Italy is a terrific tourist destination, but many of the tours offered hit the same spots and fall into the been-there-done-that category. That’s what makes a new trip from Tofino Expeditions stand out. Kayaking the Italian Lake District is a nine-day/eight-night adventure exploring Lake Como, Lake Lugano, Lake Maggiore and the surrounding villages from the water. Days are spent kayaking placid waters and venturing onto shore for nature hikes or to wander the cobblestone streets of tiny villages. Parts of the trip also venture into the Italian region of Switzerland. There are dates for the trip in June and September, and it’s priced at $4,560 per person, double occupancy. Included are lodging in boutique hotels, meals, all kayaking equipment, support boat and luggage transfers. International airfare is extra. Info: 800-677-0877, http://tinyurl.com/jzykwut
Frequent flier miles made simple
The folks over at Jetsetter.com want to help you with a potentially confusing subject by issuing their Idiot’s Guide to Frequent Flyer Miles. It details the basics for optimizing miles in light of the changes in programs from a distance-based model to revenue-based rewards. The guide notes that Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines are the only major carriers that still award points based on miles flown. It also notes that using credit cards that are co-branded with an airline is a good way to get more bang for your buck as far as points accumulated. But perks offered with those cards, such as free checked bags or priority boarding, may not justify the annual fees for the cards. Check out all of the advice at http://tinyurl.com/zs3btcg.
European tours for DIYers
What’s your pick: independent travel or having your hand held on a tour? Road Scholar has some offerings in Europe that can give you the best of both. These trips combine tours led by local experts with lots of free time to wander the city on your own. An example is Independent Paris: People, Places, Culture, a weeklong exploration of the City of Light. A typical day might include a morning field trip accompanied by an instructor to spend time with the collections of the Musee de l’Orangerie and view works such as Monet’s Nympheas (Water Lilies). The museum also features works by Cezanne, Matisse, Modigliani, Picasso and Renoir. Your afternoon is free to explore on your own, although you can opt for a group outing to the exciting Montmartre section of the city. Pricing for this itinerary is from $1,599 per person, double occupancy or $1,942 single occupancy, which includes seven nights’ lodging, some meals, one expert-led lecture and seven field trips. Prices vary by date, and airfare is extra. Read about this trip and other independent trips at http://tinyurl.com/jlo8ttj.
Phil Marty is a freelance reporter.
