In his August ’05 “Far Horizons” column, Randy Keck asked readers to recommend long-haul, single-destination group tours. Most of our organized touring has focused on single destinations.

The Smithsonian features such visits but ordinarily would not meet Mr. Keck’s criterion of a minimum of 21 days.

Archaeological Tours (271 Madison Ave., Ste. 904, New York, NY 10016; phone 212/986-3054 or 866/740-5130, e-mail archtours@aol.com or visit www.archaeologicaltrs.com), on the other...

My friend and I, who both qualify as seniors, first traveled to India in January ’03 for a month. We paid for the car and driver and then just arranged things as we went along, charging hotels and meals. Sometimes we looked at as many as three hotels before we chose one. At other times of the year, it would be best to book in advance.

Arranging for a car and a driver is reasonable. At each temple, historical place or other place of interest, there are always guides who can be hired...

Trimming waist and cost

I have been following the “Money Matters” correspondence with interest (October-December ’05 & Jan. ’06, pg. 92). In the December issue, Edward Lifset (pg. 73) recommends one-dollar bills and a USAA MasterCard; Robert Hersch (pg. 74) found he needed a Visa card in Tahiti, and David Williams (pg. 75) says he prints a currency-rate “cheat sheet” and avoids travelers’ checks.

I do all of the above. However, to avoid tempting pickpockets, I don’t carry...