Headed For Oregon? Try Web, Travel Guide

Sun., May 24, 1998

By Susan English susane@spokesman.com

A suitcase full of information about Oregon is available on the state tourism commission’s Web site: www.traveloregon.com. Or copies of various guides including the Official Oregon Travel Guide and an Events Calendar, the Guide to Oregon’s Scenic Byways and the new Official Oregon Golf Directory are available by calling (800) 547-7842.

You can’t take it all

One of the luxuries of traveling by car (or any larger vehicle) is being able to pack more clothes than you think you’ll need on vacation.

Think it might rain? Toss in a raincoat and an umbrella. Can’t decide which shirt looks better with your new shorts? No problem, just take ‘em both.

Air travel’s a whole different ball game. Packing becomes an ordeal and if you’re like most travelers, you end up buying some clothing just to cover unexpected weather changes or unplanned activities.

Fodor’s, one of the many guidebooks series, has just published “Fodor’s How to Pack.” They offer up these tips from the book:

Pull all the luggage tags from the last trip. They will help airline handlers get your bags to the destination you are going to this time.

Buy soft-sided luggage. Hard-sided suitcases tend to split open when thrown onto baggage carts or conveyer belts.

Always pack fragile and valuable items in your carry-on.

Stay within airline limits on size and weight.

Discourage summer break-ins

Summer vacation season is also the season of home burglaries. No big surprise. Folks leave their homes for weeks, and burglars know that.

Taking steps to prevent home invasions should be part of your vacation planning. AAA offers these tips:

Close and lock all windows and doors. Slide locks are recommended for sliding glass doors.

If you own a second vehicle, lock and park it halfway up the driveway to deter potential burglars from pulling a vehicle close to your home.

Leave blinds and curtains in their normal positions so your house doesn’t have a closed-up look. Remove electronic equipment and other valuables from view through the windows.

Ask a neighbor or friend to pick up your mail and newspaper. Ask a trusted friend to inspect your house regularly and turn on outdoor lights at night.

An automatic timer on a radio is a good idea.

Never leave spare keys hidden anywhere outside the house.

On luggage tags, use a business address rather than a home address, which can be copied down by any number of people at airports, all of whom will know you are departing.

High country adventures

The Glacier Institute will again offer a summer full of workshops and seminars in and around Glacier National Park, Mont.

Among the courses are “High Country Adventures: East” from Aug. 2-8, which includes the Rocky Mountain Front near Dupuyer, Mont., and the “High Country Adventures: West,” Aug. 23-29 near Glacier Park. Each class costs $600, which includes lodging, meals and transportation during the course.

For information about these or other Glacier Institute programs, call (406) 755-1211, or write the Institute at 137 Main St., P.O. Box 7457, Kalispell, MT 59904.

Emerald City kudos

The Mayflower Park Hotel was awarded the Best Getaway Hotel by the readers of Seattle Magazine. Also honored were the Four Seasons Olympic and Sorrento.

Readers also tabbed The Mayflower Park’s eatery, Andaluca, the Most Romantic Restaurant.

For information about the Mayflower, call (206) 623-8700.

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