(MONEY Magazine) – A OUI BIT OF DESPERATION Hotel bookings in France by Americans are down around 20% so far this year. The plunge in popularity, coupled with a weak dollar, has the French falling over themselves to woo us back. This summer, the French travel industry launched two programs to draw American tourists--"France Revisited: Let's Fall in Love Again" and "Bonjour" (check out www.franceguide.com for details). At the Abotel chain of two-and three-star hotels, mention that you're an American and you get 25% off any stay (www.abotelparis.com). Or mention the "Bonjour" campaign to Citadines and Apart'Hotels, and get 10% off an apartment stay (www.citadines.net).

WHITHER E-TICKETS? Say good-bye to checking in at the gate. By year's end, the Transportation Security Administration has ordered, all passengers must present a boarding pass when they move through security at every U.S. airport, in order to eliminate random security screenings at the gate. About 40% of U.S. airports still let you enter the security area with only a printed itinerary, voucher or receipt.

LUXE FOR LESS Average luxury-hotel room rates are at two-year lows, reports PricewaterhouseCoopers. The reason: Supply is up 4.6%; demand, only 1.2%. Hoteliers are hustling to fill their extra rooms; rates are expected to climb in 2004, so get your dose of high style while you can. We found a $260 August weekend rate (normally $495) at Boston Common's Ritz-Carlton and a $165 rate (normally $320) at Houston's Four Seasons. --MEGAN JOHNSTON