From the Q&A mailbox:

Question: Lynn asks, My daughter and I are looking at colleges in northern California and Oregon next month. We would like to combine sightseeing and looking at four schools in San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Corvallis and Eugene. Is there help we could get in arranging this? Thanks.

Answer:  College planning is an exciting time and we’re happy to help you combine sightseeing with your trip. The route pictured, from Santa Barbara north to Eugene,... Read More

We are frequently asked for information on what documentation is needed for traveling internationally with children. Although I normally make my husband fill out all the paperwork, here's some additional tips.

First, the required information: All U.S. citizens regardless of age must have their own passport if they are traveling internationally, even to Canada and Mexico.   A Passport Card can be used for auto and ship travel to Canada and Mexico from the U.S. but AAA recommends a passport in... Read More

     We’d never been to South America so when the opportunity came to visit Peru this summer, I was very excited and a bit nervous. We set off in June loaded with a pharmacy-worthy collection of pills and gels and a wardrobe of brand new dry-fit clothing suitable for the wilds.  Peru turned out to be a dream destination:  jaw-dropping sights, amazing food and wine and incredibly warm people.  I can’t possibly fit two weeks’ worth of experiences in one short blog  so I’ve attempted to cover the highlights. If you want more detail on anything or would like... Read More

Question: Melissa Famiglietti asks: I am a member of AAA who has never used this service to book travel. Recently, I won a trip from a radio station from Boston to Milan, Italy! I am very excited about the free tickets, but also very nervous about booking the travel and hotel stays. My sister and I will only be there for a little over a week, but wanted to know the best way to see Milan, Lake Como, Switzerland and France on somewhat of a budget.

Answer: Renuka Sastri, AAA Publishing marketing manager says: Your AAA travel professional can... Read More

Question: David S. asks: We are planning a trip to Alberta Canada and visiting the Canadian Rockies this August; anything you can tell us about the Rockies would be most helpful. Also I believe there is an overnite train w/a glass top.

Answer: AAA travel publishing manager Renuka Sastri, who took this trip last summer, says: August is a wonderful time of the year to visit the Canadian Rockies area. There are a number of options that you could follow:

The no-drive option: Take a tour - The Rocky Mountaineer, the train with the glass dome top... Read More

Question: Cher G asks: Does AAA have an agent/service in San Francisco that will obtain a visa for travel to China on a member's behalf?

Answer: AAA Travel's Lynda Gwynn says: Many AAA offices do provide travel visa processing for China and a number of other countries in addition to passport services, international driving permits and other travel documentation. Depending on the type of visa you are looking for and the speed with which you wish to obtain it, there are varying processing fees for the service. Your local AAA office can provide you with additional detail. In San Francisco, the local AAA office asked that we direct you to our partner Travisa located at 41 Sutter St. # 214, San Francisco, CA 94104. Telephone:415-837-0771.

Question: Mike M. asks: My daughter is traveling out of the country on vacation with another family. Do you have a sample letter or can you give me an idea of what the letter should say. I am told that the family should have a notarized letter giving them permission to take our daughter with them. Answer: Renuka Sastri, who travels frequently with her children answers:  We recently used such a letter when I planned a trip for our children. You can paste the text below into a Word document and have it notarized at a local Kinko’s or any place that offers notary services. You will need a new... Read More