On the prowl for wolves. (Winnipeg Sun)

Q: My 14-year-old son has a strong interest in wolves. He researches them on the Internet all the time. We were planning on visiting some relatives who live in northern Wyoming and want to know about wolf watching in the area. We plan to travel during the holidays or in the new year.

-- C. Pearson, Toronto

A: You'll be in the heart of wolf country. This part of Wyoming, which is home to Yellowstone National Park, provides one of the world's best opportunities to observe wolves in the wild. The park, which opens for winter activities on Dec. 19, recently reintroduced wolves from Canada into the region. This year the Yellowstone Association Institute, the park's official educational partner, has a four-night Winter Wolf Discovery package that includes accommodations at the Mammoth Hotel, some meals, expert instruction, snowshoe rental and more. Winter Wolf Discovery is offered Wed. to Sat. from Dec. 26 to Feb. 23, 2008 and Sun. to Wed. from Dec. 29 to Feb. 27, 2008. Instructors provide details on the reintroduction of wolves to the park and lead wildlife viewing excursions through the Lamar Valley. Rates start at $545 US per person, plus tax, based on double occupancy and $695 US for single occupancy.For full package details, visit yellowstoneassociation.org.

Q: Is there a new high-speed train service operating in France?

-- H. Durnachyck, Mississauga

A: The sleek TGVs, (the French acronym for "Train a Grande Vitesse" or high-speed trains) have been the comfortable and convenient way to travel around France for 25 years. This past summer, things got even better with the launch of TGV Est (East) European, which has cut travel times almost in half on routes between Paris and the eastern regions like Champagne, Lorraine and Alsace. The trains hit speeds of 320 km/h while travelling from Paris to more than 30 destinations in France and Europe. The interiors of the TGV East European trains have a chic new look, designed by Christian Lacroix. For more information visit raileurope.com.

Q: We are planning a trip to Ireland in the new year and I am particularly interested in exploring some culinary places. Are there any maps that focus on food routes?

-- T. Lang, Toronto

A: While The Four Seasons Dublin is for the chi-chi crowd you don't have to be a guest to dine at its elegant Seasons Restaurant. The menu focuses on contemporary European cuisine made from the best local Irish produce. You can dine on char grilled Irish beef, breast of Guinea fowl and West Cork scallops.

For off-the-beaten path treats, there's a website called goodfoodireland.ie that packs in a smorgasbord of culinary information. The scoop here is that in November Good Food Ireland will launch an improved website and offer a new Good Food Ireland touring map.