Travel Q&A: New England, Jamaica, New Orleans and more

Q: We'll be driving from Philadelphia to northern New Hampshire, and I want to spend a day somewhere on the way. Hoping you can suggest a charming village or a beautiful hike.

A: I just traveled to (southern) New Hampshire. We stopped at West Point, in a gorgeous spot on the Hudson River. We stayed right on the academy grounds and walked all around. The adjacent Town of Highlands is a charming village. Other possibilities are Stockbridge, Mass., or Saratoga Springs, N.Y., home of the famed racecourse, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.

-- Zofia Smardz

Q: I'd like to take my two girls, 8 and 10, somewhere within three hours of Washington. They love nature and outdoor activities. My only requirement is a hotel, which ideally could arrange some of our activities.

A: Can you stretch it to four hours? That would get you to the Nature Inn at Bald Eagle State Park in Pennsylvania. It's a modern hotel with plenty of park activities that the inn could assist you with.

-- Becky Krystal

Q: I'm traveling to Italy and Switzerland. What's the best way these days to pay for things and get cash?

A: You might be able to buy enough euros or francs from your bank to use for incidentals. You'll want to also check with your credit card company for the rates it offers when you use your cards abroad. Some cards charge fees for exchanging money, as well as for withdrawing money from an ATM.

-- Christopher Elliott

Q: I'm going to Monterey, Calif., while my husband is doing business there. I've researched some of the big things to do, like the aquarium, but are there any other must-dos? Could I take a bus to a nearby town?

A: If you found the aquarium, then you must have also found Cannery Row, full of fascinating things to see. The city also has lots of cool-looking little museums. The MST bus system in the area looks pretty robust, with access to Big Sur, Carmel, Salinas, San Jose and more. In Salinas there's the National Steinbeck Center and the Steinbeck House. You can also ride horses on the beach at the Monterey Bay Equestrian Center.

-- Joe Yonan

Q: My wife and I are considering spending a week in November in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. We aren't sure whether to do an all-inclusive. Any tips for accommodations or things to do?

A: Jamaica Inn, which has a great reputation, is not an all-inclusive, although it does offer meal plans and an all-inclusive option. As for what to do, Dunn's River Falls is a big draw but is usually crowded. If you're interested in plants and nature, try Coyaba Gardens.

-- Carol Sottili

Q: A friend of mine may have a day or two in Basel, Switzerland, before a Rhine cruise. Is there much to do there?

A: Basel is beautiful. The heart of downtown around the cathedral and the cathedral square is a gorgeous vista of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. There are many beautiful buildings to see and churches to visit. And lots of great museums -- the Basel Historical Museum, the Kunstmuseum (art museum), the Sculpture Hall. The Town Hall is beautiful. There's a pretty good zoo. Lots of nice parks, too.

-- Zofia Smardz

Q: We plan to visit New Orleans for a long weekend. Can you recommend hotels (preferably more upscale) and top things to see and do?

A: The Soniat House is gorgeous and in a fabulous location. You must eat and drink and listen to music. You should go to Cochon, Stella, August, Patois, Commander's Palace, Dooky Chase, Willie Mae's Scotch House, Parkway Bakery and Cafe Du Monde for food, and to d.b.a., Arnaud's, Cure, Sazerac Bar for drinks. For music, d.b.a. is great, and there's also Preservation Hall, Tipitina's, Blue Nile, Snug Harbor, Vaughan's -- and so much more than I can list!

-- Joe Yonan

Q: My husband and I are hoping to get to Europe in November or December with our 1-year-old son. Are there any cities and countries that would be easy to travel around with a baby? We were hoping to visit Paris but know that it's not the easiest with a stroller.

A: On the contrary. If I still had a 1-year-old, I'd take him to Paris without a second thought. Grab your umbrella stroller (do they still have those?) and go!

-- Zofia Smardz

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