Travel Q&A: Keeping in touch from Europe

TRAVEL Q&A E-mailing from EuropeQ My husband and I are planning a trip to Italy and Greece next summer, and we would like to bring along a small communications tool so we can keep in touch with parents and children by e-mail. What would you recommend?

A Because you seem more interested in e-mail than phone calls, I'd skip carrying any electronic device. Instead, pop into Internet cafes, which are popular in both Italy and Greece. You'll get doses of culture and caffeine while connecting to your loved ones. Some hotels have computers you can use for a fee. Just be sure you can access your e-mail account via the Internet; Earthlink, Yahoo and Hotmail are all Web-based.

If you really want something you can carry around, get a smart phone, but keep several things in mind. You probably will need an international roaming and data plan for overseas coverage. You could incur roaming charges when the phone checks for incoming messages (automatic roaming for data can be turned off; ask your service provider for details). Also be aware that you will be charged for incoming calls even if you don't pick them up, so it may cost a pretty penny to get that solicitation for the upcoming school bake sale. Smart travelers check cost and connectivity thoroughly with their service providers before bringing a smart phone to Europe.

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

KERRI WESTENBERG

The cost to board earlyAmerican Airlines last week announced the launch of its "Express Seats" program, which lets travelers pay extra for the first few rows of coach, including bulkhead seats. If you pay the fee, which ranges from $19 to $39 depending on the length of the flight, you'll also have the privilege of boarding in Group 1. You can buy the seats through the airport's self-service check-in machines anywhere from 24 hours to 50 minutes before your scheduled flight for travel within the United States, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Elite frequent fliers and full-fare ticketholders can still snag those front-row seats for free. Passengers can already pay $10 per flight for Group 1 boarding.

WASHINGTON POST

MCCLATCHY NEWS SERVICE

Sunlight at your fingertipsJoby Gorillatorch Flare, a superbright flashlight/warning light/strobe light, comes with bendable plastic legs that can wrap around all kinds of objects so the light can be directed precisely. At the ends of the legs are powerful magnets that stick firmly to metal surfaces. To operate through the three brightness levels, you simply push the single button. Keep going, and you activate the strobe, then a static red light and finally a blinking red light. The Flare is fantastic camping gear, able to illuminate an entire campsite or light up your tent like your living room. But beyond that, anyone having to do work outside at night will love its 100 lumens. Cost: $34.95; get it www.joby.com or look for it in stores.

MCCLATCHY NEWS SERVICE

Making a splash in New UlmHead to Riverside Park in New Ulm, Minn., Friday and Saturday for family activities and live music during the River Blast Festival. Plenty of water activities will be offered on the Minnesota River, including a water rally, fishing, boat rides and canoeing. Other activities include arts and crafts, camping and a bike ride in the Minnesota River Valley (1-888-463-9856; www.riverblast.org).

COLLEEN A. COLES