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Allegiant cuts Long Beach-Las Vegas airfares

Allegiant cuts Long Beach-Las Vegas airfares

How new TSA body scans will work

How new TSA body scans will work

Chain-reaction rescue killed three at Yosemite

Chain-reaction rescue killed three at Yosemite

Search continues for missing Yosemite hikers

Search continues for missing Yosemite hikers

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Reader photos: Summer vacation 2011

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Something to sing about on the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad

Something to sing about on the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad

By Jay Jones

In summer, some excursions in the Rockies of south-central Colorado include a concert in a mountain meadow amphitheater.

Glory restored in London with St. Pancras renovation

Glory restored in London with St. Pancras renovation

By Carolyn Lyons, Special to the Los Angeles Times

The St. Pancras hotel, closed in 1935, reopened this spring as the St. Pancras Renaissance.

Tweets from the Los Angeles Times Travel staff.

Spotlights from the Los Angeles Times

77% off UFC Gym

77% off UFC Gym

$29 for 1 month of fitness classes from UFC Gym (reg. $125).

See Giada De Laurentiis

See Giada De Laurentiis

Get tix to The Taste where Giada will host Picnic in the Hills.

Sherwood Schwartz legacy

Sherwood Schwartz legacy

Learn about the 'Brady Bunch' home and TV show's creator.

Magic Johnson live

Magic Johnson live

Join an intimate audience when Plaschke talks to the Laker icon.

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Long Beach Coin, Stamp & Collectibles Expo
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Hollywood Forever Cemetery
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Letters: Paris viewpoints; airlines and pricing transparency; Travelers Aid

July 24, 2011

Susan Spano's article ["So You've Seen Paris," July 17] brought back wonderful memories. In 1995, we (my husband and another couple) rented a delightful apartment at 21 Rue du Cherche-Midi for a month. Big hotels were not yet part of that landscape.

But tell me, is Poilâne still at No. 8 on Rue du Cherche-Midi? What a joy to buy a baguette or a lovely large boule at the best bakery in the world. Thanks for the memories.

Shirley Porter

Sunland

Editor's note: There are several Poilâne bakeries in Paris, and the one on Rue du Cherche-Midi is still open.

It was shocking to see Spano claim that mid-range rooms were now over $250. To check this out, I visited the website of my favorite Paris hotel, the College de France, in the Latin Quarter. I was relieved to find I could still book one of their superior rooms with a balcony for $169, including taxes. There is a McDonald's nearby that is convenient for breakfast.

Tim and Cathy Morris

Long Beach

Try the Derby Eiffel Hotel in Paris. We stayed there for about $100 a night.

James Walton

Fresno

Airlines and price transparency

The U.S. airlines support 100% pricing transparency and believe customers should know exactly what they are buying before they make a purchase. The Internet and a fiercely competitive aviation industry ensure such openness.

Airlines adapted their business models to build closer relationships with their customers and to meet demand for providing the lowest fares possible while also enabling customers the option to pay for products and services that they value. The "Rule Would Help Track Fees" story by Jane Engle [More for Your Money, July 10] neglects to mention that the airline industry has invested millions of dollars in new and upgraded technology that enables these customized offerings.

Airlines compete on customer service and have been working hard to provide a tailored shopping and booking experience based on individual preferences in order to win more business.

John Heimlich

Air Transport Assn.

Washington, D.C.

A sad goodbye to Travelers Aid 

In response to "Travelers Aid Society Is Grounded at LAX" by Chris Erskine [July 3]: The Travelers Aid program has been at Los Angeles International Airport for more than 61 years, and I have enjoyed being a Travelers Aid volunteer for more than 10 years. Now the Board of Airport Commissioners has decided it can do the job better.

So, why have the commissioners copied our uniform, our format, asked for our resources and asked our volunteers to train their "VIP" volunteers?

What an insult! Shame on them.

Mary Steinberg

Los Angeles

Travel calendar of the West

Summer events include San Diego's Sea Chantey Fest, the Wanderlust Festival in North Lake Tahoe, the Fig Fest in Fresno and Pescadero's Arts & Fun Festival.

July 24, 2011

SAN DIEGO

Sea Chantey Fest

When, where: Sunday, Star of India Maritime Museum

Highlights: The annual celebration of traditional songs of the sea takes place aboard the Star of India, the world's oldest active ship. A crew demonstrates shipboard skills and attendees help raise the sails.

Cost: Free with museum admission ($14; $11 for seniors and ages 13 to 17; $8 for ages 6 to 12; free for kids 5 and younger)

Info: (619) 234-9153, http://www.sdmaritime.org

NORTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF.

Wanderlust Festival

When, where: July 28-31, Squaw Valley USA

Highlights: Wanderlust brings together yoga, nature and music (Michael Franti headlines) for a holistic festival. There will also be theater performances, lectures and dancing under the stars.

Cost: Prices vary; check website for details.

Info: http://www.squaw.wanderlustfestival.com

FRESNO

Fig Fest

When, where: Aug. 13, Cal State Fresno

Highlights: This annual event presents gourmet foods, many of them fig-infused, from the San Joaquin Valley. Live music spices things up.

Cost: $8 advance; $10 at the gate

Info: (559) 243-8600, http://www.californiafigs.com/figfest11

PESCADERO, CALIF.

Pescadero Arts & Fun Festival

When, where: Aug. 20 and 21, IDES Grounds

Highlights: Local farmers, artists, craftspeople and chefs share their wares. Musicians perform and children can head to the "Kids Korall."

Cost: Free

Info: http://www.pescaderoartsandfunfestival.com

— Avital Binshtock

travel@latimes.com
TRAVEL MARKETPLACE
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Highlights

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Bizarre and unusual destinations around the world

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Travelzoo: 60% off all-inclusive Dominican Republic hotel
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Travelzoo: Hawaii fares from the Western U.S. starting at $169
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