We’ve reached into our overflowing mail bag to personally answer your questions.

Dear Mr. Greenberg

I was lucky enough to wake up early this morn and tune into your radio show on WIOD, in Miami! It was a pleasure listening to you and your callers. I am hoping that you might be able to direct me in the right direction on this situation …

I am a single woman and would like to do some traveling. Could you suggest any tours etc that might interest me? I am open to leaving September or October. I would prefer the United States as I am from Florence, Italy, and would love to get to know the States. I would prefer the West, if possible, but any location you suggest would be greatly appreciated.

Grazie Mille,
Giuliana M.

There are several outfitters that lead tours throughout the U.S. Opting for a packaged tour takes the pressure of dealing with transportation, accommodations and meals, while providing you with built-in travel companions (usually a good mix of solo travelers, families and friends). Because it’s nearing autumn, touring the western part of the country is a great idea, as you can enjoy the good weather while it lasts.

While we can’t endorse any one company over another, here are a couple of options that may suit your needs:

If you’re interested in an active vacation, Backroads offers outdoorsy excursions through western and southwest United States. A biking and hiking trip through Arizona and Utah will take you through three of the country’s great national parks: Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park and the Grand Canyon. A six-day biking trip through New Mexico takes you through Santa Fe and Taos. You get to explore the state’s national parks and bike trails, and you’ll catch some of the most beautiful sunsets in the country. 800-462-2848, www.backroads.com

If you’re interested in a women’s-only tour, check out Adventurous Wench. An upcoming trip in October features five days in San Francisco and Napa Valley. You can explore the hilly city, tour vineyards and wineries during harvest season, hike along the coast and soak your sore muscles in the famous spa town of Calistoga. 866-419-3624, www.adventurouswench.com

Please give me more information about traveling around the world by freighter. You said on the radio [that] only about 20 passengers are booked per ship [and] the food is good. Please point me in the best directions. I have all of next year to begin my adventure. Also, [is there] a company named Windjammer used to have an around the world trip by sailing ships? Do they or anyone still offer such? And another … can I provide expertise with a conventional cruise company, in a study/lecture modality to reduce cruise costs? So many questions. So little time.

RMC

You’ve hit upon one of our favorite topics … taking the slow boat. There are several freighter companies out there that can take you on voyages that rang from two weeks to a whole year! The average price for traveling by freight ship is about $100 a day. And yes, the meals are considered to be quite good, if a little heavy on the meat and potatoes and light on the vegetables.

Most cargo ships can accommodate several guests, but chances are you’ll mostly be living and eating with mostly crew members. Modern freighters are typically clean and comfortable with large cabins, and often include an exercise room and even a small pool. The thing to remember is that traveling by freighter is nothing like taking a luxury cruise: You may only stop in ports for a few hours, and there are no tour guides to lead you around. Also, most cargo ships require that passenger have a statement of good health signed by their physician, and keep in mind that there no doctor on board.

The company Freighter World Cruises has a 102-day around-the-world trip between April and August. You may visit France, Tahiti, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, Singapore, and much more on this trip, which starts at $12,500. 800-531-7774, www.freighterworld.com

Maris Freighter Cruises offers many travel options, including a 42-day Panama Canal trip, with stops such as Panama, Colombia, Peru, Chile and winding back to Florida, Baltimore and New York. The rate is about $117 a day. 800-996-2747, www.freighter-cruises.com

We were unable to find any around-the-world trips by Windjammer, and are unaware of any programs that would allow you to apply your expertise in exchange for a reduced rate. Have a wonderful adventure!

Dear Peter,

I missed your piece this AM but heard about your advice. Where do you get the annual medical evacuation insurance and what is the price point?

Thanks for your help.

John H.

Thanks John. Besides insurance providers that offer this type of service, you can also find companies that specialize in medical evacuation.

MedJet Assist, for example, offers annual memberships to residents of the U.S., Canada, and Mexico that allow subscribers to travel outside of their home countries for up to 90 consecutive days will full medical evacuation coverage, with no transportation cost limitations. An annual membership with MedJet Assist will run you $225 for an individual and $350 for a family. Three- and five-year memberships are also available at prices of $615 and $950, respectively, for an individual. 800-527-7478, www.medjetassistance.com

Alternatively, you can check with your travel insurance company to find out if they offer evacuation coverage. AIG TravelGuard, for example, offers both standard medical insurance as well as medical evacuation coverage. Evacuation services include air transport and transportation to the nearest adequate medical facility. If your condition warrants it, TravelGuard will transport you back home. Annual coverage starts at about $185 per person. 800-826-4919, www.travelguard.com

Dear Peter,

I love the information you give out on the Today show and was really pleased when I discovered I could listen to your show on CKLW (AM800), in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, on Saturdays.

I’ve lived in Windsor for 11 years, but my parents and brothers live in Nairobi, Kenya. I would love to see my elderly parents on a frequent basis, about every 2 to 3 years and also take my son along so he gets to know his grandparents.

I am quite frustrated with trying to find reasonable airline tickets to Nairobi, Kenya from Detroit, Michigan (this is the nearest international airport to us, Detroit Metro Airport, DTW).

Any suggestions you can give me, would be most appreciated.
Thank you so very much.
Yours sincerely,
Nahidah M.

Hi Nahidah,

Because you’re traveling to Kenya to visit family as opposed to touring the country and going on a safari, your best bet is to travel during the low season. Between April and June, temperatures remain moderate, but you may see some heavy rains. Also, book your tickets mid-week for lower prices–and flying midweek should help prices, too.

We checked a few sites and found the following fares for a round-trip flight from Detroit to Nairobi in mid-May:
Kayak.com: $1,631
Cheapflights.com: $1,180
Sidestep.com: $1,546
Farechase.com: $1,546
Mobissimo.com: $1,632

Good luck with your travels!

If you want to “Ask Peter” a question, write us at info@petergreenberg.com. Remember, we’re not travel agents, so don’t ask us to plan your vacation. And don’t forget, you can “Ask Peter” LIVE on the air on Saturdays.