I have no prejudices against any airline. My brother-in-law is a cabin attendant for United and tells apocalyptic stories of the non-USA flights. There's one, he claims, where they choose the stewardesses only based on their appearance and give them no training other than how to wait on the customers. Consequently (still his story) when there is an accident the passengers have to figure out for themselves how to get out of the plane, frequently rescuing panicked stewardesses. It goes to show you how much I worry about that. I cannot remember the name of the airline.

Thanks, Kat, for those sites. I know about Boots n' All. I always thought that was the best way to travel but I have to agree with Liz on the fares. I too am poor. It will take a hell of an effort to save the money for this trip and then I will be traveling on a shoestring. Next winter I will post a thread begging for beds and breakfasts in exchange for music and gifts from the Pacific Islands.