The Flight Crew, from left: John Deiner, Carol Sottili, Steve Hendrix, Anne McDonough, Gary Lee, K.C. Summers, Cindy Loose, Andrea Sachs. (Melissa Cannarozzi for The Post)

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The Post's Travel Section Flight Crew – pictured at right – will take your comments, questions, suspicions, warnings, gripes, sad tales and happy endings springing from the world of... the world. Of course, the Flight Crew will be happy to answer your travel questions – but the best thing about this forum, we insist, is that it lets travelers exchange information with other travelers who've been there, done that or otherwise have insights, ideas and information to share. Different members of the Crew will rotate through the captain's chair every week, but the one constant is you, our valued passengers.

We know you have a choice in online travel forums, and speaking for the entire Flight Crew, we want to thank you for flying with us.

You may also browse an archive of previous live travel discussions and a list of frequently asked questions.

The transcript follows.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

The Flight Crew: Hi everyone, and welcome to another jaunt with the Travel section Flight Crew. Had enough winter yet? We thought so. Here to advise you, inspire you and generally help you get the heck outta February:

* Cindy Loose, ready to fill you in on her amazing hotel finds just south of Cancun, Mexico, which she reported on in yesterday's section.

* Steve Hendrix, that rare combination of adventure traveler and high liver, who recently savored Scotch in, where else, Scotland.

* Gary Lee, citizen of the world, just back from one of his many homes -- this time Tobago.

* Andrea Sachs, all set to hit the road with the spring breakers next month.

* Anne McDonough, lover of Asia and our resident how-to-get-to-NY-cheap expert.

* John Deiner, man of the people, heading off to Rome next week.

* Carol Sottili, author of our Fly Buys and Travel Q&A columns, also recently back from Mexico.

* And me, K.C. Summers, recently back from Barbados. Never satisfied, I'm contemplating another package deal to the Caribbean next month, if I can find one cheap enough.

For this week's prize, we've got a neat pair of metal-tipped chopsticks and some packages of Singapore spice mixes -- pepper crab and Hokkien fried noodle -- both in really pretty cloth cases. Want to put yourself in the running? Just tell us what our weekly bargain airfare column, Fly Buys, means to you. Do you notice it? Use it? Ignore it? Don't worry, you won't hurt our feelings. Well, maybe Carol's. But don't let that stop you.

So, let's get going.

Lusby, Maryland: Cindy,
Enjoyed your article Sunday. When you were in Tulum, did you notice if the Mayan Birdmen were still performing right outside the ruins? Also, did you happen to see Xpu-Ha Palace, a fairly new resort on the grounds of what was previously an ecological park? We are staying there Feb 20-27. Stayed at Club Oasis Akumal two years ago. In our opinion, Mayan Riviera is way better than Cancun.

The Flight Crew: There were no birdmen when I was at Tulum, but that's not to say they don't still frequent the place. And sorry, I don't know the palace you mention.

Chevy Chase, Md.: Crew:

United has a flight from San Fran to Sydney for about 900 round trip in March and April-- good deal or rip off?

The Flight Crew: Sottili here: $900 sounds good.

Falls Church, Va.: Please pick me! No question, just a comment based on last week's discussion with so many saying how difficult and expensive getting to Vancouver is. That is not true! I traveled to
Vancouver twice in the past year and it was a breeze. The first time was with frequent flier miles and the flights that we had did have a brief change but it was only one and not a big deal. Upon returning, we knew we were going back to Vancouver in 4 months - we just monitored the flight costs (assuming that we would pay around $500/person) - and guess what? We got tickets that were direct with the exact flight times we wanted for $235/person!!!!

Vancouver is by far one of the most wonderful places we have traveled to - especially for those that love the outdoors, as well as for those that want the cosmopolitan feel of a large city. The people are warm, friendly and genuine and the exchange rate can't be beat!

$235 or $500, direct flight or with a changeover - Vancouver is worth every dollar and every minute!

The Flight Crew: Thanks for your imput, Falls Church--and I'm sure the tourism people in Vancouver thank you as well!
-Anne

Washington, D.C.: Regarding the Cancun article, it mentioned most flights have one stop-over, and two hours in the passport line to get in Mexico.

How long did the author spend in transit --from the time she arrived at the D.C. airport(assuming three hours early), to driving away in the rental car?

I think it would be helpful to provide this general info with the travelarticles. For me, if it takes 10 hours to get somewhere, then it probably isn't an ideal destination for a weekend, but longer vacation. Just my .02

The Flight Crew: Given that connections vary so much, as do customs lines, it's hard to give people an estimate of how long it might take them on a future trip. But it took about 8.5 hours in my case---I went to the airport just two hours before the flight. (Cindy)

Washington, D.C.: Enjoyed Cindy Loose article about that wonderful stretch of Mexican beaches between Cancun and Tulum. In the atricle you made a passing reference to Capitan Lafitte's ("...a sign for Capitan Lafitte's and follow a bumpy..."). Many year ago my wife and I stayed at Capitan Lafitte's...a delightful retreat with a few tiny bungalows right along the beach. The bungalows WERE big enough for a generous size bedroom and bathroom complete with shower. I remember the shiny tile floors and the front porch only a 100 or so feet from the water. Since you don't list Capitan Lafitte's, I'm wondering what happened to it? Does it still exist? How come you didn't list it with the other places?

The Flight Crew: Capitan's is still there, and still a good choice, and just as you described it. But I had to judiciously choose, since I couldn't list every place I liked, and it just didn't make my top whaever. (Cindy)

Washington, D.C.: As a frequent visitor to Kailuum, I was heartbroken to see your profile of it yesterday! My family has been going there since the 1980s (before it wiped away in a hurricane and rebuilt) and we love the place. Now you have ruined our peace and tranquility!

The Flight Crew: I sure hope not! After all, it can only hold so many people. Let's hope that the worst thing to happen will be we'll all have to plan further ahead. Glad you agree it's a terrific place. It's so unusual, it's hard to be sure that it would appeal to lots of other people as much as it appealed to me. Thanks for checking in, and enjoy KaiLuum.

washington, dc: I've got tickets to St. Lucia next week, but haven't yet settled on lodging. There seems to be plenty of rooms available in most of the higher-end resorts, but the prices haven't budged much. I call almost daily to places like LeSport and Sandals to check on last-minute sales, but none have popped up yet. Can I show up on their doorstep on Monday when I arrive and negotiate on price? How much of a discount could I expect if I tried this? Thanks!

The Flight Crew: D.C., Gary Lee, who writes about lodging and hotels, has a thought: First, of all, I recommend having a room already booked somewhere at least for your first night. Then call around to see what kind of deal you can get. Make sure that you get the manager or someone who can make decisions. For some reason, just showing up seems to weaken your negotiating hand. I also find that at times like this mid-range places seem to be more flexible in lowering rates than the high end ones. Good luck and let us know how you made out...

Olney, Md.: Hello Flight Crew!
I belong to AAA, and often start planning vacations using the guide books that are free to members. They promote themselves throughout by saying that members can REALLY SAVE by using a AAA travel agent to get the member discounts. In the past, some hotel AAA rates have in fact beat the "current" Internet rates, but for putting together a medium complex itinerary which will include airfare, hotels and rental cars (destination: Vancouver) is it possible for me to meet or beat a AAA travel agent's rates? We will be a small multi-generation group looking for 4-star accommodations. Thanks for your help. I'm addicted to these forums!

The Flight Crew: Sottili here: I do most of my own vacation planning, and I do often beat the deals that are offered by travel agents, but it takes HOURS of research. Unless it's your hobby, or your job, I think using a travel agent, especially one that you know is good, is an excellent way to go. Also, many travel agents get better discounts than are offered over the Internet on specific properties - for example, a friend of mine wanted to go to Atlantis with her family, but the prices she found on the Internet were really high, plus rooms were not available in the tower she preferred. I called my sister-in-law, who is a travel agent at a very large agency, and they had a block of rooms at a discount that was available just for their customers. My friend booked through the agent, got a good deal, and got the room she wanted. I would recommend that you do some homework first so you know that you're getting a deal. Or, when the package is presented, get on to the Internet and make sure it's saving you money.

D.C.: Home exchange: I have a small but very well located D.C. condo that I think would be a good candidate for home exchanges. However, there are an overwhelming number of home-exchange websites. Homelink International says "Who is the largest? Homelink has the largest database and publishes the numbers below to support the claim." (http://www.swapnow.com/info/home_exchange.html)

HomeExchange.com says it "is the largest and most user friendly home exchange service on the Internet today" (http://www.homeexchange.com/new.php)

Needless to say, I'm confused. Are any of you familiar with the home exchange world, or can you point me towards an unbiased source?

The Flight Crew: Ack! You've hit a soft spot in our armour, D.C.. We are absolutely going to do a big exploration of home swapping in the near future (anyone want to trade a flat in Knightsbridge for a Cape Cod in Takoma Park?). But as of yet, we don't have any direct experience with the process or any of the websites.

Readers? Can you save us again? Anyone done this?

--Steve

Annapolis, Md.: I'll be in a meeting during the chat so here goes. I've narrowed down vacation places and I'm torn between two, Hawaii and Bermuda. We like the beach but we also like non-sun activities like aquariums, museums, good food. With Bermuda I know we are limited to just the high season basically and Hawaii could be an all year destination. We'd like to go in the late summer/early fall, stay about 10 days. How do the 2 compare? I know each person's experience and opinion can be different but has anyone been to both and have pros and cons? Thanks much!

The Flight Crew: Hi,Annapolis.

Been to both and, I have to tell you, my heart belongs to Hawaii. That said, you can't go wrong with either. If you want a lot of museums/aquariums and other diversions, you'll be much better off in Hawaii. While Bermuda has some of that, there's a much wider--and richer--array of diversions in the Aloha State.

Pros and cons? Well, you have those endless (and much more expensive)flights to Hawaii, and a relatively easy commute to Bermuda. The weather should be great in both spots when you want to go, but remember that it's hurricane season and Bermuda can always be a target, albeit tiny one. Once on the ground, I think it's actually cheaper in Hawaii, but that's always relative--if you get a place with a kitchen, you can save some money cooking your own meals. As far as beaches go, Hawaii's are amazing, while you may have to hunt a little to find a perfect sun spot in Bermuda. If you want a more foreign experience, you'll want Bermuda.

Any other thoughts out there?

--john

silver spring, md: Help!! With a war looming, my elderly parents don't want to go out of the country for our vacation this spring. If I don't come up w/ a good domestic alternative, I will have to take them to Minnesota! I don't want to go there...Are there any all inclusive resorts in Florida? Somewhere where it will be like the Carribean, without actually leaving the country? Thanks so much.

The Flight Crew: Fear not, help is on the way. Club Med has an all-inclusive in Florida, called Sandpiper, just north of Palm Beach. If they want mountains, Club Med is also in Colorado (Copper Mountain and Crested Butte). For desert, Miraval Spa in Tucson--which has pools, waterfalls, acupuncture stone walk, table tennis, horseback riding, etc. Another option: Sanibel, Florida, which has a relaxed, resort-y feel. And even the Bahamas, though out of the country, is near enough that it could easily be a surrogate state. --andrea

Deep Valley, USA: Fares to Athens:

I am planning a trip to visit a friend who now lives on a non-touristy island in Greece. Mid-July fares are approx $1250 and up, even with midweek departures.

Should I wait? Is this a reasonable fare for that time?

The Flight Crew: Gary Lee, who was in Greece a few months ago, says: that's the high season in Greece and the price sounds about right. You should shop around a bit and check with travel agents and consolidators. But I'm afraid that there won't be too much give...

Gaithersburg, Md.: Orbitz, Hot Wire, Cheap Tickets, Priceline, etc., etc....yikes! They all claim to be the cheapest, to have the best deals. Can you comment on the differences among them and say who among those I named or otherwise is the best internet source for airfare, hotels, auto rental, vacations. Maybe my travel agent really is the best deal after all.

The Flight Crew: Gaith, you've asked a good question but sadly, we can't tell you what the "best" Internet set for travel is, because there just isn't one. Here in the Travel section, we long ago learned that to ferret out the best deals, it pays to check all the sites you mentioned -- plus a few others.

The "big three" sites -- Orbitz, Travelocity and Expedia -- are good places to start. (Hotwire and Priceline differ from those because they require you to be more flexible and you don't know the airline or hotel until you're locked in.) Also, don't forget to check the airlines' individual sites, where you can often find better deals. Then there's SideStep, which isn't a site but a piece of software that compares fares and presumably pops up with the best -- although not all the time.

For hotels, always check hotel discount sites like hotels.com and quikbook.com, which frequently have much better deals than the broader-based sites.

Finally, even if you're not flexible with your air or hotel, one instance when it does make sense to use Priceline is when renting a car -- several of us have gotten great deals that way. -- KC

Washington, dc: Flight Crew: I've learned from a radio show that one should ALWAYS keep a fresh/updated passport. Even if one doesn't always continuously travel abroad. Would you concur?

The Flight Crew: Hey D.C.--as far as I can figure, there's no downside to having an updated passport at the ready, and plenty of reasons to make sure that the photo actually looks like the contemporary you, and not the you-of-five-diets-and-six-haircuts-ago. Even if you don't travel abroad frequently, there's the chance that your office could post you somewhere on the fly, an amazing deal could pop up that you'd be crazy to miss, or--and hopefully this won't happen to many people--a family emergency in another country could necessitate a quick flight. Just keeping an eye on the expiration date is always a good idea, as you may think you've got plenty of time left on it but then, come travel time, discover that you last renewed your passport back in the dark ages. (And domestically, if you look under 27 it's a great thing to have on hand when purchasing alcohol or trying to get into the latest club, as out-of-state driver's licenses sometimes don't pass muster.)

Keep your eye out for an upcoming CoGo item about current passport regulations around the world.
-Anne

Tropical Dreams in D.C.: Hi Crew....great article about close-by alternatives to Cancun....my girlfriend's daughters are going there for Spring Break and we were thinking about going "just in case", but not staying at the same all-inclusive hotel, but the JW Marriott. Questions: how far is that wonderful hotel, Qualton, that you wrote about from Cancun? Also, what's the situation about renting a car in Mexico/Cancun? Easy to get around? costly? Need special drivers license? Insurance?

The Flight Crew: If you can drive a standard shift car, a rental should be quite reasonable--about what you'd expect to pay in the U.S. for a comparable car. And driving around is very easy. There is just one main highway up and down the coast, it's in very good shape, with good signage. It would be hard to get lost, and I'm very good at getting lost usually.

The daugthers are living high for students---the Marriott in Cancun is a very nice property. The Qualton, since it is much smaller, also of course has fewer facilities. Of course you'd guess that, but I just didn't want you to end up feeling like your friend's daughters were living better than you. Otherwise, if you are looking for peace and quiet, which I'm sure the daughter's aren't, the hotel Qualton, part of a small Mexican owned chain, will do fine, and the price is very right. Just make sure you go see KaiLuum and have lunch or dinner.

Oh, and how far from Cancun--under an hour's drive.

If you go, let me know how you like it. (Cindy)

Connecticut & M Sts., NW: Is there a Web site or resource out there that can answer the question that you're so often asked: where can I go in -month] for -$$$] dollars? I'm willing to try lots of different places, but airfare sites search by airport/city -- a tedious task. Bestfares.com is a good start, but doesn't cover beyond the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean -- leaving out many of the world's coolest destinations. Any ideas for travel planning (not just last-minute fares)?

The Flight Crew: Sottili here: I don't know of any site that uses this method, but two good sites you may want to take a look at are www.independenttraveler.com and www.skyauction.com.

Annapolis, Md.: Thanks for taking my two questions.

We're planning on camping out west, but flying out there. Most of the camping equipment is bulky, like sleeping bags, or fragile, like cook stoves and lanterns.

1. How would you suggest we pack this stuff? Would a big steamer trunk be the best bet?

2. Where do you suggest that we send it? Is the hotel a viable option, or can we pick it up at a post office?

The Flight Crew: Annap, I don't see the need to ship it. I have a truly enourmous duffel bag (think body bag for a sumo wrestler) that has served me well for hauling my gear around the world. It's big enough for me to actually pack most of my kit in the backpack, which protects the more fragile stuff, and then fit the backpack in the duffel. And it's got a shoulder strap, so it's easy to schlep.

But if you are going to ship, I'd pack it snuggly in a cardboard box (putting the fragile stuff in the center and using sleeping bags and clothes as padding) have it sent to your hotel. Hotels are used to dealing with left bags and advance bags.
--Steve

Reston, Va.: Hello. I am taking a 7 day Carnival Cruise in June to the eastern carib. on the Triumph. I am all of a sudden very concerned about getting deathly ill on this boat. What happens if i am bathroom ridden for 4 days? Am i just out of luck on my vacation or will carnival cover me if the boat breaks out with a virus? Does the added insurance they offer even cover these recent breakouts of the last 9 months? Any answers you can provise will be of great help.

The Flight Crew: The cruises have no virus-money-back guarantee. Each cruise line is handling the outbreak differently--but basically they are addressing the issue before you step foot on the boat (i.e., cancellation/rebooking policies). The virus is still around but is (fingers cross) petering out. To be safe, call Carnival, ask them about their policies and see if that ship has been contaminated. Also, when onboard, always wash your hands, steer clear of food that has been sitting out long or is out in the open and don't lick any doorknobs. If you are really worried, reschedule. Or bring lots of immodium. You can also get travel insurance, but that won't make your tummy feel any better--just your wallet.--andrea

Arlington, Va.: I enjoyed Cindy Loose's article on "beyond Cancun" and had a couple of questions. My wife, seven year old son and myself are headed to Xcaret in mid-April and wondered about transportation. Specifically, is a rental car useful? We can take a van from the airport to the Hotel but wondered if the tourist spots mentioned in the article (and beyond) are accessible by tour or is driving ourselves best? Also, we may want to try some of the other beaches in the area and wondered about the best way to reach them and, finally, is it all safe or is travel hazardous along the Mayan Rivera for tourists these days? Thanks in advance for any info you can provide!

The Flight Crew: I was traveling with just a 10 year old daugther, and never felt the least bit uneasy.

There are a multitude of tours offered, and you can go that way. Personally I prefer the freedom of a car. (The one tour I took lasted about an hour longer than I wanted, and that can feel like a long hour, ESPECIALLY if you have a child whose decided enough is enough.)

Also, with three of you, an economy car will probably cost you less than piling into a bus with a load of tourists, all of whom have to be picked up and dropped off at their hotels along the way.

Finally, as I mentioned earlier, I have a real talent for getting lost. But with well-marked signs for tiny roads leading off the big one, it's not so tough.

If you decide to go to
Coba, think about staying overnight one night in the hotel I mentioned there. I really like that place, and that way, you won't be rushed driving there, and can stop along the way at Tulum, and B. will have plenty of time to visit the ruins after you kid has relaxed with a swim. YOu can find beaches all over: if you're traveling south, turn left down just about any little road. Cindy)

Laurel: I have a 6:00am Sunday flight out of BWI. (That's the last time I let a cruise line book my air for me.)

Considering where I live, I've usually just driven to BWI and used the satellite lot. Is this viable given my departure time?

The Flight Crew: Hi, Laurel.

Yeah, that's definitely a viable plan. If you don't want to wait around for a shuttle bus in the dark, you may want to consider PreFlight, just down the road from the airport--a van picks you up at your car and whisks you to the terminal. Go to preflightparking.com--and don't forget to print out the online coupon. It gives you $2 off (per day) the daily $9 rate.

--john

Wash by day, Arl. by nite: Hi!

I enjoyed very much the article on KaiLuum, but wonder if you have any advice for it's somewhat flashier neighbor, Playa del Carmen. My significant other has been pushing gently for a beach vacation, but I doubt I'd ever get her to "rough it" under a palm frond roof.

The dilemma -- she is put off by Cancun's spring break reputation, but would still like a place with a freeform pool including a swim-up bar. (Yes, I have pointed out the irony, but to no avail.) Does Playa del Carmen have anything that would fit the bill?

The Flight Crew: Sottili here: If you want to see one free-form pool with swim up bar after another, go to Playacar - it's Playa del Carmen's hotel zone. It's like Cancun, but hotels are not high-rises, and spring break students are not welcome. Most hotels in zone are all-inclusives. I stayed at the Iberostar last week (and let me tell you, the swim up bar was the place to be during happy hour, although it was a little too raucous for my taste). Good things - it is decorated nicely, food is above average for an all-inclusive, a swath of jungle with monkeys has been left in center of resort, you can safely run or walk in the five-mile circle that makes up the hotel zone area, and price is good. Bad things - on-site roosters crow starting at 5 a.m. and beds are hard. Other resorts that we looked at included Occidental Royal Hideaway (if you have some money and like the finer things) and several Rui hotels that looked nice.

Deep Valley, USA: And what's wrong with vactioning in Minnesota? Minneapolis is an interesting cosmopolitan city with extremely respectable theater and pretty good museums.

There's a large Hmong population with concommitant restaurants, and plenty of Scandinavian flavor left.

If you don't like cities, there are lots of pretty lakes with typical lakeside recreations.

You could do lots lots worse.

The Flight Crew: Nothing is wrong with Minnesota. It's just that it is... well soooo cold. --andrea

Logan Circle, D.C.: Hey Crew--I've been invited to a wedding in Sweden the second week of September. The bride to be says we should be able to get plane tickets for around $450 from D.C.. Does this sound right to you? I've looked online and haven't seen anything listed for around that price. Perhaps it's too early to look. What are your thoughts?

The Flight Crew: Sottili here: That might be doable for mid-September. Try a new Web site where I've found good deals, www.cheapseats.com.

Baltimore, Md.: I'm taking my girlfriend to Paris this weekend (surprise V-day getaway!). In planning this trip, I considered packages, especially those offered by airlines. I assumed such packages would offer a better deal than I could get by separately purchasing hotel, air, ground transportation, etc., but this was not the case. I found the packages offered no real savings. With the Internet, it's easy to price out just about any aspect of traveling. So who are the travel package companies trying to fool? Is it basically convenience they're offering nowadays, rather than cost savings?

Also, if anyone from the Flight Crew has been to Paris recently, I'd welcome any new insights on visiting the city. Thank you.

The Flight Crew: Balto, too bad you're already snapped up or I would hunt you down! What a great V-day present. Anyway, what I've found with packages that they frequently aren't bargains when you multiply the price times two. In other words the price quoted, and which sounds so cheap, is usually per person, so you end up paying twice for your hotel room-- when, if you booked the hotel separately, you generally pay per room, not per person.

Now, having said that, you can still find some good package deals, but you're right, you have to do the math.

As for what's new in Paris, I haven't been in over a year. But my insights are the classic ones: Stay on the Left Bank. Eat in neighborhood bistros (check our great list of affordable bistros from a couple of months ago -- Kim, can we get a link?). Make a ceremonial visit to Ste. Chappelle, the Musee d'Orsay and Berthillon's. Wander around the Marais. Climb hills in Montmartre. Go antique-shopping in St. Paul Village. Have fun! -- KC.

Alexandria, Va.: Hi Cindy and other Flight Crew members,

Loved your piece on the "other" Cancun properties. Can you let me know if there are any mentioned that might be suitable for a family with a 3 or 4 year old? (At least one you had mentioned didn't allow kids under 16 years old.) Many thanks!

The Flight Crew: KaiLuum is the only one that doesn't allow kids; I don't think Maya Tulum would feel that welcoming for kids, since there are some serious yoga folks. But any of the others would do, although I'd say Cabanas Ana Y Jose would be my first pick. Cindy .

N. Bethesda: the ONLY way to plan my fun: Fly Buys! Even if I don't indulge a particular deal, the information is fabulous for planning future breaks.

The Flight Crew: Thanks for the feedback.

Georgetown: Hotel Help please!!!

I have a reservation for one night for a hotel and I am currently on the waiting list for the second night. What happens if I decide not to check out of my room? Can they put me out? And if so, how exactly do they go about doing that? I know this seems rather tricky but when I made the initial reservation they pretty much assured me that I would haveno problem getting the second room but now that the time is getting closer things aren't looking so good. any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

The Flight Crew: Gary Lee, who has been in this situation before, offers the following advice: in the majority of cases hotels will do their best to accomodate guests who are already in the hotel. What I would do to shore up my chances is talk to the manager. But then, the Waiting List is not a guarantee of a room and if you don't make it I think you should be prepared to move out. If it comes to that the hotel has the right to pack your things up and place them out of the room. In the event that worse comes to worse, the hotel should help find you a room in a comparably priced place that is easy to relocate to.

Washington D.C.: NO question, but right now I'm teaching a class to freshmen on protein synthesis. I unexpectedly proposed to my wife while on a trip to Cancun in Spring 2001. We had rented a jeep and visited Tulum, and, after lunch in a nearby chicken restaurant, went in search of a quiet beach to spend the afternoon. About 10 miles south of the ruins was a dirt road just as you described,and an open air bar with few people around. Apparently this was a pasta bar in which the owners made fresh pasta right on the beach, but was closed. We made ourselves at home on the beach chairs and enjoyed the beautiful and serene waters of Tulum. My wife Jen had actually had a bad day because of the intense sun, but was now relaxed and happy to be in the water. I really didn't have a clue that I was about to propose, but she looked so content on this beach, I just asked her to marry me. I will always remember that pasta bar, and we would love to stay down in that area next time we are in Mexico. Thanks for the options other than touristy Cancun!

The Flight Crew: Thanks much. Would you mind sharing that in our letters to the editor? If so, send it to travel@washpost.com, with your name and the name of the town where you live. thanks.

Fly Buys: is a source of comfort - when I see the lowest fare is $175, and I paid $198, I am happy to know I didn't get ripped off!

The Flight Crew: Thanks. As for the rest of you -- cmon folks. What do YOU think of our bargain airfare column? Those chopsticks aren't going to give themselves away, you know.

Arlington, Va.: Hi! Trying to get to Rome in mid-March to visit my sister and am having a hard time finding a ticket that is within my budget. How much should I expect to pay this time of year? Any advice on where to score a cheaper fare (I regularly log on to expedia, etc but still have had no luck.)
thanks!

The Flight Crew: Ballpark price: $400 or $500 for a Rome ticket. Try cheapseats.com.--andrea

Alex Va. - home exchange: Hi crew. I have exchanged a couple of times. My house is registered on HomeExchange.com. It is a reputable site. I get lots of offers from all over the world. Mostly I can't do them due to time constraints.... gotta work , argh. But if you are flexible you should register your home on the site. It's fun to see where you could have gone.

The two times I exchanged I had very good experiences (Sedona and Santa Rosa). We emailed for months ahead of time so you get a feel for the people. I am pretty picky about who I swap with. I have heard you should only do so with a primary residence, not a 2nd home for someone. I guess if you are each swapping your primary homes you try to take extra care and hope they do too.

The Flight Crew: Interesting, Alex, very interesting. I'm surprised you ended up doing two domestic swaps. If you're willing to talk more this, would you email me at hendrixs@washpost.com?

Glover Park: Home swaps. I'm a charter member of "Digsville" http://www.digsville.com. Poster should check it out. They used to be free, but now charge maybe $50 for membership. I've posted my in town condo for about a year and gotten about 5 or 6 queries (none that I've wanted to take up yet though). Lots of great places posted worldwide!

The Flight Crew: Digsville? Coolsville. Thanks, GP.

Silver Spring: Enjoyed the piece on the Mayan Riviera. A couple questions: were rental car rates reasonable, and any worries driving those roads? And any opinion on the Capt. Lafitte resort next door to KaiLuum II, for those who want to get away and relax but aren't quite ready for a tent?

The Flight Crew: If you drive a standard you can find a good deal--I got economy size from Hertz for I think it was $30 a day. Check into whether your insurance company covers rental cars, cause the guy next to me in line I remember was surprised at the cost of insurance.

The main road is fine, and the bumpy little roads are short, like a mile or two at most. It's no problem to drive.

Capt. Lafitte is okay, but oddly enough, doesn't have as much of a luxury feel as KaiLuum. How about stay in Tulum, maybe say Ana Y Jose, and have a meal at KaiLum? Nothing wrong with Capt., it just wasn't among my favorites along the stretch.

Tysons Corner, Va.: Hi Crew-
Trying to plan a last minute weekend getaway for Valentine's Day. We're heading to Charlottesville, Va., and I'd love some hints on interesting (perhaps romantic?) things to do there. Thanks!

The Flight Crew: TC, we'll throw your question out to the clicksters, but let me put my 2 cents in for the Clifton Inn, just outside of town. It's pricey, but it's so beautiful, in such a gorgeous setting, and all the amenities -- antiques, CDs in the room, sherry, spa, piano player -- make it wonderfully romantic. And it's a great base for another romantic endeavor, winery-hopping -- there are lots nearby.

Who else has romantic C'ville ideas for TC? -- KC

Takoma Park, Md.: Minnesota:

Hey, they asked for spring travel. Minnesota is just fine in the spring...which happens to start in June or July there.

Warmth is overrated anyway.

The Flight Crew: Will you be their tour guide then? A little ice fishing, perhaps?

Cold in Bethesda: It's time to warm up!! We're heading to the Florida Keys soon for a week--never been there--and staying most of the time in Key West. I read your Feb 2000 article, How Low You Can Go, and made reservations at the recommended Artist House. I wonder if anyone has any updates on restaurants or must-do's down thataway?

The Flight Crew: CIB, we'll throw your question out since we haven't been to Key West in a while. Of course, don't miss the Hemingway House -- that's a no-brainer. How about it folks? Other Key West must-do's?

Arlington, Va.: Follow-up to passport question:
I recently got married and changed my name. Do I need to change it on my passport immediately, or is it okay with my maiden name as long as I have a certified copy of our marriage certificate and my new social security card?

The Flight Crew: Arlington, if you have time to get your passport changed before you travel, that's obviously best. But if you can't, you should be okay with the documents you mention. Another thing you might consider if you have to take a trip soon is booking the ticket under your passport name, instead of your new name. It's the only ID you'll have to show and will eliminate any confusion.

--Steve

Baltimore, Md.: Recovering from a cold ... slurping chicken soup and reading the Post, your Fly Buys mean the chance to dream for me. If I could drop everything, I would take up that deal to San Francisco.

Hmm, rereading... carpe diem. It's time to go for it. I AM dropping everything and going!

The Flight Crew: All right Balto!!

Why I Love You Guys: I call myself an "Opportunistic Traveler." I go when it is a bargain so that I can go to twice as many places. So it doesn't matter to me about where and when, just that I can stretch my travel dollars.

Fly Buys brings a sense that I'm not going to be ripped off if I take advantage of it. Whereas I'm completely dubious of everything else on the Web. KEEP IT!!!

The Flight Crew: Thanks for the input!

22314: My husband and I are flying round trip next week from National to Paris via Detroit on Northwest. Something's come up at the last minute and my husband has to to get off the plane in Detroit (where we will go through customs anyhow) on the way home and fly directly to the west coast. So, he won't be using all of his ticket.

Should we tell the airline? My husband will not be checking any luggage, just carry-on. I will check all our "real" luggage on myself. Will this plan work?

I'm just trying to avoid getting pulled off the plane or getting slapped with a huge fee. We have the same last name and are assigned adjacent seats, so I can just imagine that they'll be coming to me before take-off and asking me where my husband is!

If it matters, when I called Northwest Airlines to try to trade in his final portion of the ticket, the rep I spoke with advised my husband off-the-record to do this.

The Flight Crew: Sottili here: I think you'll be all right with this because you're changing planes, but it makes me a little nervous. The airlines have rules against it, but they don't go after individuals - they have been known to penalize travel agents who use this gambit deliberately to cut costs for their clients. Be careful doing anything like this on a direct flight - they count heads and will match tickets if there is a discrepancy.

Glover Park: Loved the article "Beyond Cancun." Sounds like you found some great local beaches and accommodations. Can't wait to try them! Was wondering if you visited Si'an Kaan Biosphere. You noted it in the details section, but didn't devote any text to it. Also did you go any further south? I'm asking because we're leaving in a couple weeks for Mexico and will be spending several days at home of friends in Mahajual, further south on the Caribbean, as well as some time in Chiapas and San Miguel de Allende.

The Flight Crew: I wish I could have traveled further south. In fact I planned to, and really regreted I did not have the time to adequatly check out the stretch I did if I went further south. I'm told it just gets less and less touristed every mile you go, and I was intriqued by it. Incidientally, further south KaiLuum has a sister property called KaiLumcito, much like KaiLuum but smaller still.

A hotel manager described the south saying that once you get past Tulum, there is no more junk.

I also really wanted to go to the reserve, but ran out of time. Just avoid the tour companies that rip it up with jeeps and other four wheel drives.

Bayfield, WI: Cindy, did you have a chance to travel into the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve? This name translates in Mayan as, "where the sky is born" and the definition reveals itself within just a few miles after passing Zamas and Ana y Jose's and heading down the road to the fishing village of Punta Allen.

(I have been running programs into the Reserve for 7 years - check out our Art/Adventure series - outdoor and art skills are inroads to an intimate experience with the natural and cultural environments http://www.livingadventure.com/yucatan.html)

The Flight Crew: Thanks---I meant to go and had even booked, but ran out of time.

Takoma Park, Md.: I always read Fly Buys, just to dream. If I get fired or diagnosed with a terminal illness, I know where to pick my consolation trip-of-a-lifetime from.

Plus I sometimes gloat because I've seen lower fares for the same destination same time. Of course I bought them much earlier, but hey!

And I love reading those crazy airline abbreviations. Who makes those up?

The Flight Crew: Hey that's a good question. We think it's the FAA but as for the rhyme or reason behind them -- you got us. Any feds out there who can enlighten us?

arlington, Va.: Hi Crew!
8 of us are going to Bermuda for a week in late July. 2 of us will fly from D.C. and 6 of us from NYC. Can we get a group rate on airfare? If so, how do we go about doing this? If not, what is the minimum number for a group airfare rate? Thanks!

The Flight Crew: Sottili here: I don't think you'll qualify because the itineraries are different. Most airlines have a group department, and rules vary - give 'em a call.

Arlington, Va.: I thought I'd beat the rush and buy my tickets to visit my parents in FL for Thanksgiving early - WOW are prices high. We're flying down Tuesday evening and returning anytime Sunday/Monday morning and the cheapest I can find is $400+/person. Should I suck it up and get something now, or wait in hopes that things go down a bit (for the record, Southwest and AirTran do not have any availability past June at this time).

The Flight Crew: Sottili here: Don't pay $400 to go to Florida. Wait.

University Park, Md.: Home exchanges--we worked through Vacation Home Exchange of Santa Clarita, CA. Their website is excellent--generous space for words and photos, with no pesky symbols or abbreviations. Their price was reasonable, too (though I can't remember it now, sorry). We were completely satisfied with our experience. And you'd be surprised how many offers you might have on even a modest house or condo, esp. if it's near Metro!

The Flight Crew: Thanks, U.P. Looks like that website is exchangehomes.com

Washington d c: In response to last week post about Zeppelin passenger service. All Zeppelins did NOT carry Swastikas. Only Graf Zeppelin & Hindenburg after 1933. Zeppelins, long before airplanes, gave ocean liner like service to passengers in Germany & Switzerland. And well before WW1 beginning in 1908. The sinister side of the Zeppelins started when Germany used them to bomb England during WW1 & the Graf & Hindenburg usage as propaganda after '33. No passengers were lost on Zeppelins until the Hindenburg explosion in 1937.

The Flight Crew: Well, D.C., someone sure paid attention in history class! Thanks for filling us in on this, and hopefully the original poster is logged on today and can see that their comment prompted a response.

-Anne

Washinton, D.C.: Really enjoyed the article about the Maya Riviera - I was in Akumal last year and am so glad we skipped Cancun.

Totally shifting gears, does anyone have any suggestions about charming but economical places to stay in Budapest? Going the first week of June... Thanks.

The Flight Crew: Gary Lee says: it's been a while since I was in Hungary, but remember that one cheap but clean place was the Fortuna Botel, on a boat in the Danube River. Via findcheaphotels.com you can get a room for around $60 a night. If you want to be on land and spend a bit more, the Hotel Budapest is also a good deal for around $25 a night more.

dc: I need to travel to Sumatra in Indonesia for business. I know that Indonesia, Jakarta in particular, is not exactly welcoming of Americans. Is it any different in Sumatra? Should I be nervous?

The Flight Crew: The State Dept. travel warning makes no mention of Sumatra. But about the whole country it does say things like "defer travel" and "targeting U.S. interests" and "maximum caution." However, since you will there for business, and not bopping around town wearing an "I Love Bush" T-shirt, you should be okay. Just lay low, don't talk politics and be very cautious. To allay your fears, contact the U.S. embassy in Indonesia to see what they recommend. And be sure to bring their address and phone numbers for emergencies.--andrea

Judiciary Square: I've read alot on the chat about Vancouver but has anyone been to Victoria? If so, what is there to do and what is the best time of year to visit? I know it's not that far from Vancouver so I would think I could take a day trip there.

The Flight Crew: Hi, JS.

Victoria is beautiful, and it's definitely worth a day trip. The best time to go is in late spring to early fall, when it rains the least and the temperature is highest (usually no higher than the mid-70s). Because it's the capital of BC, there's a lot of beautiful government buildings snuggled around the main harbor, where there are all sorts of cafes, shops and restaurants. Right outside of town are the Butchart Gardens, built into a quarry and spectacular. There are boat trips you can take, the Royal British Columbia Museum and my fave little oddity: Miniature World, which has more than 80 dioramas of landscapes in miniature.

--john

NY, NY: Just to second -- I would love an article on home swaps. Now that I'm in NYC, was hoping to swap for a place in Paris (I don't own but hoping the landlord won't mind...)

The Flight Crew: Stand by, NY.

By the way, care to trade NYC for Takoma Park? I'll throw in a cat.

Re: St. Lucia: I went to St. Lucia a couple of years back and stayed at the Bay Gardens Inn, which would be a decent first-night stop. Comfortable, light rooms come with kitchenette, and it's an easy walk to the beach, shops, and some eateries. If the resorts don't pan out, don't fear: most beachside hotels have windsurfing, snorkel, and other gear available for rental to walk-ins. Finally, I went into Castries, the capital. Not many tourists do so, but it was a fantastic experience of what real island life and culture is like -- much more interesting than a resort's version.

The Flight Crew: Thanks for the update, says Gary.

Hughesville, Md.: Having been with groups to Mexico two years previously, several members suffered from a stomach problem that lasted long after we returned. What can we do to avoid that as we are returning there in several weeks? Also in Akumal the bathrooms weren't for disposing of paper- that went into the trash can. How unsanitary is that?

The Flight Crew: Just the routine answers of drink bottled water, don't use ice cubes if you're outside one of the major modern hotels, don't eat uncooked foods unless you peel them (lettuce, etc.)

If you did all that before and still had a problem, but seek info from someone more medically inclined than me. I've been there bunch of times using those precautions, though, and never had a problem.

Putting paper into a trash can, instead of the toilet, is rather common throughout the third world, since old plumbing can't take the stress. It's just one of those things that comes with leaving the first world behind. I'd say it no less sanitary than the outhouses our folks all used. (Cindy)

Capitol Hill, D.C.: Mayan Ruins on the Yucatan...we'll be visiting Playa del Carmen and plan to do a day trip to Tulum. But have you visited the ruins at Chichen Itza and would they be worthy of an overnight trip? We plan to be there for 9 days and already have couple days reserved for diving and, of course, doing nothing on the beach...
Thanks!

The Flight Crew: I'd go instead to Coba, which is closer, and I'd spend one night at the hotel I listed yesterday--Vila Arqeologica, or however it's spelled. What you see in Tulum and Coba will do you just as well as Chichen in my opinion, except you'll miss a cheesy light show at night, and alot of extra driving.

If you ignore my advice and go to Chichen anyways, there is a cool hotel there too. Can;'t remember the name, but it was built from an old mansion and was for the archeologists who came to excavate the site. (Cindy)

Fairfax Station, Va.: Looking for airline advice for travel to Costa Rica this August. It looks like TACA and American offer the most convenient flights (with connections) to San Jose, but I have heard less than flattering comments about TACA. Do you have any experience with this airline? I can use FF miles on TACA to cover at least two, and possibly all four, tickets which makes this a more attractive option. Also, any thoughts regarding a 'good' airfare for that time of year? Most of the fares that I am seeing are $550-600.

The Flight Crew: Sottili here: I always think that getting a bargain is more important than the quality of the flying experience. Plus TACA gets an A grade for safety at www.airsafetyonline.com, an interesting Web site devoted to airline safety info. Costa Rica is usually expensive to get to - $550 to $600 is the going rate unless there's a sale.

Washington, D.C.: Will be in Rome next week - the same time as John. I've done all of the basic touristy stuff - Coliseum, St. Peter's, Forum, Trevi, Pantheon, etc. What "off the beaten path" sights can you recommend?

The Flight Crew: Gary Lee says when I was last in Rome, I spent a couple of nights in the neighborhood around the Colisium and found it great for shopping and good, low keyed, non touristy dining. I also thought the open air market food market and the area around St. Peter's to be delightfully local.

Arlington, Va.: What's the best way to go to Vegas on a budget? Is it best to plan it a la carte, or look for a airline or travel company package?

Are there direct flights from any of the three D.C. airports?

The Flight Crew: Hi, Arl. I always go a la carte, though if you're going last minute it may be easier and cheaper to go the package route.

When fares dip to $175 to $200, grab 'em, then start hunting around for a good hotel rate via the casino web sites, www.hotels.com or expedia/travelocity. Also, check hotel chains like Marriott. If you're willing to stay off the Strip or downtown, you can save a bundle (just do your research and make sure the hotel you're staying in isn't a dive--check out www.cheapovegas.com for that info--it's a great, brutally honest resource).

All three airports have nonstop flights to Vegas, but it's usually most expensive from Dulles. Southwest and America West compete from Reagan and BWI, so fares tend to be much lower from those airports.

-john

Washington, D.C.: I'm looking for clothing that is made specifically for traveling -- casual or dressy (not cruise wear!), that doesn't take up alot of suitcase space, lightweight, and can be washed in my hotel room (if need be). And decent looking, of course.

Any clothing lines, Internet sites, or retail stores you can recommend?

The Flight Crew: Magellans.com and Travelsmith.com both specialize in lightweight travel duds, but they're a tad dorky looking and expensive, besides. I personally wouldn't wear most of their stuff (though I have bought their quick-drying underwear). But I'm a fanatic about packing light, and only pack lightweight stuff -- I just keep my eye out for suitable travel clothes during my regular shopping rounds.

So, for example, I always pack a thin nylon black T-shirt year-round -- for layering under stuff in winter, and for wearing by itself when it's warm. I always take a thin black cotton cardigan, also for layering, and black or gray slacks. Also a black cashmere V-neck sweater that works year-round, since it's so thin.

With the above stuff, you can go just about anywhere. Just pack some jewelry and a scarf to dress it up if need be.

Also, our own Carol Sottili recently tested some allegedly wrinkle-free travel dresses from a company called Dressinabag.com -- just what it sounds like. Look for it next week.

-- KC

Solomons, Md.: Hi Flight Crew - I have a question about travel insurance - we've booked all of our own arrangements to go to Costa Rica in a few weeks. Is it too late to buy trip insurance? How do we determine how much coverage to buy? I've never used it in the past, but with the international climate being what it is, I am considering it. Gracias! (practicing my Spanish for the trip!).

The Flight Crew: I don't think it's too late - try www.travelguard.com.

Arlington, Va.: Hi all -- This is a question regarding Cindy's article about the Riviera Maya. My fiance and I are currently looking for honeymoon sites near beautiful beaches with warm water, some activities, privacy, good food, and low-impact on the local environment. Yes, it's hard to find Xanadu.

The hotels you described in the story are intriguing, particularly Zamas. Would that be a good honeymoon place? We'd be going in September, and other than the risk of hurricances (I'm willing to gamble) do you have an idea of how the weather would be--is Tulum oppressively buggy? Do you have any recommendation for similar resorts we should check out? (Some places we've found in the Caribbean are closed in Sept.)

I wasn't able to find a good "eco-resort" guide at my local Barnes and Noble. Perhaps one doesn't exist.

Thanks!

The Flight Crew: I liked Zamas, but would pick it for a honeymoon, cause the rooms lack luxury. Instead consider Las Ranitas, or if it's too expensive, Cabanas Ana Y Jose instead. Spend one night at the Vila Archeologica in Coba; I think it's a very romantic small property.

If the wind blows from the jungle, bugs can be a problem. But the prevailing winds are from the ocean, and that blows away all bugs. Chances are good you would spend a week without any bug problem at all.

fly buys: I like the Fly Buys but I always wish there were more international flights to dream with. It would be fun to know the prices to the more exotic locales. Perhaps keep the standards and then periodically drop in a more obscure choice, like Bali or Fiji - of great importance to those considering a vacation there, but for the rest of us, just more fuel to feel the dream machines?!?!

The Flight Crew: Good point, thanks.

re: Indonesia: obviously you'll have to show your American passport for customs, but when meeting strangers, you might consider being Canadian or simply North American. I've done this when traveling abroad and find it safer.

The Flight Crew: Kind of takes away from the idea of "Proud to Be an American." I don't think you have to lie, just be smart and subdued. Though maybe being a Kiwi wouldn't be such a bad idea.

Deep Valley, USA: Victoria is cool, but Canadians have a saying that it is for "the newly wed or the nearly dead" as many retirees live there.

Still, it is great fun. The gardens are gorgeous and there are good used bookstores both in town and in a small town called Sidney on the way to Victoria about 20 miles after you get off the ferry.

The Flight Crew: Thanks, DV.

re: stomach problems: A friend of mine travels to developing nations all the time and swears by grapefruit seed extract. You can buy it in health food stores. You --don't-- want to take immodium for days....very bad for your system. Boil it, peel it, or forget it.

The Flight Crew: okay. thanks.

Washington, D.C.: Yay - I'm going to Miami! For work, bringing the husband, and after I'm done working we will have a weekend there. We're not really night owls, What to do in Miami that isn't going out glamorously? We were thinking of going to Key West and overnighting for the weekend -- is that a good plan? Where to stay in Key West? Thanks!

The Flight Crew: Oh, there's lots to do in Miami that doesn't require an all-night bender. I'm fond of the Coconut Grove area for a coastal area with neat little neighborhoods, a restaurant- and shops-rich strolling area and even a nifty old playhouse. The aquarium is worth a visit, and South Beach is almost as pretty by daylight as it is under the neon. I also enjoyed Villa Viscaya, a huge Italian Renaissance villa built on Biscayne Bay by an heir to the International Harvester fortune. If you like grand mansion, tour this one.

goldeneye: has anyone stayed at ian fleming's old place in jamaica? wondering if it'd be a good honeymoon spot

The Flight Crew: Nope. Anyone out there been?

Dupont: Fly Buys: I only let myself look at them sparingly--sort of like dieters portion out ice cream. I'm broke, and on a budget, and let me tell you, it is dangerous information for me to know that I could get to City X this weekend for only $200. I don't CARE that it's going to be sleeting and 20 degrees and everything will be closed for X-opolis Day. It's only $200! And it would still be something new, right?

So. I only let myself read it when I'm planning a trip already. Of course, then I adore it...

The Flight Crew: Hoot. Thanks!

Re: cars and the Riveria Maya: I just got back from a trip to the area south of Cancun and I was leaning toward renting a car but didn't and I was perfectly fine without it. When we went to Tulum we ended up getting together with a few other people and hiring a cab driver for the day. We arranged this through the hotel we were staying at and they made sure the driver spoke English and would drive us to some nice spots (nice, un-crowded beach and beautiful, easily accessible cenote). We really didn't need a car except for this field trip so it worked out quite well.

The Flight Crew: That's another good way to go.Thanks.

XPU-HA Palace Resort: It's a pretty nice place (all inclusive) but the rooms are smallish. Good for two people but not for a family of four.

The beach is really nice there and the buffet restaurant near the beach is pretty good.

The service is good but the "ecological park" thing is a bit overhyped. That said you can do some snorkeling in the resort but the fish are better in Cozumel.

The Flight Crew: Thanks.

Alex, Va.: Flew to Miami and back this weekend, and wanted to share: National Airport security was a mess on Friday afternoon. Huge lines way down the hall of the airport. Just about everyone had to remove their shoes (except for me, for some reason). The lines also got stalled because they kept running out of those bins that you put loose stuff in to run through the metal detector.

Coming back, security in Miami was a breeze. No lines, but they were just as thorough as they were in D.C., except for the whole shoe thing.

The Flight Crew: And we just heard from someone that security at National this weekend was a joke, but NY Laguardia was extra-intense. Go figure.

Washington, D.C.: Going on a flight that leaves IAD at 6:20. How early does one get there. I assume the 1 hr thing applies, but will the gate people be there, or are they still counting sheep then?

The Flight Crew: Sottili here: To be safe, get there by 5:30. If you get there much earlier, the joint will be sleeping. We had a 6:30 a.m. flight out of DCA last week and they didn't open the check-in counter until 5:45.

3000 miles west of you: 2 comments:
For the folks going camping out west. It depends on wher "out west" is & what kind of campling, but you might wan to consider renting all or part of your camping gear on arrival. Check REI. YOu get decent stuff, not funky sleeping bags left over from the Korean War.

Passports: another reason for having one, It's a cast iron piece of ID if you lose your wallet. Mine lives in my safe deposit box off season.

The Flight Crew: Two good points, 3000. I've rented gear a number of times (including from REI), particularly when I add a camping sortie to another kind of trip. But I still don't see what's so hard about bringing along your own gear, especially if camping is your reason for traveling.

Help: Can I get a link to the article on cabins around Va. and Md. that was published about a year ago. I have looked and can't seem to find it.

P.S. Any hints on searching the travel area of the wp.com?

washingtonpost.com: Maryland: Thoreau Never Had it So Good (Post, June 23, 2002)

The Flight Crew: Here's the link.

Arlington, Va.:: Speaking of crazy airline abbreviations, how about this one: SUX, for Sioux Falls, Iowa!
The City Council is lobbying the FAA to change the abbreviation, to no avail. If only the rest of the abbreviations were so honest...

The Flight Crew: Hoot, again. Thanks for the laugh!

GloverPark: Re: Key West Restaurants: We were there in July (yes!) and LOVED Louie's Backyard outside town -- fabulous atmosphere -- porch on beach. Great indoors as well. Great food, terrific mojitos. Highly recommend. We stayed at the Marquesa Hotel on Fleming Street and were sorry we didn't get to eat at the restaurant there -- Cafe Marquesa, which we understand is supposed to be terrific as well (but, in town, couldn't touch that atmosphere offered by Louie's.)

The Flight Crew: Thanks much.

Airline Codes Info: Those codes are assigned and administered by IATA, I believe. Newer airlines get wierder ones because the obvious ones are taken. Like stock ticker symbols.

- one who helped design IATA's website, AKA
Deep Valley USA

The Flight Crew: Hey, right from the source. Thanks DV.

Falls Church, Va.: What does Fly Buys mean to me? It means once-in-a-decade marriage bonus points for me, because my wife and I are going to Vienna this weekend on a deal that we saw in that column a few weeks ago. I don't even have to get her flowers, jewelry, or chocolate!

The Flight Crew: Everyone's a winner!

Arlington, Va.: i LOVE the fly buys column - its the first thing I read in the travel section. My folks recently retired and moved out of D.C. to Cape Cod. A beautiful place to visit, but too far to drive for a weekend. I keep my eyes peeled for good deals to boston using fly buys - and they never feel so far away!

The Flight Crew: Thanks ARl.

Sprngfield, Va.: I'm going to Malta on Thursday night, returning Monday. Flying Lufthansa and connecting through Frankfurt.

I kind of feel like I'm going to a war zone--Malta is about 700 miles from Istanbul, 1500 miles from Baghdad. But actually I feel like I could be safer in Malta than in D.C. (kidding!)

I'm not worried so much about getting in the middle of flying bombs as I am about encountering anti-American sentiment in Germany. Do you have any sense about how American tourists are being treated in Europe during these tense days?

The Flight Crew: Hi, Spring.

Heading that way myself in a month, and I know what you mean. We haven't gotten any feedback in this neck o' the building that Americans are being treated any differently these days, but it's a good question.

Anyone out there sense a change?

-john

Alexandria, Va.: For the newly married: DEFINITELY change the name in your passport. It's very easy to do, and you get your passport back pretty quickly. I think mine took two weeks. Everything I've read says that the name in your passport MUST match the name on the ticket. FYI: Your name on the main page isn't changed--they do it on one of the pages where the stamps usually go. Before I got my new passport, I always mentioned that my name had been changed to the immigration folks. Made things go much faster.

The Flight Crew: Nothing to disagree with here. But let's be clear: We weren't suggesting the reader NOT change her name on her passport. But if she needs to travel abroad immediately, there are ways to avoid name problems.

Fly Buys: I've never had any success at getting some of those cheap airfares - usually the dates are all wrong for the specific promotion.

That said, it is a useful gauge to see if you've got a good deal surfing on the web or calling around to consolidators...

The Flight Crew: True, that's how we think of it.

WDC: Where can I get details about the Pope's 25th anniversary in Rome this fall?

The Flight Crew: Try the Vatican City tourism office at www.vatican.va. Or else, try the Italian tourism office. I have not seen any events listing, but they should know about what's being planned.--andrea

Alexandria, Va.: You don't need to lie about your nationality to be safe. People don't ask you what country you're from so they can target you--people ask because they're interested. Whether you're Canadian, a Kiwi, or American.

Besides, lies have a way of catching up with you, and you make all Americans look like liars.

The Flight Crew: I agree. I was teasing. No lying please, or your pants will catch on fire.

D.C.: KC- how long in Barbados and how much?

The Flight Crew: Four days, $635 nonstop flight from Dulles (a real breakthrough), $1,000 for hotel on the low-budget (!) south coast. As you can see, this was no bargain trip, but you can find better deals if you stay for seven days or longer -- the tourism office was, and may still be, having a promotion. I just couldn't take it since I could only stay four days. BTW, I really loved Barbados -- would go back in a heartbeat. -- KC

About Key West, Fla.: For the person asking about Key West restaurants, here are some suggestions. I just got back a few weeks ago and had a great time. Our favorite restaurants included Pepe's (Cuban sandwiches/mojitos), Seven Fish (very nice and small-make a reservation), Crabby Dick's (on Duvall), Camille's (great local restaurant), Mangos (nice and on Duvall) and Blue Heaven (wonderful Carribean outdoor dining with chickens and a swing). Plus Sloppy Joe's for drinks and a good cover band.

The Flight Crew: Thank you so much!

WDC: I think fly buys is a useful resource. Last year, I was involved in a nationwide job search. I found it to be as useful as anything else for finding deals to places around the country with not much notice. And I used it to treat myself to Mardi Gras.

The Flight Crew: Thanks!

Laurel: Has anyone ever gone on the Royal Caribbean cruise to the Mardi Gras? We are leaving on Mar 1 from Tampa to go to New Orleans. Would we be able to walk from the dock to Burbon St? How about to Harrahs? Its not a large ship (the Nordic Princess) hopefully we will be able to dock close. Any other suggestions? We will be in N.O. on Mon and Tues all day. and the on Thurs will be in Progesso, mex; What is there? and things to do only there for abt 5-7 hrs close to shopping?

The Flight Crew: Not sure where that ship docks, but I think it's close to the River Center, and you could walk to Bourbon St. and Harrah's if that's so. If not, I'm sure the cruise folks will have a way to get you to the heart of downtown. Also, there is a small train that runs along the river walk area.

New Orleans is wonderful for just wondering around. Get a muffaletto sandwich (assuming you like ham and olives) at the Central Market. Lunch or dinner at Commander's Palace. Take the streetcar up ST. Charles Street. If you like aquariums N.O. has a very good one. Be sure to grab a tour book to see what appeals your particular tastes before you go. (Cindy)

Alexandria, Va.: For the Victoria-bound person: Don't miss the Deep Cove Chalet in Sydney, in the countryside outside Victoria. Make a reservation. Heaven on earth!
For the Key West-bound traveler: Definitely get off Duval Street and find some Cuban food. Also, there's Harry Truman's Little White House. The in-town beach is also great.

The Flight Crew: Thanks, Al.

GloverPark: Re Costa Rica: We flew American last February for just under $500 (base price I guess). I see Continental, Delta, on Orbitz just now for under $500 through Houston. Could be out of Baltimore instead of D.C. though. A Costa Rica specialist travel agent we talked to last year told us he always flies TACA down there and never has concerns.

The Flight Crew: Thanks, GP.

Randallstown, Md.: Hello Flight Crew,
I've been a clickster for only a few chats and have enjoyed it from the start...
Getting married in early October; we're looking at St. Lucia for the honeymoon. What can you & the other clicksters tell me about the weather since its during Hurricane Season? What hotels and/or resorts? She loves the spas. I like private pools & villa-type setups for privacy.

The Flight Crew: Sottili here: I've always wanted to stay at Ladera in St. Lucia - it's built into the side of a mountain and there are no walls on one side of each room. Wild. If you want to avoid the possibility of hurricanes, Aruba is a good choice.

Travelocity, et al....: I have found these on-line sites to be really disappointing. I use them to get an idea of what airlines go to a certain city, then check out the airlines' own website. The roundtrip tickets to Paris were a LOT cheaper when I bought them via Air France (under $400 in low season). I'm planning a flight to Entebbe (not a big market!). Orbitz Travelocity etc all quoted fares between 3 and 4,000 dollars - yikes, indeed! But I'm getting a round trip ticket from Air Ethiopia for $1265 (whew!)

The Flight Crew: Good advice. Also, when dealing with exotic destinations, don't forget consolidators -- I tend to not use Internet sites for Asia, etc. -- KC

Washington, D.C.: Just thought I'd throw out this tidbit. I recently tried to take a DC-NY bus from Chinatown, run by Dragon Tours. I called them 3 times to verify their departure times, and they even sent me to a web site (www.ivymedia.com) where i could buy tickets online. The funny thing is that you can actually buy tickets for routes that don't run. So, I was under a strong impression that a bus would leave at 8 a.m. on a Friday, but after waiting for a long time, I finally found someone who told me that buses only run Mon-Tues-Wed. Luckily, I didn't purchase tickets online, but I just wanted to warn others that Dragon Tours is misrepresenting themselves, or perhaps just really confused....

The Flight Crew: Hey D.C.--I'm sorry to hear about your problems with the Chinatown bus. I've taken Dragon Express oodles of times and been happy without fail, but I always purchase my tickets beforehand, online (I speak Mandarin and still have had some trouble when calling to confirm information over the phone). When you buy them from www.ivymedia.com, it will tell you for which buses the tickets are available, so you shouldn't have the problem that you ran into (I just went to the site and there's no Friday 8am bus offered from D.C. to NY). Hope your next experience with them goes better than the first!
--Anne

Alexandria, Va.: Great article on areas south of Cancun. Two questions: how safe are the areas you wrote about (especially travel between the resorts and the Mayan ruins)? For the open-air accommodations, were bugs a problem (i.e. that travel web site commercial about mosquito nets...)? Thanks!

The Flight Crew: I felt very safe, safer than I do in downtown D.C. these days. I was traveling with a 10-year-old girl, drove even at night, and felt no threat.

Bugs are rarely a problem.

Waldorf, Md.: Enjoyed Cindy's article on the small hotels south of Cancun on the Riviera Maya. Just want to add some recommendations:
Xcaret and Xel-Ha are both within a few minutes drive (even by taxi, which is inexpensive) of most of the locations she discussed, and are a lot of fun (you gotta do the underground river thing at Xcaret at least once -- and you don't even have to swim very well, or hardly at all; you do the whole thing in a life jacket).

The town of San Jose on Cozumel is an easy (and fun) 45-minute ferry ride from Playa Del Carmen (dinner at Pepe's on the waterfront is terrific); Chichen-Itza is about two hours away by bus, but is a "must see" at least once in your life.

While in the Riviera Maya, you pretty much "have" to see Tulum at least once; go early, try to get there before the gate (a hole in the wall) opens at 10 a.m.; otherwise the crowds are out of hand. You can "do" Tulum in 2-3 hours. Otherwise, kick back and enjoy.

Oh, there's a terrific little bakery in Playa Del Carmen about three blocks up from the ferry, on the righthand (north) side of the street that is to die for -- it'll supply your entire vacation's allotment of carbohydrates for about five bucks.

Good job, Cindy.

The Flight Crew: Thanks much.

Alexandria, Va.: A passport is a very handy thing to have, even if you don't travel. However, not every where accepts it as ID, as I will explain.

A friend was visiting from England, and we took him to my hometown in PA (very small town). We went to a local bar, and were asked for ID. He presented his passport. The bouncer didn't know what it was and so wouldn't let our friend in. It took about 30 minutes and finding someone in the place would had seen a passport before we finally got in.

The Flight Crew: Still, is there really someone out there--particularly on THIS chat--who argues you shouldn't have a passport???

Next topic: Is it time to buy a computer? Post your opinion now.

Deep Valley, USA: I always check Fly Buys to see where I would go immediately if I were diagnosed with something terminal or if my job disappeared.

I also look to see which places can be reached nonstop from DCA, which is the most convenient place.

And, having done work for IATA, I love to see the "creative" airline abbreviations.

But mostly it's an easy, graphically-presented way to dream about travel in the dead of winter in my cubicle.

The Flight Crew: Thanks, DV. We think the niftiest thing about it is the way we include the three Washington-area airports.

Alex, Va.: In Key West, you must stop by the Haagen-Dazs stand and get chocolate-covered key lime pie on a stick. Life doesn't get any better than that.

The Flight Crew: Ooh, ooh. Now I want to go to KW just for that. I'm serious. -- KC

Dreaming of the Yucatan in Fairfax: Loved the article on Riviera Maya, Cindy! A follow-up question: Is Playa del Carmen loud and crowded? I'm thinking of going to the Riviera Maya soon and Playa looked the most attractive hotel- and budget-wise. I've been specifically looking at smaller hotels that are either beachfront or within 50 meters of it. I don't mind sharing the beach with people, but I don't want to feel like I am in Cancun plus I would appreciate a good night's sleep. After reading your article, I'm thinking maybe I should look further south.

The Flight Crew: Sottili here: I just stayed in Playacar last week, and it was crowded. Not wild and noisy, but the beaches are crowded.

Alex, Va.: Pepe's and Blue Heaven are the best in Key West. However, I did discover at Pepe's that Key Lime pie and beer don't really go all that well together.

The Flight Crew: Thanks for sparing us the details, Alex.

alexandria Va.: I'll take a shot at the chopsticks - we use Fly Buys not only to help us plan the trips we're actually going to take, but to play some "travel games": "where would you go this week if you only had $300 for tickets?" or "what distination gets us the farthest for the money?". And when we do go somewhere, it's always a comfort (well, almost always) to know that we came pretty close to Fly Buys fares.

The Flight Crew: Thanks Alex! You're in the running.

Travel clothing: I like http://www.tilley.com/home.asp Tilley Endurables. Love their hats, and while conservative, their clothing isn't too dorky looking.

The Flight Crew: Yeah, Tilley's hats are neat. Soo expensive though!

Bethesda Md.: Hi Crew:

I'm one of those folks who always reads the Fly Buys even though I'm not usually in the market to buy tix. It gives me a good feel for trends and a ballpark "base" fare.

One way to add information that might be useful might be to publish a quarterly listing of fares to the most frequently mentioned cities for the past year. That way, we could see that the $345 fare to Paris in February rose to $900 in July.

Speaking of summer fares, I've had no luck finding fares under $1000 for DC-Rome Italy in the summer. Should I just bite the bullet and buy now, or hope for a brief dip later?

The Flight Crew: Sottili here: Good points. AS for $1,000 to Rome, that's too much. Try consolidators, www.flights.com, www.cheapseats.com, a travel agent.

Alexandria, Va.: Americans abroad: I was in Ireland and England in January and saw no signs of anti-Americanism. Certainly many people disagree with Bush's tactics, but that doesn't mean they hate Americans. After all, I have a huge problem with the British government, but I don't hate the English because of it (except for Manchester United fans, but that's obvious).

The Flight Crew: Thanks for the update, Al.

The Honeymooners: We're starting with a pretty blank slate for our Sept. honeymoon, although we've narrowed it down to the Caribbean.

we're looking at everything from eco-friendly to all-inclusive (and both if we can find it). a number of places we're considering all-inclusives like sandals/couples. or, the mysterious goldeneye on jamaica. but then some neat-sounding places on the smaller islands.

we're also looking for a good deal. we might be wishing the moon, but do you have any suggestions/hints?

also, are there any islands you would not recommend?

The Flight Crew: The American Virgin Islands wouldn't be my first choice. Other than that, every island has it's pros and cons.
Jamaica, for example, is cheap, but safety is an issue outside of the resorts, so you wouldn't pick that for touring around in a rental car alone for days.

Barbados--lots of countryside to explore, has both roaring ocean and calm Carib waters. But it's a further flight.

etc. I'd get a tourbook that covered the whole Caribbean to just get a feel for thedifferent islands, than match your personality with whats available there. (Cindy)

alexandria virginia: Re: South of Cancun, of the hotels/tentalapas mentioned in the Feb 9 article, which would/would not be comfortable for a single 35+yr women traveling alone?

The Flight Crew: I'd feel fine there alone. In fact, I was with a 10-year-old who couldn't have protected me much. -- Cindy.

Minnesota travel: Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in August is a must-do for any adventurer!

(No ice in August!)

The Flight Crew: Thanks!

The Flight Crew: Whew! Thanks for all the great questions, and sorry if we didn't get to yours -- we were inundated. We appreciate the feedback on Fly Buys, and will take your views into consideration as we consider how best to package airfare info.

And the chopsticks in their lovely carrying case go to . . . Baltimore, Md.., who rose up from his or her sickbed and decided to drop everything and go to San Francisco. Balto, send your contact info to me at summersk@washpost.com and we'll get the stuff out to you.

Happy trails, and keep an eye out for our paper-and-ink section next week, when we take a look at NYC subway art, and go skiing in Italy's Piedmont.