TRAVEL Q&A Kronor or euros? Q What is the official currency of Sweden? I'm traveling to Stockholm this fall and everything is priced in kronor, but having been there before, I've noticed that many shopkeepers also use euros. Is there an advantage to using one or the other?

A The Swedish krona is the official currency of Sweden, and the one that will be universally accepted in shops across Stockholm. In fact, a representative I spoke with at Visit Sweden (www.visitsweden.com) expressed surprise that shopkeepers deal in euros: "Maybe you can use euros at the airport and for taxis from the airport," but that would be about it, she said. Perhaps you've been to Sweden more recently than she, who is based in New York, or you naturally visit places inclined toward tourists, which would also be inclined to accept euros. Further Web research reflected your experience: You can sometimes pay in euros in Stockholm. Still, if you pay with euros, you may get kronor for change, and you may as well start and end the transaction with the Swedish crown (but feel free to bring any euros from your change bin).

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.

KERRI WESTENBERG

COMING UP

Check out a Wildlife Refuge National Wildlife Refuge Week Oct. 11-17 celebrates the richness of the 550 units that make up the National Wildlife Refuge system. And it's a great opportunity to find an outdoor family event near you, or on your travels. The refuge system includes more than 2,500 miles of land and water trails. There is at least one National Wildlife Refuge in every state and one within an hour's drive of most major cities. Wildlife Refuge Week includes activities such as the Big Sit, a nationwide bird-counting effort, and several fall-themed events, including one at Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge outside Detroit Lakes, Minn.

CATHERINE PREUS

REAL DEAL

Travel now, stay free later Travel in the fall, get a free night of lodging over the holidays. Country Inns & Suites by Carlson is offering a free night of lodging for travelers who sign up for the Free Night Fall Promotion. Stay two or more nights before Nov. 30, and enjoy a free night later on a stay of two nights or longer. Participants will receive a voucher for a free night to be used between Dec. 15, 2009, and Feb. 28, 2010. For details, go to www.countryinns.com/Fall2009.

CATHERINE PREUS

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Andrew Zimmern speaks Talk of the Stacks, a free author series exploring contemporary literature and culture at the Central Library in downtown Minneapolis, will feature Andrew Zimmern (world traveler, food columnist, culinary expert, TV personality and chef) on Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. Zimmern will discuss his first book, "Bizarre Truth: How I Walked Out the Door Mouth First ... and Came Back Shaking My Head." His new show, "Andrew Zimmern's Bizarre World," debuted this fall on the Travel Channel.

REAL DEAL

Ski free in Jackson Hole Spring Creek Ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyo., is offering a ski-free package, with savings of more than 50 percent. The deal starts at $87.50 per person a night (double occupancy) and includes accommodations, up to two lift tickets per day at Grand Targhee Resort or Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, daily breakfast for two at the Granary restaurant, and free shuttle to town and the Jackson Hole resort. Valid late November-April 1. Taxes of 6 percent are additional. Info at www. springcreekranch.com.

WASHINGTON POST

SIDE ROADS

More ways to see the leaves Enjoy the fall foliage during Leaf Spectacular, an annual celebration in Taylors Falls, Minn., that runs through Oct. 11. Sightseers can take in the views during walking tours, hiking or camping in Interstate State Park and canoeing or relaxing on a riverboat cruise on the St. Croix River. Historic Folsom House tours will also be offered. (1-800-447-4958 or 651-465-6315 or 651-465-3125).

COLLEEN A. COLES