First look: Maybe you don't want to spend more than $200 on a waterproof camera. In that case, consider buying a one-time-use, 35 mm camera such as the Kodak Sport. The Sport is light, easy to use, shock resistant and waterproof to 50 feet.

Dive in, and you'll find that the Kodak Sport takes a pretty photo. You don't get many accessories, but as long as you have good lighting, the Sport's pictures are more than adequate.

The 411: $10.99 at Longs Drugs and available at sporting-good stores, or call Kodak at 888-368-6600.

NEW YORK

SOME OF CITY'S BEST MUSEUMS GIVE VISITORS BREAK ON FRIDAYS

A startling number of New York cultural institutions have free admission on Fridays. The Museum of Modern Art (usually $20), The Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, The Museum of the Moving Image and others all drop their fees for a few hours, generally coinciding with the end of the workday. The Guggenheim doesn't quite get with the program, but it does offer a pay-as-you-wish scheme on Fridays. Just bustle in and hand over that dollar bill. See http://gonyc.about.com/cs/museums/a/museumdeals.htm for full Friday listings.

GREAT BRITAIN

CUT VACATION COSTS BY ENJOYING THE COMFORTS OF ANOTHER'S HOME

Want to cross the pond but daunted by the exchange rate? VisitBritain has some tips for Americans interested in swapping homes as a way to save money on vacation.