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TSA worker stole watches, debit card from LAX bags, officials say

TSA worker stole watches, debit card from LAX bags, officials say

Photos: Flying Turns toboggan coaster under construction at Knoebels

Photos: Flying Turns toboggan coaster under construction at Knoebels

Flying Turns roller coaster: Will we ever get to ride this replica of a relic?

Flying Turns roller coaster: Will we ever get to ride this replica of a relic?

Bay Area: SniqueAway snips rates at Stanford Park Hotel

Bay Area: SniqueAway snips rates at Stanford Park Hotel

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Reader photos: Summer vacation 2011

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Your photos of Hawaii

Your photos of Hawaii

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Is Machu Picchu reaching its peak?

Is Machu Picchu reaching its peak?

By Christopher Reynolds

Yes, but the timelessness of the Incan ruins still overwhelm.

A look at Cuzco, the Sacred Valley and the train. View "The path to Machu Picchu, part 2"
Exploring the town, the mountain and the ruins. View "The path to Machu Picchu, part 1"

In Peru's Colca Valley, a birdwatcher's paradise

In Peru's Colca Valley, a birdwatcher's paradise

By Sarah Karnasiewicz

Gigantic hummingbirds are among the feathered wonders.

Tweets from the Los Angeles Times Travel staff.

Spotlights from the Los Angeles Times

40% off a seminar

40% off a seminar

$238 for a 1-day Dale Carnegie Training seminar ($398 value).

See Susan Feniger

See Susan Feniger

On 9/4, she'll host 'Street Eats' at The Taste. Get tix now.

Comic-Con covered

Comic-Con covered

Get the best snaps and stories from Hero Complex headquarters.

Magic Johnson live

Magic Johnson live

Get tickets now to see the Laker legend in intimate conversation.

Today in Events »

Long Beach Coin, Stamp & Collectibles Expo
Long Beach Convention Center
Open Borders summer music and art festival
Borders Books and Music
Hollywood Forever Cemetery walking tour
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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Photos: 21 oldest roller coasters in the world

Bizarre and unusual destinations around the world

Bizarre and unusual destinations around the world

Airline travel then and now

Airline travel then and now

Photos

Paris: Luxury hotels in the City of Light

Paris: Luxury hotels in the City of Light

New museums in Amsterdam, Rome and Paris

New museums in Amsterdam, Rome and Paris

Odd events around Europe

Odd events around Europe

Europe

British Airways reduces business airfares to London

British Airways reduces business airfares to London
Monschau, even lovelier the second time around

Monschau, even lovelier the second time around
Glory restored in London with St. Pancras renovation

Glory restored in London with St. Pancras renovation
Florence, Italy, undergoes a new Renaissance

Florence, Italy, undergoes a new Renaissance
A French region's first-class glass

A French region's first-class glass
New museums to marvel over in Amsterdam, Rome and Paris

New museums to marvel over in Amsterdam, Rome and Paris

California

Hiking where locomotives once chugged

Hiking where locomotives once chugged

San Francisco's Valencia Street on bicycle

San Francisco's Valencia Street on bicycle

On a pilgrimage to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest

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The West

Something to sing about on the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad

Something to sing about on the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad

11 micro-itineraries for Long Beach, San Pedro and Catalina Island

11 micro-itineraries for Long Beach, San Pedro and Catalina Island

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Eccentrics, dreamers and seekers flock to Crestone, Colo.

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Travelzoo: $1199 for a 7-night Thailand tour package incl. air from LA
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Travelzoo: 5-night getaway to Barbados including airfare for $399
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Travelzoo: $59 for oceanview room at all-inclusive Cancun resort
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A Sentimental Nuptial
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