TRAVEL Q&A
All-inclusive cruises? Q I've never been on a cruise and was wondering if there are any that are truly all-inclusive and include alcohol in the price, similar to all-inclusive resorts.
A According to cruise expert Stewart Chiron, the answer is yes -- but it will cost you. That's because the only truly all-inclusive cruises are also the most expensive luxury lines, including Seaborn, Crystal, Regent and Silversea. The good news, according to Chiron, is that these cruise lines are offering dramatic discounts to try to get passengers back on the high seas. For more information, check out www.cruiseguy.com.
Answers to travelers' questions appear in Travel weekly and every Monday at startribune.com/escape artists; send your question by e-mail to travel@startibune.com.
ELIZABETH LARSEN
Real Deal
Free night at some Marriotts Marriott is offering a free night at hotels and resorts outside the United States and Canada. (The deal does include Hawaii and U.S. territories.) At city hotels, the third night is free when you book three consecutive nights Thursday-Sunday. At resorts, the fourth night is free, a deal available daily at most properties. Offer is valid through Sept. 7, although some blackout dates apply. Book by Aug. 21, and request code RR2 at www.marriott freenight.com.
WASHINGTON POST
TRIP TIP
Tour by podcast Before you leave for your next vacation, do an online search for podcast walking tours of your destination. You'd be surprised how many of them there are. They include Rick Steves' tours of Parisian and Italian favorites (www.ricksteves.com) and even a shopping tour of Los Angeles (www.downtownlawalks.com). Don't forget your iPod or MP3 player charger.
ON THE RIVER
Berries and dinner Two tasty destinations await anyone who'd like a drive along the Mississippi next weekend: Pick blueberries at Rush River Produce near Maiden Rock, Wis., and then have dinner at the Cottage in the Corn, above Stockholm, Wis. The blueberry patch opened July 16, later than average because of the cool summer, and picking should be best through Aug. 2, the farm says (but always check before you go). And Taste of Stockholm, an arts benefit on Aug. 1, features tastings of local wine and cheese, dinner and pie. Tickets are $45; go to www.stockholmwisconsin. com/events/events.html. To check on berry picking, call 1-715-594-3648.