Camping Comforts

For those who like the idea of camping but don't own a tent or RV, Kampgrounds of America (KOA) provides the perfect solution--Kamping Kabins. An innovative leader in full-service campgrounds, KOA has more than 500 locations nationwide, 95 percent of them offering the cozy log structures. The simple cabins (often priced at less than $40 a night) have wood-frame beds with mattress, lockable doors and electric lights (in most areas). They also may have heating or air-conditioning. Guests just need to bring sleeping bags or bed linens and basic kitchen items to cook over the outdoor fire grate. The newest wrinkle in the KOA system is Kamping Kottages, which boast a kitchenette with dishes and utensils, a dining area, sleeping quarters for up to four people, and a bathroom with shower.

The KOA directory is available at KOA campgrounds or send $3 to: KOA Directory, (TravelAmerica Magazine), P.O. Box 30558, Billings, MT 59114-0558; www.koa.com.

Maryland Mountains

In western Maryland, the town of Oakland celebrates the fall foliage season with its 33rd annual Autumn Glory Festival October 12-15. Featured will be railroad excursions, fiddle and banjo contests, parades, Tall Tale Festival, glass blowing tours, a tournament of bands, and antiques, crafts, and collectibles. For information on this and other fall vacation ideas in the Deep Creek Lake area, contact the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, (301) 387-4386. For a free vacation packet, call (800) 800-5557 or key into www.visitdeepcreek.com.

Fast Lane

Hate to wait? Florida's Walt Disney World theme parks have a new FASTPASS system designed to reduce the time visitors spend waiting in line. The system is featured at several of the parks' most popular attractions, including Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, Jungle Cruise, and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh at the Magic Kingdom; Test Track and Honey I Shrunk the Audience at Epcot; Star Tours and Voyage of the Little Mermaid at Disney-MGM Studios; and Countdown to Extinction, Kali River Rapids, and Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney's Animal Kingdom. It is free to all guests.