Reading Donna Pyle’s article about Devon and Cornwall (Feb. ’17, pg. 18), I noticed that she mentioned the possibility of joining the UK’s wonderful National Trust (www.nationaltrust.org.uk) for £63 (near $79). A joint membership costs £105 ($132).Americans can, instead, join the National Trust’s US partner, The Royal Oak Foundation (New York, NY; 800/913-6565, www.royal-oak.org), for $65, single, or $95, dual. Membership in Royal Oak carries the exact...

While I’m a firm believer in traveling as light as possible and have my own favorite ways of accomplishing this, I have a few comments regarding Rick Steves’ article in the December 2016 issue.Rick wrote, “Take one pair of practical shoes.” Depending on the length of the trip, I usually take three pairs.I wear my sturdiest, heaviest shoes on travel days, so those don’t need to be packed. I take an additional pair of comfortable walking shoes to change off or in...

Marilyn Adelman’s note (Dec. ’16, pg. 30) about the possible unanticipated negative ramifications of travelers giving small gifts directly to children rang a bell with me.A year or so ago, I had the privilege of meeting the director of a nongovernmental organization (NGO) that provides support to needy schools around the world and in its home country of France.The name of the organization is Ennéa World (www.ennea-world.org). The website is in French, but the director...