Travel Tidbits

For our 8-week Australia-New Zealand trip, we booked most of our lodging before leaving because we did not want to have to arrive at a destination and hunt for a hotel. Incidentally, every hotel and several B&Bs we stayed in provided a washer and dryer. Knowing this can cut down on packing considerably. We each had a backpack and a small carry-on bag and had more than enough room for everything — and we even took dress clothes for a ballet at the Sydney Opera House, which we booked through the website www.whats-on-in-sydney.com.au. — GERDA K. FREEDHEIM, Cleveland, OH

With smarTours, we flew to Iguazú Falls and toured the Argentinean side before staying on the Brazilian side. I took a thrilling boat ride to the falls and even under one — the most frightening boat ride of my life! — BRITA BISHOP, Dallas, TX

My wife and I greatly enjoyed our stay in Athens, Greece, far more than I had been led to believe we would by the articles and guidebooks I had read. On our visit, the city was reasonably clean and the people were nice. We hit a window of nice weather, and that helps, overall. I wish we’d had more time to spend there. It was a great visit. — RICHARD BERNER, San Diego, CA

When in Singapore, I renew my acquaintance with the city using SMRT (Singapore Mass Rapid Transit) and the local buses. It’s very easy to get around and cheap. On my last visit, it cost one Singapore dollar (65¢) for the MRT and S$1.40 for the bus. (For the latest fares and routes, visit www.smrtbuses.com.) — VIVIAN WILDER, San Francisco, CA

On an 8-day, July Dalmatian Coast tour, I enjoyed just being lazy! From Trogir (in Croatia) I headed south, seeing Hvar, several places on Korcula and a couple of smaller islands. There were lots of opportunities to swim, hike and bike. I even attended a wine-tasting in Prizdrina! — SAMANTHA SARTAIN, Colorado Springs, CO