While on a Princess cruise from Copenhagen, Denmark, to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, we stopped in Falmouth, England, on Sept. 25, ’05. I had confirmed reservations for a rental car from Europcar. However, since this was on a Sunday, I was informed that after I arrived at the agency, I was to call and someone would meet me and provide the keys to the car.

After the agent let us in, I was told that in addition to the £71.08 (near $126) for the car, there would be an additional charge of £...

For those who fervently believe that “less is more” and “smaller is better,” we recommend Hebridean Island Cruises, Ltd. (Griffin House, Broughton Hall, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 3AN, England; phone 44 [0] 1756-704704 or visit www.hebridean.co.uk).

This English line operates two ships. We cruised on the Hebridean Princess in 1994, 1998 and 2000 and on the Hebridean Spirit in 2002 and in October ’04. Described best as “floating country house hotels,” they offer the special...

I had wanted to visit Yemen for some time. Barbara Wagner of Lost Frontiers (Fairfax, CA; 888/508-2454 or www.lostfrontiers.com) assured me the trip was safe, and I signed up for a December ’04 tour ($3,650 for 21 days).

I found Yemen to be a very exotic and friendly destination. We had a wonderful time traveling from Sana’a to the desert around Wadi Hadhramawt and the Empty Quarter, then to the Red Sea coast and the city of Taizz. We finished with trekking and village/family visits...