Q My husband and I are traveling to Lisbon, Portugal, and Lourdes, France, this fall. We will be staying at six hotels. Without placing expensive phone calls to each hotel, is there a way I can find out if they carry the converter for my curling iron?

A Most hotel websites have contact email addresses, which is an efficient way to reach them.

However, I don't like converters. They are heavy, don't always work and sometimes fry your appliance.

Instead, bring an inexpensive "dual voltage" curling iron that has a switch to work on 120- to 220-volt current. Most curling irons and hair dryers have this feature these days, even ones you buy at the drugstore.

Then all you'll have to bring is a tiny $2 travel plug adapter, widely available at travel shops or online stores.

Q Can I bring a cake through airport security?

A Yes. But not if it has gravy on top.

Here is a Transportation Security Administration reminder of which vittles you can bring through security lines and which you have to pack:

Permitted: solid food such as cakes, pies, bread, doughnuts, turkeys, sandwiches, hard cheese, apples.

Not permitted (so put it in your checked luggage wrapped securely, or leave it at home): cranberry sauce, creamy dips and spreads, gift baskets that include liquid or gel food items like salsa, jam or salad dressing; gravy, jams, jellies, maple syrup, oils and vinegars, sauces, soups, wine, liquor and beer.


For more on what you may and may not bring aboard an airplane, see www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/prohibited-items.

American Airlines insurance update

Q I believe you gave the wrong information in a recent column about getting trip insurance that covers financial default for American Airlines. As a travel agent, I sell Travel Guard insurance, and their (alert) list says they will not cover American, which is in Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

A Coverage is available. Although some firms like Travel Guard and Travelex exclude American Airlines Airlines from such coverage, other travel insurance companies like Travel Insured and MH Ross still offer it.

Linda Finkle, executive vice president at MH Ross, said if someone bought a policy today that includes financial default coverage and AA doesn't fold within 14 days, they're covered.

When buying any trip insurance, ask the agent to confirm coverage for your particular travel supplier.

Today's column comes from Ellen Creager of the Detroit Free Press.