-- F. Staunton, Etobicoke
A: Several tour operators offer interesting packages for Newfoundland and Labrador. Here are a few:
In Springdale, Riverwood Inn (riverwoodinn.ca) has a Newfoundland Romance package starting from $275 per couple through Oct. 1. It includes a private harbour cruise, pottery lessons, hiking trails and relaxing riverside with chocolate, strawberries, and wine. Not bad for some romance. Call toll-free 1-888-673-5155.
Step back in time at Woody Island, a former outport on the Avalon Peninsula. Guests of the Woody Island Resort can experience an old-fashioned kitchen party and more (woodyi.com) during a two-day, one-night package. Prices are $145-$165 for double occupancy and include accommodations, traditional meals, entertainment, boat transportation and a beach picnic. Call toll-free 1-800-504-1066.
Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism also has a menu of travel packages and trip you can access online at newfoundlandlabrador.com.
Q: We're planning a road trip along Route 66. When we get to Illinois, will there be signs and other sights to photograph?
-- P. Oliuk, Mississauga
A: Dubbed "the ultimate American road trip," travelling along Route 66 in Illinois will certainly keep you busy snapping shots. Most people don't realize but the beginning and/or end of Route 66 is in downtown Chicago.
For a great photo of the famous signs "Begin Historic Route 66" and "End Historic Route 66," be sure to visit the corners of Adams and Michigan, and Jackson and Michigan. Other neat landmarks are Chicago's Buckingham Fountain and Lou Mitchell's on Jackson Blvd., where Route 66 types fill up on a big diner breakfast.
And don't forget the International Route 66 Mother Road Festival and Car Show (Route66Fest.com) in Springfield, Ill. It runs Sept. 25-27 and includes vintage car exhibitions, plenty of food vendors, music and celebrities. For an online catalogue listing all interesting things related to Route 66, see gochicago.com/beyond/rt66.aspx.
Q: A new girlfriend has suggested taking a weekend trip. I'm not much of a traveller but staying at a B&B might be something different. Is there anything I should know before booking?
-- H. Lyons, Etobicoke
A: Bed and breakfasts are not everyone's cup of tea but I really enjoy them. They are generally small, family-run establishments with the owner/host living in the house or on the property. Guests often receive personalized service, get to know a local, and learn about the area as many B&B proprietors seem to love sharing information about local events and landmarks.
Here are a couple of questions: Inquire about the host's schedule, whether there are any pets, whether the bathroom is shared or private, whether the establishment is non-smoking, and where the host's bedroom is in relation to your own.
I recall staying at a B&B in Rome that a travel guide raved about, describing it as quiet and Barbie-esque, with lots of pink frills and pillows. We had checked out several rooms that day and it was nearly evening when we arrived. The room was available, we were weary and so we were sold.
The morning turned into a scene from a Federico Fellini film. The hostess -- a matronly sort dressed in a pink negligee and matching pink faux-fur high-heeled slippers -- sat at the diningroom table, smoking a cigarette and leafing through a newspaper while an old radio seranaded us. Siamese cats, which are not overly friendly at the best of times, hissed at us from beneath the antique wooden table.
But this strange experience was an anomoly. Most of my many B&B stays have been thoroughly delightful.
ILONA@MYCOMPASS.CA
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