Paris: 5 best July values

I can't even remember the last time I was given peanuts as a snack on a domestic flight. So I was surprised to hear that the U.S. Department of Transportation is considering banning the salty morsels altogether. The possible peanut ban is part of a larger proposal that includes other consumer protections such as increased compensation when you get involuntarily bumped from a flight. Plus a provision that would allow passengers to cancel reservations within 24 hours without a fee. Both solid additions. The peanut proposition is an attempt to show sensitivity to people with allergies. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) reports that about 2 percent of the U.S. population suffers from the allergy. But, according to AAFA, peanuts are the most common cause of death due to foods, a statistic that gets scarier when you think about tight airplane quarters. On the other hand, an outright ban would affect the peanut industry. A recent Atlanta Journal-Constitution story reported that the Georgia Peanut Commission is fighting the proposed ban. Georgia grows about half of the peanuts in the U.S., so the industry could lose $20 million annually. Or, you could be like my fiance—one of the 3.3 million people with peanut allergies in the U.S.—and say "what's the big deal?" So, what do you think? The DOT is taking opinions on all these proposed rules until Aug. 9 (although any decision wouldn't be implemented until 2011). But we want to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

In life, as in travel, there are trade-offs, and one of the semi-embarrassing trade-offs I am planning to make this weekend is paying for a room in a hotel for one night to watch the LOST series finale, rather than paying for cable year-round in order to get a dependable signal. (Note to the U.S. government: digital converter boxes kind of suck. I missed a full minute of last night's penultimate episode when my cat jumped into the windowsill, scrambling our signal.) And yes, I will be calling to confirm the size of the TV in my room before booking! I realize that this is fairly ridiculous, but I'm hoping someone out there has had an equally frivolous reason to book a hotel room when you weren't on vacation, and I want to hear about it! Anyone? MORE FROM BUDGET TRAVEL 7 Ways to Get LOST on Oahu

While reporting the recent story "Using Your Cell Phone in Europe", I was amazed by the intricacies of data plans and hidden charges. I suggested buying a "disposable" phone at a cell phone store or touristy area (between $40 and $75) to avoid fees from your U.S. carrier. But I should have known that savvy readers would chime in with lots of other workarounds when using a cell phone in Europe! There have been some very helpful and thoughtful comments—thanks to you all. Here are a few highlights: Flightdirector says to rent your phone beforehand from a third-party company: "I've rented a phone for both England and Europe (Italy & Greece) from a company called PlanetFone. If you are an AAA member, you are eligible for a discount. One of the nice things about the phone rental program is the availability of an 800 number. People trying to reach you from the US dial the 800 number without having to deal with international exchanges. The phone is sent to you with charger via FedEx and includes a return FedEx envelope. The cost for the phone rental for an upcoming three week vacation in France will cost me about $50." And both Motorcycle Pete and kyvoyageur suggest a similar service called Mobal: "I only pay for it (via my Credit Card) when I use it, and the rates are competitive. The reliable and efficient Siemens phone I purchased was VERY cheap (perhaps $30?) and it hold a charge, un-used, forever," says Motorcycle Pete. And two readers mentioned Skype, a service that uses the internet to make video and voice calls. "If you have a laptop, iPhone, or iPad you can use Skype, but you will be limited on where you can use it. You would need to use it at your hotel or a cafe with WiFi, but it's a lot cheaper than your cell phone provider," says Suzl4. JL75011 also recommended Skype as an app on your smart phone, but also makes this great point: "Keep in mind, some service providers will only allow you to activate international roaming/data plans on the first day of your billing cycle. Don't wait until a few days before you leave. Also, you can deactivate the plan when you return home, so you don't have to keep paying the additional charge every month." MORE "Using Your Cell Phone in Europe"

Leonard Oats, a driver on San Francisco's cable car lines, has been riding the rails along Hyde Street for the past decade. Oats is also the multi-year champion of the cable car bell ringing contest, which draws crowds to Union Square every summer. Drivers are judged on rhythm, originality, and style—and there's even a category for amateurs. Try your hand at ringing an iconic cable car bell on Thursday, June 17, at the 48th annual contest. Oats drives on the Powell-Hyde line, possibly the city's most famous, which traverses the steepest hills from Powell in Union Square north to Fisherman's Wharf, going by landmarks like Lombard Street. We caught up with him to ask him some tips on how to get the most out of riding the cable cars—because he would know! What are your favorite parts of the job? The challenge of driving the car on the hills; getting to meet people from all over the world; and everyday getting to see the Golden Gate Bridge and the ocean. It's a great view and a beautiful city. I love it. What's the best stretch of your route? Lombard Street is by far your best view all the way down. You can see Coit Tower, Alcatraz, Angel Island, Treasure Island, the Bay Bridge, and Berkeley. Where's the best seat? When you're going down to the water on Hyde Street, the right side is the best if you want to see it all. On the left side, all you see is the Golden Gate Bridge. But remember, when you sit down, there might be people in front of you, so try to get on early. What's the best way to avoid the lines? The secret is, unless you absolutely have to have a seat, you can walk one block up from the turnarounds (like the one at Powell and Market streets, or the one at Bay street and Fisherman's Wharf) and get on there, where it's less crowded. That's what the locals do. [Editor's note: Very few locals actually take cable cars—they offer scenic views but are not very efficient.] Should people tip the driver? You certain don't have to, but we can accept tips. Just make it clear that you're offering a tip and not the fare. What mistakes or faux pas do people make? People make a lot of mistakes. First, you should pay the conductor in the back and not the driver in the front—I'm trying to drive! A lot of people think the cable cars are like a ride at Disneyland, but it's not. You have to be safe. When you get on, take off your backpack and put it by your feet. Otherwise, if it's sticking out of the car, it can get stuck on something and pull you right off. Believe me, it's happened. I think folks see people leaning out of the cars in the movies, but it can be dangerous. Locals do ride by "hanging off", but that just means they stand on the side. What are the best sites for visitors to see? A lot of people really like Alcatraz. I haven't gone, but my wife has, and she said it is scary. I was a sheriff before this and worked in a jail, so I don't really need to see another prison. But I do really enjoy the ferry trip over to Tiburon, where you can see the city from the water. I also like going to Twin Peaks, one of the highest points in the city. A lot of tourists don't know about it because it's a little bit tough to get to. But there are some city bus tours that go up there now, or you if you've rented a car, it's worth a stop.