Travel

The U.S. State Department's new rules requiring passports for travel within the Western Hemisphere – including from Canada to the United States – won't become effective for months, and in some cases years. However, "to avoid a last-minute crunch, we're encouraging people to apply for travel documents as soon as possible," said Daniel Smith, an assistant secretary in the Bureau of Consular Affairs.

Festivals are everywhere during the spring and summer, celebrating everything from visual arts to bluegrass music to beer. And it's not too soon to book flights, since planes are filling up. Head to Houston May 13-15 for the Art Car Weekend. This annual event features the Art Car Parade of custom decorated and modified vehicles. Contact: www.orangeshow.org/artcar.html.

I returned to some welcome spring weather in Seattle after 21/2 weeks tromping through snow and rain in London, Paris, Krakow and Amsterdam, exploring the weak dollar's impact on travel costs for Americans. More later on how I fared on a $125-a-day budget. In the meantime, a few random observations, some having to do more with sense than dollars:

"LAX to JFK from $99!" "London from $215!"

The pitch arced inside on Boston's Johnny Damon, biting in at his hands. His swing was clean and crisp, but the bat sheared into pieces, and the ball dribbled to the second baseman for an easy out. A thousand minds thought of crisp World Series athleticism, the vagaries of cosmic opportunity, karmic chances. Me, I thought: "Another $40 for Hillerich and Bradsby." Damon will need another bat.

If you need a hotel room for spring travel, now is the time to book. America's Best Inns & Suites have "Spring Fever" rates starting at $39 for single rooms and $49 for doubles. The offer is valid at 10 properties for stays through May 31. Sample nightly rates start at $39 for Huntsville, Ala.; $42, Salt Lake City; and $45, Missoula. Contact: (800) 237-8466; www.bestinn.com.

Q: My 10-year-old daughter will be joining me on a trip to New York in June and is interested in seeing some of the city's highlights, including a Broadway play. Can you recommend some trip-planning resources? A: Start at NYC & Company (www.nycvisit.com), the Web site for the New York City Convention and Visitors Bureau. It has sample itineraries as well as a calendar of events, information for first-time visitors, recommended sights for families and a free visitors guide that can be ordered online or by calling (800) NYC-VISIT.

The Delta Air Lines automated voice asks me if I want to check arrivals or departures, make a reservation or manage my frequent flier account. "Reservations," I say.

To get the best price on car rentals, shop around. Online sites such as those of Avis, Dollar, Hertz and Thrifty will give an idea of costs. Check the deals section of each for special offers, which may require promotion codes.