Travelers' Intercom

On your next visit to Argentina, leave the tango behind, for a change, and take a dive into the real culture, history and splendor of nature in Mendoza, which is only a 2-hour flight from Buenos Aires.

Mendoza, the capital of Mendoza Province, is located in an area of vast diversification, from vineyards in the wine country (similar to California’s Napa and Sonoma regions) to the majestic range of the tallest peak in the Western Hemisphere, Mount Aconcagua.

This realm teems with activities: winter sports, hot springs, rafting, trekking, horseback riding, mountain biking,...

I’d like to second the recommendation made by Dina Fulmer in the letter titled “Fending Off Diarrhea” (Aug. ’06, pg. 85). When I was preparing for a trip to Guatemala in 1998, the group leader suggested Pepto-Bismol tablets (which don’t turn your tongue black; the chewables do that!) to prevent stomach disorders. I’ve taken them ever since, on trips to Guatemala, India, Cambodia, Africa and China, among other places, and have never had a serious problem with traveler’s diarrhea.

I agree with ITN’s Dr. Wagenaar: it isn’t needed in Western Europe. But if you are going to any third-...

My husband and I traveled in Bulgaria, May 12-16, 2007, with a guide I found on the Internet: Patrick Peneff (e-mail patrick@guide-bg.com or visit www.bulgariaprivateguide. com).

Patrick and I communicated by e-mail, and he made all the arrangements, improving on my itinerary and booking our hotels. He joined us in Sofia with a car and was our driver and guide. He spoke perfect English and was informative, enthusiastic and very helpful.

We paid for our hotels as we went along and for the gas whenever Patrick filled up. He paid for his own expenses, staying in hotels where...