Recently in Ask IT Category

My father and I are heading out to Alaska's Aleutian Islands next week while I work on a story for the magazine; it's one of the more remote places in the country, and also happens to be where my grandfather was stationed during WWII. We wanted to take Grandpa with us, only there was one problem. He's dead.

Grandpa lived a long, full life and died three years ago now, but his ashes are still in an urn in my uncle's house. "Why not scatter some of them in Alaska while you're there?" my aunt suggested, and, while it seems like a fitting place to do so, I had one major concern. Would TSA let ashes through security, or would I have to FedEx Grandpa to Alaska? This was not a prospect I savored. Luckily, TSA responded quickly to my question.

Lauren Gaches in their press office got right back and said yes, Grandpa can come on the plane, as long as he's well-behaved. Which means the ashes must be in a container (preferably wood or plastic) that can go through the X-ray scanner. The screeners on hand are respectful of the deceased, she said, and don't need to open the containers, but it depends on your airline as to whether they allow ashes to carried on board in a checked bag or carry-on. So it's best to touch base with them beforehand about their preference. She also directed me to their website, where you can find TSA's policies for transporting the deceased. I just called my airline, and they confirmed TSA's guidlines, noting that their requirement specify that a death or cremation certificate is needed to verify the container's contents.

So that's one big huge check on my checklist taken care of, and a tremendous relief at the same time. Thanks to TSA and Delta for their help. 

Photo: √oхέƒx™ via the Intelligent Travel Flickr pool

Want to know more about something in the magazine? Have a burning travel question that needs an answer? Just Ask IT! Today's question comes from a reader wanting to replicate our columnist's African safari -- on horseback.

Q: I read the article "Africa From the Saddle" by Boyd Matson, in the July/August issue of Traveler. How do I learn more about this trip?  -- Ramona

A: Micato Safaris arranged the trip for me. They are one of the best for custom Africa trips or package tours in east and southern Africa. Their main U.S. office is in New York City, and the couple who started the company and are still very active in the operation live in Kenya. Their son, Dan Pinto, is the main guy in New York who can arrange for the trips. Happy travels! -- Boyd Matson

Want more Africa advice? Check out our Africa Travel Planner for more resources on arranging your own safari.

Photo: Demetrio Carrasco/Jon Arnold Images Ltd/Alamy

A recent IT post on the June 1st implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative that ups the ante on what documents U.S. citizens returning from travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean are now required to show prompted the following question from a reader:

Q: I am planning on going on a cruise this August with my husband. My passport is in my maiden name. Would that be sufficient documentation or do I have to change it? Where would I change it and how long will it take?

A: First off, congratulations on your recent marriage! I'm assuming you're heading off on a cruise this August to Mexico or perhaps one of the 17 nations categorized as the Caribbean by Customs and Border Protection. If you're returning to the U.S. by air, you'll need a valid passport. If you're heading back by sea or land, you'll need a valid passport or passport card.

Also, you should change the name listed on your passport to your married name. Also, be sure your tickets for travel (the cruise, any flights involved) are reserved under your married name (to match your new passport). I'd work with your airline and cruise company to be sure your tickets match your new passport and list your married name.

Now, the nitty gritty of changing your name on your passport: If your old passport, the one that lists your maiden name, was issued less than one year ago, you need to send your valid passport, form DS-5504, a complete copy of your marriage certificate, and two recent photos to the National Passport Processing Center in Philadelphia whose address is listed on form DS-5504. There is no fee to change your name on a passport issued less than a year ago unless you need to expedite it.

Q: I am a faithful subscriber to Traveler and need some direction. We will be attending some performances in Tanglewood in July 2009. We're looking for accommodation "with heart" at $200-300 per night, near sights and restaurants. Sincere thanks. -- Joy

A: Thanks for your support. Hoping that Traveler has steered you to some world-class experiences. Lucky you: The Berkshires is one of my favorite places on Earth! Gorgeous scenery, great folks, intriguing shops and cafés, plus seriously memorable culture. If you are a fan of the dance, look into the offerings at Jacob's Pillow.

I am going to recommend two widely different places to stay--both on Traveler's 2008 STAY LIST of hotels. I suggest that you depend on their tremendous hotel staffs to steer you to see/do/eat options.

For a trendy mix of old and new try The Porches Inn in North Adams, MA (www.porches.com). Or for pure New England quaint opt for the Red Lion Inn, in Stockbridge, MA (www.redlioninn.com).

Wishing you happy trails,

Sheila Buckmaster
Senior Editor, National Geographic Traveler

Have a question for Traveler? Feel free to Ask IT. 

Photo: The Tavern at the Red Lion Inn, by Kristian Septimius Krogh

Reader Andrea Torres recently wrote us asking about how to best plan for a trip to Argentina. She wondered what items she should bring for an excursion to the Perito Moreno glacier. Senior editor Norie Quintos, who was there a couple of years ago, answers:

"The vast majority of travelers visit Argentina's spectacular Perito Moreno glacier on a several-hour guided excursion. Your tour operator will provide ice crampons and other specialized equipment you may need. Your job will be to dress in non-cotton layers such as wool or fleece or polypropylene, which keep you warm even when wet. Pack a nylon jacket as a windbreaker. You'll also want to wear some water resistant trekking shoes or boots. Gloves and a ski hat are unnecessary for summer treks but a must for the winter (North Americans should remember that the seasons are reversed in the Southern Hemisphere). A small backpack can keep your camera and extra layers from falling into a crevasse. Other essentials are sunglasses (with strap) and lip balm.

A knowledgeable local booking agency, such as Patagonia Calling, can give you more specific advice and help you pick the best excursion for you."

Got Questions? Ask IT.

Photo: The Perito Moreno Glacier, by Heather Bays via the Intelligent Travel Flickr pool.

In response to our recent post about holiday hotel deals in the Big Apple, reader Amy wrote asking what to do when she gets there:

I will be going to NYC on 12/13. My daughters and I plan to do very touristy things, but I would also love to catch a holiday concert. I'm thinking of small choral groups or instrumental ensembles in smaller venues (not Carnegie Hall-style). Are there any recommendations on where I can find this information?

So we asked associate editor Susan O'Keefe to go to her sources, and she found two great spots... find them after the jump.

We recently got a letter from a subscriber looking to find an item from the "Goods to Go" section of our City Life department. He writes:

In a recent National Geographic Traveler there was an item about a Finnish artist who made ceramic vases that looked like a piece of birch. Sadly I recycled the magazine but would now like to purchase that item. Any help in finding out who the artist/company was?

Absolutely! The artist is Maarit Mattanen, who specializes in creating authentic Finnish handicrafts, including the raku ceramic vase which appeared in our September issue. Her work can be found at www.keramiikkapaja.fi.

Photo editor Carol Enquist, who wrote the piece, first spotted the vase while on a recent trip. "When I saw it it was on display in shop the vase was holding fresh birch leaf cuttings," she says. "I just thought it was so beautiful."

Got questions? Ask IT!

Photo: Via the Maarit Mattanen website

ASK IT

Reader Pauline Mankoff wrote the Traveler staff a few weeks back, asking for any advice or help we could offer her for her upcoming, but yet-to-be-planned, trip to Ireland with her children and grandchildren—eight travelers in total. The family doesn’t currently have a computer or Internet access, and with seven weeks and counting until the presumed departure date, Team IT came to the rescue. 

“We want to fly into Shannon, in mid- to late-August, for eight to ten days,” she told our researchers over the phone. Mankoff herself has already visited Dublin, and would like to show the kids the “the historic sites, the genuine Irish culture,” she explained.

Okey dokey. A lofty assignment for this first installment of Ask IT, but we were all over it. Mankoff told us she was looking for inexpensive lodging and budget and family-friendly activities. “Nothing luxurious,” she warned.

So here you have it, Mrs. Mankoff. You asked for IT, you got IT.

Getting there:
Because the family is based near New York City, flying to Ireland is a cinch. Delta offers non-stop service from JFK to Shannon, with a total flying time of less than seven hours.

Getting around:
Bus Éireann's tours average around $30 per adult (or $20 for students and seniors) for a day trip and include itineraries through spectacular scenery, like the Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher (pictured), Bunratty Castle, and more.

What to do:
Many of Ireland’s most authentic sites are free or have only a nominal entrance fee, from castles and churches to prehistoric sites and hiking and biking trails. Plot your itinerary at DiscoverIreland.ie, where you can hopscotch by county through Ireland’s offerings.

Where to stay:
Remembering Mrs. Mankoff’s words, (“budget, budget, budget!”) IT recommends the family find a vacation rental, first and foremost. And don’t city-hop too much. Not only will that add transportation costs, most vacation rentals are more economical the longer you stay. Plus, in rural Ireland, eight people lugging ten days' worth of luggage would be an unnecessary pain.

But in which city? We’ve offered up a few suggestions (Cork, Dingle, Galway), all located within three hours (by train or bus) of the Shannon airport. Choose wisely.