Following on the “Thoughtful Gift” letter from ITN reader Charles Treadgold (Nov ’05, pg. 44), I offer this.

During the last two years, my travels have taken me on tours to Central and South America. Usually, a half day of each itinerary had us visiting an indigenous village in the jungle. The visit typically followed the pattern of our meeting the native adults and then the children before we adjourned to an area where the tour group viewed various handicrafts that were for sale or...

In the Aragon region of Spain, we spent three days in Benasque, Huesca Province, in July ’05. This lovely town, surrounded by the highest peaks in the Pyrenees, is accessible only by car and provides a very interesting experience. The architecture of the oldest houses is unique, and the area offers trekking and fishing. An excellent restaurant with a breathtaking view is La Llardana (Camino de San Anton, Benasque; phone 974-551-687). Our dinner for three people cost €75 ($90), wine and...

If you are traveling to Russia, here are some things I learned during my trip in October ’04.

Take lots of single dollar bills. You will need them for tips and small items in flea markets and at stalls. But take ONLY new or almost-new dollar bills. The Russians will not accept any money that is torn, crumpled or written on. Since all money is scanned, they prefer new bills. If the bill does not scan properly, it will be given back to you.

The unit of currency in a lot of places...