Trip Coach: October 21, 2008

Below you'll find some of our favorite tips. You can check out the whole list—and add your own—here. (60+ comments) WHERE AND WHEN TO GO Jessica had a simple but effective tip: "Travel in the off season!" Similarly, Lili wrote, "I highly endorse off-season, mid-week traveling. I've always planned my trips during these times and have yet to be disappointed. Seriously, prices are too good to pass up. I once paid $250 RT from NYC to London during December. It was actually warmer in London than it was in New York." Victor saves money "by choosing destinations where I don't need to rent a car: Miami and Washington, D.C., were two recent examples." For airfare and hotel bargains, Moren Andersen praised so-called metasearch engines, which "scan the web across hundreds of travel websites simultaneously" and "give an overview of the cheapest flights. This means that hours of searching can be replaced with one search on one site with an even better result!" His favorites included Momondo, Mobissimo, and Kayak. He added that you should "remember to search several of these search engines to make sure that you find the best fare." Melissa Woods pointed out that "good planning is a time saver. In addition, she saves money "by cutting vacations short a few days and condensing my sightseeing. It seems faster paced, but cutting one day or more could mean I saved $100 or more per day." And Cara agreed that you can save money by "researching your destination" before you go. "A well planned day saves you time, effort, and unexpected expenses (e.g., [having to take a] taxi ride across town to the Louvre before it closes)." "Read blogs, boards, and the like to get hints on cheap/free things to do, cheap modes of transport, etc. Look for off-the-beaten track activities that usually don't cost much, if anything. For example, I attended a great organ concert in Westminster Abbey for about 5 pounds, and it was performed by the current organist for the church—amazing!!" AIRFARES Wandermom said to "search for airfares well before you want to travel (i.e. 6+ months) and watch the fares regularly. Fares on the same route change over time. The trick is to buy your seats at or near the low point. Tools like Farecast can help with this." LODGING Kenneth suggested a little low-effort price comparison and bargaining. "When attempting to find the lowest hotel prices online, get a price from the major online travel agencies and then call the hotel directly and inquire about the price. Most often they will honor the online site prices, except for [offers from] the auction or bidding sites, [such as] Priceline and Hotwire. Being a member of AAA, CAA, AARP or having a coupon from the Entertainment Value Book helps also." Priceline came in for praise several times. Victor added that "sites like BetterBidding can help you bull's-eye your bids" and "become an expert" at getting good hotel deals. Lisa Siverman mentioned that her daughter "has used "CouchSurfing to connect with a number of places to stay for free. This tends to be something that young people would be more comfortable with!" For herself, she added, "Occasionally, if the airport is not far from the city, we will stay [near it] for the cheap rates and choose [a hotel] with a free shuttle." Wandermom weighed in with a family-travel tip: "Book hotels with breakfast included. It's amazing how long a kid can go with a good breakfast. Reduces total food costs." (She has more family travel tips on her own website.) Char's family travel idea was to "look into cabins at state parks or RVs at travel parks. Some RV parks have onsite trailers to rent by the night or week. Some even have separate bedrooms and you can cook and snack out your own kitchen. Cheap or free entertainment at parks can include canoes, horseback riding, put-put golf, and movies." FOOD Steve D chooses "hotels that offer a kitchenette and outdoor grills. We bring food from home and cook it ourselves. Local restaurants may lose some of our dollars but we still get to travel and sightsee." Char recommended eating out at lunchtime rather than at dinner: That way, you "often get the same food at much lower prices. If you have a nice lunch, you can have fruit, crackers, and cheeses for your evening meal." In a similar vein, Angelina recommended checking out restaurants' happy hour menus. "Sometimes they'll offer a smaller portion of their specialty dishes for a fraction of the cost. You might have to eat a little earlier (around 4pm-7pm) and at the bar, but [you'll have] more opportunities to mingle with locals. Do a search online for the city's best happy hours!" If a happy hour isn't for you, maybe you'll want to eat out beyond restaurant doors. "Street food rules!" wrote Lili. "It's local cuisine, food of the people, and often delicious and inexpensive. Just look for the lines of people, because if it's bad food or questionable, people will not be lining up to get more." She also adds that supermarkets are "great for food and souvenirs." She packs "plastic forks and spoons for yogurt, ice cream, cakes, etc." And when in Europe, "live like a European," wrote Mike. "Shop at the market, and do your own cooking in your apartment. Most apartments come stocked with staples so you can get through the first couple of days without buying hardly ANY food. Save the restaurants for a splurge...you'll appreciate them all the more! When on the go in Italy, grab street food, pizza, sandwiches, etc...as long as you DON'T SIT DOWN in the place you buy them, you'll save a ton. And once more, when you DO sit down for that nice restaurant meal (which we did once per city) you'll appreciate it completely! Despite the fact that we walked everywhere within the cities, I still GAINED weight on my Italy trip, I ate so well!" Lisa Siverman wrote, "I eat two meals a day when traveling. We make coffee in the room or tea (I bring my own tea bags, just in case) and we get a bagel or croissant in the morning, and then stop for a lunch that costs around $20 for two—usually a salad or sandwich...For dinner we find somewhere cheap by looking on various websites or by bringing stuff into the room." You may even be able to score some free food while on vacation. Katie wrote: "Check out the weekly local newspapers (like RedEye or the Chicago Reader, The Stranger, Time Out, and websites like going.com and yelp.com (or just hit Google) for free events and happy hour deals." TAKING THINGS A STEP FURTHER... There were also some tips that we're not so sure we'd try ourselves. That said, they definitely embody the super-cheap lifestyle, and we salute their creators' ingenuity. Stephanie uses a hotel clothes iron to heat up leftovers: She leans the iron against the wall and puts a slice of old pizza on it (presumably with something covering the iron's base). In addition, "Don't forget that you can make soup, rice, etc., in the coffee pot." We can't forget this one because we never knew it was possible—but we're glad to know now. For the curious, a YouTube video showing how to make ramen soup with a drip coffee maker is here. Finally, although several people mentioned taking a cooler along to save money when traveling, Michael pointed out that you can often avoid having to even pay for ice. "Stock it from home at first, then at motels as you travel," he wrote. "Even nature provides ice. I've used snow, glaciers, and even hail to fill my cooler, all during July. Having a cool soft drink as you drive, or adult drink at the end of the day is wonderful." You'll get no argument from us on that that last point.

LONDON At about $5 for a pint and $8 for a single Tube ride, that London pub crawl is going to cost you. But London does have a better choice of hotels in all ranges than most other European capitals, and most of its fantastic museums are always free. To find other bargains, go to the Budget section of Visit London for an exhaustive rundown of free attractions and performances, cheap eats, and inexpensive hotels. If you're only going to be in London a short time and plan on buying theater tickets, you can save a small fortune by booking a Theater Breaks package with tickets and a hotel stay. Be sure to get an Oyster card if you'll be using the Tube regularly; it cuts the ticket price down to a more bearable level. Freebie Join a BBC show audience by reserving tickets for a TV-show taping—perhaps trivia with Brain of Britain or comedy with Grown Ups. Choose from a schedule of upcoming sessions and come ready to laugh or clap. TOKYO You know you're in trouble when half of the "affordable tips" section of Tokyo's website is devoted to ways to get from the airport to the city for under $40. To find an affordable meal, eat at noodle stalls for under $10, or explore the unique Japanese culinary stop: the department store basement. Seibu Department Store in the Ikebukuro area is a destination in itself, with two giant underground floors of food stalls extending several city blocks. The prim uniformed greeters bow as you enter. Book a free walking tour of the Shinjuku commercial avenue through the tourist office and you'll get the lay of the land from English-speaking volunteers. Freebie Gape at the neon city below from the 45th-floor observatory of the Tokyo government skyscraper. For only-in-Tokyo views of another sort, stroll through the Tokyo Central Wholesale Market, otherwise known as the Tsukiji fish market. By either name it's the world's largest, with 1,400 stalls selling everything that moves in the ocean,as well as active auctions from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. NYC New York City gets a bad rap mostly because of its sky-high hotel prices. But beyond hotel doors, NYC is teeming with cheap or free events and attractions all year long. If you're around in the summer, look for free outdoor concerts in Bryant Park or during Central Park's SummerStage series. On Saturdays between 10 a.m. and noon and on Wednesdays, you don't pay to enter The New York Botanical Garden. Every day is free at the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, the Museum at the Hispanic Society, and the National Museum of the American Indian, the latter housed in the beautiful original Custom House building. One silver lining in the recent economic meltdown is that prices are leveling off and even falling a bit at many New York hotels. If you don't see a deal, try Hotwire and Priceline, where unbooked rooms go for a sizable discount. Also check BT's recommendations: New York Hotels at a Price That's Right. Freebie Get a good look at the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline by taking a free cruise on the Staten Island Ferry. Join the commuters at dusk to watch the skyscrapers change as the sun goes down. There are also views of the Statue of Liberty from the Ikea Water Taxi, which makes the trip between Manhattan and Ikea's new location in Red Hook, Brooklyn. Tip: On the way there, sit on the starboard/right side as you're facing forward—and leave time to sample Ikea's take on Swedish meatballs. MOSCOW Expensive restaurants, pumped-up prices for foreigners at museums, and forgettable hotel rooms that can easily top $500 a night—what's not to like? Fortunately, parks and gardens cover almost a third of Moscow, and it's easy to put together an interesting walking tour. Many guidebooks list routes that circle around the center, stop by all the historic churches, or explore the oldest section of the city, called Kitay gorod. If the weather isn't ideal, go underground. Moscow's metro stations are attractions of their own, impressive spaces alternately filled with mosaics, marble columns, and bronze statues. A one-way ride will cost you less than $1. Avoid accommodations in the the pricey city center and instead find something near an outlying metro stop. You can reach the center within 30 minutes from almost any stop. If you're staying for a few days to a week or traveling with a group, renting an apartment is an option. You'll pay anywhere from $80 to $200 a night for a larger space with cooking facilities; browse cityrealtyrussia.com. Freebie At Red Square, you'll find Lenin's Mausoleum, where His Waxiness has been embalmed since 1924. The line starts moving at 10 a.m. PARIS France is so popular that restaurants and hotels don't have to try very hard to stay full. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to save a euro besides sitting by the Seine eating baguettes and cheese. The Vélib bike service launched in 2007. More than 20,000 bikes are kept in automated racks posted throughout the city, and the first half hour is free. Use your credit card if it has a smart chip; the chip is typically visible as a small gold or silver circuit board on the card. (some American Express cards, for example, will work.) Otherwise, you'll need to buy a seven-day ticket for €5 to access the system. Pick up a free Paris a Vélo map for routes and bike paths. Find out about more European bike-sharing programs here. To get a good feel for the city on foot, join up with Sandeman's guided walking tour. The guides work for tips, so you simply pay what you think the tour is worth. Freebie Marie Curie's laboratory? The home of Victor Hugo? Eau de toilette? All free. In the pedestrian-friendly Marais neighborhood, the Musée Cognacq-Jay is free—and so is the Centre Pompidou, if you can time your visit to the first Sunday of the month. The Fragonard Perfume Museum doesn't charge admission, and it won't cost you anything to visit the Cathedral of Notre Dame on your own. OSLO The whole of Scandinavia rivals Japan for eye-popping prices, and it's not easy to find a cheap place to sleep or eat in Oslo. For $38 a day or less, you can use the Oslo Pass—sold at most hotels and at three tourist stations throughout the city—to control costs. It gives you entrance to 33 museums and attractions, unlimited public transportation, and a lunch cruise. The city's Oslo on a Budget website provides tips on cheaper accommodations and places to eat well for less. Freebie You don't have to go very far to find good public hiking and biking trails around Oslo, no fees required. There are an incredible 40 islands and 343 lakes within the city limits. An easy place to start is the central 80-acre Vigeland Sculpture Park. HONG KONG While expensive for business travelers trying to make the right impression, Hong Kong can be quite reasonable for regular tourists. Public transportation and basic restaurants are both a good value. All government-run museums are free on Wednesdays, and other days the museum pass for seven major ones—good for a week—is around $4. Although it's good form to give a small donation, all of Hong Kong's temples are free. You can set up your own sightseeing tour of Hong Kong for cheap. The double-decker trams only cost about 30 cents a ride. The half-mile-long series of covered escalators and walkways going up and down the steep hills between Central and Mid-Levels is free. Ride the Star Ferry to Kowloon and back for less than $1. Or take a ferry to a more remote island for hiking and beaches (less than $4). Freebie Hong Kong's tourism board runs a wide variety of free culture classes in English. Learn the principles of feng shui one afternoon; then practice some moves with a tai chi master the next morning by the harbor. LOS ANGELES There's no getting around it: in L.A. you need a car and you'll put a lot of mileage on it. You're joining throngs of aspiring film and TV workers who are neither famous nor rich, so you can eat and have fun on the cheap if you know where to look. Those in the know say L.A. has the best thrift shops in the U.S., and Hollywood estate sales turn up all kinds of goodies. Cheap eats are plentiful: Try a double-double and a real milkshake from In-N-Out Burger, and stop by a taco stand for an authentic Mexican lunch. For a quintessential L.A. experience, shell out $10 per person for a Sunday-night movie screening in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. You can bring a picnic dinner and a cooler of drinks—alcohol is permitted. Freebie View the Hollywood sign and the city from the Griffith Observatory, or relive countless movie moments by admiring the sprawling city from nearby Mulholland Drive. The beaches around L.A. are free and open to the public. Once you get north of Malibu to Zuma Beach and beyond, you can find free parking along the road. HONOLULU Let's see...take an isolated volcanic island chain in the Pacific and turn it into a tourist paradise full of golf courses and huge hotels. Only one problem: the costly long-distance shipping of everything but pineapples and poi. Staying in a house or a condo with a kitchen helps. When stocking up on groceries, avoid the tourist centers and find a regular supermarket to save on your bill. Most restaurants in Waikiki are priced for tourists. To pay what the locals pay, head to Honolulu's Chinatown, order Hawaiian-style fast food from one of 24 Zippy's locations, or check out the Cheap Places to Eat in Oahu blog for ideas. Freebie Learn to play the ukulele or dance the hula with free one-hour lessons at the Royal Hawaiian Center. Get a free big-wave surf show between November and February by heading out of town and up to Oahu's North Shore. Many of the world's premier surfing competitions are held here, with waves that can swell to 30 feet. SAN FRANCISCO There's a lot to love about this city, but the dramatic hilltop vistas come with nosebleed prices for hotels and restaurants in prime areas. The gap between expensive restaurants and cheap ethnic dives here is as wide as the San Francisco Bay. To eat great Chinese food on the cheap, avoid the spots decorated with pagodas and dragons, with waitresses in floor-length silk pajamas. Instead, find the alley spots away from tourist areas—the ones with Formica tables and a staff that barely speaks English. Z&Y Garden, Y. Ben House, and Hang Ah Tea Room are good places to start. Then next meal, hit one of the Mission District taquerias to stuff yourself as full as a burrito for $10 or so, drink included. If you're traveling with a bike or in-line skates, you can move freely through the eastern half of Golden Gate Park on carless Sundays. Hiking trails in the hills of Berkeley and Oakland offer panoramic views of the whole area. You can also get some exercise and some interesting photo ops by strolling 1.7 miles (each way) across the Golden Gate Bridge. The new CultureBus is $7 for an all-day unlimited pass, and it allows you to get on and off at many of the top museums and parks. Read more about it on our blog. Freebie The volunteer San Francisco City Guides organization has been running walking tours for 30 years. Each day presents a menu of choices, like a "Bawdy and Naughty" tour of Gold Rush-era brothels and dives downtown or a tour of the famous Haight-Ashbury district. ROME Hotels and attractions in this popular European capital are jammed with tourists—especially in the summer—and eating out can make you say "Mama Mia!" when the check arrives. On the other hand, getting around Rome by bus and metro is downright cheap: €4 for a one-day pass or €11 for a three-day tourist ticket (the BTI). Or just hop on the #40 express and get a scenic tour from the Vatican to Termini Station by way of the Forum, Piazza Venezia, and the Tiber River. The Europeans love their bottled water, but that doesn't mean you have to shell out €2 or €3 for it every time you get thirsty. Buy yours at a supermarket instead, and refill it from one of the many public drinking fountains: the water's perfectly drinkable. To eat well without breaking the bank, visit a pizza-by-the-slice place or a tavola calda (hot table) cafeteria, where you pick from a selection of meats and vegetables. If you manage to hit a bakery at closing time, you might luck out with a bag full of extra goodies thrown in gratis. Freebie There are more than 20,000 pieces on display at the Numismatic Museum of the Italian Mint, where you can learn about evolving money-making techniques. Show your ID to obtain the free entrance pass. A free daily puppet show (granted, in Italian) at Park Gianicolo on Janiculum Hill has panoramic city views for a backdrop.

Boston TerrierOrigin: Boston, Mass.Story: In the 1800s, workingmen crossbred terriers with English bulldogs to develop a strong, spunky offspring for dogfights. The result—a small, bat-eared canine with a tuxedo-like coat—was the Boston terrier. It was the first American purebred dog, according to the Boston Terrier Club of America. Over time, dog shows replaced dogfights as the breed's main stomping grounds.The trip: If you're in Boston on the first weekend in December, drop by the city's largest annual dog show, Bay Colony (baycolonydogshow.com), where the Boston terrier and about 150 other breeds strut their stuff. During the rest of the year, take your dog to Boston Common, a 50-acre park downtown. (But be aware that it's illegal to let a dog run unleashed in Boston parks.) Dogs are welcome on the Freedom Trail, a two-and-a-half-mile self-guided walking tour of 16 colonial sites, such as the Bunker Hill Monument.Hot tip: Nine Zero Hotel, a boutique Kimpton property downtown, provides dog beds, bowls, and treats—all complimentary (866/906-9090, ninezero.com rates start at $209 per night). A few local Sheratons are pet-friendly, too (800/325-3535, sheraton.com, rates start at $199). Cocker SpanielOrigin: Rollinsford, N.H.Story: A spaniel was one of two confirmed dogs to come to the New World on the Mayflower. (The other was a mastiff.) But the wavy-coated breed we officially call the cocker spaniel came later. In 1882, a dog brought from England while pregnant gave birth to a puppy given the unlikely name of Obo II. It was America's first cocker spaniel, according to the American Spaniel Club. Obo II lived and died near Salmon Falls River in the mill town of Rollinsford, N.H. His tombstone can be seen on the grounds of the elementary school at 487 Locust Street.The trip: Rollinsford's 19th-century mills and mill housing have been redeveloped into an area called Salmon Falls Mills, where you'll find dozens of artists making jewelry, textiles, sculpture, pottery, and furniture. Starting here, take your canine companion on a scenic, five-mile loop. Head south to Foundry Park, a river inlet with a boat launch, and then cross Salmon Falls River on Route 4 to adorable South Berwick, Maine. On your way back to New Hampshire, take Main Street and you'll pass over a bridge that runs parallel to a historic railroad trestle. Then enter Scoutland, a woodsy spot with hiking trails. There are no accommodations in Rollinsford, so consider staying a half-hour's drive away in Durham, N.H., at Hickory Pond Inn (800/658-0065, hickorypondinn.com, from $89, plus $25 per pet). Hot tip: On Sundays during warm weather months, Front Street in Rollinsford becomes an open-air market. And twice a year, the artists of Salmon Falls Mills open their studios to the public. (This year's dates are November 22-23; millartists.com.) Bichon FriseOrigin: The port towns that rimmed the Mediterranean Sea during ancient times, many of which were along the coast of present-day France.Story: Surprisingly, this fashionable breed was a sailors' pet first, trained to greet locals at ports around the Mediterranean between 600 and 300 B.C. These white, walking powder puffs with plumed tails were eventually adopted by Italian nobles, who groomed them to look like lions for appearances at royal courts. A few centuries ago, they came into vogue with the French, who called them bichon à poil frisé (curly lapdogs). Since Henry III's reign, French aristocrats and commoners alike have championed them.The trip: France is a great place to bring a dog. The French fawn over dogs in boutiques, trains, hotels—even some restaurants. From Paris, head south to the sea. Stay in a village along the Côte d'Azur, such as sleepy Juan-les-Pins, a suburb of Antibes, and soak up the sun at the oceanfront cafés. Then travel to Antibes proper, home to the Musée Picasso (the château where the artist worked in 1946), Cannes, and Monte Carlo, with its belle epoque-era casinos.Hot tip: To bring your pet into France, you'll need proof your dog has had a rabies vaccination in the past year and that it has an identifying tattoo or implanted microchip. Your vet must also issue an export health certificate, a document saying that your tail-wagging friend is fit to travel on the dates specified. Golden RetrieverOrigin: Tomich, Scotland.Story: In 1865, the avid hunter Lord Tweedmouth plucked the sole yellow puppy from a litter of black retrievers in Brighton, England. He named him Nous, brought him to his home, and bred him with Belle, a Tweed water spaniel. The union led to the large, good-natured golden retriever. In present-day Scotland, retrievers are usually pets and farm animals.The trip: Travel four hours north of Edinburgh to Tomich, a well preserved 19th-century hamlet built by Lord Tweedmouth. Stop in at the Tomich Hotel, where the owners can direct you to Tweedmouth's deserted and roofless former home, Guisachan (goosh-e-can) Manor, which is roughly three miles away. Park next to the manor for a stroll. Gorgeous waterfalls can be found in the neighboring Glen Affric Nature Reserve (glenaffric.org). Spend the night at the eight-bedroom Tomich Hotel, whose 2008 rates start at about $94 per person per night and about $14 per dog per night. For train trips between London and Edinburgh, tickets start at about $85 one way via Raileasy (raileasy.co.uk). Some train lines allow dogs the size of golden retrievers to travel for free as long as they are leashed. Call National Rail for rules on a specific train line (011-44/845-748-4950). In Edinburgh, car rental rates begin at about $44 a day. Check with individual companies about pet rules and fees.Hot tip: U.S. dogs can enter the United Kingdom without quarantine as long as they're microchipped, vaccinated for rabies, and have had their blood tested. Owners must carry documents to prove all of the above, plus a bill of health from a vet that notes that your dog has been treated for ticks and tapeworms. Yorkshire TerrierOrigin: Northern England.Story: In the mid-19th century, a few breeds of pint-size dog served as rat catchers in industrial northern England. The particular descendent we know today as the Yorkshire terrier—usually weighing four to seven pounds and typically having a straight, silky, tan coat—was officially recognized in 1874.The trip: Many Yorkies, as they're affectionately known, will enjoy romping through the purple heather in the English county of Yorkshire. One of England's greenest parts, Yorkshire offers plentiful scenic trails distinguished by centuries-old limestone pavements and cave-dotted coastal crags. Find listings for pet-friendly accommodations in the region at yorkshiredales-stay.co.uk.Hot tip: Opt for a car rental company that doesn't charge pet-related fees. Enterprise, for one, doesn't charge pet fees at most locations, but call to confirm the rules at your particular office (011-44/870-350-3000). To minimize shedding on car seats (Yorkshire terriers have amazingly long hair) buy a Furminator pet comb (about $25 on Amazon). DachshundOrigin: Germany.Story: While its exact origins in Germany are unknown, references to a long-bodied, short-legged, sausage-shaped dog with terrific persistence at tracking badgers can be found in art and literature throughout the centuries. For instance, a 1560 woodcut portrayed a dachshund-like dog. In modern Germany, the dachshund has been a star and even served a stint as the country's official mascot during the 1972 Olympics in Munich. (A side note: Though Dachshund means "badger dog," Germans more commonly call this breed Dackel.)The trip: Perhaps no German city has celebrated the dachshund as much as Berlin, which ran an annual dachshund race until 2006. Stroll Potsdamer Platz, the city's central plaza, which is surrounded by many landmarks best viewed on foot, such as Renzo Piano's postmodern sculptural Arcades. A great off-leash park popular with young people is Eberswalderstrasse in the nearby Prenzlauer Berg district. Afterwards visit any of the many cafés across the park on Oderberger Strasse. From there, head to Pension ABC, a squeaky-clean, family-run inn that welcomes dogs at no charge (011-49/30-2694-9903, doubles from $89).Hot tip: For your dog to visit Germany, all you need is proof that he or she has been vaccinated within the past 12 months (but also more than a month before departure) and an identifying tattoo or microchip. Shiba InuOrigin: Japan.Story: A half dozen Japanese dog breeds are believed to have existed around 10,000 B.C., and one of them was the bushy-tailed, compact watchdog Shiba Inu (roughly translated as "brushwood dog"). Shibas didn't snag official recognition until the early 20th century, though, and the bombs and epidemics of World War II all but wiped them out. Luckily, the number of Shibas has since rebounded.The trip: We can safely assume that Shibas have long been present in Japan's ancient capital of Kyoto. For a casual afternoon, strut your leashed bundle of fur through Kyoto's Maruyama Koen Park, known for its gorgeous, giant cherry trees. It's a short distance from the central train station. From Kyoto, hop on a superexpress train for two hours and 15 minutes to Tokyo, modern Japan's truest dog-meet-dog town. (Note, Japan Railways charges $134 one-way for the trip and about $2.75 to bring a small dog in a carrier.)As the nation's birth rate has dropped, the love of pets has expanded—a trend that's most visible in the country's largest city. Here you'll find dog gyms, dog boutiques (hawking dog-size perambulators), and dog dancing studios (teaching owners and pets to trot in sync). It's rare, however, for downtown Tokyo hotels to accept dogs. The Hilton Narita at Tokyo's main airport has two rooms for guests traveling with dogs (011-81/476-331-121, hilton.com, $225 plus refundable deposit).Hot tip: Taking your dog to Japan from the continental U.S. is such a grueling trip that few owners will contemplate it—especially once they factor in the 12-hour quarantine. Nonetheless, you'll find vaccination, notification, and microchipping procedures at the country's Animal Quarantine Service website.

Joanna Goddard: Hi! This is Joanna Goddard, and I'm excited to talk with you today about house swapping. So, let's get started! _______________________ New York, N.Y.: How much prep of your own place did you do re: cleaning, "hiding" personal stuff, closet space, etc.? Have you swapped overseas? We'd like to spend a month in Rome in the future, and ideally, to swap apartments the entire stay. Joanna Goddard: To prepare our apartment for apartment swappers, we cleaned it top-to-bottom. We scoured the bathroom, washed the dishes, swept the floors, tidied up and, of course, set out clean sheets and towels. Many people are worried about their personal valuables, like computers and cameras. We've done about 10 swaps and have never hidden anything—and have never had a problem. I think when people swap apartments, there is an implicit trust, since you're in their house, too! But, if you want to be extra safe, you can buy a small locker from IKEA, so you can lock things away. Or you can create an "owner's closet" by attaching a latch and padlock to a closet, and putting your valuables inside. Finally, I have swapped overseas—to Berlin and Paris (twice). Both apartments were fabulous! You can find many Rome apartments on craigslist.org. Good luck and have fun!! _______________________ Saint Augustine, Fla.: In this day of identity theft, how do you insure that there is not some stray piece of paper with an account number, etc., inadvertently left around? Joanna Goddard: Before your swappers arrive, make sure to put your bills and mail in a locker or tuck them in a bottom drawer, where people won't see them. That said, when you're arranging an apartment swap, you see photos of the people's house and exchange many emails (and, if you'd like, phone calls). So you get a real sense of who these people are and what they're like. After emailing with them about their favorite local restaurants and swapping keys through the mail with a nice little note, you come to feel as if you're friends with them. Trust me, once you get started, apartment swapping is a lot less scary than it sounds! _______________________ Lexington, Ky.: Where has been your favorite house swap location? And where there any big obstacles? I would love to visit Switzerland again, where I lived in the early '90s. This time, my two girls—ages 5 and 7—would be with me and my husband. The trip would be next summer. The departure gateway is Cincinatti, Ohio or Lexington, Kentucky for a family of four. Joanna Goddard: I'm sure that your family would have a lovely time in Switzerland! Oooh, think of the homes you might be able to swap with—chateaus in the mountains, or cottages in the rolling valleys. It would be amazing! I've swapped to L.A. (twice), San Francisco, Berlin, Connecticut, Paris (twice) and more. I've loved all my swaps. Berlin was perhaps the coolest because we stayed in the apartment of a very cool photographer. It was in a bohemian part of the city. The apartment was modern, bright and beautifully designed, and we adored reading his giant art books and cuddling up in his vintage chairs. There was also a beautiful courtyard, where we sat on sunny days among the bikes and trees. We felt very cool! _______________________ Charlotte, N.C.: I have done several swaps from homeexchange.com. I get similar responses from friends about exchangers taking things and so forth. My experiences are similar to yours. They have always left the place nice, nothing missing and I try to leave their homes the same. Had great swaps so far. Any interest in coming to Charlotte?!? Joanna Goddard: Yes! Once you swap once or twice, you lose your beginners nerves, because you see that most people who swap are lovely and trustworthy. Again, I've swapped 10 times and have never had a problem. Charlotte sounds gorgeous! _______________________ Ventura, Calif.: What do you deem the single most important issue when swapping homes? Thank you, Leezur Joanna Goddard: Good question! Hmmm, I think it's really important to be open about everything from the very beginning. Take accurate photos of your home, ask lots of questions, make sure you describe any surprises, such as a temperamental toilet or a noisy street. That way, there won't be any surprises, and you'll be starting off your swap with honesty and kindness. And it's great to be respectful throughout the swap. Share your favorite restaurants with the swappers, so they'll have fun places to go. Leave a welcome note when they arrive. Make sure to have clean towels, sheets and dish towels for them. That way, they'll be happy and you'll be happy! Also, if you find someone you love swapping with, you can always swap with them again! We've swapped with our Paris friend twice now, and I'm so happy to have that great friendship now. _______________________ Longwood, Fla.: I want to house swap in Argentina. Where do I begin? I am interested in going in January 2009. Joanna Goddard: Argentina would be fabulous. To begin, either log on to craigslist.org and then click on "house swap" and search for Argentina, or...You can go through more "official" house exchange website. Check out our list here. These websites will walk you through the process. (You'll write a description of your house and upload photos; and you can search for places in Argentina that look nice to you. Then you will reach out to the people to see if the dates will work out and move on from there!) Good luck! _______________________ Destin, Fla.: We have a condo in Sandestin, a beach resort, and would like to swap it (we live in Sandestin, but not in the condo). What is the best site for us to put our condo on, or should we just wait until we want to go somewhere and search the site to see if anyone else is looking for a swap? I just don't know the best way to start. Joanna Goddard: Your condo sounds beautiful—I'm sure lots of people would love to come visit the beach. Check out these home exchange sites. They are all good and reputable. You can list your condo on one of the websites and see what offers come in to you. (Maybe you'll get a family from France who wants to swap, or from Vancouver...You never know! It would be fun to see who reaches out to you.) OR you can wait until you have a trip in mind. Then you can list your condo and you can reach out to people whose homes you're interested in. Either way is fine! It's up to you... Good luck! _______________________ Colorado Springs, Colo.: I'd love to try swapping, but I'm afraid our average, suburban cookie-cutter home would hardly have the cache of a NYC flat. What do you think my chances would be in getting an offer? I wouldn't mind the equivalent in France or England or Italy...but would my traders be disappointed? Joanna Goddard: Thanks for your question. You never know what people are looking for. Some people want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and some people would love to hike, bike or ski in Colorado. That's the genius of housing swaps—you can stay where the grass is greener! :) So, I think you could definitely take some pretty photos of your house and also the pretty areas around you—maybe a nearby view or lovely river. Then create a listing of your home that talks about the joys of your area. You might be surprised how many people think it sounds just lovely! (P.S. Also keep in mind, when you live in a city, like me, you generally have a shoebox apartment. So a big home in the suburbs sounds like bliss! Ahh, to have a fireplace, a dishwasher and more than one bedroom....) _______________________ Harbor Springs, Mich.: Do you allow guests to drive your car, and if so, what additional insurance, if any, is required? And do you check their driving records, and if so, how? Joanna Goddard: Good question. I live in New York, so I don't have a car. (A trusty bike is as close as I come to my own set of wheels!) But, through my research, I've found that about 50% of people let apartment swappers use their car. I'm not totally sure about the insurance issue—you might want to call your insurance company to find out. (I've heard that if occasional drivers are typically covered, but you will want to make sure.) If you're not comfortable letting swappers use your car, then by all means, don't. It's totally up to you. They can always rent a car; that shouldn't be a problem for most travelers. _______________________ Austin, Tex.: How do you know if you go stay in someone's home they won't hurt you or steal from you or do the same when they come to your house? It seems like it could be dangerous. If it works, it would be great. Can you do background checks on potential house swappers? Joanna Goddard: See my above answers for a few tips. Also, if you're nervous about having complete strangers come to your house, you can go through an official apartment swapping website (see our list here) and then you can read reviews of the swappers. That way, you'll know that other people have been happy swapping with them, and you can feel more confident about your own swap. P.S. And you can always google them! :) _______________________ Milwaukee, Wis.: We live in the Midwest (Milwaukee, Wis.)—who in places like Paris, London, or Croatia for that matter, wants to swap houses with someone like us? Yes, Milwaukee is great and we are close to Chicago and the great northern woods, but what can we do to find suitable swap mates? Thanks for any insight! Joanna Goddard: The brew! Milwaukee is fantastic. I've had a few friends who lived there, and it's such a fun place to visit. Similar to my advice to the Colorado-based reader (above), just pitch your city! Write a listing where you show nice photos of your home, and also fun spots in your city. Tell people why they want to visit Milwaukee-festivals, breweries, Lake Michigan, museums, baseball and more. Tell them that they could take a day trip to Chicago or the woods. Your enthusiasm will be contagious! Plus, there are many reasons that people want to swap. Maybe their relatives live in Milwaukee and they need an extra house there while visiting. Maybe they grew up nearby and want to go back for old time's sake. Maybe they are obsessed with the Brewers! Give it a shot, and I bet, with a little time, you'll find a great swap. _______________________ White Rock, B.C., Canada: Is there any danger in doing the swap, and is the house insurance valid, in case something happens? —Henny Joanna Goddard: Good question. Of course, you will want to check with your own insurance company, but typically most insurance considers house swappers to be "invited guests" in your home or "permitted" drivers of your car, and so they will offer that same coverage. _______________________ Seattle, Wash.: How do I guarantee security of my personal files and computers? My important financial files have locks, but not all of my personal files. Joanna Goddard: There are a few options here: • You may feel, after chatting with your swappers, that you can trust them. You can usually get a good sense of people after emailing and speaking on the phone. So you may not mind once you get started with the house-swap process. • If you're still wanting to protect your personal files, you could put a lock on them. Word documents can be locked simply by pressing "save as," then clicking on "options," then clicking on "security." Then you can make an easy password (maybe "swap"!) for all your documents. You'll be safe and all set. • You could simply turn off your computer—and even unplug it—and tell your swappers that you'd rather that they didn't use it. • If you have a laptop, you could put it safely in a bottom drawer or lock it in a closet. Hope this helps! _______________________ La Jolla, Calif.: I am interested in trying house swapping but my husband is not comfortable with having people whom we have never met live in our home. He says I am reading only positive stories but there must be negative experiences, too. Have you ever heard of any cases where people returned to find serious problems caused during the swap? I certainly do not want to be naive about this, especially since my husband is uncomfortable with the idea. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Joanna Goddard: Hmmm, the skeptical husband. I've heard of those before! :) Here's what I would do... Your husband is worried, surely, that people will mess up your home, break valuables and even steal something. Those are valid concerns. But here is how you can convince him that those odds are very unlikely.... #1. Go onto one of these reputable home exchange websites and scroll through houses you like. You can find a beautiful place or two that you know your husband will love. #2. Read the user reviews, which will tell you what past swappers thought of the house and the people themselves. That should help calm your husband's fears, since you will be able to "screen" the people before you even reach out to them. #3. Once you find a place you might like to swap with, contact the people and email back and forth with them a few times, about their apartment and their neighborhood, etc. You can see if you click with them and feel comfortable, or if you sense any red flags. (And you can show your husband these friendly emails from them!) #4. Consider the people you're swapping with. Are they professionals? Adults traveling without young kids? Does their house look neat and clean in the photos? You can choose the people you feel comfortable with. #5. Finally, you can lock away your valuables and jewelry in an "owner's closet," by attaching a latch and padlock on a closet door. That way, your husband won't be worried about specific items. #6. Try it out just for a weekend, instead of a week. You can take baby steps... :) #7. You can even tell your husband that I've house-swapped 10 times and have NEVER had a problem. Even a little problem. I hope this works! House swapping is a really great way to travel, but it is a bit of an adventure, I'll admit! If your husband still isn't into it, you can always check out Budget Travel's favorite hotels! _______________________ New York City, N.Y.: What about pets? Can I ask them to take care of my two cats? They are really sweet and easy to take care of. Joanna Goddard: You can definitely ask swappers to take care of your cats, if you'd like. It's up to them. Just make sure to be upfront in your listing—tell them about the cats and exactly what they'd have to do to take care of them. And realize that people may be allergic or not want to take care of animals, so you may turn off some swappers. But definitely give it a shot! My old roommate had a kitten. When we did a swap with a woman from Paris, she loved taking care of the kitten. So it can work out well! _______________________ Knoxville, Tenn.: We live in an area of the U.S. that is not as appealing as many other regions. While we do lay claim to the spectacular Great Smoky Mountains and the scenic Tennessee River and several lakes that feed into it, I could not even find one request from a prospective home exchanger for this location. Can you steer me toward a reputable home-exchange club or organization where I might find more interest in this southeastern region? We are interested in trading homes with people in several places including Western Europe, Eastern and Western Canada, and the American West Coast. We would like to try out a home exchange arrangement either late May or early June '09 but we have no exact dates or flights yet. There are two adults and one 15-year-old girl. Thanks, Dee Joanna Goddard: Hi, Dee. Absolutely! Here is our list of recommended home-exchange companies. They have thousands of listings all over the world, and you will have good odds of finding someone who wants to swap. It's great that your dates and desired locations are somewhat flexible, since that will give you an even better shot. Thanks and good luck, Dee! xo _______________________ New York, N.Y.: I would like to exchange in Paris for three months. Is that possible to do an exchange for that long? I'm going for a course so I need to do it for all three months. I live in New York. It would just be me traveling. Joanna Goddard: Absolutely! The typical house swap is a weekend or a week, but you can definitely find swappers who are open to swapping for longer. You can look on craigslist.org (they have lots of Paris listings) or go through an official house exchange website. (I've always gone through craigslist.org and it has worked out really well.) How lovely to spend three months in Paris. Have a great time! _______________________ Joanna Goddard: Thank you so much for your lovely questions. It was so much fun to chat with you! You can visit me anytime at my relationships blog for Glamour Magazine or on my personal blog, Cup of Jo. Thank you again, and have a wonderful day! xo Joanna