Letters: Inside tips to Oceanside

Inside tips to Oceanside

Although I commend Irene Lechowitzky on her selection of Oceanside [“Easy Breezy,” July 6], I wish to mention what I consider two major omissions or oversights.

On Saturdays and Sundays, there are four Metrolink trains that travel between Oceanside and Union Station. The fare is only $10 for all-day use on any Metrolink train. This means you could travel to and from Oceanside from Ventura, Lancaster, San Bernardino and all points in between for only $10. This is certainly much cheaper than the $28 one-way fare on Amtrak from Union Station. Also, there wasn’t any mention of the fine local bus service to and from the station.

Old Mission San Luis Rey, about five miles from the train/bus station, is a must visit for any traveler to Oceanside.

Hope this information might prove useful. Really enjoy reading the Sunday Travel section of The Times.

George Pallas

Tujunga

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Oceanside is “rough around the edges”? Well, yeah, parts are. But remember, Oceanside is English for Del Mar. And by the way, the French fries at Hello Betty are amazing.

Tony Foster

Oceanside

A good Samaritan

On the Spot [“When an Accident Involves a Rental Car,” by Catharine Hamm] on July 6 reminded me of this: In Germany, our airport rental car died near a remote village late on a weekend afternoon. In this small town, nothing was open, and we couldn’t find anyone who spoke English. Hungry and frustrated, we were rescued by a pleasant local prostitute, who took us for pizza, then drove us to a nontourist motel/inn, where we camped until we could contact Avis.

Avis responded promptly, providing a replacement car from a distant town, which allowed us to continue our trip. We’re Avis fans forever after our adventure.

Mike Steiniger

Encino

Full story on cruises

Why would a responsible newspaper have a deck headline on an article [“Bargains Aplenty on High Seas,” by Sherri Eisenberg, July 6] that says, “If Cabins Need Filling, Cruise Lines Often Cut Prices Within 90 Days of Sailing”? Especially knowing that many readers skim newspapers, often reading the larger type and thinking of that headline or sub-headline as the article itself.

As a travel agent, I am often asked about those last-minute bargains people read about. Or they wait to book, only to be disappointed when they finally call.

The reality is that cruises are booking up faster than ever. As a result, families and groups must book almost a year in advance to find the proper accommodations for their needs.

Prices may vary during the ensuing year, but a good agent will check pricing from time to time and can get the lowered fare before final payment.

The article also gave the impression that two people might be able to sail for, say, $179 each on Carnival. This too is not the full story. There are taxes and port charges to be added. You should point this out to potential cruisers.

Cruises are still the best value for any traveler. But like any good agent would do, an article should let readers know about the details for planning purposes.

Bob East

American Travel Bureau

Encino