I just went into the Canon website. It claims that by using rechargeable AA NiMH batteries with the A710IS, you can take 360 shots per set of batteries vs. 100 shots on AA Alkaline batteries, with the LED screen on. If this is anywhere near correct, I should be able to charge 3 sets of batteries (1 fresh pair in the camera and 2 spare) at home for an 8-9 day trip. I could probably get along with 2 pair if I keep the LED screen off most of the time (it's pretty useless in bright light anyway). This is a lot more reasonable than a pair of batteries per day and means a lot fewer batteries in the trash. I hadn't realized there was that much difference between the alkaline and rechargeble batteries. Needless to say, I will check this out very thoroughly before risking running out of batteries at the most scenic portion of a long trip!

Any further advice or comments are most welcome!