On course: It'll cost you to get cozy.

OVERSEAS CAR RENTAL Q I'm trying to rent a car in Paris, but am having trouble with some complicated arrangements. Are there local companies that offer international car rental?

A Most of the big car rental agencies -- Hertz, Avis, Europecar.com, etc. -- have offices in major European cities, but there's a company based in Portland, Maine, that's highly recommended by several local travel agencies. Autoeurope.com (1-800-223-5555) acts as a consolidator for a number of car rental agencies throughout Europe. They also offer discounts on airfare and hotels.

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.

JIM BUCHTA

Haiti's island neighbor Hoping to vacation in the Dominican Republic this winter? You can. The country wants travelers to know that its hotels, airports and resorts are open for business and operating as usual. Although the DR shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, the small country -- one of the Caribbean's more popular tourist spots -- was unaffected by the earthquake. But if tourists stay away, it could be swept up in the island's woe. "Some travelers who have not been there before don't understand the geography," says Vanessa Welte, spokeswoman for the DR Ministry of Tourism. "Others are seeing the 24-7 TV coverage and want reassurance."

Many relief workers and supplies are entering Haiti via the southwest DR, but the resort areas, cruise port and airports tourists use far to the north and east are unaffected. Dominican Republic-bound tourists should check with their travel providers and make a decision, considering whether they feel it is ethical to be vacationing when others are suffering or worth it to help support the DR's economy at this critical time.

MCCLATCHY NEWS SERVICEE

KERRI WESTENBERG

American ups fees American Airlines passengers may want to bundle up -- or bring their own bedding -- the next time they fly. Starting May 1, the airline will no longer offer free pillows and blankets on select flights "because we are always evaluating all aspects of our business to ensure that decisions are prudent and strategic for the long-term success of the company," said spokeswoman Andrea Huguely. Passengers traveling in the main cabin on all domestic flights more than two hours long can buy a pillow and blanket pack for $8. The sets will also be available for purchase on flights to and from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America. The pack will consist of a blue fleece blanket, an inflatable neck pillow and a Bed, Bath and Beyond coupon for $10 off a $30 purchase. JetBlue and U.S. Airways also charge for blankets. And in other AA-nickel-and-diming news: Starting this week, the carrier will charge passengers $50 to fly standby on domestic flights as well as to Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada. Premium passengers (business, first-class, military fares, etc.) are exempt from the fee.

WASHINGTON POST

Wabasha's happy old men Don't be fooled by the name; the 17th Grumpy Old Men Festival this Saturday in Wabasha, Minn., will be fun. Beginning at 11 a.m. visitors can check out activities at various local sites, including hockey, ice fishing, cribbage, Frisbee, karaoke and a Mississippi River "grumpy" water plunge. On Sunday a showing of the movie "Grumpy Old Men" and a poker tournament will be held. (1-800-565-4158; www.wabashamn.org)