Just Back From...a Mother-Daughter Trip to Rome and Venice

By Katie Strangis
March 30, 2010
exitint_rome
Katie Strangis and her mom, first-time international traveler Susan Lowes, take on two of Italy's largest cities in this off-season adventure.

We're still laughing about... Our last meal in Venice. When it comes to food, the city is known for two things: seafood and risotto. I had to try some, but my mother is not an adventurous eater. When she ordered a simple fish dish, I smiled and nodded—and then cried laughing when the waiter presented her with a whole fish, head still on, eyes staring up at her. She promptly screamed. (A happy ending: The risotto was delicious, and she loved it!)

Wish we'd known that... It is impossible to find anything in Venice! Addresses mean very little, and even the locals can't figure out where everything is. It took an hour to find our very charming little hotel, [PHOTO] and that was only after I parked my mom and our bags in front of a store and walked up and down every alley. I almost cried in relief when I finally found it—about 30 seconds from where I'd started. Editor's note: Streetwise has a portable map of Venice starting around $8 that has been updated for 2010.

Our favorite part... Our meal at Da Ivo in Venice. It was my mother's birthday dinner, and we splurged on amazing black-truffle fettuccine and a seat by the window overlooking the canal. The service was impeccable but not fussy, and even after it was clear that we weren't going to spend an exorbitant amount of money, the service didn't falter. I think my absolute favorite moment was when the waiter unexpectedly brought out a beautiful dessert with a candle in it [PHOTO] and charmingly struggled through a couple lines of "Happy Birthday" in broken English. Then the staff gave my mom a beautiful box of truffles. We were thrilled. I'd recommend Da Ivo to anyone.

What we should have packed... Rain boots! [PHOTO] While it was fascinating to see how Venetians handle the rain by erecting makeshift walkways, [PHOTO] a good pair of waterproof shoes would have helped. Despite some tough weather, I still recommend visiting Italy in February: We were able to walk into the Vatican and the Colosseum without waiting in long lines, and Venice was lovely without the oppressive crowds and heat.

Worth every penny... Spending the money to take my mom on this trip. As a government attorney, I don't make a lot, but this is something I've dreamed about my entire life. Part of the fun was watching the look on Mom's face when she saw the Sistine Chapel and the Colosseum for the first time. [PHOTO] She finally recognized that I was right—there are better things than Disney World. [PHOTO]

Never again... Will I try to get my mother to listen to me when I say that there are huge fees for overweight bags—€100 lost to Air France! Enough said.

Total rip-off... The gondolas in Venice. I appreciate that they are charming and romantic (and perhaps this was lost on me, traveling with Mom and all), but for €100-plus they seemed like a waste. The gondoliers were singing bad Frank Sinatra songs, and there's just no excuse for singing Sinatra badly. [PHOTO]

Fun surprise... On a previous trip to Rome, I discovered a square in the middle of the city that I called "Ruins with Kitties Square" (because, well, there were ruins and cats everywhere). [PHOTO] My mom and I stumbled upon the square again, only this time it was raining and there were only a few brave cats outside. Mom, the eternal feline lover, was disappointed. I spotted one of the furry creatures walking down a rickety stairway. I followed it through a little door and encountered the most bizarre thing: a sophisticated and charming cat rescue, with literally dozens of cats lolling about. On rainy days, volunteers ensure that each animal has a bed. There was even a separate room for disabled cats. The volunteers gave us a quick tour and then offered us some warm wine (you've gotta love Rome).

Hotel we liked... Hotel Anastasia in Venice (once we found it!) was perfectly located close to Piazza San Marco. The hotel's tiny square was quiet and felt like our own, especially since our room had shuttered windows that opened up for views of the square and one of the canals. An excursion to Murano with a tour of a glass factory was free with our stay.

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The 7 Most Dangerous Travel Jobs

Tour Guide, Chernobyl, Ukraine For the past decade, Sergei Ivanchuk has walked visitors through the cooling towers and eerily empty corridors of Chernobyl, the Soviet nuclear power plant in Ukraine that witnessed the world's most famous—and most deadly—meltdown. It still looks as if it's frozen in 1986, and Ivanchuk often sees newspapers from that year scattered about. He doesn't wear a hazmat-like protective helmet, gloves, or gear because radiation levels are lower than they were in the late '80s. But Ivanchuk still advises tourists not to wear shorts or sandals—or drink the tap water. "You never get used to this kind of work," he says with a laugh. "It never gets boring. For me, it's about reminding people of what happened to prevent history from repeating itself." Solo East Travel, 011-380/44-406-3500, tourkiev.com/chernobyltour, day tours from $110. Mountain Bike Guide, Bolivia's "Road of Death" Imagine hurtling 12,000 feet down a twisting unpaved road past sheer drop-offs, nervously gripping your mountain bike's handlebars, with dirt kicking up in your face. Not without reason has this switchback (official name: Yungas Road) outside La Paz, Bolivia, the world's highest capital, been dubbed the "Road of Death." An estimated 200 people die each year, mostly when their vehicles plunge off an Andean cliff. Biking guides—four Americans and one Frenchman—give a safety primer on how to change gears and use brakes, but then you hit the road.* "As long as you can keep both of your feet on the pedals, it's safe," advises Osmar Huidobro, who works for Gravity Bolivia. "The guides will not push you to go faster than you can go." Also, a newly built alternate route means less vehicular traffic on the vertiginous 40-mile ride—and presumably fewer fatalities. Gravity Bolivia, gravitybolivia.com, all-day tours $85, tours are arranged on an individual basis throughout the year, although rainy season (mid-December through March) is the most dangerous. Killer Whale Trainer, Orlando, Fla. In February of this year at Orlando's SeaWorld, a six-ton orca thrashed and drowned its trainer during a live show—horrifying spectators. It's not clear if Tilikum, the killer whale, was attacking on purpose or was merely agitated. But it was not the first death that has been connected to Tilikum. In 1999, a trespasser who had apparently climbed into the orca's pool was found dead. In 1991, the born predator joined two other killer whales in drowning their trainer. SeaWorld is reviewing its safety procedures for orca training but says it wants to return Tilikum to shows. The company keeps 25 killer whales at its marine parks and says that its animals almost never act aggressively. That may be true, but don't expect to see us climbing into a tank with an orca anytime soon. Bull Shepherd, Pamplona, Spain You've surely heard of San Fermín, the annual adrenaline-fueled ritual in which revelers try to outrun bulls stampeding through the narrow streets of Pamplona. But who keeps the bulls from goring onlookers and corrals them each morning during the second week of July? Meet the dozen or so pastores (shepherds) clad in green polo shirts who try to tame the animals, protecting the runners with nothing but a long cane. "This is the most dangerous job in Spain," says Francisco Glaría, a local tour guide, who remembers one of the shepherds being gored after trying to save a runner a few years back. Between 200 and 300 people are injured each year, according to the city government council, but fatalities are rare, with only 14 occurring in the past 100 years. Novotur, novotur.com, San Fermín–themed Pamplona tours (not during the event) led by Glaría. Beer Sherpa, Slovakia's High Tatras As if risking life and limb were not enough, the Slovak sherpas who scale the treacherous sides of rocky cliffs and hike the steep footpaths of the High Tatras at breakneck speeds are lugging beer, too. Not just a few bottles, either, but 150-pound kegs, which they strap to their backs. Rain or shine, ice or snow, the sherpas make the two-hour hike to the top several times per day to stock the bare-bones chalets scattered along 7,380-foot-high peaks. The chalets have no power, just wooden tables lined with pints of pilsner—from freshly tapped kegs, of course. Travelslovakia.sk. Luge/Bobsled Instructor, Whistler, Canada It's been called the world's fastest track, earning notoriety after an Olympic luger from the country of Georgia died after being flung from the track. By the beginning of next winter, the Whistler Sliding Center expects to offer bobsled, luge, and skeleton trial runs on the lower portion of its 1,374-meter-long track. "It's an unbelievable experience," says Breton Murphy, the center's senior communications manager, who tried the skeleton—head-first luge—and clocked in at over 65 mph. (To put that speed in perspective, ski resort luges top out at 40 to 50 mph, while professional competitors in luge and bobsled can reach 85 mph and beyond.) "It has the same kind of adrenaline rush as bungee jumping or skydiving," Murphy adds. Riders do not need any prior experience or training. Because you start at the 11th turn, rather than at the top (there are 16 turns total), you don't have to use your feet to steer, just the forces of gravity. Bobsled tours are led by licensed instructors or ex-Olympians, but for luge, you go solo. Whistler Sliding Center, 604/402-1401, whistlerslidingcentre.com, currently closed to public but will reopen for tours in June. Herper, Madras Crocodile Bank Soham Mukherjee is a herpetologist, a.k.a. a herper, or reptile specialist. At a wildlife rehabilitation center and reptile zoo in southern India, he trains crocs—one of whom he named Psycho—using just a stick. That is, when he's not breaking up fights or trying to "charm" pythons and king cobras. The Madras Crocodile Bank draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to see crocs, snakes, and other dangerous animals up close. Perhaps only fellow herpers appreciate the perils of this line of work. "Crocodiles eat more people each year than any other predator on earth does," notes Neville Burns, a crocodile keeper at Sydney Wildlife World. "Their jaws can crush the skull of a pig with a single bite. And they can swim twice as fast as any human." Madras Crocodile Bank, 011-91/44-2747-2447, madrascrocodilebank.org, admission about 65¢. *CORRECTION: Pythons are not venomous. We regret the error. We would also like to emphasize that the tour operators mentioned in this story go to great lengths to ensure the safety of their customers. >> Plus, news of the weird: World's Weirdest Hotels, Part Deux

America's Best Family Camps

CALIFORNIA Berkeley Tuolumne Family Camp, Groveland, Stanislaus National Forest On the south fork of the Tuolumne River, seven miles from Yosemite National Park, in Stanislaus National Forest. Magic lessons, hiking, nature studies, multicultural crafts. Campers vs. staff volleyball, skit night, yoga. Swimming and fishing in the Tuolumne River. Ranger-led workshops for kids (making pine-needle baskets and leaf-print shirts), artist-in-residence program for adults (pottery, woodworking, watercolor painting, drawing, performing arts, and more). Nearby attractions include Yosemite National Park, gold rush towns, and horseback riding. Lodging: Tent-cabins with decks (some with electricity) sleep four to eight on cots; shared bathhouse. Tent sites. Food: All-you-can-eat family-style meals in the dining hall; coffee and tea all day. Ice cream social, Sunday candlelight dinners, and an outdoor barbecue by the river. 2010 dates: June 19–July 3, August 15–29. 2010 prices: $101 per night for ages 15 and up, $70 per night for ages 7–14, $54 per night for ages 3–6, ages 2 and under free; discounts apply for Berkeley residents. Contact: 510/981-5140, berkeleycamps.com. Camp Sacramento, Twin Bridges The south fork of the American River runs through camp. Catch a fish, and the chef will cook it. Archery, hiking, rock climbing, geocaching, bingo, arts and crafts, campfires, barbecues, dances, volleyball, softball. Lodging: 61 private cabins with electricity sleep two to six on double beds; shared bathhouse. Food: Three cafeteria-style meals daily. 2010 dates: June 20–August 14. 2010 prices: Weeklong stays $512 for ages 16 and up, $380 for ages 11–15, $279 for ages 6–10, $148 for ages 3–5, ages 2 and under free; discounts apply for residents of Sacramento, Calif. Contact 916/808-6098, cityofsacramento.org/parksandrecreation/campsac. Emandal—A Farm on a River, Willits A working farm since 1908 on 1,000 acres. On the banks of the Eel River near the base of Sanhedrin Mountain, cornering Mendocino National Forest, redwoods, and wine country. Farm chores include milking cows, gathering eggs, harvesting vegetables, and picking raspberries. Families explore at their own pace, spending an afternoon hiking over wooded slopes, discovering swimming holes, or simply swinging in the hammocks under the fir, madrone, and oak trees. Lodging: Wood cabins sleep up to eight with queen beds or bunks; cold running springwater, electricity, and ceiling fans; shared bathhouse. Two farmhouse rooms sleep two; private baths. Linens provided. Food: Three family-style meals daily. Bread and pizza baked in brick oven. Organic produce from on-site garden; grass-fed beef and free-range chickens and pigs are raised on the farm. 2010 dates: June 23–27, July 13–August 21, September 2–6, 17–19. 2010 prices: Six-night stays in multiple occupancy cabins $730 for ages 18 and up, $510 for ages 12–17, $398 for ages 7–11, $280 for ages 4–6, $185 for ages 2–3, ages 1 and under free; add an additional 10 percent for farmhouse accommodations. Contact: 707/459-5439, emandal.com. Family Camp on the Bar 717 Ranch, Hayfork A working ranch on 450 acres in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Overnights on horseback to the ranch's original homestead. Swimming in Hayfork Creek. Collect eggs, milk a cow, or feed rabbits, goats, and pigs in the barn. Square dancing, ropes course, gardening, archery, music, drama, nature study, cooking, baking. Silk-screening, arts and crafts, blacksmithing, ceramics, woodshop. Parental perk: a trail ride ending with a picnic of cheese and local wine. ACA accredited. Lodging: Three-sided wood cabins, without electricity and open on one side, sleep six to 15; sink, toilet, and shared shower house. Motel-style guestrooms sleep two to six; some with private baths. Tent sites. Food: Three family-style meals daily highlight the ranch's own beef, pork, and vegetables. 2010 dates: August 8–15. 2010 prices: $880 for ages 18 and up, $630 for ages 12–17, $505 for ages 6–11, $380 for ages 2–5, ages 1 and under free. Contact: 530/628-5992, bar717.com. Forest Home at Mill Creek Canyon, Forest Falls Nondenominational Christian camp in the San Bernardino Mountains. Waterslide, zip line, miniature golf, climbing wall, trout pond, game room, crafts cabin, hiking, music. Volleyball, basketball, field sports. Free evening child care for kids under 11. ACA accredited. Lodging: Motel-style rooms with bunk beds; shared bath. Motel-style rooms; private baths; linens. Cabins with built-in queen-size beds and bunks; private baths; linens. Food: Three meals daily. Tuesday and Friday adults-only dinner with table service; past menus have featured steak and king crab. 2010 dates: June 20–August 21. 2010 prices: Full week in economy accommodations $539 for ages 18 and up, $343 for ages 9–17, $222 for ages 3–8, $99 for ages 2 and under; adult prices for upgraded lodging are $714 for a standard room, $882 for a deluxe room, $944 in the Grace House. Contact: 909/389-2300, foresthome.org. Lair of the Golden Bear, Pinecrest Affiliated with the University of California at Berkeley's alumni association. Three camps in Stanislaus National Forest in the Sierra Nevada range, under cedars, redwoods, and pines. Arts and crafts: pottery, lanyard making, T-shirt painting, tie-dyeing. Three pools, 18-hole golf course nearby (30 minutes), outdoor theater by the lake, fishing, weekly speakers, hikes for all abilities. Ping-pong and Trivial Pursuit contests. Lodging: Canvas-roofed wood cabins with electricity sleep two to eight; shared bathhouse. Rooms in the motel-style building sleep two; shared bath. Food: Three family-style meals daily in the dining hall; coffee throughout the day in the adults' Vista Lodge; burger shack open nightly. 2010 dates: June 11–August 28. 2010 prices: Weeklong family camp $715 for ages 18 and up, $615 for ages 13–17, $465 for ages 5–12, $315 for ages 2–4, ages 1 and under free; different rates apply for miniweek and weekend programs. To attend, one adult must join the Cal Alumni Association, but isn't required to have ever been enrolled at a Cal university. Contact: 888/225-2586, alumni.berkeley.edu/lair. Montecito Sequoia Lodge, Kings Canyon National Park At an elevation of 7,500 feet, between Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks. A cross between a country inn (wood-burning stoves) and a summer camp (powwow sing-along every morning). Tennis, archery, riflery, swimming pool, horseback riding, guided hikes to waterfalls. Canoeing, sailing, water-skiing, wakeboarding, and paddleboating on Lake Homavalo. Rock-climbing wall, gymnastics, biking, casino and open-mike nights. Workshops led by artists. ACA accredited. Lodging: Thirty-six hotel-style lodge rooms sleep two to eight; private baths. Fourteen wood cabins with electricity sleep four to eight on queen-size beds and bunks; shared bathhouse. Linens provided. Food: Three buffets daily; full bar nightly; 24-hour hospitality bar stocked with free coffee, juice, fresh fruit, soups, desserts, and snacks. Trail lunches provided for hikers 2010 dates: June 13–August 28. 2010 prices: Rates change based on type of accommodations and number of people booking; sample weeklong rates: $1,995 for two people in a cabin, $2,395 for two people in a standard room, $2,995 for two people in a family room. Contact: 800/227-9900, mslodge.com. Mount Hermon Christian Camps, Mount Hermon Evangelical and interdenominational Christian camp in the redwoods, just six miles from the coast. Open since 1906, with room for 600. Special programs for high schoolers, college students with their parents, and single-parent families. Ride the railroad down the canyon to the Santa Cruz boardwalk, boat on Zayante Creek, take a redwoods canopy tour 100 feet above the canyon. Ropes course, climbing wall, archery, mountain biking, hiking, team sports. Child care available. Lodging: Master deluxe, deluxe, standard, and economy lodge rooms sleep two to eight; private baths; housekeeping and towel change. Food: Family-style dining hall. Barbecues, outdoor pancake breakfasts. 2010 dates: June 13–August 14, September 3–6. 2010 prices: Lodging for six nights ranges from $492 for economy accommodations to $1,338 for master deluxe; meals and programs are $311 for ages 21 and up, $250 for ages 13–20, $227 for ages 4–12, $144 for ages 3 and under. Contact: 888/642-2677, mounthermon.org. Oakland Feather River Camp, Quincy Twenty acres in the Plumas National Forest. Family dances, papermaking, gourd decorating, nighttime flashlight tag. Supervised kids' activities. Theme weeks focus on storytelling, guitar, folk dancing, earth/ecology, and adult art program. Lodging: Tent cabins and wood cabins (some of both with electricity); shared bathhouse. Food: Three family-style meals daily in the dining hall. Ice cream cones at the camp store for $1. 2010 dates: June 23–27, June 27–July 5, July 7–11, 11–18, 18–25, August 10–15. 2010 prices: $65 per night for ages 18 and up, $60 per night for ages 13–17, $55 per night for ages 6–12, $40 per night for ages 2–5, ages 1 and under free; discounts apply for Oakland, Calif., residents. Contact: 510/336-2267, featherrivercamp.com. Wonder Valley Family Camp, Sanger On a private lake in the foothills of Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks. Skateboard park, go-kart track, minibike dirt track, waterslides, petting zoo, outdoor stage, horseback riding, high and low ropes courses, water-skiing, personal watercraft, hiking trails. Swimming, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and sailing on Dalton Pond. Tennis, volleyball, basketball, field sports, horseshoes, archery, paintball, riflery. Thursday is parents' night, with child care until 11:30 p.m., a prime rib dinner, casino tables, and live entertainment. Full-service day care center. ACA accredited. Lodging: 53 motel-style rooms sleep four to eight on doubles, kings, and bunks; private baths; linens provided. Food: Three buffets daily in the lakeside dining hall. 2010 dates: August 8–14, 15–21. 2010 prices: $1,499 for ages 18 and up, $1,389 for ages 13–17, $1,289 for ages 7–12, $999 for ages 3–6, $389 for ages 2 and under. Contact: 800/821-2801, wondervalleyfamilycamp.com. COLORADO Cheley Colorado Camps, Estes Park On 1,600 acres of wilderness in the Rockies, 8,200 feet in elevation. Learn Western-style horseback riding with half-day and full-day rides through Rocky Mountain National Park and Roosevelt National Forest. Stream fishing, technical climbing, contests like the Dirty Derby—at week's end, the dirtiest camper wins a prize. Movie making, campfire nights, rock climbing, hiking, trout fishing, skit nights, talent show, archery, riflery. ACA accredited. Lodging: Covered wagons with four single beds; shared bathhouse; linens provided. Food: Three family-style meals daily in the dining hall; snacks throughout the day. Trail lunch provided. 2010 dates: August 10–15. 2010 prices: $750 for ages 9 and up, $450 for ages 8 and under. Contact: 800/226-7386, cheley.com. Estes Park Center, Estes Park On 860 acres, surrounded by 14,000-foot-tall Rocky Mountain peaks. Elk, mule deer, moose, coyotes, and the occasional black bear. Emphasis on the environment: Watch beavers build dams, or learn about the life span of a fish after a hike to the stream. ACA accredited. Lodging: Cabins (214) with two to four bedrooms and fully equipped kitchen; private baths; housekeeping. Seven lodges with 600 hotel-style rooms, all with two queen beds, some with extra bunk beds; private baths. Linens provided. Food: Three buffets daily. Pay by the meal; American plan (three meals daily) $29 adults, $19 kids. Café open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. (closes at 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays). 2010 dates: Open year-round, no minimum stay. 2010 prices: Hotel rooms from $79 per night; cabins from $99 per night. Contact: 800/777-9622, ymcarockies.org. Snow Mountain Ranch, Winter Park Secluded amid thick lodgepole pines on 5,000 acres. Hayrides, indoor swimming, campfire night, reservoir for canoeing. Senior staff teach fly-fishing on summer afternoons. ACA accredited. Lodging: Hotel-style lodge rooms (173) with queen beds; private baths; linens provided. Cabins (52) with two to five bedrooms and fully equipped kitchen; private baths; linens provided. Campsites with or without hookups. Food: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets. Two plans: à la carte, or American plan (three meals daily) $29 adults, $19 kids. Breakfast is included with lodge rooms, but not with cabins. Buckboard Grill serves snacks from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. 2010 dates: Open year-round, no minimum stay. 2010 prices: Campsites from $25 per night; hotel-style lodge rooms from $79 per night; cabins from $139 per night. Contact: 800-777-9622, ymcarockies.org. CONNECTICUT Club Getaway, Kent On 300 acres in the foothills of the Berkshires. Water-skiing, water trampoline, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, banana-boat rides. Fitness program, wine tasting, cooking classes, driving range, trapeze, mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing. Movie-viewing room. Lodging: Wood cabins with A/C sleep two to four; private baths; towels and linens provided (housekeepers clean rooms and change linens). Food: Breakfast and lunch buffets; restaurant-style dinner (with wine); full bar. 2010 dates: August 23–September 3. 2010 prices: Family Midweek (Mon.–Fri.) $469 for adults, $329 for children; Family Weekend $299 for adults, $199 for children; Family Miniweek (Mon.–Wed. or Wed.–Fri.) $279 for adults, $179 for children; ages 4 and under free. Contact: 877/746-7529, clubgetaway.com. INDIANA Flat Rock River YMCA Camp, St. Paul On 240 acres along the Flat Rock River. Climbing on a 50-foot Alpine tower, rappelling in a limestone quarry, fishing in the pond. Guided hikes, hayrides, waterslide, tie-dyeing, archery, BB-gun range, s'mores around the campfire. ACA accredited. Lodging: Wood cabins with electricity sleep 24 on bunks; shared bath. Yurts with electricity sleep 12 on bunks; shared bathhouse. Food: Three buffets daily in the dining hall; snacks throughout the day. 2010 dates: May 29–31, September 4–6, September 10–12 (Adoptive Family Camp). 2010 prices: $112 for ages 18 and up, $99 for ages 7–17, ages 6 and under free. Contact: 888/828-9622, flatrockymca.org. MAINE Ferry Beach Camp and Conference Center, Saco Opened in 1901. Affiliated with the Unitarian Universalist Association, with activities focused on spirituality. Daily worship in outdoor chapel, friendship circle on beach for prayer and meditation, folk singing. Learn to play an instrument, weaving, quilting. Workshops on eco-smart living, creative writing, dancing, drumming, photography, fiber arts (like knitting). Daily service at on-site chapel. Lodging: Dorm-style rooms sleep two to six on doubles, twin beds, and bunks; bathrooms in corridor. Tent and RV sites. Food: Breakfast and lunch buffets, family-style dinners. Meal plans optional for tent/RV campers. 2010 dates: July 10–September 3. 2010 prices: Weeklong program in dorm-style rooms from $716 for ages 18 and up, from $585 for ages 13–17, from $496 for ages 9–12, from $432 for ages 4–8, ages 3 and under free; varied prices for tent and RV sites. Contact: 207/282-4489, ferrybeach.org. Medomak Family Camp, Washington A secular camp on three-mile-long Washington Pond, open since 1904. Surrounded by pine forests and blueberry fields. Yoga, photography, jewelry- and mask-making, knitter's retreat, women's wellness workshop, classes on ecology and conservation. Lessons in rowing, sailing, kayaking, canoeing. Swimming, archery, gymnastics, nature hikes, tennis. Massage therapist on staff (extra charges apply). ACA accredited. Lodging: Single-room pine cabins with electricity sleep four to six on queen and twin beds; private baths. Food: Three family-style meals daily with fresh produce from the camp garden; coffee and fruit all day. Weekly lobster dinners. Once a week, parents can sample local beers and cheese while counselors watch the kids. 2010 dates: June 20–August 21. 2010 prices: Vary throughout the season. Early-season prices for weeklong camp are $845 for ages 13 and up, $695 for ages 5–12, $595 for ages 2–4. Contact: 866/633-6625, medomakcamp.com. MINNESOTA Camp Lincoln and Camp Lake Hubert, Lake Hubert Waterfront sister-brother camps (Camp Lincoln for Boys and Camp Lake Hubert for Girls) that have been welcoming campers for more than a century. The camp has a 15-foot-high tree house and is dotted with rope swings and netting for climbing. Campfires with card and board games, puzzles, and snacks. Families take pontoon boats to a picnic lunch area. ACA accredited. Lodging: Families share two-level cabins with three bedrooms and a fireplace; private baths; linens provided. Food: Family-style meals; coffee and fruit available all day. Special barbecues and picnics. 2010 dates: August 12–18. 2010 prices: $895 for ages 13 and up, $695 for ages 4–12, ages 3 and under free. Contact: 800/242-1909, lincoln-lakehubert.com. Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, Finland Overlooking Lake Superior on the campus of Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, with 18 miles of trails on 2,000 wooded acres. Naturalist-led walks into the wilderness. Voyageur activities, where kids learn about the fur trade from a costumed staffer. Emphasis on environmental education with classes and activities on animal signs, birding, and more. Ojibwa heritage activities, adventure ropes, orienteering, kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, astronomy, folk dancing, block printing. Lodging: Dorm-style rooms with three to four bunk beds; private baths and showers. Food: Three cafeteria-style meals daily in the dining hall. 2010 dates: July 25–30, August 8–13. 2010 prices: $635 for two people, $895 for three people, $215 for each additional person, $120 for ages 3–4, ages 2 and under free. Contact: 218/353-7414, wolf-ridge.org. MISSOURI Trout Lodge, Potosi Adjacent to Mark Twain National Forest, on 5,200 acres with a 360-acre private lake. Horse ranch with trail rides, hayrides, pony rides, and "cowboy camp"—a Saturday-morning program with roping, branding, and horseshoeing demonstrations. Scale the 50-foot Alpine Tower and the Pine's Peak climbing wall, and tackle the summit course with ropes, cables, pulleys, and a zip line. Nine-hole golf course five minutes away, antiques shops and wineries nearby. Astronomy program, geocaching, rocketry. ACA accredited. Lodging: Lake-view lodge rooms sleep four on queen beds; private baths. Lake-view loft suites sleep six, with common room and fridge; private baths. Deluxe two-bedroom cabins sleep 10; two private baths. Linens provided. Food: Three buffets daily in the dining hall. 2010 dates: May 28–August 14. 2010 prices: $149 per night base rate for a guest room including one adult, $69 for each additional person ages 18 and up, $49 for ages 6–17, ages 5 and under free; $169 base rate for loft rooms; $299 base rate for family cabins. Contact: 314/241-9622, ymcaoftheozarks.org. NEW HAMPSHIRE Camp Takodah, Richmond Open since 1921, on 500 wooded acres on Cass Pond. Sailboards, kayaks, inner tubes, diving boards, and a slide on the pond. Flag-raising ceremony daily. Hiking up Mount Monadnock, ropes course, riflery, archery, golf tournament, rock climbing, campers vs. staff softball game. Pottery, talent show, arts and crafts, storytelling, and a music nook with instruments. Families can make impromptu dining hall announcements and gather groups for unplanned activities like Frisbee golf and hunting for frogs. ACA accredited. Lodging: Wood cabins, with electricity sleep nine to 10 on built-in bunks and cots; shared bathhouse. Food: Three family-style meals daily in the dining hall; snacks provided throughout the day. 2010 dates: August 22–28. 2010 prices: $420 for ages 18 and up, $315 for ages 11–17, $165 for ages 5–10, ages 4 and under free. Contact: 603/352-0447, camptakodah.org. Highland Center at Crawford Notch, Bretton Woods At an elevation of 1,900 feet, next to White Mountain National Forest. Owned and operated by the Appalachian Mountain Club. Guided nature hikes to Ammonoosuc Lake and Mount Willard. Kayaking, canoeing, and paddling on Saco Lake. Day trips to the Sugarloaf Mountains. Map-and-compass scavenger hunt, live animal show (with woodchucks, owls, and river otters). L.L.Bean gear room where you can borrow trekking poles, boots, hats, and other equipment. Lodging: Lodge rooms sleep two to six on bunks; shared bath. Private rooms sleep two to four; private baths. Food: Buffet breakfast, trail lunch or salad/sandwich bar, and family-style dinner daily. Cookouts. 2010 dates: July 11–16, 18–23, 25–30, August 1–6, 8–13, 15–20, 22–27. 2010 prices: From $705 for adults, from $350 for children; discounts apply for Appalachian Mountain Club members. Contact: 603/278-4453, outdoors.org/adventure_camps. Joe Dodge Lodge at Pinkham Notch, Gorham Run by the Appalachian Mountain Club, in the White Mountain National Forest at the eastern base of Mount Washington. Nature interpretation (looking for animal tracks, forest ecology, stream study). Night programs include stories from the stars and White Mountain weather. Lodging: Lodge rooms sleep two to eight on doubles and bunks; shared bath. Food: Buffet breakfast and family-style lunch and dinner daily, except buffet dinner on Fridays. Trail lunches available. 2010 dates: July 18–23, August 1–6, 15–20. 2010 prices: From $604 for adults, from $377 for children; discounts apply for Appalachian Mountain Club members. Contact: 603/466-2721, outdoors.org/adventure_camps. YMCA Sandy Island Family Camp, Laconia A 66-acre private island with a 400-foot waterfront area on Lake Winnipesaukee. Sailing, tennis, kayaking, tubing, water-skiing, yoga. Talent show, bingo, karaoke, line dancing, storytelling in the Little Red Schoolhouse. Crafts programs such as beading, photography, and ceramics. Shopping cruise to antiques stores. Lodging: Mostly waterfront cabins that sleep up to 10 on twin-size beds and bunks; modern bathhouse (a few cabins have private baths); linens provided. Food: Three family-style meals daily. Sunday brunch and themed dinners such as Italian night. 2010 dates: July 3–September 6. 2010 prices: $700 for ages 13–61, $645 for ages 62 and up, $555 for ages 9–12, $450 for ages 6–8, $345 for ages 3–5, ages 2 and under free. Contact: 888/250-5877, bostonycamps.org/sandyisland. NEW YORK Frost Valley YMCA Camp, Claryville On 6,000 acres in the Catskill Mountain Preserve. Miles of trout-fishing streams and a 16-acre lake. Guided day and night hikes. Carnival with dunking booth, apple bobbing, face painting, water-balloon games, sack races, and petting zoo. Evening rodeo, classes on maple sugaring, Japanese culture sharing, family talent show. Animation workshop, triathlon, live music, rowing on Lake Cole. Families participate in the camp-run World Service Auction to benefit the needy. ACA accredited. Lodging: Platform tents sleep four on bunks; shared bathhouse. Wood cabins sleep 10 to 12 on bunks; private baths. Dorms (some with working fireplaces) sleep four to 18 on bunks; shared bath. Fly-fishing cottage, hotel-style rooms, bunk rooms, and lodge rooms also available. Food: Three buffets daily. Occasional theme dinners such as luau and Texas barbecue. 2010 dates: August 22–27. 2010 prices: Participant fee, including meals and most programs, of $101 per person for two nights, or $137 per person for three nights, for ages 6 and up; lodging rates vary widely, starting from $32 for two nights in a platform tent, or $48 for three nights. Contact: 845/985-2291, frostvalley.org. NORTH CAROLINA Green River Preserve, Cedar Mountain A private wildlife preserve on 3,400 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains, with a focus on nature immersion. Naturalist-led walks through the preserve, wildlife tracking, hikes to petroglyphs. Fly-fishing in trout stream, storytelling nights, photography, painting, crafts, Native American flute lessons. ACA accredited. Lodging: Cabins with electricity sleep 16 on bunks; toilet, sink, and shared bathhouse. Lodge rooms sleep two to four; shared bathroom. Food: Three family-style meals daily in the dining hall. Most vegetables locally grown. 2010 dates: September 3–6. 2010 prices: $290 for ages 13 and up, $235 for ages 6–12, $135 for ages 5 and under. Contact: 828/698-8828, greenriverpreserve.org. OHIO Camp Luther, Conneaut Lutheran camp on the Lake Erie bluffs. Daily team sports: baseball, basketball, softball, cricket, flag football. Swimming pool and sauna. Hiking along the bluffs, low-ropes team-building course, bird-watching, horseshoes. Two musicals performed by staff in outdoor amphitheater. Adult Bible study, group singing, outdoor evening worship, staff members perform dressed as religious figures. Non-Lutherans welcome. ACA accredited. Lodging: Modern cabins with electricity sleep 12 on double beds and bunks; sink, toilet, and shared bathhouse. Tent/RV sites with hookups. Food: Three family-style meals daily; rotating assigned seating. One picnic breakfast, two picnic dinners. 2010 dates: June 20–August 14. 2010 prices: $365 for adults, $355 for teens who have completed grades 7–11, $345 for kids who have completed grades K–6, $245 for ages 3–5, $120 for ages 2 and under; extra fees apply for those who choose paper registration over online registration. Contact: 440/224-2196, lomocamps.org. PENNSYLVANIA Deer Valley YMCA Camp, Fort Hill On 742 acres in the Laurel Highlands. Kid- and adult-only programs in the mornings, family time in the afternoons. Sailing regattas on a 125-acre lake, white-water rafting in Ohiopyle State Park (done on your own time), biking across covered bridges, hikes up Mount Davis, rock climbing, horseback riding, bouldering, canoeing, windsurfing, pontoon boat rides, swimming. Staff variety show, international night (foreign-born counselors share their cultures). ACA accredited. Lodging: Wood cabins with electricity sleep eight on bunks and queen beds; private half-bath; shared shower house. Dorm-style bedrooms with bunk beds in the lodge; private baths. Food: Three family-style meals daily with table service in a new dining hall; snack bar open throughout the day for ice cream, pizza, etc. Chuckwagon barbecue on Fridays. 2010 dates: June 12–August 28. 2010 prices: Weeklong stay $535 for ages 18 and up, $452 for ages 14–17, $367 for ages 12–13, $308 for ages 7–11, $265 for ages 3–6, ages 2 and under free; additional charges for log cabins or cottages. Contact: 800/962-2386, deervalleyymca.org. NJY Jewish Family Camps, Milford On 1,250 acres in the lower Poconos, with two lakes, a lagoon, two swimming pools, and athletic fields. "Iceberg" climbing tower, zip line, Jet Skis, sailboards. Skateboard park, roller-hockey rink. Israeli cooking and dance classes. Optional Jewish services on Friday evening. Sailing, ropes course, field sports, tennis, archery, square dancing. Lakes have inflatable "icebergs," water trampoline, canoeing, sailing, and personal watercraft. Build a model flying saucer and launch it. Cooking classes, color war, yoga, aerobics, poker tournament, mah-jongg. Most campers are Jewish, though the camp welcomes all. ACA accredited. Lodging: Wood cabins with electricity and porches sleep up to 15 on beds and bunks; private baths; bed linens provided. Food: Three cafeteria-style meals per day (vegetarian options); snacks throughout the day. Friday Shabbat dinner and service. All food is kosher prepared in accordance with kosher laws. 2010 dates: Midweek August 23–September 3; weekends June 18–20, August 27–29, September 3–6. 2010 prices: Four-night midweek $300 for ages 18 and up; weekend from $250 for ages 18 and up; ages 17 and under free. Contact: September–May: 973/575-3333 ext. 130; June–August: 570/296-8596 ext. 127; njycamps.org. TEXAS Pine Cove Christian Camps, The Bluffs and the Woods, Tyler; Crier Creek, Columbus Nondenominational Christian camp at three separate locations: the Bluffs, a 175-foot bank overlooking Lake Palestine; the Woods, on 800 pine-studded acres with an 18-mile-long lake; and Crier Creek, a former deer preserve on 700 acres near Columbus. Beach volleyball, zip lines, street hockey, archery, WaveRunners, horseback riding, paintball, skeet shooting, hayrides, optional golf excursions. Daily worship, Bible study, Christian speakers. ACA accredited. Lodging: Wood cabins, lodge rooms, and hotel-style rooms with A/C sleep four to eight; private baths. Food: Three family-style meals daily at the lodge; snacks nightly. Breakfast trail rides; adults-only banquet. 2010 dates: May 30–August 14. 2010 prices: Sample prices for a full week with two adults and two children ages 7 and 10: $2,634 for the Woods, $2,696 for the Bluffs, $2,696 for Crier Creek. Contact: 877/474-6326, pinecove.com. VERMONT Camp Common Ground, Starksboro On 700 acres in the Hogback Mountains, about 23 miles south of Burlington. Encourages income diversity, nontraditional families. Chamber music instruction, glass-bead making, healing arts, children's theatrical performance. Swimming holes. Classes on nonviolent communication, photography, and paper arts, including pastels and watercolors. Lodging: Wood cabins without electricity sleep two to six on twins, doubles, queens, kings, and bunks; shared bathhouse. Tent sites with platforms. Food: Three buffets daily in the dining hall; snacks throughout the day. Most food is organic and locally grown. 2010 dates: July 31–August 20. 2010 prices: A sliding scale of $530–$780 for ages 18 and up (pay what you are able), $450 for ages 13–17, $390 for ages 3–12, $115 for ages 1–2, $35 for ages younger than 1. Contact: 800/430-2667, cgcvt.org. Farm & Wilderness Camp, Plymouth A Quaker-inspired organic farm on the Woodward Reservoir in the Green Mountains. Sign up for daily chores in the barn. Harvest fruits and vegetables from the garden, collect eggs, press cider from apples in the orchard, make ice cream with fresh milk, bake bread, and tend to cows, pigs, goats, and sheep. Canoeing, woodworking, rock climbing. ACA accredited. Lodging: Three-sided rustic cabins with no electricity sleep up to 12 on bunks; shared shower house, composting toilets, and hand-washing stations. Food: Three family-style meals daily in the dining hall incorporating garden produce and home-baked breads. 2010 dates: August 22–28. 2010 prices: $295–$415 for ages 16 and up, $145–$215 for ages 5–15, ages 4 and under free. Contact: 802/422-3761, farmandwilderness.org. WASHINGTON Camp Burton, Vashon Island Thirteen miles long and eight miles wide, Vashon Island is a 15-minute ferry ride from Seattle, Tacoma, and the Kitsap Peninsula. Affiliated with the Washington Baptist Convention. Bible study by the seashore, storytelling, canoeing, kayaking, ping-pong, basketball, crafts, kickball, campfire singing, swimming. Day trip to Point Robinson Lighthouse on Maury Island. ACA accredited. Lodging: Carpeted wood cabins sleep up to 10 on twin and bunk beds; private baths. Food: Three family-style meals daily in the dining hall. 2010 dates: August 8–14. 2010 prices: $280 for ages 18 and up, $200 for ages 12–17, $155 for ages 7–11, $115 for ages 4–6, ages 3 and under free. Contact: 206/463-2512, campburton.com. WEST VIRGINIA Camp Alleghany, Lewisburg On 180 acres on the Greenbrier River in the Allegheny Mountains, surrounded by birch, maple, and elm trees. Accessible by camp ferry or rowboat. Spot black bears and deer. Hiking, archery, riflery, arts and crafts, canoeing, scavenger hunt, skit night, tennis. Golf nearby. ACA accredited. Lodging: Tents with hardwood floors and beds; shared bathhouse. Food: Three buffets daily in the dining hall. Barbecue cookouts under the apple tree. 2010 dates: August 8–15. 2010 prices: $60 per night for ages 13 and up; $30 per night for ages 3–12, ages 2 and under free; three-night minimum stay required. Contact: 540/898-4782, campalleghany.com. WISCONSIN YMCA Camp Nawakwa, Lac du Flambeau Wedged between two lakes on a Chippewa reservation. Fishing, square dancing, triathlon, Native American workshops in town, team sports, talent show, water carnival. Ice cream social and weekly potluck dinner. Lodging: Modern 800-square-foot two-bedroom homes with a kitchen and screened porch sleep four to eight; private baths. Rustic cabins sleep four to six on bunks and a twin futon, with electricity, running water, and kitchen; some with shared bathhouse, some with private baths. Tent sites. Food: No food service except one boat-and-breakfast outing. Cookware is provided in cabin kitchens; camp store sells some basic grocery items. A store is five miles away. 2010 dates: May 29–September 6. 2010 prices: Cabins with shared bathhouse start at $550 per week; cabins with private baths start at $860 per week; modern cabins start at $1,030 per week; 20 percent discount applies for early season. Contact: 715/588-7422, nawakwa.com. WYOMING Yellowstone for Families at Mammoth Hot Springs Four-day program at the national park's 162-degree Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces, under the guidance of instructors from the Yellowstone Association Institute. Kids work to receive the National Park Service Junior Ranger patch. Hike to a beaver pond, go on wildlife-spotting expeditions to less-trafficked areas of the park, and learn to tell whether animals are herbivores or carnivores from the shape of their tracks. Lodging: Rooms in the 1930s Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel sleep two to four. Duplex cabins with porches sleep up to four , a short walk from the Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces. Food: Full breakfast and a brown-bag lunch daily. Campers are on their own for dinner; eat bison burgers at the hotel or drive to nearby Gardiner, Mont., for pizza. 2010 dates: June 7–August 20. 2010 prices: $649 for double occupancy, $875 for single occupancy, $389 for each child, plus tax; recommended only for children ages 8–12. Contact: 866/439-7375, yellowstoneassociation.org/institute.

D.C.'s Cherry Blossoms Without the Crowds

In late March and early April, a canopy of cherry blossoms opens over Washington, D.C., shedding delicate petals across the Tidal Basin. During the mass bloom, about half a million out-of-towners will join locals in raising their gazes to the tops of the trees, a 1912 gift from the city of Tokyo. (Global marketing minds might wonder: Coincidence, or clever strategy on behalf of Japanese camera makers? Snap once for yes, twice for no.) The National Cherry Blossom Festival runs March 27 to April 11 and includes a parade on April 10 (nationalcherryblossomfestival.org, free). But the big draw this year is the 50th annual Sakura Matsuri, the country's largest Japanese street festival. On April 10, the six-block Japanaganza showcases origami making, sumo wrestling, and sushi eating (sakuramatsuri.org, free). To elude the throngs, skip the peak times (weekends, weekday rush hours, during the parade) and places (around the Jefferson Memorial and in East Potomac Park), and take a more crafty and creative approach. Rise with the sunThe cherry blossom grounds never close, so you can visit during off-peak hours (read: when the rest of the city is asleep). Danielle Piacente, a National Cherry Blossom Festival spokeswoman, recommends arriving at dawn: "The views are incredible, and the crowds are minimal." Take to the waters Rent a paddleboat on the Tidal Basin (202/479-2426, tidalbasinpaddleboats.com, $10–$18 per hour) or explore the blossom-dappled shores of the Potomac River in a kayak, a canoe, or a Sunfish. Alternatively, leave the piloting to someone else by stepping aboard DC Cruises' 90-minute Cherry Blossom River Tours (dc-cruises.com, adults $24) or one of Entertainment Cruises' vessels, which offers an array of vessels and excursions (866/404-8439, entertainmentcruises.com, 45-minute ride from $18). Reach new altitudesTake in the view from atop the 555-foot-tall Washington Monument. Book tickets in advance or stand in line for same-day tickets—lines form as early as 7 a.m. (877/444-6777, nps.gov/wamo). Or head over to POV Roof Terrace, on the 11th floor of the new W Washington D.C., and raise a martini glass to the cherry treetops, glimpsing views privy to those with wings (202/661-2400, starwoodhotels.com). Tromp around a garden of cherry delightsThe U.S. National Arboretum covers its 446 acres with dogwoods, crape myrtle trees, a bonsai museum, and, best of all, a collection of cherry trees, including some hybrid species bred by staff scientists (202/245-2726, usna.usda.gov, free). From March 27 to April 11, take a self-guided tour of its flowering cherries. A taxi ride there from Union Station costs $7 to $9 for two. The closest Metro (subway) station is Stadium-Armory, with a transfer to the B2 Metrobus to Bladensburg Road. Uncover a secret stashDitch the most popular viewing area around the Tidal Basin to find your own special grove. For example, cherry blossoms adorn the grounds of the Supreme Court and the large garden between the Smithsonian Castle and Independence Avenue. For a local's view, hail a cab to Foxhall Village, an elegant neighborhood of stately Tudor-style townhomes landscaped with cherry trees. A cab ride from the National Mall costs $10 to $12 for two. Tell the driver to drop you off at Foxhall Road NW and Greenwich Parkway NW. In nearby Georgetown, Dumbarton Oaks is also worth a visit. The site of a 1944 international conference in which delegates planned to create the United Nations, it presents a pre-Columbian art collection inside a pavilion designed by Philip Johnson and surrounded by terraced gardens with cherry trees (202/339-6401, doaks.org, garden admission $8 adults).

10 Homestay Experiences

INDIAMahindra Homestays makes a welcome alternative to India's no-frills backpacker options and five-star luxury hotels. Take your pick among historic palaces in Rajasthan, bungalows along Goa's tropical beaches, and modest homes in the Himalayan town of Manali. Hosts, who might be retirees or young professionals, can arrange activities like horseback riding or yoga.Planning and pricing Search the online database and pay in advance. Nightly per-person rates range from $22 for a stay with an army officer and his family in Alleppey, Kerala, to $143 for a Portuguese-colonial house in Goa, both with private bathrooms and including breakfast.See it! Photo 1 of 4 RIO DE JANEIRORio is all about being part of the scene, so there's no better way to get to know and love the city than through a well-connected local. Cama e Café simplifies the process by matching travelers with like-minded hosts. The 23 available homes are scattered throughout the boho neighborhood of Santa Teresa in the hills overlooking Rio.Planning and pricing Browse online or call to get a personal recommendation. Pay a third up-front and the balance through the company office when you get to Rio. Nightly rates, with breakfast, range from $42 per person in student houses (with shared bathrooms) to $150 per person in more luxurious mansions with private bathrooms and air-conditioning. Only a few hosts speak English.See it! Photo 1 of 3 PARISSome of the 150 families who work with Homestay in Paris have been at it for 20 years. If you have at least two weeks to spare, you can beat France's high hotel prices, get on the inside track with Parisians, and learn a little French along the way.Planning and pricing Pay the reservation fee of $198 online (for a minimum stay of between 15 and 29 nights, extendable for up to a year) and the balance direct to the family. Prices start from $33 per person per night with breakfast or from $54 per person per night with breakfast and six dinners a week.See it! Photo 1 of 1 CUZCO, PERUCentro Tinku Language School combines a homestay in Cuzco—the former Inca capital high in the Peruvian Andes—with an intensive course in your choice of Spanish or Quechua (the language of the native Andean people). Fill any downtime by exploring Inca monuments, Spanish baroque churches, Quechua markets, and bars packed with locals and backpackers. It's a short train ride from here to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.Planning and pricing Book through U.S.-based Learn 4 Good. Prices start at $310 per person per week for Spanish classes, accommodation, and all meals, with a minimum one-week stay and 20 hours of language instruction per week. Bathrooms are usually shared, and host families speak little English. See it! Photo 1 of 2 BELARUSLife still follows rural rhythms in Belarus, where primeval deciduous forests cover about a third of the territory. Green Belarus coordinates farmhouse stays in villages and towns watched over by Renaissance churches and rugged castles. The infrequency of tourists makes for above-and-beyond hospitality and a pioneering travel experience.Planning and pricing Green Belarus's homestays start at $12 per person per night (or $23 for full board) and can be combined with sightseeing excursions led by English-speaking guides. Payments can be made online or over the phone.See it! Photo 1 of 1 CHIANG MAI, THAILANDOn the outskirts of Northern Thailand's arts and crafts capital, Chiang Mai, the House of Clay is a teak-wood refuge with a lovingly tended, heliconia-filled tropical garden. The Thai family living here shares their beautiful home with guests, who are easily looped into the daily routine. Mornings bring trips to a produce market and work on the pottery wheel with Mae, mother and locally renowned artist; afternoons are spent visiting temples or attending a Thai cooking class; and dinners are eaten round the table with the family, all of whom speak English well.Planning and pricing Stays are paid for in advance through Tell Tale Travel as part of a longer Thailand or Southeast Asian trip, which will cost from $180 per person per day for guides, half board, and transfers. International flights are extra.See it! Photo 1 of 1 LONDONSo many foreigners pass through London that it can be tough to pinpoint the locals. At Home in London has been breaking the ice for nearly 25 years, placing guests with Londoners in apartments and historic town houses citywide. Pick the neighborhood that feels homiest to you: central Covent Garden, posh Belgravia, or hipster Notting Hill, among others.Planning and pricing Expect to pay $113 per night for two, including breakfast and taxes, or as little as $28 per night for single-occupancy rooms rented for longer than a week in the Hammersmith neighborhood, with a deposit in advance and the balance upon arrival in the family home. Mid-range options ($135 per night for two with breakfast) can feel surprisingly luxurious. Some homes require a minimum two-week stay; most have private bathrooms and Wi-Fi. Browse the full catalog online.See it! Photo 1 of 2 JAPANHomestay in Japan works with some 1,000 hosts, from young Tokyo professionals to traditional rural families. Stays are organized through the philosophy of kikkake (cultural immersion), so be prepared to make the jump across the language barrier. No prior language experience is required, but very few hosts speak English, and you'll be expected to make an effort to fumble through conversations in Japanese over shared meals and outings.Planning and pricing Homestay in Japan guides guests through the whole process from cultural orientation before arrival to emergency support on-site. Prices start at $45 per person per night (with one or two meals), plus a $170 arrangement and orientation fee. Japanese houses tend to be considerably smaller than American ones and few have private bathrooms.See it! Photo 1 of 2 BELIZEWhen you book through Toucan Trail, you'll be welcomed into a Mayan village as an equal—and expected to pitch in as one, too, whether that means working in the cornfields, washing clothes, or preparing meals of corn-flour tortillas, beans, fish, and meat. The 20 or so host families (across three villages) live in one- or two-room palm-thatched adobe houses with shared outhouses, so there's little privacy. Planning and pricing Pay a one-off $2 administration fee and a $5 registration fee, plus $6 per person per night and $2.50 per meal upon arrival in Belize. There's local bus service between Punta Gorda and the participating villages of Aguacate, San Jose, and Na Luum Ca.See it! Photo 1 of 1 MAE HONG SON, THAILANDTell Tale Travel can place you with a Lahu family of subsistence farmers for two to 14 days in the rain-forest-shrouded hills of the Mae Hong Son province. Prepare to get a crash course in traditional handicrafts and tilling the soil. It's not all hard work, though—optional guided excursions include forest treks and visits to nearby sacred caves. You'll live as your hosts do, sleeping on mats on bamboo floors, with outhouse bathrooms.Planning and pricing Prices start at $100 per person per night, including guides, transport to and from the village, all meals, cultural activities, and excursions. Guides speak English, but villagers do not.See it! Photo 1 of 2