TRAVEL Q&A

Q I am taking my 10- and 12-year-old sons to Los Angeles at the end of August. I wanted to take them to Universal Studios Hollywood, but the tickets are $69 each. What's more, I've been told at this time of year we need to get Front of the Line passes because it's so crowded. Those tickets costs $129 each. Can you suggest a less expensive way to experience behind-the-scenes Hollywood?

A There's no doubt that Universal Studios is pricey. That's because in addition to the studio tour, the ticket price also includes general admission to their amusement park. I'd suggest the Warner Bros. VIP Studio Tour. Kids ages 8 and older are welcome and it costs $45 for a tour that lasts just over 2 hours. Then I'd head over to Grauman's Chinese Theater to check out the footprints of movie stars dating back to the 1920s. It doesn't cost a penny, unless you want to have your photo taken with one of the characters -- Mickey Mouse, Darth Vader -- trolling the area for tips.

Answers to travelers' questions appear in Travel weekly and every Monday at startribune.com/escapeartists; send your question by e-mail to travel@startibune.com.

ELIZABETH LARSEN

TAKE THIS

If you want to serve your community, you can get a free hotel night in return. Sage Hospitality Group will give you a free hotel night, or 50 percent off your stay, when you complete eight hours of volunteer community service. The offer is valid for travel through Dec. 20 at 53 U.S. hotels, including the Blackstone in Chicago and the Oxford Hotel in Denver. Advance reservations are required. Details at www.sagehospitality.com (click on "specials").

MCCLATCHY NEWS SERVICE

ON DECK

Crystal Cruises is offering "Celebration Savings," which includes discounts of up to $1,500 per person, plus shipboard credit of varying amounts. The deal is valid on most fall sailings in the Mediterranean, South America, the Amazon, New England/Canada, the Caribbean and across the Atlantic. For example, the 12-day Venice-to-Barcelona cruise aboard the Crystal Serenity starts at $4,515 per person double and includes a $1,000 per passenger shipboard credit. The brochure rate was $9,575. Information at 1-888-722-0021, www.crystalcruises.com.

WASHINGTON POST

REAL DEAL

Looking for a late-summer destination? Consider visiting some of the resort towns best known for skiing. Many of the West's most popular winter destinations offer lots of warm-weather activities, with lodging up to 40 percent off what you'd pay in the winter. The Ski.com website offers summer packages at a number of resorts in the West, including Lake Tahoe, Vail and Whistler. Details at http://SummerMountainTravel.comor call 1-800-556-7547.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

ON THE HORIZON

An exhibit of the works of Andy Warhol during his final years begins its national tour at the Milwaukee Art Museum Sept. 26 and runs through Jan. 3, 2010. "Andy Warhol: The Last Decade" shows the artist developing and transforming his style and technique. The exhibit includes nearly 50 works lent by private collectors and museums. Several large-scale works 25 to 35 feet wide punctuate the exhibition.

SIDE ROADS

Stiftungsfest, Norwood Young America's annual Founders' Festival, highlights the town's long German history through music, fun and food Aug. 28-30. Enjoy an eclectic mix of music performed by Die Fidelen Kirchheimer of Germany, and local bands Hairball, Kevin Lange and the Mississippi Drifters and others under the Big Tent and in the beer garden. Attendees will also enjoy cultural exhibits, a 5K run/walk, a worship service, arts and crafts, and more. Admission is $4, or $10 for all three days (952-467-1812; www.stiftungsfest.org).

COLLEEN A. COLES