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From traveling to Alaska to living for months in Paris

Dear Heloise: This is in response to your published letter from Samantha H. regarding an RV TRIP TO ALASKA with her two boys.

While you gave excellent advice, here is some additional information for her: First of all, this is the trip of a lifetime. Does she plan on using the Alaska Highway (formerly called the Alcan) to go there? I highly recommend it. There are plenty of interesting places to stop along the way, like Liard Hot Springs, which is a great place to rest for a day, or the Sign Post Forest, which will take about an hour to see. The Alaska Highway is not just a road to get to Alaska; it’s an experience in itself.

However, they need to gas up whenever they see a gas station — even if they have half a tank! Gas stations are few and far between. — Judy V., Waynesboro, Va.

Judy, that’s a very good idea to make certain they aren’t stranded in a remote area. To that I would also like to add that an emergency road kit with flares and flashing lights might come in handy. Better safe than sorry. — Heloise

LIFE IN PARIS

Dear Heloise: We want to live in Paris for about six months, just to have that experience. The question is, how do we get started? — Peter and Jim, La Jolla, Calif.

Peter and Jim, first, you’ll probably have to book a place to stay before you go, but I warn you, finding an apartment in Paris is a daunting task! Go online and search every website. You might want to contact an agency to look for a place you can afford. However, do not pay before you go. Get a map of Paris and plan your days around sightseeing and meeting expats in cafes. Be sure you have travel insurance. You can find a wealth of information online, so do your research in advance, and let family know where you are and when you’ll be back. — Heloise

EASY CLEANUP

Dear Heloise: My wife complained when I trimmed my beard because I left a mess in the sink. Now I use newspaper, spread over the sink and counter (one wide, two-page sheet will do). After I trim, I just fold up the newspaper and toss it away. — M.J., Warren, Vt.

DARK ELBOWS

Dear Heloise: My elbows are clean but dark. I hate it! What can I do to lighten them? — Ruth in Minnesota

Ruth, first, use a loofah or stiff body brush with lots of soap to scrub your elbows in a circular motion while you shower or bathe, but do not break the skin. Next, cut a lemon in half and rub on the area for about five minutes per elbow, pat dry and use lotion on your elbows. Repeat if necessary. — Heloise

MEDS BY REQUEST

Dear Heloise: My husband and I keep a file of each of our medications on our cellphones. When at a doctor appointment, we can simply hand the list to the nurse. They appreciate it. — Marie, via email

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Hints from Heloise run occasionally in Lifestyles. Readers may send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE, or email: Heloise@Heloise.com. Letters won’t be answered personally.

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