During a 4-day stay in Amsterdam in July ’05, we took a day tour to Marken and Volendam, picturesque fishing villages less than an hour from town.

At $33.50 per person, our tour was arranged by ITB (Amsterdam; phone +31 20 305 1365 or visit www.itbholland.com. . . or contact their U.S. representative, Virtuoso Travel, Ft. Worth, TX; 866/401-7974, www.virtuoso.com).

It took place on a beautiful summer day. Highways followed the dikes, and beyond these large mounds covered by...

We asked readers to tell us what they buy at duty-free shops and why. Are there true bargains? Do the prices and selection vary in different countries? With the new airport security regulations, how do you handle your purchases? What advice can you offer? Below are replies received. If you have more to share, write to “Duty-Free Shopping,” c/o ITN, 2116 28th St., Sacramento, CA 95818, or e-mail editor@intltravelnews.com (please include the address at which you receive ITN).

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Since my wife, Barbara, and I had previously planned to visit the famous Saturday market in Otavalo, Ecuador (90 kilometers north of Quito), we opted to use Hotel Ali Shungu (www.alishungu.com) for a 4-day January ’06 stay and do day trips from there.

Located within town but on the edge of the business district toward the northeast corner, the Ali Shungu is at the corner of Quito and Miguel Egas. It is operated by a couple of expats, Frank and Margaret. Doubles were $40 (don’t forget...