To get cheap flights to Baltimore/Washington International you generally need to play a game of chance. If you book six months ahead you'll probably pay around £550 rtn, but if you are prepared to wait until a few weeks before travel, the price can drop as low as £189 rtn. To get the cheapest airline ticket you may have to fly via New York or Boston.

Shopping:

Recommended Stores - The Gallery at Harbourplace is a spectacular five story shopping precinct and features seventy upmarket shops and places to eat. The Gallery is connected to Harbourplace by a skywalk which then connects to two European style pavillions . Here there are a further 125 specialist shops, side cafes and restaurants.
Best Buys - Clothes and Accessories.
Opening Times - 10.00 to 21.30 hrs Mon - Sat, 12.30 - 18.00 Sun.
Shopper's Tips - for real bargains go to Music Valley, where the factory stores have over 65 brand names direct from factory outlets.

Sightseeing Attractions:

Baltimore Maritime Musuem - this museum exhibits the last remaining Coast Guard cutter 'Taney', a warship surviving from the attack on Pearl Harbour. Other exhibits include the U.S submarine 'Torsk ' and the lightship 'Chesapeake' that marked the shoal known as Seven Foot Knoll. Adults $15.00.

B&O Railroad Museum - a magnificent 1884 Baldwin Roundhouse exhibiting the finest American railroad collection. Adults $5.00.

Fort McHenry National Monument & Historic Shrine - This fort was at the centre of the repulse of the British in 1814. Open daily. Adults $2.00.

Maryland Science Centre and Planetarium - is Maryland's oldest research facility and is still dedicated to the study of cosmology, physics and mathematics. It is also the central point analysing information from the Hubble space telescope.. The centre has an IMAX theatre which features many state of the art films. Admission is free.
Baltimore Musuem of Art - is the showcase for famous twentieth century artists and includes works by all the famous impressionist painters.

Harbour City Tours - see the city from the harbour - call (410) 254 8687 on arrival.
Crabbing on Chesapeake Bay - take a fishing boat and catch crabs with just a line and bait - great city views and great crab for dinner.

Recommended Entertainment:

Theatre - Morris A Mechanic Theatre brings you the latest touring musicals, drama and dance performances .

Opera - Baltimore Opera Company often staging works by Wagner and Puccini. The Peabody Conservatory of Music presents artists and students performing symphonies, operas and recitals.

Night Clubs - the city has a variety of clubs so ask for recommendations at your hotel.

Sports - Baltimore has a whole range of sporting activites including national Baseball, Basketball and hockey events.

Bars - there are numerous options, but the Fells Point area is worth checking out for traditional pubs and bars.

Discos -there are pleny of discos, the best being located at the better hotels.

Others - Baltimore Symphony Orchestra stages traditional and contemporary works, by composers such as Wagner, Mozart and even Marvin Hamlisch.

Eating Out - Baltimore has a wealth of restaurants from traditional to international style cuisine. The Little Italy area features the very best of Italian cuisine. A recommended restaurant is Phillips Harbour Place, ESPN Zone, Inner Harbour.

Recommended Specialalities: Chesapeake seafood, especially the crab. Gratuities - It's a custom to tip in hotels and restaurants and you may find that some restaurants will add this to your bill. For a full listing see the recommended amounts below: -

Tipping - Baby Sitter 10-15%, Barber/Beautician 15%, Bartender/ Waiters/Waitress 15%, Bellman/Skycap 50 Cents-$1 per bag. Chambermid $3-$5 per week, Cloakroom 50Cents per coat, Delivery/Room Service $10-15%, Doorman $1 to call for taxi, Golf Cart Attendent $1 per cart, Masseur/Masseuse 20%, Parking Attendent/Valet $1, Shoe Shine 50 cents, Taxi Driver 15% (25 cent minimum).

Local Transport :
* There's a good interconnecting network served by buses, water taxis and Greyhound coaches. Prices are reasonable and on a par with American cities.
* Taxis - need to be pre-booked and charge a flat rate from $1.25 per mile.
* Water taxis in the inner and outer harbour - all day ticket $5 adults/$2 children.

Driving around town:
Please observed the driving laws which are much as per the UK. All passengers must wear seatbelts and children under five should be strapped in car seats. The speed limit varies from 15-65 mph and you must give way to any police, emergency vehicle or any vehicle showing a flashing light. Drinking and driving is strictly prohibited and carries tough penalties. In Baltimore nearly all the roads are one way.