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July 2009

07

Affordable Europe

Given the economy, the number-one question I’ve gotten lately from people is whether to go to Europe or not. It’s true that many people will put off their trips for another time, but millions of globetrotters — who see exploring our world as a way of life — will find a way to keep on traveling.

Airline survey

Fun and games at ITN!

I took 10 pieces of paper, each 2 inches by 3 inches, and wrote on them, individually, the numbers 0 through 9. Folding them, I put them in a box and, with my eyes closed, drew them out, one at a time.

Out came 8-3-4-1-7. The ZIP code closest to that belonging an ITN subscriber was 83406, home to Stephen Marano in Idaho Falls, ID. Out next came 0-2-5-9-6. The ZIP code of an ITN subscriber closest to that was 02601, held by Joseph Sposta in Hyannis, MA.

How to save big on your next cruise

For years the cruise industry was a sellers’ market, with more eager passengers than cabins. But with the global economic crisis, many passengers are staying home, the cruising fleet is overbuilt and sellers are desperate for your business. This is good news if you can afford to go cruising, and at some of the discounts available you may be surprised how cheap it is.

In this column, I’ll describe how to research your cruise and some of the unusual discounts available. Throughout I will give examples on how to use the tools involved and have a great cruise at a great price.

Ghana goodie

Marlene Smith’s great article on Ghana (May ’09, pg. 6) included “A Guide to the Cuisine,” and that brought to mind a favorite recipe shared with us by missionary friends who served in Ghana for 13 years. It’s quick and easy to prepare.

LORELYN KOEHLER

Orange, CA

Ghana ground-nut stew

1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed. (May substitute another vegetable.)

Cell phone pluses

In his April ’09 column, Rick Steves referred to “the stringent US rules on limiting liquids on flights.” I would point out that he neglected to specify that those rules apply to carry-on bags, not checked.

In the same article, he wrote about the necessity of traveling with a cell phone. I use a Mobal phone (888/888-9162, www.mobal.com). I hate it for the hard-to-read screen and exposed buttons but love it because I pay only for time used, with no minimums per year.