(First of two parts, jump to part 2)

ITN asked readers to write in about how they deal with money and making purchases overseas (anywhere outside of North America and the Caribbean). We asked, “Do you procure some cash of the country you’re traveling to before you leave the States or wait until you step off the plane and look for a bank or automatic teller machine (ATM)? What type of card do you use? Instead of cash or travelers’ checks, do you prefer using credit cards for purchases...

Anne Short (Box 101, Henley-on-Klip, R.S.A. 1962; phone 016 366 0603 or mobile 072 220 8325 or e-mail anneshort2003@ yahoo.co.uk) is a tour guide “extraordinaire.”

On our 20th trip to Africa (our second to South Africa), in April ’05, we encountered this remarkable woman on four occasions whilst on a 2½-week tour. She is a freelance guide who was hired by the group we traveled with. There were several other guides, but they paled in comparison.

Mrs. Short is an Afrikaner...

My wife and I booked a transatlantic cruise on Celebrity’s Galaxy, sailing from Galveston to Civitavecchia (for Rome) in May ’05. The crossing was uneventful, we found it even boring, during the five consecutive days at sea. Except for a complete breakdown in our dining arrangements and a final billing error, the food and service on board were very good, although not up to the standards we had experienced in two previous cruises aboard their sister ship Mercury.

One reason for booking...