Better Trips to Take With Tax Refund

It was disturbing to read the three “miser vacation” reports on spending tax refunds (“Miser’s Touch in the Golden State,” Sept. 16). This is money we never expected to have April 15, so after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, we traveled directly to the American Red Cross office and endorsed our refund check so that it could travel to New York and truly be a relief for American workers.

Take the same trip, fellow Americans. We guarantee the experience to be the best.

VINCE and NANCY CASTIGLIONE

Harbor City

*

Why don’t you get real with your weekend getaways?

Travel Writer Christopher Reynolds does a disservice to anyone wanting to come to the beautiful Central Coast for a weekend (“Easy Come, Easy Go on Holiday at Morro Bay,” Sept. 16). You needn’t squander your whole $600 tax refund.

In no way do you have to spend this amount to enjoy the Morro Bay area. Check your AAA book for inexpensive lodging. And $106 for dinner is ridiculous. The Great American Fish Co. in Morro Bay is one of the best and most affordable restaurants in the area.

You can have a wonderful time here for one-third of the cost quoted in the article. The Embarcadero is a great place to stroll, and it is free. A visit to Morro Rock is free. You could buy a kite at a local shop or just visit the seals. Angelenos, please come. It will definitely not cost you $600.

MARY SCHLOTTERBECK

San Luis Obispo

*

Susan Spano’s article “Going for Broke on the Scenic Route to Tahoe” (Sept. 16) left me dumbfounded. Although she mentioned the beautiful scenery along U.S. 395 on the way to Lake Tahoe, she seemed to whine once she arrived at the lake.

I lived at the lake for a dozen years and drove 395 to Los Angeles hundreds of times, always marveling at the magnificent lake and mountains. It is one of the world’s most beautiful sights and deserves more respect.

BETTY FINEMAN

Las Flores