New rental car service for budget travelers

Readers sent us many emails and blog comments about the Budget Travel article, Are You the Ugly American? One reader, Harold Flagg, offered us and our readers some tips for being polite while traveling abroad: (Thanks Harold!) When dealing with the ultra-polite French, always include their title: Thank you, m'sieur (or sir), for example. One more tip: tie a bright cloth on your pick-up bag and it will make the pick-up easier. I once made a hit with an American trying to take possession of her baggage in Paris. All I had to say was: "Pardon, m'sieur, mais madame voudrait avoir sa baggage par la" and pointed at her baggage." I completely forgot that I don't speak French, at least not well. And the baggage attendant forgave my slightly fractured Franglish. I also liked the way a Buckingham Palace lady-in-waiting thanked me for my book which I mailed to Queen Elizabeth II. The note on palace stationery concluded: "I am commanded by The Queen to thank you and thank you once again." Sort of makes me feel that the age of chivalry and niceness is still alive and kicking.

Next time you visit the Big Island, why not skip the fancy resort and hop in a VW camper van? Sharon and Gary Berg, owners of Hilo-based G.B. Adventures, rent out a fleet of pop-top camper vans that are ideal for touring the island's stunning beaches, parks, and volcanoes. With names like Whitey and Tolula Blue, the mint-condition Vanagons sleep four and are equipped with sinks, stoves, and mini-fridges--even beach towels and island maps. "All you need is your swimsuit and flip-flops," says Sharon, who's lived on the island for over 20 years. A week-long itinerary that circles the Big Island might go something like this... After meeting the Bergs at Hilo International Airport and picking up the van, stock up on food at the farmer's market (hilofarmersmarket.com). Head 40 miles south to the Volcanoes National Park and spend the night at Namakani Paio campsite, a free facility located off on Highway 11 (hawaii.volcanoes.national-park.com). Next, drive down to Punalu'u Beach Park--it's about 40 minutes away--and wake up on a black sand beach where sea turtles nest (hawaii-county.com/parks/punaluu.htm; $5 per person). Cruise around South Point and stay the night at Ho'okena, which is 50 miles from Punalu'u. You'll find a lovely white sand beach (hawaii-county.com/parks/hookena.htm; $5 per person). "Make sure to turn left off the parking lot to the dirt side of the park," Sharon advises. "You'll be literally backing up right onto the beach for the night." Continue 60 miles north along the island's west coast to North Kona and set up camp at Spencer Beach Park (hawaii-county.com/parks/spencer.htm; $5 per person), which has a scenic trail that accesses small, secluded swimming spots. The hike is especially impressive during whale season. Before returning to Hilo, pop the van's top at Laupahoehoe (hawaii-county.com/parks/laupahoehoe.htm; $5 per person), about an hour's drive from Spencer's. There's no swimming at this rocky beach, but the huge green lawn is a great place to hang out for the evening. From here, it's a half hour back to Hilo. To ensure availability, book the vans at least two weeks before arrival or six months if you'll be traveling during the peak holiday season. The Bergs can advise on the best itineraries, campsites, secluded beaches, and little-known hikes. Most Big Island campgrounds require pre-purchased permits, so while it might be tempting to hit the road and just explore, some advance planning is a good idea (info at ehawaiigov.org.) Vans are rented for a minimum of four nights; from $95 per day. More info at gb-adventures.com; 877/864-8361. More Hawaii Advice: Road Trip: The Big Island of Hawaii and Dream Trips: Volcanoes National Park.

Alitalia has launched a sale to more than 20 Italian cities, with round-trip fares beginning at $569 for travel between Rome and New York City, including taxes and fees. The Winter Escape to Italy fares must be booked by August 20 and are good for trips from October 29, 2007 through March 13, 2008. (Be warned that there's a $50 surcharge for weekend travel.) Northwest Airlines still needs pilots. The beleaguered airline has been canceling and cutting flights by the hundreds thanks to a pilot shortage, and August may be the most trying month yet for passengers. While there are plans to hire another 250-350 pilots in the next year, for now, you'd be wise to steer clear of Northwest, if possible--and brush up on their flight delay and cancellation policies at nwa.com. American Airlines is putting in-flight WiFi to the test. We learned via Gadling that American has partnered with the company AirCell and will begin testing high-speed broadband service in 2008 on some of its Boeing 767-200 aircraft transatlantic flights. (Get the details at aa.com). If they succeed, passengers might soon be able to pay a fee to check e-mail and surf the Internet on PDAs or laptops all flight long. A step forward or backward for the air travel experience? You tell us.