Travel

Sometimes it's the simple things that are the most difficult to figure out. What's the average temperature in Rome in early November? Are there flight departure delays out of Los Angeles? Where's an ATM machine near a certain hotel in London? The Web can answer all these questions, but you have to know where to look. The sites below are our picks for answering those nuts-and-bolts questions.

It's the time of year for sun and snow bargains. Ski Whistler Blackcomb with a family five-night package for about $430 per adult, including five lodging nights and a four-day lift ticket through the ski season. Book by Dec. 5 and children 12 and younger stay and ski free, and also receive free rentals and bus transfers. Contact: (800) 944-7853; www.tourismwhistler.com.

Q. Is it possible to visit Yellowstone in winter? I want to take my two children, 7 and 10, and would like to know what sort of activities in the park would be suitable for them. We'd prefer lodging inside the park. A. Winter lodging is available in Yellowstone at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge from Dec. 18 through March 12, with rates starting at $80 per night, and at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel from Dec. 23 through March 5, with nightly rates starting at $96.

FAIRBANKS, Alaska – Alaska is a popular destination for summer travelers and cruise ships. But what about a visit to Fairbanks in the season the state is known for? The city is a hotbed of cold- weather activity, from ice-sculpting to viewing the Northern Lights. Nearby you'll find dogsledding, downhill and cross country skiing, ice fishing, ice skating and snowshoeing.

Pundits once predicted that toll-free numbers would be the death of traditional travel agents. The bells tolled again as travel agents came under assault from airlines that cut commissions and online providers that offered a World Wide Web of options. Americans last year booked at least part of 45 million trips on the Internet, up nearly 6 percent from the previous year, according to a new study by the Travel Industry Association of America.

It was an act of faith: launching ourselves off a platform to whiz along a cable at 50 mph across a river, a fifth of a mile from tree to tree, 12 stories up. Thanks to Ziptrek Ecotours, high-tree canopy travel has arrived in North America, complete with adrenaline-pounding thrills and seriously neat scenery. It's all tucked into the forest at Whistler Blackcomb and is way more than you expect.

The frost is barely on the pumpkin, but if you want discounts or something special in holiday travel, now is the time to book. Hesitate, and early-booking discounts and the best airfares will disappear.

When fall comes and flowers fade away, I feel a little sad. I'm not sad about the onset of fall; I love the colors and crisp smell of autumn. That's why I chose fall for my – I mean, "our" – wedding, ignoring comments from groom and groomsmen that it was in the middle of hunting season.

Traveling for the holidays? Here's some advice from the travel mavens at Hotwire.com that can help you save money and cut down on hassles: Planes are less full on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day than on the day before or after, so try to travel on the actual holiday if you can.

The beach at Napili Bay on Maui's west side is a Hawaiian paradise, with gently curved coconut palms, white sand and turquoise water gently lapping the shore. But one week a year, the air is filled with Hawaiian music. "Git da bass! Git da bass first!" comes the gruff voice of George Kahumoku, shirtless in shorts and slippers, in the shade of an awning a stone's throw from the water.

All you fine people who like to plan well in advance: This one's for you. February doesn't qualify as the most pleasant month around these parts, and if you tend to tire of muddy shoes and dreary weather, perhaps you should schedule yourself a little getaway. Cycling and cruising around the Caribbean might be just the thing to lift your spirits.

Beneath the canopy of palms and banyan trees that greets visitors as they wing their way into the Hawaiian islands lies an under story of ginger, hibiscus and orchids, laced with what the islanders call the spirit of "ohana" – or family. Encircled by aquamarine waters and the aura of aloha, couples celebrate anniversaries, friends share vacations and families come together for reunions. Island magic beckons all.

Two Web site overhauls could save you money. The European Travel Commission has revamped its site ( www.visiteurope.com), making it an even better resource. A link takes you to Hot Deals in Europe (everything from cruises to castle stays) and provides online booking as well as toll-free numbers for more information.

I wanted to see fall. I wanted to see colorful leaves. I wanted to see 5 pounds drop off these thighs. I'd been feeling lousy with too much time spent indoors, bent over paperwork. And, oh yeah, stuffing my face with various fried foods and sugary sweets. Cardio time with Billy Blanks was replaced by bake and snack time. Even the dog's rear looked like it was widening.