Red Carpet Treatment

In response to Susan Spano’s column (“Ah, Those Travel-Writer Perks--Let’s Start With Paranoia and Secretiveness,” Her World, May 26): Just the opposite can work wonders. Several years ago my friend and I were having major problems with a local tour operator in Nairobi, Kenya. When I casually asked if I would be receiving the same shabby treatment if I were a travel consultant, the doors opened to a whole new experience. Arrangements were made to keep my hotel room for a late-night checkout, a limo delivered us to the airport, and we received a wonderful basket to tote home our African souvenirs, plus an invitation to tea in the tour operator’s lavish home. We enjoyed every minute.

RUTH NEEDLE

Santa Monica