Travel writer Rick Steves is offering two European itineraries for families this summer.
While teenagers are welcome on all tours offered by Steves’ Edmonds-based company, two tours being offered this summer will accommodate kids as young as 8.
“Family Europe in 14 Days” begins in Rome, continues elsewhere in Italy, travels through Austria and Switzerland, and ends in Paris.
Departures are June through August; some are already full but others are still accepting bookings. Rates for adults are $3,595 plus airfare, with a $200 discount for children 8-17.
A second tour, “Family Paris &the Heart of France in 11 Days,” which begins and ends in Paris, is full but putting families on its waiting list.
Steves’ family tours were first offered in 2006.
Details at www.ricksteves.com/tours (click on “Family tours”).
Streaming Webcam of Old Faithful on line
Yellowstone National Park has launched a live, streaming Webcam focused on Old Faithful.
The real-time webcam provides full motion video of Old Faithful Geyser, as well as other geysers located on Geyser Hill.
A five-minute audio message plays with the live video stream, providing information about various hydrothermal features in the park.
Viewers may also observe wildlife and park visitors as they wander into the range of the webcam.
Park officials caution that the streaming Webcam is still experimental, especially in the harsh environment of a typical Yellowstone winter, and may not work at times.
To see the webcam, go to www.nps.gov/yell and click on “Photos &Multimedia.”
Chicago offers free city guide for the disabled
Chicago is offering a new free guide for visitors with disabilities called “Easy Access Chicago.”
Basic visitor information for city attractions such as Millennium Park, Navy Pier, Wrigley Field and the Sears Tower are all in the guide, along with details on accommodations such as ramps and elevators, handicapped parking, Braille signage and assistive listening devices, and accessible bathrooms, counters and ticket windows.
Other tips include how to get a 21-day pass for paratransit services or arrange free guided tours for visitors with disabilities through the Chicago Greeter program, which offers 40 special interest areas and 25 neighborhoods to choose from (details at www.chicagogreeter.com or 312-744-8000).
“Easy Access Chicago” can be ordered by mail at no charge from the Illinois Bureau of Tourism at 800-226-6632 or by visiting www.enjoyillinois.com. It can also be downloaded in a PDF format from www.easyaccesschicago.org. You’ll find the link near the bottom of the welcome screen.
Travel + Leisure lists 10 places to stretch dollars
Are the economy and the weak dollar putting a crimp in your vacation plans?
The Web site for Travel + Leisure magazine is offering an online report on the 10 best places to stretch a weak dollar at www.travelandleisure.com.
On the list are Eastern Europe, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Vietnam, South America, the Mediterranean, Mexico, the Bahamas, Western Europe’s rivers via river cruise, and London.
The Web site advises shopping for vacation packages that include airfare, meals and activities. Recommended in particular are Continental Vacations (800-301-3800 or www.covacations.com).
Associated Press
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