Travel tips at Los Angeles Times Festival of Books

FESTIVAL OF BOOKS

Travel Smart Stage

Learn money-saving tips and hear Gavin MacLeod of “The Love Boat” on the Travel Smart Stage.

When, where: 11:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, USC

Admission, info: Free. latimes.com/FestivalofBooks

AUSTRALIA

Workshop

Hostelling International will conduct a workshop on how to travel safely and inexpensively to Australia and surrounding islands.

When, where: 7 p.m. Thursday at the REI store in Huntington Beach, 7777 Edinger Ave.

Admission, info: Free. RSVP to (310) 393-9913, Ext. 3104

TRAVEL

Presentation

John Marshall, author of the new memoir “Wide-Open World: How Volunteering Around the Globe Changed One Family’s Lives Forever,” will discuss how he, his wife and two teenagers spent six months volunteering their way from country to country.

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Distant Lands, 20 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena.

Admission, info: Free. RSVP to (626) 449-3220.

BORNEO & MYANMAR

Presentation

Diana Trombley will discuss the Kalimantan region of Borneo as well as sites in Myanmar such as Inle Lake and Mandalay.

When, where: Noon April 26 at KJ’s Diner & Restaurant, 8731 Lincoln Blvd., Los Angeles.

Admission, info: $22 for lunch and program. Hosted by the Network for Travel Club. RSVP to Odette Ricasa, (323) 578-3601.

JOSHUA TREE

Watercolor painting

Learn how to shift the desert scenery to paper with watercolor paint.

When, where: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. April 26, Joshua Tree Visitor Center, 6554 Park Blvd., Joshua Tree

Admission, info: $70. (760) 367-5535. Bring art supplies.

SANTA CRUZ ISLAND

Excursion

The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium will lead a trip to the island, where participants will follow a naturalist-led hike to observe coastal inhabitants.

When, where: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. May 9. Depart from Ventura.

Admission, info: $55 per person, $35 for kids 11 and younger. Space is limited; reserve by April 27.

Please email announcements at least three weeks before the event to travel@latimes.com.