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San Diego resort deal for Del Mar horse-racing fans

San Diego resort deal for Del Mar horse-racing fans

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Monterey Bay Aquarium's 'Open Sea' focuses on migrations

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Software that spots fake online hotel reviews? Bring it on!

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Napa resort: Room + wine tastings + $50 credit for $199

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Mongol Rally, Day 5: Three countries, more troubles

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Mongol Rally, Day 4: Will visa woes mean the end of the road?
Soda and stories at the Dr Pepper Museum

Soda and stories at the Dr Pepper Museum

By Jay Jones, Special to the Los Angeles Times

Mike Moss is one of the few soda jerks who knows what a customer means when he hollers, "Shoot me a Waco!" Sure, it's a small city along Interstate 35, about halfway between Dallas and Austin, but for...

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.

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Magic Johnson live

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See Melissa d' Arabian

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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

Fairs and other travel activities

Mendocino County Fair Wine Competition, Big Bear Art Fair, Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival, Concorso Italiano and Vail Soul Music Fest.

5:05 PM PDT, July 26, 2011

HOPLAND, CALIF.

Mendocino County Fair Wine Competition

When, where: Aug. 5, Jeriko Estate Winery

Highlights: For the 35th year, vintners and experts gather to determine the wine region's best. In addition to the juried tasting competition, there's a farm-to-table dinner featuring the winning vintages.

Cost: $75, including the farm-to-table dinner

Info: (707) 468-9886, http://www.mendocinowinecompetition.com

BIG BEAR

Big Bear Air Fair

When, where: Aug. 6, Big Bear City Airport

Highlights: A family-friendly celebration of all things aviation includes up-close inspections of vintage warbirds and a sneak peek at the latest technologies.

Cost: $2; $1 for ages 11 and younger

Info: (909) 585-3219, http://www.bigbearcityairport.com/airfair

SAN FRANCISCO

Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival

When, where: Aug. 12-14, Golden Gate Park

Highlights: This festival draws crowds eager for live music, art and a diverse selection of food and wine. Headliners this year: Muse, Phish, Arcade Fire, MGMT and the Decemberists.

Cost: $85 for a single-day ticket, $199.50 for a three-day ticket.

Info: http://www.sfoutsidelands.com

MONTEREY, CALIF.

Concorso Italiano

When, where: Aug. 19, Laguna Seca Golf Ranch

Highlights: During Monterey Auto Week, celebrate all things Italian, including fashion, music, food and wine. Nearly 1,000 Italian cars go on display.

Cost: $130

Info: (425) 742-0632, http://www.concorso.com

VAIL, COLO.

Vail Soul Music Fest

When, where: Aug. 19-21, Ford Amphitheater

Highlights: The second annual event presents soul musicians, R&B singers and slam poets. There'll be artist Q&A sessions, a music-themed pub crawl and a fan appreciation day.

Cost: Check website for details. Multiple-day and VIP tickets also available, as are lodging packages at Vail Cascade Resort & Spa.

Info: http://www.vailsoulmusicfest.com

—Avital Binshtock

travel@latimes.com

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