TRAVEL LOG.

DATALINE ...

In celebration of the centennial birthday of music legend Duke Ellington, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. perform in the musical "Hit Me With A Hot Note: The Duke Ellington Songbook" on April 11, 7:30 p.m., at the University of South Alabama's Saenger Theatre in Mobile (6 Joachim St.; 334-433-2787). Tickets are $14.50-$27.50 ... From April 16-18, Memphis' historic Beale Street becomes the Republic of Egypt as the city celebrates its annual "Africa in April Cultural Awareness Festival." Planned are exhibits, seminars, arts and crafts, music, dance and theatrical presentations daily from 8 a.m. until midnight. All events are free. Call 901-947-2133.... The 105th Annual Penn Relays, the world's first and largest track relay races, take place at Philadelphia's University of Pennsylvania, Franklin Field, April 22-24. For ticket prices and schedule, call 215-898-6151 ... Get your tickets now for the Wimbledon Championships. Sportsworld International is the official U.S. tour operator for the English tennis championships, June 21-July 4 at the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club, outside London. Prices for land-only packages begin at $675 for one day of tennis and two nights' lodging. Call 800-278-6738.

The ins & outs of car rental insurance

You may not need that extra insurance when renting a car. "Rent with a credit card, and most likely you're covered. You don't want to pay for the same thing twice," says Consumer Federation of America Research Associate Dan Gustafson. Rental agencies offer four types of insurance: loss damage waiver (LDW) or collision damage waiver (CDW); personal liability insurance (LIS); personal accident insurance (PAI); and personal effects coverage (PEC).

These coverage options can add up to $20-$30 daily, so check your credit card and auto insurance policies before renting, advises Gustafson. With some credit card companies (such as Gold MasterCard), this becomes primary coverage if you don't have your own collision insurance. Others may offer secondary coverage. American Express has several levels of coverage for its many card holders. While its personal and small business cards offer secondary insurance coverage, its corporate card offers members optional coverage for a $4 fee.

In case of an accident, you may have to pay for damages and get reimbursed by your insurer or credit card company. Also, remember that your personal insurance rates may go up with a claim.

Beating stress on the road

Travel and stress often go hand in hand, especially for frequent road warriors. "Stress comes from a sense of lack of control and when you travel there are many factors out of your control," explains Dr. Paul J. Rosch, president of the nonprofit American Institute of Stress in Yonkers, New York, and professor of medicine and psychiatry at New York Medical College. Rosch suggests gaining as much control as possible by planning ahead, having a contingency plan ready and carrying along things to do in case of delays. He also recommends that you call ahead for weather conditions and prepare accordingly.

Frequent traveler Monique Jones, director of film finance and planning at PolyGram Filmed Entertainment, minimizes stress by making her travels as easy as possible. "I limit my luggage to a carry-on, use electronic ticketing so I just have to show ID to board and upgrade to business or first class with frequent flier miles." Jones also tries to book nonstop, direct flights and opts for pleasure reading rather than cramming in work during the flight. Dr. Rosch also recommends taking in a leisure activity while you're on the road. "Ask the hotel for a list of nearby attractions or a nice restaurant. This is a good way to relieve stress."