Tim Leffel: In my experience, this is one of those overblown fears from two decades ago that continues to thrive. I've driven around the Yucatan more times than I can count (I have a house there) and have never been stopped once. I have friends living in other parts of Mexico that have gone years without ever paying a ticket or a bribe. Most ran into more trouble with state troopers when they lived in the U.S.

Unless you are carting around drugs or are driving way over the speed limit, the worst that can happen is you end up paying an on-the-spot fine that would be far less than for a similar infraction back home. Yes, I'm sure there are still some crooked cops out there looking to make an extra buck, but it's certainly not a widespread or costly issue. Hopefully someone speaks some Spanish for when you need help after getting lost and you really have to watch out for speed bumps, but go have fun!

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Omaha, Nebr.: When I've been on highways in Nicaragua, I've occasionally encountered checkpoints. They are said to be ways the police look for drug smugglers. At the checkpoints, the police ask to see passports. Some people say it's a good idea to carry a copy of your passport (and leave the original document locked when I am staying—so it won't get stolen). Other people say that, especially for showing the police at checkpoints, it's necessary to carry your actual passport (even though this exposes you to the risk of theft if a gunman might confront you). What's your advice? Carry a copy (and leave the original locked up)? Or carry the original? Thanks!

Tim Leffel: You could show them the copy of your passport and tell them your other one is buried in your bag, but in most cases they'll want to see the original. Tales of gunman posing as police and stealing passports is more a matter of legend and action movies than reality, however. Surf the Thorn Tree message board at LonelyPlanet.com and I doubt you'll run across many instances of this really happening. (Though you may read about some people being caught smuggling drugs!)

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Flowery Branch, Ga.: I was considering a Medical Mission trip to Nicarauga until learning the government there requires copies of my college degree, resume, professional license and passport. The word COPY cannot be written across the papers. Red flags went up in my mind about the black market selling such documents. What's your opinion?

Tim Leffel: First of all, good for you for lending your skills to an area that could really use your help! Nicaragua can use all the medical experts it can get. I have never heard about these requirements, though I'm sure most governments want to make sure your medical credentials are legit. Can't you just make photocopies of the docs yourself though, avoiding the need for the word "copy" on them? Then you wouldn't need to send any originals. To see if your document sale fears are unfounded or not, you might want to get in touch with Joshua Berman, who co-wrote the Moon Handbook for Nicaragua and the Living Abroad in Nicaragua book. Here is a link to his blog: the Tranquilo Traveler.

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Auburn Hills, Mich.: My husband and I have about $5,000 and we want to take a radical sabbatical in Central America for a month. Any suggestions? Is this a reasonable amount for two adults? Thanks for any tips. We are just in the beginning stages of planning. We have never been to Central America.

Tim Leffel: I you have $5,000 and are only going for a month, you will be living large pretty much anywhere in Central America. Once you figure out where you want to stay though, you might want to work through someone local in finding a house or apartment to rent. Places that normally rent out as vacation homes are going to cost far more than the going local rate.

Where you go depends a lot on what you want to do during that month, so it would make sense to see a rundown of each country. See my bio above for a link to my new book for that—you are someone who could definitely get your money's worth from it!

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New York, N.Y.: When traveling within the US, I usually sublet an apartment in the neighborhood/city I'm visiting so that I can get more of an authentic experience. However, I've never tried doing this overseas. Is there any advice you could give on ways to find local lodging, specifically for Mexico City and Guadalajara? Thanks! Nico