The Cathedral of Quito, officially La Catedral, is a not-to-be-missed sight in Quito, Ecuador. The different types of gargoyles, alone, are worth a visit, but for $2 a climb up the towers is an experience which will not be forgotten.

If you have a fear of heights or desire OSHA compliance, you should probably pass on the climb, although an elevator will take you part of the way. The first upper level provides a view from the rear of the cathedral similar to that of a choir loft. The...

I consider myself a fairly canny and frugal traveler, arranging my own trips so that I spend time on the cultural and scenic attractions that interest me and don’t waste money on fancy accommodations I would only occupy while asleep. I thought I had stumbled on a great deal when I received a brochure in the mail in late December ’08 from Holland America Line (HAL) advertising a 34-day cruise, March 17-April 19, from Rio around the Horn and up the coast of South and Central America to San...

On a trip to India, July 5-23, 2008, my daughter and I created our own itinerary, choosing not to travel with a group. However, we did use the services of two India-based travel agencies to help with some of our arrangements.

Rajin Singla of Club Travels Holidays & Adventures (411, 4th Floor, Jaina Tower I, Janakpuri District Center, New Delhi 110058, India; e-mail club@bol.net.in) followed through reliably with everything he promised. He was patient with the changes I made as I...