The Washington Post
Q: We are planning a two-week summer vacation for our family of three (two adults and one child, age 7). We’d like to go to a Latin American country and spend part of the time either learning Spanish and/or volunteering. The rest of the time touring the area. We’d like to stay a little farther on the beaten path since one of our family members has been known to easily get sick while traveling. We are thinking either Mexico, Costa Rica, or Honduras. Any recommendations of a destination with a language school or family-friendly volunteer opportunity?
A: Take a look at immersion schools offered via Spanish Abroad. As for family friendly volunteer programs, try Global Volunteers. — Carol Sottili
Q: I am traveling to London in May for a concert and football (soccer) match. I’ve been once before and saw a lot of the tourist sights, but this time, I want to stay at an Airbnb in a fun, walkable neighborhood so I can get a better feeling for actually living in the city. Any suggestions? Proximity to the concert/stadium not a requirement, but public transport is.
A: Take a look at Shoreditch. — C.S.
Q: I apologize if this is a novice question, but what is the best way to book a last minute domestic flight? I usually use kayak.com or southwest.com, but with Southwest’s current pricing, I’d have to pay at least $600 for a one hour flight. Would my travel agent have better access to unsold seats on traditional airlines?
A: I’ve not found a site that offers last-minute airfares at a deep discount. Figure out which airlines operate between your two airports, as there may be other discount carriers, such as Spirit or Frontier, that offer service. And if it’s only an hour-long flight, I’d also look into discount bus service. And try your search on other aggregator sites, such as Hipmunk. — C.S.
Q: Since lodging in national parks fills fast, we already have room reservations for a trip 13 months away. When should we start looking for rental cars? What about flights? Hotels outside the parks? No reservation sites or search engines go that far out.
A: You can easily cancel and rebook hotels without penalty. So if you see a price you like, book it, knowing that you can cancel and rebook if you find a better deal. I would not look too far out, though, because the travel industry can be volatile and places can close down.
For flights, set up alerts or start poking around major booking sites and grab the fare that fits your budget. — Andrea Sachs
Q: I’m already starting to plan for spring break next year and thinking about Mexico. Is Tulum family-friendly, and are there a lot of things to do? Thank you for all of your tips over the years!
A: Yes, Tulum is family-friendly. There are lots of nice all-inclusives, and because it’s farther away from the Cancun airport than other popular beach destinations, it’s not quite as crowded. It’s known for its Mayan ruins, snorkeling and adventure parks. And, of course, the beach. You’ll have fun. — C.S.
Q: Has anyone had experience with taking an aerosol can on a plane — either in carryon or checked bag? I have a toiletry I like but it comes in aerosol can. I have a small travel size so wouldn’t be taking a large can. I’ve heard you can take them but then was told that they may leak.
A: Some aerosols, such as hairspray or shaving cream, can be carried aboard, although they must adhere to a 3.4 ounce limit. But other aerosols, such as insect spray, are not allowed. Check with the TSA for specifics. And I’d stick with carry-on to avoid radical pressure changes. — C.S.
Q: I’m heading for Costa Rica on Christmas — but I’m not sure what would be the best way to ensure we get to Dulles from Bethesda for a 10 a.m. flight. The airport shuttle vans have disappointed us in the past, and I don’t want to risk it. Would you suggest Uber or one of the hotels near the airport that will let you park and use their shuttles?
A: We used Uber to Dulles last week and it worked out fine. For a 10 a.m. flight, I wouldn’t bother with finding a hotel that allows parking. — C.S.
Q: How early is too early to book a flight to Europe for September 2016? I’ve signed up for a tour, so I know my travel dates. I’ll be flying into a smaller airport (Ljubljana, Slovenia), which means at least one connection through a European hub from Washington. Fares on this route don’t fluctuate much, so I’m not concerned about waiting to find a great price, but I worry about airlines shuffling around their flight schedules in the intervening months and wrecking my schedule if I book, say, now. Would it be safer to wait until eight months out?
A: No matter when you book, there is always a chance of schedule changes in today’s world of consolidation and code-sharing. You can wait until eight months out, but your schedule may still change. Once you do book, check your reservation from time to time. For example, Air France changed planes on us and put my husband and I in new seats that were on opposite ends of the cabin without a word. Had I not checked, it would have been an airport surprise. — C.S.
Q: My husband and I are planning to celebrate our 15th anniversary in the Caribbean next July. He wants a place with good scuba, and I’m looking for interesting local culture. We will be sans-kids for the week, but we don’t want the party atmosphere of most adults-only resorts. Any suggestions?
A: Try what are known as the ABC islands: Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. The diving is some of the best in the world, and there’s plenty of culture in Netherlands Antilles. — Christopher Elliott
Q: Four adults are planning a trip to Southern Italy around our grandparent’s home town in the Province of Campobasso, Molise. Two questions — yea or nay to spending time in Naples? The internet is full of horror stories. I’m not easily scared but I am cautious. Question 2 — recommendations for a travel agent that can help us plan what to see and how to get around near Sorrento, Amalfi and Capri.
A: Naples is a bit grimy, but it has its charms. The food is great: Best pizza in the world. And there are museums and churches worth seeing, including the National Archaeological Museum, the San Carlo opera house and the catacombs. As for a travel agent, we can’t recommend because we don’t use them. — C.S.
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