Home-swap classes set

If you're interested in staying in someone else's house, villa or condo while you're on vacation, home-exchanging may be the way to go. You can learn more about it at one of two classes: from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Jan. 18 at Goodson Recreation Center, 6315 S. University Blvd., or from 7 to 9 p.m. Jan. 25 in Boulder at the East Boulder Senior Center, 5660 Sioux Drive. The cost is $15 per person or $25 per couple. To register, call Mary Schreiner, (303) 794-7955.

Nature lovers to celebrate

Nature enthusiasts are invited to attend the Rivers and Wildlife Celebration from March 16 to 18, coinciding with the annual migration of 500,000 sandhill cranes, along with millions of other migratory birds, near Kearney, Neb. Visitors will have an opportunity to hear a variety of speakers, including Michael Forsberg, Nebraska nature photographer; Paul Johnsgard, ornithologist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln; and James Harris, president of the International Crane Foundation. Information: the Audubon Society's Rowe Sanctuary, (402) 797-2301, or www.rowesanctuary.org.

Innkeeper retreats share info

The Cattail Creek Inn Bed & Breakfast in Loveland will host three innkeeper retreats Jan. 14 and 15, Feb. 19 and 20 and March 2 and 3. Topics include sharing innkeeping as a couple, reservation systems, marketing issues, innkeeping burnout, Internet issues, and keeping your inn and breakfast items up to date. The cost of $235 (standard guest room)or $300 (luxury guest room) covers one-night stay, gourmet breakfast, cocktail party, back-of-the-house tour and three discussion sessions. Information or reservations: (970) 667-7600.

'Solo Travel' workshop

Hostelling International will host a free "Solo Travel" workshop that will address planning an itinerary, transportation options, strategies for saving and carrying your money, packing, travel documents, safety and meeting people. It will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Barnes & Noble Bookstore at 2915 Pearl St., Boulder. Information: (303) 442-1166.

Slide shows on Nepal, Greece

Changes in Latitude, 2525 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, will sponsor the following slide shows this month: "Mustang, Nepal," on Wednesday; "Exploring Greece and Turkey," Jan. 17; "Burma, Endangered Land," Jan. 24; and "Alaska," Jan. 31. All shows are free and begin at 7:30 p.m. Information, (303) 786-8406.

Carnivale features ball

Carnivale in Manitou Springs will feature the Grande Ball from 6 to 10 p.m. Feb. 23, with dancing, beverages, snacks, a crafts corner for children and a costume contest. Tickets are $8 individual, $15 couples and not more than $20 for families. A Party in the Park on Feb. 24 will precede and follow a parade in Soda Springs Park, which begins at 1 p.m. at the west end of Manitou Avenue. A gumbo cook-off will take place in the park before the parade. Information: (800) 642-2567.