You Ask, We Answer: Your Favorite Questions

A second source: Tourism bureaus of foreign countries often list travel agents with whom they do business. Links to most tourism bureaus can be found at http://www.towd.com/.

How about a tour operator?

Unless you can find someone you trust who took the tour you're considering, turn to one or both of the two major trade groups -- the U.S. Tour Operators Association (800-468-7862, http://www.ustoa.com/) or the National Tour Association (800-682-8886, http://www.nta.travel/). Their Web sites allow you to search by destination or specialty. Both require members to have insurance, to have been in business for at least three years and to abide by a code of ethics. Additionally, the USTOA requires members to post a $1 million bond in case they go belly up.

If you're set on going to a particular place at a particular time, ask the operator if there is a "guaranteed departure," because some will cancel the trip if a minimum number of people don't sign up.

The tourism bureaus of many countries, cities and states also list tour operators (see above), and consider checking for complaints with the BBB (also above).

Where should I go on my honeymoon?

According to a study last year by Modern Bride magazine, the top honeymoon spots include Hawaii, Italy, Tahiti, Anguilla and St. Lucia. But if you'd rather mountain-climb in the Pacific Northwest or look for gators in the Everglades, then do it.

This is one of those trips that calls out for a travel agent. Local agencies that specialize in honeymoons include MacNair Travel & Cruises/American Express in Alexandria (800-833-4382, http://www.macnairtravel.com/) and Perfect Honeymoons & Holidays Travel in Vienna (800-320-7373, http://www.perfecthoneymoons.com/).

Before heading to a travel agent, though, check out a honeymoon issue of Modern Bride or any of the other bridal magazines for ideas. Also peruse such Web sites as the Knot ( http://www.theknot.com/) and the Wedding Channel ( http://www.weddingchannel.com/) for a bounty of advice and trip ideas.

What can I do in Las Vegas besides gamble?

People-watching alone could keep you occupied for days, but if you want to get off the Strip (which is a good idea even if you do like the slots), there's no shortage of activities. Brave the crowds and visit Hoover Dam, hike at Red Rocks, boat on Lake Mead, take a day trip to Death Valley, ski Mount Charleston or relive history at the Atomic Testing Museum. Free spectacles include the dancing fountains at Bellagio and the Fremont Street Experience downtown.

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (877-847-4858, http://www.visitlasvegas.com/) is full of good ideas. Also go to Vegas.com ( http://www.vegas.com/), which has the rundown on all things Sin City.