Know, go

Animals are welcome at many California venues. Let one man’s dog clue you in to his favorite places to stay and play.

Each week in “Readers Recommend,” the Travel section shares tips on hidden gems in the U.S. and abroad.

Go for megapixels, carefully consider zoom and memory. And carry plenty of batteries.

Here is a listing of cruise lines and their vessels.

My friend Mike once shared with me this wisdom about traveling overseas: When you’re done packing, take out half your clothes and put in twice as much cash.

States and many U.S. territories have tourism offices to help visitors.

If you’re planning to go abroad in the next few months and you don’t have a passport, here’s my advice: Get it now.

Looking to help, or to broaden their life experiences, Americans sign up for volunteer work here and abroad.

Following is a list of selected national and international airlines that offer flights out of major cities in the United States.

The wealthy might like the $50,000-a-week villa that sleeps 31. And a free sofa may be a good fit for the frugal.

Equipped with a few words of Urdu or Greek and some humility, a traveler vastly improves the chances of engendering goodwill.

Frugal travelers who agonize over a $20 difference in airfares often think nothing of spending twice that to get to and from the airport.

Major lodging companies’ phone numbers and websites are listed below.

This list of visitor offices was provided largely by the California Division of Tourism.

Find out about scenic and historic sites as well as programs, fees and directions to California’s national parks, monuments and recreation areas: Alcatraz Island, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Ft.

As has become the norm, rail travelers enter this year regretting some losses but happily anticipating some gains.

Americans determined to go to Europe can (gulp) pay big or follow some simple money-saving strategies.

The good news for nonsmokers: At least six states and hundreds of cities have followed California’s lead and banned smoking in most public indoor areas, including restaurants and hotels.

Regional carriers are a cheap way to see Asia and Europe. But be sure to read the fine print.

For tourist information on select foreign destinations, contact the government offices below.

Want great rates when you travel? Take Grandma or Grandpa along.

Equipped with a few words of Urdu or Greek and some humility, a traveler vastly improves the chances of engendering goodwill.

Three months ago, Monrovia residents Jim and Amy Emett bought a $142,000 Winnebago and took off for Prescott, Ariz., on a little shakedown tour.

On vacation, it’s perfectly OK to relax and not get a single thing done. But there’s no reason for guilt. You’re busy living.

Ace (800) 243-3443 https://www.acerentacar.com Advantage (800) 777-5500 https://www.arac.com Alamo (800) 462-5266 https://www.alamo.com Americar (no central toll-free number) https://www.americar.com Auto Europe (800) 223-5555 https://www.autoeurope.com Avis (800) 331-1212 (800) 331-1084 international https://www.avis.com Budget (800) 527-0700 https://www.budget.com Dollar (800) 800-4000 (800) 800-6000 international https://www.dollar.com Enterprise (800) 325-8007 https://www.enterprise.com Europcar (877) 940-6900 https://www.europcaramericas.com Europe by Car (800) 223-1516 https://www.europebycar.com Fox (800) 225-4369 www.foxrentacar.com Hertz (800) 654-3131 (800) 654-3001 international https://www.hertz.com Holiday (800) 729-5378 https://www.holidaycar.com Kemwel International (800) 678-0678 https://www.kemwel.com National (800) 328-4567 (800) 227-3876 international https://www.nationalcar.com Payless (800) 729-5377 https://www.paylesscarrental.com Renault Eurodrive (888) 532-1221 https://www.renaultusa.com Rent-a-Wreck (800) 944-7501 https://www.rentawreck.com Sixt (888) 749-8227 https://www.sixtusa.com Thrifty (800) 847-4389 https://www.thrifty.com

A few pointers for disabled travelers to increase the likelihood of a problem-free trip.