Should I buy euros at home? Q Is it best to exchange our money here at our local bank or after we arrive in Italy?
A Actually, the best thing is to not exchange much actual cash at all. According to European travel expert and guidebook author Rick Steves, "There's no need to exchange your dollars for euros before leaving for Italy. Throughout Europe, cash machines are the best way for travelers to get local currency. Bring your debit card; if it has a Visa or MasterCard logo, it will work in almost any ATM machine. You'll pay fees, but less than you'd pay to exchange dollars for foreign currency at home or in Italy."
Another avid traveler agrees. Dennis Buster, the Star Tribune staffer who wrote last week's cover story on Venice, changes about $100 into euros before heading to Europe in case he needs cash upon landing, but otherwise gets his spending money at ATMs. (To see his story, go to www.startribune.com and search "Dennis Buster.")
Answers to travel questions appear weekly in Travel and at startribune.com/escapeartists; send your question by e-mail to travel@startribune.com.
KERRI WESTENBERG
WEB WATCH
Overstock.com adds tripsThe e-dumping ground for discounted consumer goodies is adding travel to its offerings. Last week, Overstock.com introduced Overstock Vacations. Users can expect to find 30 to 40 travel deals per viewing. Offerings include four nights in September at the Mamaison Hotel Riverside Prague for $291 per person double and two nights in August at the Hilton Boston Back Bay for $193. But are these good deals? A room at the Mamaison normally starts at $160 a night; the Hilton goes for $269. Be aware that Overstock also bases its rates on two travelers so double the listed deal.
WASHINGTON POST
OVERSEAS TRAVEL
Help with securing visasWhat do Brazil, China and India have in common? All require American travelers to get a visa. And they are not the only countries. Many tour operators obtain visas for their clients, but if you need to do it yourself, a visa expeditor can do the legwork for you. Expeditors charge a fee, commonly about $45 to $90, on top of the cost of the visa, but it's worth it. They also are good at getting rush visas. Some reputable visa expeditors include: Perry International, Chicago (www.perryvisa.com; 1-312-372-2703); Travisa, Washington, D.C. (www.travisa.com; 1-800-766-0608); and VisaHQ, Washington, D.C. (www.visahq.com; 1-800-345-6541).
