Beware San Marino

Suggest that your readers do not give in to the irresistible urge to visit the tiny country of San Marino, an enclave in northeast Italy. The prices are prohibitive for lodging and food, and the road to the peak and the historic sites is paved with more dreadful gift shops than any place I have ever seen. Crowds of visitors are brought in by bus after bus for a day’s outing. It’s a duty-free country, but buy your collector stamps at a local stamp shop. It will be far cheaper.

IRIS HAINES

West Covina