Dear Heloise: After graduation from college, my two girlfriends and I want to backpack through Europe. The problem is that we need to stay in some very cheap places (other than park benches). Any suggestions?-Ashley H., Boulder, Colo.
Ashley, the first thing to check on are hostels. Many of them are clean, modern and cheap accommodations. A unique option is monasteries, which usually have reasonable rates, but they all have curfews. There are a number of other possibilities, so check them out thoroughly, and good luck!-Heloise
Jamaican Lottery
Dear Heloise: Have you heard about the Jamaican lottery scam? It might be a phone call or an email that alerts you that you have won an unbelievable amount of money. Do not give out any financial information-in fact, DO NOT respond. When you respond, they target you for more scamming tricks.-Pearl K., Dudley Gap, W.Va.
Handy Hint
Dear Heloise: To keep my earrings together and in one place, I bought a nuts-and-bolts box with lots of small drawers and hung it in my closet. Now it's easy to find what I want, and they have a place of their own.-Kaysene M., Orange, Calif.
Home Security
Dear Heloise: Most break-ins occur between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. through ground-level windows and doors, so check both window and door locks, and add window bars for extra security. You can also add security cameras or motion detectors. If you can afford a security monitoring system, all the better. If you are home while a burglar is trying to get in, go to a neighbor's house or a store nearby and call the police. Tell them there is a robbery currently in progress. Your safety is your first priority.-Janet S., Waco, Texas
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