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Drawn back to Venice

I so enjoyed Susan Spano's article on Venice ["Veni, Vidi, Venice," July 13].

She did a wonderful job of bridging the fabulous history of the city with a modern viewpoint. She made me want to pack my bags and go back to that charming jewel of a city.

--Jina Bacarr, Huntington Beach

In praise of travel saviors

God bless Catharine Hamm for her well-written piece in support of travel agents ["Cruise Control," On the Spot, July 13]. With 30 years in the business, I almost wept with appreciation.

Another benefit of a good agent is someone to help you out after you've left. Many is the time we've worked day and night to change itineraries, hotels, rescue those stranded by hurricanes and other unexpected events and in general be on call 24/7 to assist our clients.

To paraphrase a movie line, "In cyberspace, no one can hear you scream."

--Mark Anderson, La Jolla

Hamm did an outstanding job of answering a reader's question on how to book a cruise.

However, I take exception to her closing remarks. "If I set sail again, I'll use an agent . . . because, frankly, he or she (or it) will offer to help. And when was the last time anybody else in the travel industry bothered to do that?"

Having traveled to more than 100 countries, I find 99% of the people in the travel industry positive and upbeat and extremely helpful.

--Jim Morrow, Culver City

Plan ahead and save some cash

Regarding "Be Ready to Pay" [Readers Recommend, July 13], we travel often all over Europe and never have any problem with currency. Here's why: We buy enough of the local currency for our arrival day before we leave (say $300), and then simply use our ATM card to withdraw cash from our U.S. checking account in the local currency.

To avoid fees, which are still cheaper than currency exchange rates, find out whether your home bank has corresponding banks in the countries you plan to visit -- this information is available online -- and make sure your ATM card will work abroad.

There should be no fees for withdrawals from the corresponding bank, and you get your bank's daily exchange rate, the best value by far.

--Peter Rutenberg, Westwood

Bet on dining in Del Mar

As a 22-year resident of Del Mar, I was surprised to read the dining recommendations in Robert Hilburn's article ["In the Money at Del Mar," July 13].

Anyone who stays at either the Hampton Inn or L'Auberge will have many great food choices -- all within walking distance.

There are also 27 restaurants listed in the Del Mar Village directory.

--Anne Farrell, Del Mar