I am an 89 year old widower, with a hearing deficiency. I love to travel. Where can I go, alone and avoid double occupancy prices and be able to follow, non-verbal or clear verbal instructions. I doubt that there is a good answer but I'll let you decide that.

Posted By Donald A. Roache on August 21, 2009, 2:33 PM

Hi Brad,

My husband and I would love to vacation in Mexico this January. We've been to Playa and PV, and would like to try somewhere new. Our two concerns about all-inclusive resorts is that the food would be terrible (I have a bad experience in the DR) and that we'd be too removed from the city/any exploring. We'd love a suggestion or two!

Thanks!

Posted By Kathryn on August 21, 2009, 2:52 PM

What times of the year can I find the best deals to resorts in the Caribbean, excluding hurricane season?

Posted By Stephanie on August 21, 2009, 4:51 PM

Hi Brad,

I am planning a girlfriends getaway for my 40th birthday in March of 2010, the 10th. We would love an all-inclusive in the Caribbean. Hoping for adults only and the best deal possible:) Do you have any suggestions for us on where to go? Thank you very, very much.

Michelle MN

Posted By Michelle on August 21, 2009, 10:16 PM

My best friend and I are interested in an "art tour" of Paris, Rome, Florence and Venice. We want charming but affordable accomodations and recommendations on good but well priced restaurants- we have 2 weeks!!!

Posted By Myle Walsh on August 22, 2009, 10:28 AM

I would like to plan a special trip for my wife and I for her 60th birthday. For many years she has wanted to see the Northern Lights --- aurora borealis. Where does one go to see this natural phenomenon? Any suggestions about how to realize her dream.

Posted By Howard Lifshitz on August 22, 2009, 6:39 PM

Hi Brad!

We are looking for an all inclusive resort for budget minded travelers to celebrate five 40th birthdays. There will be three or four couples and children ranging in ages from 2 - 9. Most all inclusive resorts have buffet dinners, are there any with restaurants featuring sit down dinners? We are looking for places that parents and children can have fun together and separately. We are looking to travel in 2010.

Your advice will be most appreciated.
Thank you,

Barbara

Posted By Barbara on August 23, 2009, 8:45 AM

We're investigating all-inclusive trips for the Galapagos. We'd like one that either a) has about a week in the Galapagos and a week in Ecuador/Peru or b) has a week in the Galapagos but lets us spend a week on our own in Ecuador before flying back to the U.S. There are so many operators. Any "best of" suggestions?

Posted By Kelly on August 24, 2009, 3:29 PM

We just booked our 14th cruise but I'm still confused about room categories. Say I pick an inside cabin at a guaranteed N category. I don't get my cabin # until right before the cruise so what does N category mean? The ship lists the same category on several decks. How do I find out what is the best category to book?

Posted By Gail on August 24, 2009, 5:34 PM

Brad,
Basel, Switzerland is situated so that you can easily have breakfast in France and dinner in Germany. I have two questions: #1. How is the city and area of Basel as a destination? #2. Do you know of any other cities that are similarly situated near two other countries?
Thanks for any help you can provide.

Posted By Sharon Fender on August 25, 2009, 10:49 AM

Hi Brad. I'm arranging a trip for my father's 80th birthday. He lives in the UK and will be traveling with a friend, flying to Toronto, taking "The Canadian" train ride across the country, staying in Vancouver, and then moving on to Las Vegas, Sedona & the Grand Canyon. While he has health insurance for any travel he does, I'm looking for some sort of "trip cancelation" insurance, so that if EITHER ONE cannot go for health reasons and I have to cancel the entire trip, I can get reimbursed by the insurer for any cancellation fees. Any pointers? Thanks.

Posted By Jill on August 25, 2009, 1:26 PM

How best can I plan a trip to Albania, Bulgaria and Romania?

Posted By Mack Farquhar on August 25, 2009, 3:06 PM

I have several international trips coming up soon, and my passport is up-to-date. However, on my return from my last trip, my passport went through the wash. It survived intact, just a little wrinkly and the worse for wear. Is it still OK to use? Thank you.

Posted By Bob Hostetler on August 25, 2009, 5:11 PM

Hi Brad,

My husband and I are going to Aruba for an all-inclusive vacation in February. We want to take a one-night trip to the mainland, preferably, Caracas. Are there any ferries that go from Aruba to Caracas?

Thanks!

Posted By Cara Brunello on August 26, 2009, 2:26 PM

Brad,
I am a 31 year old husband and father of 2 daughters ages 7 & 3. I work full time from 4:00am - 12:30 pm so that I can also attend school full time. My spring break, coming up March 28 - April 3, 2010 is coming up and will be my only chance to take the family on vacation next year. My problem is that is also spring break for the rest of the college crowd. We would love to get away to a beach somewhere but being a bit older, don't want to have to deal with the "teeny-bopper" crowd and all of those spring break traditions. Where should I go? Or should I just forget about it at that time of the year?

Thanks,

Mat

Posted By Mat Wilson on August 28, 2009, 8:54 AM

My husband and I dont have kids of our own, love to travel and want to take our niece/god-daughter on a trip for her high school graduation gift. We've heard that Paris would be a dream location for her. She's intelligent, artistic and musically inclined. Can you give us any suggestions that would make this trip extra special for her? We are 'off the beaten path' kind of travelers and want to take this opportunity to share our love for travel and hopefully to open her eyes to the beauty and wonder of this great big world! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!!! Many Thanks

Posted By Sharon Larson on August 28, 2009, 9:21 PM

My wife and I are traveling to the South Island of New Zealand in November. We'll be there about 10 days. I've heard horror stories about outrageous cell phone bills after traveling abroad. With that said, I'd like to leave our phones at home and rent a phone specifically for the trip. Do you recommend that, and if so which companies provide the best prices and most reputable service? Also, any recommendations for renting an auto in NZ? Thanks

Posted By Mel on August 29, 2009, 2:46 PM

Hello! My fiance and I are trying to plan a honeymoon for April of 2010. After all of the costs associated with a wedding, our honeymoon budget is non-negotiable. We hope to find an all inclusive resort that will help cut out any unforseen costs. We are interested in a unique destination, not the highly popularized places for honeymoons. Thank You.

Posted By Caroline Lott on August 29, 2009, 9:27 PM

Hi Brad,

My husband and I would like to take a 7 night trip to an all-inclusive resort in January of 2010. All the information online is pretty overwhelming and its hard to know where to start. We've never done this before! The all-inclusive idea sounds perfect, but are there any pitfalls that we should be aware of before we book? We'd like the food to be really outstanding and the kids non-existent (we're leaving our tiny tots at home). Oh, and we'd like to snag a super great deal on price, because otherwise, our budget probably puts us in an interior room on a cruise ship. :) Any warm destination on a beach works for us. Also, how does an all-inclusive resort compare to a cruise? Finally, it seems like there are lots of amazing prices right now for a fall trip, but no sales for January dates. If we wait to book, will there be great deals for January in a month or two, or is January a high demand season? Thanks so much! This is the perfect column for us!
Kristen

Posted By Kristen on August 29, 2009, 10:47 PM

The goal is a 2-week road trip from metro-Detroit to Seattle Washington. We want to stop and see other states along the way. However, we have no clue as to where to begin.

Posted By Michelle on August 31, 2009, 10:17 AM

Does anyone else have problems with Allegiant's frequent long delays?

Posted By Judy on August 31, 2009, 4:11 PM

I bought a bag of ground coffee at the Amsterdam airport duty free. It was in a black and red bag, and was the most delicious coffee I have ever had in my life. I have thrown the package away, so I can't tell you the brand, but it was made in Amsterdam. Is there anyway you could identify the brand name, and could I get it over the internet? I have tried one brand from Amsterdam on the internet, but that wasn't it. Thanks for any help.

Posted By David Foerster on August 31, 2009, 7:31 PM

Hi, I am planning a vacation to cancun mexico for the last week of sept.This would be my first time visiting cancun with my husband & 2 daughtersages 7 & 10, I have been searching for resorts for a month now and i have narrowed it down to these 5 Resorts, I dont know which one I should pick since the reviews I have read are all good, Please help!

1-Grand Sunset princess
2-Dreams resort & spa cancun
3-Fiesta Americana Grand Coral
4-Casamanga cancun resort/Marriot
5-Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort
Also I am a little skeptical about traveling in sept. due to the rain season and hurricanes, what do you suggest?
Thanks,
Jean.z

Posted By Jean Zorrilla on September 1, 2009, 9:52 PM

Here's one for you. If you can answer this one, you'll get a gold star: in the Lonely Planet book on Mali, it says that if you go to Timbuktu and get your passport stamped at the police station there, there is a bar in New York City that only lets people with this particular passport stamp in. I've searched high and low for this bar. Lonely Planet could not help. Their author of this edition never responded. Ask.com New York City page could not help. Have you heard of this place? I went to Timbuktu last year, got my passport stamped there, and want to find this bar. Help! And thank you.

Posted By Sally Fouhse on September 2, 2009, 12:39 PM

We are planning a week long trip to Switzerland and wondered when is a good time of the year (other than the winter) to go. We want to be able to take some rail/gondola trips up to the top of various mountains (Jungfrau, Pilatus) and be able to have reasonably clear weather.

Posted By Leigh Virkus on September 2, 2009, 5:06 PM

Hi Brad,

Can you tell me the cheapest, best way to get to the Galapagos Islands from Miami?

Thanks.

Frank

Posted By Frank on September 4, 2009, 9:51 AM

My friend and I are planning a girlfriend getaway between Christmas and New Years'. We live in difference cities (East Coast and MidWest). We both are experienced travelers and would like to try something out of the ordinary - that provides some place for rest but activities - shopping, kayaking, local sites. Maybe Central America? Or Southern Europe? Do you have any suggestions or deals for us. We're looking to spend under $1000. Or...if you want to send us suggestions and use our pictures for your magazine - we'd love to help out! :)
Thank you, Trip Coach!

Posted By Dawn on September 4, 2009, 11:32 AM

David Foerster:
Have you tried using Google's Image search feature? Type "amsterdam ground coffee" into the search bar, and then click on "Images" in the top left corner. You can probably find a picture of your coffee, and once you have the name you can figure out how to buy it online. Good luck.

Posted By TB on September 4, 2009, 2:55 PM

Hi!

Hope you can point me in the right direction. I am incharge of our 2011 Family vacation. I have been asked to check all-inclusives and/or cruises. There is 10 in our party 5 adults and 5 kids. The kids will be 13, 11, 6, 3, 3. Problem is we have a budget of $1500-$2000 per family.(families breakdown 2a/2k, 2a/1k, 1a/2k) I am finding it difficult to find reputable, family oriented and safe, vacation locations. Am I asking the impossible or just not looking in the right places?

Posted By Tami on September 8, 2009, 8:30 PM

My wife and I just got back from the Barcelo Maya Palace near Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. It was our first all-inclusive trip and here's what we liked, what we didn't, and why we're done with all-inclusives:

1) Likes: Spotless/gleaming facilities...truly top notch. Staff was genuinely friendly and bent over backwards to make us happy. All manner of beverages included (including the "premium" stuff since we had an ocean view rooms which came with "Club Premium" privilege). Beach was very nice--pretty good snorkeling right beyond the pool area and a short 5-ish minute walk to the pier.

2) Dislikes: Food--we choose the Barcelo because a few tripadvisor reviews said they had the best food of various all-inclusives people have tried. If this is the best, I'd hate to see the worst or even middle of the road. The buffets were serviceable as far as selection and quality go but I wouldn't call this top notch fare. They had a bunch of sit-down type restaurants that were part of the all-inclusive experience and these were hit and miss. Copious amounts of seafood were available, but the quality and recipes were just not there. The French place was the best of the bunch and it was merely ok. I think I've caught "Anthony Bourdain" syndrome--it's gotta either be low-down yummy bad-for-you-street food or really really top notch stuff to make me saw "wow". This food was not. The "shows" were laughable. We walked out on the two we tried to watch within a few minutes of them starting...they were trying to be Vegas style without the Vegas budget. We would have much rather preferred something more like a cultural show with authentic music or some great lounge type music--the shows were mostly covers of Americana...ewwww.

Would we do this again? Most likely no. The shows didn't bug me so much as I wasn't expecting anything from them anyway but would have liked to see a bit more Mexican flavor. The food is the nail in the coffin however. When I found the little corners of Mexican food in the buffets, I was pleasantly surprised with above average fare and wish they would have focused way more on this aspect--why fight your strengths? In the end, the Barcelo (and I imagine most all-inclusives) suffer from trying to give their varied clientele "everything under the sun" and basically under-delivering for guests who value the highest quality (rather than quantity) of food.

Posted By Tommy S. on September 8, 2009, 8:56 PM

Hi, my friend and i are wondering how to plan an affordable and yet fun trip to Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia in 3 weeks. Where should we go and what is the best route from Pheonix? Thanks a lot!

Posted By Abi on September 9, 2009, 2:23 AM

We are planning a "girls weekend" to Las Vegas Oct 2 thru 5.
We will be staying at the Mirage and are looking for some fun "non-gambling" activities to try.
Some have signed up for the Richard Petty Driving Experience but others are not that brave. Any suggestions?

Posted By Betsy Mason on September 9, 2009, 6:23 AM

My husband and I are planning to go to Europe for 11 days (including the flight). Would you know any cheap hotels in London? How much are the airfares around November coming from Chicago? Is 7 days enough for us to take the train to Wales and stay at a friend's place for the night? We also plan to go to Paris and stay there for the day or overnight then take the train to Echenevex to visit my aunt and stay at her place too for 2 nights. Is it worth it to spend all those train fares going back and forth?

I need some advice on this especiall US dollars are lower than before, we need to get good deals on this. Plus hubby and I have never been to Europe so we really don't know what to expect when it comes to airfare, lodging and food.

Thanks a bunch in advance!

Posted By V on September 16, 2009, 11:36 AM

There are two websites of which I am aware that offer all-inclusives: Cheapcaribbean.com & TravelbyJen.com. I am unable to critique either one as I have not yet gone on a trip using their services; however, I am planning a trip in November for my husband & myself, which I booked thru Travel by Jen. The agent was very helpful & we are booked into the Valentin Imperial Maya, which is touted as a five star offering "top shelf alcohol", several restaurants, adults only resort on the Riviera Maya. This all-inclusive includes, as many of Jen's do, the airfare also! They offer a variety of resorts, for both families & adults only, in various "star" (cost) ranges. The price, including air, obviously depends upon the city from which one is traveling. I will let everyone know how it all played-out when I return.

Posted By Shelli on September 21, 2009, 11:16 PM

Hi Brad,
My wife and I will be visiting Paris for 9 days in November with our 21 month old toddler. We are going to rent an apartment. Where do you think is the best area for a young family? Any activities/sight-seeing that are suitable for us? Are most restaurants/bistros kid-friendly? What is the best way to get to and from airport?

Posted By Edward on September 26, 2009, 1:32 AM

Hi Brad and Everyone,

My family is planning a trip to Ireland in the Summer of 2011. Our rough count of people at the moment is between 15 & 20 [no small children], with the possibility of more. Our Grandfathers' came from County Cork area, in places with names like "Coolineagh" & "Aghabullogue". We still have family there and the researchers in our group will be trying to locate some of them. This is a reunion kind of trip, some of us have never met.

Are there any carnivals/festivals or parades going on in the Summer months that we should see? We all want to kiss the Blarney stone!

We need alot of help organizing such a large group. We'd love something all-inclusive [flight-car-room-breakfast], but with a group this size it may be out of the question. We'd like to do a self-guided tour. No rushing, no having to be somewhere by a certain time. We would require possibly 3 vehicles [vans?], maps, lodgings each night with breakfast included. Our stay would be 10 to maybe 14 days.

How big is Ireland for driving times? Could we go from the East to the West side in a day? We don't need a new place to stay each night if we can make it back to our lodgings after a day of touring. Maybe spend half our time on the East side, the other half on the West? Hotels vs. Inns vs. Rental homes? To save money whick is best?

For our meals we'd like a place where locals go. Maybe local pubs with decent food or small out of the way places? We don't mind buffets sometimes, but we'd much rather soak up the atmosphere as much as possible.

For our self driving tour we'd like to follow the coastline. Some of us enjoy photography as a hobby. The Cliffs of Moher, quaint cottages, land and rock formations, colorful landscapes and original castles or manor houses; this will be what we're looking for. Traveling inland for great locations would be fine.

We'd also like to get in touch with a local genealogical group in County Cork for a day of research.

What about cell phones? Are there cells that can be purchased reasonably for this adventure? I understand our own phones would be astronomical in charges.

Health insurance? There are a couple of us that are not in great shape. If something were to happen we'd like to be prepared. Can you suggest what kind and where to find insurance for this trip?

I know money talks. In this case we are trying to squeak by. All of us are hard-working people. This is a trip of a life-time for most of us and we want it to be a great memory for years to come. Our fathers', all deceased now, would have loved to been able to make this trip and see where their fathers' came from. So we're doing it for them....on a tight budget!

Some of us are leaving from Las Vegas, some from London, some from the Sydney [Australia] area; how do we arrange our flights so we meet up? We need help making a day to day "Itinerary", finding low priced flights, finding cars [automatics] and lodgings......Can you help?

Ro

Posted By Ro on September 27, 2009, 1:19 AM

Hi Brad and Everyone,

My family is planning a trip to Ireland in the Summer of 2011. Our rough count of people at the moment is between 15 & 20 [no small children], with the possibility of more. Our Grandfathers' came from County Cork area, in places with names like "Coolineagh" & "Aghabullogue". We still have family there and the researchers in our group will be trying to locate some of them. This is a reunion kind of trip, some of us have never met.

Are there any carnivals/festivals or parades going on in the Summer months that we should see? We all want to kiss the Blarney stone!

We need alot of help organizing such a large group. We'd love something all-inclusive [flight-car-room-breakfast], but with a group this size it may be out of the question. We'd like to do a self-guided tour. No rushing, no having to be somewhere by a certain time. We would require possibly 3 vehicles [vans?], maps, lodgings each night with breakfast included. Our stay would be 10 to maybe 14 days.

How big is Ireland for driving times? Could we go from the East to the West side in a day? We don't need a new place to stay each night if we can make it back to our lodgings after a day of touring. Maybe spend half our time on the East side, the other half on the West? Hotels vs. Inns vs. Rental homes? To save money whick is best?

For our meals we'd like a place where locals go. Maybe local pubs with decent food or small out of the way places? We don't mind buffets sometimes, but we'd much rather soak up the atmosphere as much as possible.

For our self driving tour we'd like to follow the coastline. Some of us enjoy photography as a hobby. The Cliffs of Moher, quaint cottages, land and rock formations, colorful landscapes and original castles or manor houses; this will be what we're looking for. Traveling inland for great locations would be fine.

We'd also like to get in touch with a local genealogical group in County Cork for a day of research.

What about cell phones? Are there cells that can be purchased reasonably for this adventure? I understand our own phones would be astronomical in charges.

Health insurance? There are a couple of us that are not in great shape. If something were to happen we'd like to be prepared. Can you suggest what kind and where to find insurance for this trip?

I know money talks. In this case we are trying to squeak by. All of us are hard-working people. This is a trip of a life-time for most of us and we want it to be a great memory for years to come. Our fathers', all deceased now, would have loved to been able to make this trip and see where their fathers' came from. So we're doing it for them....on a tight budget!

Some of us are leaving from Las Vegas, some from London, some from the Sydney [Australia] area; how do we arrange our flights so we meet up? We need help making a day to day "Itinerary", finding low priced flights, finding cars [automatics] and lodgings......Can you help?

Ro

Posted By Ro on September 27, 2009, 1:54 AM

Hi, I want to go on road trip all the way from San Diego Cali to Alaska. I want to know what will be the minimum budget for this type of trip, i know it can vary depending on the hotels and everythig, but I want an estimate, so I can start saving.

Thanks!!!!!!

Posted By Francis Schambach on September 28, 2009, 4:21 PM

Hello Brad-
My partner and I are going on our honeymoon June 2001, and are looking for a good all-inclusive deal.

Would like: Budget friendly, known for good food/drinks, adults only, preferably not anywhere in Mexico (is travel dangerous right now??).

Thanks! We look forward to hearing from you!

Posted By Jen Myers on September 3, 2010, 7:02 PM

Hello,
Our childrens' art teacher is taking 8 students to Oahu, Hawaii for art lessons in July. The families are staying on the North Shore (Turtle Bay area). We would like some ideas for the kids (ages K - 18 years) to do after class each day. They will be doing several art classes during the day (sketching hula dancers, visiting with a surfboard designer, sketching nature, doing art with the culture of Hawaii, visiting studios, etc.). Any ideas would be great. Each child is coming with at least one parent so parents will be on their own during the days. It is an exciting opportunity,

Posted By Vicki Axford on December 25, 2010, 4:12 PM