There also are seasonal packages, which can be found on the Web site or by calling Colonial Williamsburg at (800) 541-2225.

Besides Colonial Williamsburg, there's a Williamsburg site that includes a lodging guide and descriptions of all there is to see and do in the area.

I'm planning a trip to Indonesia. I understand that Bali is always safe, but what about other parts -- Sulawesi and Lombok in particular?

Lombok and Sulawesi have not made the U.S. State Department notices that call attention to demonstrations or violence, but would-be visitors should continue to monitor the advisories because the Indonesian political situation remains unsteady.

A June 11 State Department announcement says: "On June 7, 1999, Indonesia held peaceful parliamentary elections in most parts of the country. However, the political and economic situation remains unsettled and will likely continue to be so as the election results become known, political coalitions are formed, and a new president is selected before the end of 1999. Demonstrations and unrest are possible throughout Indonesia in coming months. American citizens should consider carefully whether to travel to Indonesia during this period. Those who do should exercise prudence and common sense, and avoid demonstrations and other situations that could turn violent."

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Adventurers and many independent travelers will regard that advice as overcautious; others will consider it reason enough to go to Thailand instead. As for Bali, I've noticed a slippage in assurances that there is no risk there. The June 11 notice now says "although demonstrations in Bali have not affected tourists, serious unrest has occurred in isolated areas and is possible elsewhere on the island."

For a different perspective, check the travel reports posted by the British Government's Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Regarding Bali, it says simply: "There have been a few minor incidents in Bali, but tourism has not been affected."

The British Indonesia advisory includes: "British nationals are advised not to travel to Ambon and Maluku Province or to West Kalimantan (West Borneo) which has been subject to serious rioting and violence recently. Non-essential travel should be deferred to the area around Lhokseumawe (North Aceh) where there have been violent clashes. Particular care should be taken in Irian Jaya where an independence movement is active. The situation in East Timor is volatile and potentially dangerous. We advise British nationals to defer all non-essential travel to this area. Permits are required from the police to travel to Irian Jaya (except Jayapura and Biak) and East Timor.

"The economic crisis, sudden unemployment and deprivation are hitting Indonesia hard. This has led to an increase in street violence. There has also been ethnic and religious rioting. British nationals are advised to remain vigilant, monitor the television and radio news and keep clear of crowds. Up-to-date advice can be accessed via the home page of the British Embassy in Jakarta."

I'm interested in doing Las Vegas with as little cigarette smoke exposure as possible. What are my chances of success?

Smoking remains commonplace in Vegas, but the odds for nonsmokers have improved in the showrooms, hotels and restaurants.

In early 1991, the Silver City Casino became the first Vegas casino to adopt a no-smoking policy, but it didn't last. Even so, many of the city's resort-casinos have taken less-drastic steps in that direction.

The big resort hotels accommodate nonsmokers with entire floors of no-smoking rooms; all you have to do is ask. Smoking is generally prohibited in the showrooms. In the dining rooms the host always has just two questions: "How many in your party?" and "Smoking or non?"

Although some of the casinos have space devoted to nonsmokers, the casino floor is where nonsmokers have the hardest time avoiding fumes. It seems like every time I've sat down at a video poker machine, some cigarette-puffing patron parks right next to me. The Nevada Casino Dealers Association has been pursuing a class action on behalf of nonsmoking dealers. What's worse for nonsmokers is that cigars have a greater presence than ever, and the cigar smokers embrace this freedom with a vengeance.

For statistics on air quality inside a casino in 1995, check out a report on casino smoking in the travel section of the Los Angeles Times.

Where can I get information on sizable hot-air balloon events in the United States?

The giant of the hot-air balloon world is the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta scheduled for Oct. 2-10. Last year an astounding 873 balloons took part in this event.

Scores of hot-air balloon festivals occur each year, but you'll find that many of them have 20 or fewer balloons. Organizers tell me that corporate sponsors of balloons -- those that emblazon their logos on the balloons' bulging sides -- don't like to have too many in one rally. They don't want their message to get lost in the crowd. For a schedule of rallies around the United States this year, visit the Hot Air Balloons USA Web site.
salon.com | June 17, 1999

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