Medicine: Holiday for Hypochondriacs

To the variety of special European junkets (e.g., for gourmets, winebibbers, music lovers), a Los Angeles travel agency added a new item: the hypochondriac’s tour. The eight-week swing through Europe will be shepherded by a staff internist from a California sanitarium. “Conversation regarding ailments and ill health will be taboo,” announces the brochure. “While anyone feeling ill will request and promptly receive treatment, our physician leader will, except in private consultation, act as one of the party out to enjoy the sights.” Cost for the trip, including first-class travel and physician’s fee: $3,250.