise some income, hopefully well spent, for this very expensive endeavor. Personally, I don't think the line can be slowed any further, so the fear that they will need to make the wait even longer to benefit advertisers should not materialize. Besides, if the government ware 'that' efficient and cost conscious, I would even wait longer. --David Hung, Los Angeles, Calif. What a joke! Security checkpoints are not the place for advertising. Visitors to the US who are not fluent in English will be even more confused trying to read the advertising while going through security. Signs and directions given by TSA agents are often confusing. Imagine trying to listen to the TSA agents yelling directions, watching the flashing signs overhead and trying to read the advertising at the same time. What a nightmare! Slowdowns are inevitable. --Carol Nelson, Indianapolis, Ind. I am usually distracted and feeling rushed when going thru security. I do not need ads to clutter up the visual for trying to collect my belongings without forgetting something. I'm certainly not going to be very receptive to any ad I actually see and remember! --Barbara Wysocki of Niantic, Conn. (reading us from vacation in Thailand) Once those Idiots start making money with the shoe bins will NEVER go away. Long after there is a need for them you will waste your time because the TSA won't give up the money. --Thomas Curley, of Cumming, Ga. I find this proposal ridiculous and a bit perverse. The whole idea of taking off our shoes originated with prevention of terrorist acts and for TSA to make money off these ads is to exploit a serious situation. While I am skeptical of terrorists ever using shoes as a vehicle for destruction again, I do not want shoe bins being used as advertisements. TSA needs to use the money in its budget more efficiently and wisely! --Jeanne Seals, Los Angeles, Calif. I am far too occupied with unpacking my computer and removing my shoes, jacket and other miscellany to have time to even be aware of ads at security checkpoints, let alone register contents of the ad. Yes, I would worry that I would be further delayed so the ad vendors would be satisfied. Probably the ads would be most effective at the points where I have to gather all this stuff and pack, don, or tie whatever I have removed. Of course, not all travelers find this as daunting as I do. We are bombarded with ads at the movies, tv, on the computer and billboards so I have become immune by automatically ignoring contents,. Let them support security if it doesn't delay as I never feel that people have been adequately screened and the added income might improve the situation. --Ruth Van Wagner, Palm Springs, Calif.

    Where Bullwinkle Bunks

    Best known for its hut-to-hut hiking system in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) is now setting its sights north. The 90,000-member outdoor recreation and conservation organization has purchased three historic sporting camps--Chairback Mountain Camps, Medawisla Wilderness Camps, and Little Lyford Pond Camps--and partnered with the West Branch Pond Camp, all in the 100-Mile Wilderness Section of Maine. Guests can hike and canoe a 25-mile corridor of pristine wilderness backed by the mountains of the Appalachian Trail and laced with hidden ponds and rivers that are populated with far more moose than humans. "Imagine the possibility of waking up in the morning at one camp and hiking for five miles to where your canoe will be waiting on the shores of a lake, then paddling another three miles to the next night's stay," says a buoyant Andy Falender, executive director of the AMC. If a camp-to-camp jaunt sounds a bit too adventurous, consider spending several nights at the affordable Little Lyford Pond Camps. Originally opened in 1873 as a lumber camp, Little Lyford became a cozy overnight for anglers and hunters in the early 1900s. Today, helpings of pancakes, baked beans, and fresh vegetables are still served family-style in the main lodge. Lining the green meadow are seven revamped rustic cabins, which sleep one to six people and have porches, woodstoves, and gas lamps. A short walk brings you to Little Lyford Pond, a majestic gem backed by the peaks of Baker and Indian Mountains. Other trails lead to the West Branch of the Pleasant River, a churning stream teeming with trout, and Gulf Hagas, where the same river plunges through a narrow canyon, creating waterfalls and swimming holes. Good for a bracing dip, Maine-style. 603/466-2727, outdoors.org. Little Lyford starts at $92 per person per night, including lodging and all meals; reservations essential. A three-night camp-to-camp cross-country skiing package starts at $405 per person. Related Stories:   The Budget Travel Minute: Hut Hiking Tips   Trips That Can Change Your Life: The Appalachian Trail   Wilderness Survival Guide

    Trip Coach: January 16, 2007

    Diane Mehta: Hi Everyone, Thanks for joining me today. I'm ready to answer your questions. Cheers, Diane with Fodor's India _______________________ Miami, FL: We have been to Northern India, but have hesitated to visit Southern India due to the hot and rainy weather. What is the best time to visit Southern India in order to avoid the heat and rain? Diane Mehta: Hi, and thanks for joining me. Like the North, South India is perfectly reasonable in winter, from late November to early February. (India's monsoon takes place during our summer, around July and August---and leading up to that time, and after it, it's also very sticky.) Except for the Himalayas, which is ideal to visit in spring or fall, the rest of India is best seen during winter time. And if you go up into the hills, say in Coorg or Munnar, in the South, the temperature will be very mild---cold enough for a thick sweater or jacket at night. _______________________ Hollis, NH: We are planning a first trip to India next December going to the most important sites. We will also be going south to Kerala and Cochin. What shots and Medicines should we take before we leave Diane Mehta: The safest way to decide is to check the Center for Disease Control website, and schedule an appointment at a travel clinic more than a month in advance. (cdc.gov/travel) Anti-malaria medicine and bug spray is a must. At any clinic, they'll want to know which region you're visiting at what time of year, so they can give you shots necessary for diseases that are prevalent in that climate. It also depends on how up to date you are with your vaccinations. For example, on my last trip, in winter, I visited Bombay, Rajasthan, Goa, and Kerala, and got a full round of shots for Tetanus, Typhoid, Polio (adult), and Hepatitis A. I would also recommend asking your doctor for antibiotics you can bring with you in case of diarrhea, Pepto Bismol, and anything else you might need for pain or inflammation, like Calamine lotion (though toothpaste works great for bug bites). _______________________ Georgetown, DE: Can you recommend any sites or activities in India for elementary school children? Diane Mehta: I think a tiger or jungle safari would be your best bet. The bigger cities don't have a lot of open space---a park or two, perhaps---and the smaller cities are great for sightseeing and temples. Most kids would be excited to see elephants, tigers, and other animals, however! In this forum I've already mentioned the Dubare Elephant Camp and Jungle Lodges in Karnataka, and Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan for tigers, but there is also the Green Magic Nature Resort in Northern Kerala (tree houses 5 hours north of Kochi, or Cochin), and the eco-based Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Southern Kerala, south of Trivandrum. Both are excellent, and a lot of fun. _______________________ Austin, TX: Is solo travel in India safe? Are their particular locations to be avoided? What about do's and don't for single travlers? I am in my sixties and very active. Finding a travel companion is not easy and in most cases the single "surcharge" is enough to discourage most single travelers; so I thought if I go it alone you could provide some guidance. Diane Mehta: I traveled extensively through India, twice, by myself. One thing you may want to do is wear a wedding ring, so men won't harass you as much. Also, if you're alone it's advisable to stay in better hotels, which are safer and cleaner---so if something goes wrong or you get sick you're in good hands. Also, you might consider joining a tour for part of the trip, or at least taking day tours where you'll meet other people. India can be exhausting and frustrating for anyone, and that gets multiplied when you're solo. So the more things you have set up in advance, the better. I would not recommend taking local buses anywhere alone, though a tour bus for a day trip will be fine. Trains are okay, but make sure you go first-class, as it will be safer, more comfortable, and much cleaner. I also wouldn't go to the less-traveled regions, like Sikkim, or along the east coast, since that's harder to get to, and the more rural, the less safe. _______________________ Knoxville, TN: Is it difficult for a single woman to travel in India? Diane Mehta: Not at all! I did it twice, each time for a month, and people were friendly and helpful wherever I went. Please see my responses to another woman in this forum, who asked the same question. _______________________ Knoxville, TN: Is it preferable to book short tours in India with local travel agencies? Can you recommend reliable agencies? Diane Mehta: I've always done it that way, and it has been perfectly fine---and significantly cheaper. For example, in Manali, in the Himalayas, I booked private treks for $20/day. U.S. outfits charge a fortune. It's difficult to recommend any one touring agency if you're not sure where you want to go, however. It's best to decide what you want to do first, and then find resources. There aren't really huge agencies with offices all across the country. I usually go with recommendations from hotels, as they tend to recommend the same people, and they stick with agencies and drivers who are reliable. _______________________ Medford, OR: Dear Diane Mehta: My wife and I, both seniors 68-72, are planning a month-long trip to India around Christmas 2007. I was born in Bombay but left for the US 48 years ago. We haven't seen much of India. I would like to travel to places like Kerala, Calcutta, Khajuraho, Varanasi and other major landmarks of India. We would appreciate any advice you can provide in planning our trip. Thanking you in advance and with best wishes, Russy Diane Mehta: You might want to start with deciding what kind of landscape(s) you want to see, and plan your trip from there. Rajasthan, in the northwest, is dusty desert, and it's more touristy, but it's filled with spectacular forts, princely sights, and hotels. Goa, which is beach and jungle, is similarly well-trammeled, but beautiful especially in the southern parts, and good for a beach break. From Delhi you can take short flights to Khajuraho and Varanasi, and spend a day or two at each place, which would certainly be lovely. The erotic temples at Khajuraho and the ghats and smells/sights in Varanasi would be quite an experience. You may have to fly back to Delhi in order to get to Calcutta, however. And keep in mind travel distances: Kerala, which is one of my favorite places in India, is all the way at India's southwest tip, while Calcutta is all the way east, near Bangladesh. You could combine a trip to Kerala and Karnataka, the state directly north of Kerala, but even then you'll be doing a lot of driving or flying. Karnataka is gorgeous but more rural, so you have to drive a bit to get places, like Coorg or Nagarhole, from the airport. In Kerala you could start in Kochi (Cochin), basically a lagoon dotted with islands (and ferries), and from there take a boat trip through the backwaters and down to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Or, instead, you could drive east up into the hills of Munnar, in the Western Ghats, where you can stay at a tea plantation. (I'd recommend the Windermere or Mahindra Lake View, though there are plenty of options: hotelskerala.com/munnar.htm) In Munnar the views are spectacular, it's much cooler, and it's a welcome, leafy break from the rest of India. _______________________ Fort Worth, TX: We're planning a trip next January/February. Do you have suggestions for a reputable agent in New Delhi to contact for setting up a self-guided tour? Thanks, Lorna Diane Mehta: Peirce & Leslie are reliable agents in New Delhi (peirceandleslie.com). That said, with any travel agent in India, you'd be wise to check the rack rates and flight costs online first, if you choose to use an agent. Otherwise they'll often give you a lump sum price without a breakdown. Also find out beforehand what the cancellation policy is, or buy travel insurance in case something goes wrong. Also, I should say that I prefer making reservations myself. Now you can do everything online---flights and hotels. If you go on a hotel discount site, or you email the hotel yourself and check rates for different time periods, you'll sometimes get a better rate. (For example, if you avoid high-tourist season, from Dec 10 to Jan 5 or so, you'll get better rates. Late November and late Jan-Feb are even cheaper, and the weather's still tolerable.) Here's a list of airlines: indianairlines.nic jetairways.com kingfisherairlines.com goair.com airsahara.com allianceair.com airdeccan.netspicejet.com goair.in flykingfisher.com _______________________ Seattle, WA: My husband and I will travel to So. India in Oct. for 2 weeks. Places of interest are: Mysore, Madikeri and the Kerala coastal area. We'll come from Kathmandu via DEL by air. Where should we start? Chennai or Bangalore, and select what mode of transportation? Any suggestions on Ayurveda spas/hotels in the Kerala area? Thank you Diane Mehta: You can fly from Delhi to Bangalore, then drive southwest to Mysore, and continue on for a few more hours west to Madikeri---the capital of Coorg---in Southern Karnataka. Near Madikeri is Nagarhole National Park, a great spot for game viewing. You can stay at the Kabini River Lodge (luxurious cabins within the park) or visit the Dubare Elephant Camp through Jungle Lodges. There are also plenty of other plantations and jungle resorts in the area. For ayurveda spas/hotels, Ashtamudi resort is serious about ayurveda and yoga, and it's non-touristy, eco-friendly, and family-run (and reasonably priced). Ashtamudi is a short drive or boat ride from Quilon, on the coast, or 3 hours south of Kochi (Cochin). You can, alternatively, fly into Trivandrum and drive north a few hours to Quilon/Ashtamudi. (FYI, most resorts in Kerala offer some kind of yoga and ayurvedic treatments, though they're oriented toward novices.) If you're hard-core about yoga, the place to go is Sivananda Ashram near Trivandrum. _______________________ Portland, TX: With only two weeks to spend in India, is it better to move around, spending two days in each target city; or, take day trips from a base? Maybe base one week of day trips out of Dehli, and move to a southern city and take day trips from there? (I am an experienced traveler, not afraid of getting off the beaten path.) Diane Mehta: Given flight delays and driving distances from any major city (including Delhi) to other sites, I'd suggest doing a day trip or two here or there, but spending the bulk of time hopping from one place to another. Most smaller towns can be seen in a few days, and beyond several sights in each place (for example, better-known temples), there won't be much more to see. And while Delhi's an historical city, Bombay's a shopping city. So if you're keen on doing a lot of shopping, you might want to spend an extra day or two in a larger city like Bombay. Instead, I'd chart a course, say, north to south along the west coast, or do a temple circuit and jungle lodge (for example, the Kabini River Lodge in Karnataka), or tea or coffee plantations in the south (tea plantations are in Munnar, in Kerala, and coffee plantations in Coorg, in Karnataka). In Karnataka, especially, you'll definitely be off the beaten path. _______________________ Sedona, AZ: I am traveing in Oct '07 from Kathmandu to Buddhist pilgrimage sites - Sarnath near Varansi and Bodh Gaya. As a first time traveler, I am a bit at sea on how to do this. I am traveling with my 14 yr old son and we need to know if we can fly into Varanasi directly from Kathmandu or must we go to Delhi first? Also, we are interested in hiring a car and driver, rather than attempting renting a car or the rail system (we only have a week for this portion of the trip). How do we find a car and driver? Lastly, if a driver is hired, is it possible to go to Kushinigara within that week also? That question is one based on the time it takes to travel between locations. Am I attempting too much? Thanks! Diane Mehta: It does sound like a lot, since you're talking about visiting three different states. Jet Airways flies from Kathmandu to Delhi in the afternoon, so you'll have to stay in Delhi overnight before catching the next day's flight to Varanasi (also midday). (Indian Airlines used to have a Kathmandu-Varanasi flight, but right now it's not on the schedule. But it's wise to check all the airlines, in case things change.) Keep in mind that flights in India, especially in the north (because of weather in the mountains and fog), are prone to delays---sometimes for hours, sometimes overnight. Do not try to rent a car yourself, but do get a car and driver, which is easily arranged from any hotel---the most reliable way to arrange a good car and driver service. If you do it in advance through a travel agent, it will cost you double or triple what you'll get locally. To get to Sarnath from Varanasi, you can easily take a taxi, rickshaw, train, or bus---it's just 45 minutes away. But going to Bodh Gaya, in Bihar, and also Kushinigara in Uttar Pradesh, will be difficult in that amount of time. First and foremost, you need to check the flight schedules, since there may be only one or two flights per week (probably from Calcutta) to Bodh Gaya. And to get to Kushinigara, you have to take a bus or train (train would be better, about 6 hours) from Varanasi to Gorakhpur, and then it's an hour and a half drive from Gorakhpur to Kushinigara. (I'd recommend hiring a car and driver from Gorakhpur to Kushinigara, as it will be easier, safer, and more comfortable than a bus.) _______________________ Ironwoord, MI: Is Antimalarial medicine needed? Travel will be the "Golden Triangle." Diane Mehta: I would take the antimalaria medicine regardless of where you go, since people visit the larger cities from rural areas, and there's no telling whether you'll get sick in a big city or in a small one. To be safe, I always take the malaria pills. And especially since you start them a week before leaving, you always have a chance to see whether you feel any serious side effects---which is rare. _______________________ San Francisco, CA: Hi Diane Mehta, My son and his wife would like to honeymoon the Golden Triangle in North India on November 6, 2007 and also visit a tiger game/wildlife sanctuary totaling about 12 days. Though he was born in Madras he knows little about India as he came here as a six year old. Should he take an escorted group tour on American Plan or try doing it on own? Thank you. Diane Mehta: That's a great question, since so many people do exactly this trip. I think if you're on a honeymoon you may want to consider going it alone---you'll have leisure, you'll get to stay in some of the world's best hotels, and you'll eat better. And assuming you're talking about the Delhi-Agra-Jaipur trip (called the Golden Triangle), it's an easy trip to take, as the flights are good, and nothing's difficult to get to. (A group tour, or even a day tour, is better for the harder-to-reach and rural areas.) Plus you'll get a chance to visit Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan's famous royal hunting retreat and tiger sanctuary. (Best time to visit here is Oct-March, and transport around the park is by government jeep.) It's worth it---most people do end up seeing tigers (and other wildlife) there. And there are quite a few jungle lodges around here, ranging from exorbitant to reasonable. In Delhi, Ashok Travels and the Delhi Tourism Department both run tours of the historical sights---or what I like to do is hire someone through the hotel to give you a more personalized look at the city (both Old and New Delhi). And if you're on your own, you can arrange a stay at Delhi's loveliest hotel, The Imperial, a combo of Art Deco, colonial, and Victorian styles. They have terrific food, and the interior is gorgeous. In Jaipur, the Oberoi Rajvilas and Taj Rambagh Palace are both stunning, if not a bargain. (But if you're going in early Nov you may get a decent deal.) Agra's top hotel is the Oberoi Amarvilas, again worth stopping at for a meal at least. (Agra is a 2-3 hour drive from Delhi, doable in a day.) Finally, if you want to do some serious shopping, and also get clothes tailored for cheap, you'll only have time to do that if you're on your own. _______________________ Boston, MA: I hope to spend several months in Dharmsala. What is the best time to be there in terms of weather/climate? Seeing wildflowers? Avoiding biting (flies, mosquitos) insects? Diane Mehta: Dharamsala, a hill station in the state of Himachal Pradesh, is a hub for trekking, so you'll have no problem seeing wildflowers wherever you go! Fall or spring is ideal, since the summer's too rainy and Dec-March is pretty cold. The Mountaineering Institute just north of Dharamsala arranges trekking expeditions in the forest. But if you're there for a while you should be able to find a private guide and arrange walks/treks for cheaper. (But start with an official group and see how it goes.) Incidentally, you'll see plenty of beautiful Buddhist temples there, frequented by the many Tibetan refugees who have settled there. And anywhere in India I always bring mosquito repellent, just in case, though it's not less of a problem outside the rainy season or in the alpine areas. Since it's the Himalayas, and out of reach, I'd bring all the possible medicine you need for every possible circumstance---especially since you'll be there for a while. _______________________ Fairhope, AL: What is the availability of bottled water in the more rural areas? Diane Mehta: Bottled water is available throughout India, even in the less-traveled parts. _______________________ Denver, CO: I will be meeting my daughter in India in February. She has been there for several months and knows the culture well. We will be spending most of our time in Rajasthan. Do you have any good ideas for places that we must see that are somewhat off the beaten path? Diane Mehta: Rajasthan is terribly off the beaten track---it's one of the top destinations for both foreign and Indian tourists. But few make it all the way west to Jaisalmer, a fort town in the Thar desert, close to Pakistan. It's a good six-hour drive or train ride (late at night) from the city of Jodhpur, so it's quite out of the way, and it's a great place to arrange several-day camel treks in the Thar desert, outside the city. (Jodhpur is also a good base for camel safaris, if you don't make it all the way out to Jaisalmer.) Alternatively, you can go to more popular places like Udaipur, which is a gorgeous hilly town built around many lakes, and take day trips to Ranakpur, a huge, beautifully carved Jain temple in the forest, and to Kumbhalgarh Fort, a citadel on a hill (if you're up to it, you can visit both in one very long day). West of Udaipur is Mt. Abu, a Jain pilgrimage site and the only hill station in Rajasthan. _______________________ Easton, CT: My husband and I (ages 60) are going to north and south India Oct. 2007 for a 27 day vacation and will end up in Chennai. Should we substitute time in Chennai and visit Periyar Tiger Trail for a day or two? Would Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary and Nat. Park do instead? We want guaranteed tiger sighting. What is most worthwhile? Diane Mehta: That's a tough question. I don't think you can guarantee tiger sightings anywhere. Periyar is larger (more than 700 square kilometers), but there are, if I remember correctly, less than 50 or so tigers there. Still, the people working there have been doing it for a long time, and are bound to be excellent trackers. On the other hand, Mudumalai is smaller, over 300 square kilometers, but I'm not sure exactly how many tigers they have. But since you'd already be in Tamil Nadu it would certainly be much easier to get to, and perhaps a better use of your time. Perhaps the most likely place to see tiger (the most sightings I've heard from other travelers) is Ranthambore National Park, in Rajasthan. _______________________ Washington, D.C.: My son and his Indian fiance will marry in Chennai in late December. I'm aware of the fact that this is the time when the whole world of expat India returns home. Is there any way that we can book a budget roundtrip flight from DC to Chennai? We are willing to fly round the world tickets. Thanks, Jack and Ruth Diane Mehta: The prices actually aren't all that much different from one season to the next. The problem is actually getting a flight, and paying top prices for a hotel. If you book before the summer, with a local agent, you may get a slightly discounted price ($1200 vs $1500), with a stop in Europe. But once fall comes around, you'll have a harder time booking any flights at all. One piece of advice is to have your son's fiance arrange a group discount rate at a hotel, so you won't be paying standard high-season rates. If they're guaranteed a booking of, say, 50 or 100 people, they tend to bargain down. _______________________ Easton, CT: My husband and I will be in India Oct. 2007. We will be at MANVAR DESERT CAMP (tent). It seems very isolated (Thar Desert). Is it safe? Diane Mehta: Manvar's right between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, maybe a 3-hour drive west of Jodhpur. Indeed, it's isolated. The Thar desert is punctuated here and there by towns, but if you're with a hotel/safari camp I wouldn't worry. There's no saying whether one place is safer than the next, but if you're traveling together (versus a woman alone), a safari camp in the Thar desert should not be a problem. _______________________ Easton, CT: Can we mail payment and visa application forms to Consulate General of India in New York? If so,how long to get it back? I get no one to speak to when I call. Diane Mehta: Indeed, you have to call and call and call. After 40 minutes or so, someone usually picks up---other times they don't. Nevertheless, you can do it this way, but I'd recommend giving yourself plenty of time. Usually the turnaround time is a few days, but as high season approaches it may take a few nail-biting weeks. Go ahead and mail the payment and application, and make sure you follow the directions precisely. Worse comes to worse, you can actually go to the Consulate and inquire about your Visa. It is unlikely, however, to get to that point. _______________________ Minneapolis, MN: My question is: Does the toy train from Kalka to Shimla operate in the winter months? I will be in Northern India from February 18 - March 4, 2007 on a business trip. I have traveled to India before and have traveled to Shimla by train. However, my previous trip to Shimla was during August. I would like to visit Shimla during a different time of year. My 4th Edition of Fodor's India has served me well on my previous four trips to India. However, I can not find anything in the book to indicate whether or not the toy train to Shimla is seasonal or if it operates year round. And, if it is not seasonal, is there any source of heat in the train cars during the winter months? There will be three adult passengers on the train trip. My train trip to Shimla would be during the week of Feb. 26, 2007. Thank you, Ann Diane Mehta: It's my understanding that it does, though naturally you'll have weather to deal with. (But you should check with the Himachal Pradesh government to make sure.) That's a very good question --- whether it's heated --- I've never taken the toy train, but the journey from Kalka to Shimla isn't very long, so even if it isn't heated the trip will be quick. Feel free to email me at dianemehta@yahoo.com next week and I'll look into it for you. _______________________ Yonkers, NY: I would love to travel to India, but none of my friends want to go there. What is the best tour group for a single woman to see India? When is the best time of year to go? Diane Mehta: I think you should first figure out what you want to see and do --- do you want to trek, say, up in the Himalayas? Or would you rather see temples and cities, and the major tourist sites? For trekking, I would go with the oldest and best established U.S. companies, like Mt Sobek Travel or Wilderness Travel. They tend to keep their groups small, and they've been doing it for decades, so they really know the areas they're traveling in. And you'll be well taken care of. Mt. Sobek does more trekking in the Himalayas, while Wilderness offers a variety of tours, from Rajasthan to South India. If you're traveling to the Himalayas, most tours would leave in the spring or fall. The rest of India is usually best seen from Nov-Feb. _______________________ Diane Mehta: Thanks for all your questions everyone! I had a great time, and hope I helped you out with your planning. Look for more tips in Fodor's Indi. Best, Diane Mehta _______________________

    On the Road with Gerry Beckley

    Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell teamed up to form America in 1970, when they were fresh out of high school, and they have been touring ever since. The band has kept to a grueling schedule of about 100 shows annually, performing hits such as "A Horse With No Name" and "Ventura Highway" for crowds from San Diego to Sydney. About 10 years ago, Beckley began passing the time by documenting the view from his hotel windows. "Everybody has their own routines when they get on the road to try and find some normalcy or regimen," says Beckley, who wanted to create "a dialogue of what it's like to continually live on the road." He imposes strict rules on how to compose the shots, allowing only a minimal amount of zooming or panning. He won't change his hotel room, but will sometimes shoot 20 or 30 versions of a view. Over time, certain motifs have emerged: parking lots, upclose buildings or walls, panoramic cityscapes, and picture-perfect shots of sunsets and iconic landmarks. In his self-portraits, the camera captures Beckley's reflection in a window. Beckley e-mails the photos to a close group of friends and posts them in chronological order on his website, gerrybeckley.com, where they form a sort of trip diary. "It's pretty astounding sometimes to just look at where you've been in, say, one given week," says Beckley. America spent much of 2006 based in SoHo, where they recorded tracks for their double album Here & Now, a compilation of new and live songs released on January 16. James Iha (Smashing Pumpkins), Adam Schlesinger (Fountains of Wayne), and Ryan Adams are among the guest artists. A simple photography book--perhaps even of postcards--is now on Beckley's mind. He continues to tour and to add to his quirky collection. While some fans may prefer his classic travel-inspiring shots, Beckley says he strives for a mix. "The least appealing subject matter can sometimes turn into a pretty interesting shot," he says.