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The rules apply mainly to items that you carry into the security line. Once you're in the secured area, you can buy toiletries, drinks and eats, and carry them onboard. And a word here about duty-free items purchased while making a connection: If you have to reenter airport security after buying the goods, make sure you understand the policies beforehand.

For more information on the TSA rules, go to http://www.tsa.gov.

How do I find a travel agent?

Cast a broad net by asking friends and colleagues if they've had a good experience with a particular agency or agent. If that doesn't work, check the Web site ( http://www.travelsense.org) of the American Society of Travel Agents. You can search by Zip code or city for agents near you, or search by specialty -- say, Italy or skiing. Once you identify a company, ask questions to see whether its agents really know the place you want to visit, either through personal experience or by sending numerous clients there.

As for knowing whether an agency is reputable: ASTA membership is a first line of defense, since the trade group will remove agencies with egregious problems. Also check with the Better Business Bureau ( http://www.bbb.com) to see whether complaints have been lodged.

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

How about a tour operator?

See our story on Page P10. For more info, turn to the two major trade groups: the U.S. Tour Operators Association (800-468-7862, http://www.ustoa.com) and 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 and to abide by a code of ethics. Additionally, USTOA members must post a $1 million bond in case they go belly up.

The tourism bureaus of many countries, cities and states also list tour operators; find links at http://www.towd.com. Check with the Better Business Bureau ( http://www.bbb.com) for consumer complaints before you book.

Where should I go on my honeymoon?

According to a study by Modern Bride magazine, the top five honeymoon spots are Italy, Hawaii, Tahiti, Costa Rica and Mexico. While traditional hotels and resorts in these locations remain popular, more couples are searching for that perfect eco-lodge in Costa Rica or out-of-the-way pensione in the Italian Alps.

This is one of those trips that calls out for a travel agent. Local agencies specializing 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).