20 Tips

New Prize: South American Cruise The best response we receive between Oct. 15, 2008, and Nov. 28, 2008, wins a 14-day Norwegian Cruise Line cruise for two in an ocean-view state­room on the Norwegian Sun between Santiago, Chile, and Buenos Aires, Argentina, courtesy of eCruises.com. For more info on eCruises.com: 800/223-6868, ecruises.com. How to enter E-mail us at TrueStories@BudgetTravel.com or mail us at True Stories, Budget Travel, 530 Seventh Ave., New York, NY 10018. For a complete rundown of the contest guidelines, please see BudgetTravel.com/truestories. This month's winner is Tom Dryden of Wilton, Conn. His prize is an eight-night trip to Tasmania, Australia, courtesy of Tourism Tasmania and Goway Travel. My wife and I spent two days in Casablanca on our way to Greece. A taxi took us to our hotel via a highway. Coming home, we spent one more night in Casablanca at the same hotel. Night had fallen by the time we landed. This time, the driver who picked us up took a different route, turning off the highway onto an unpaved, unlit road on which ours was the only vehicle. The road seemed to lead away from the city. My wife, who had been reading a true-crime book, clutched my arm and said, "This isn't the way to our hotel. He's taking us out into the country to kill us!" Our driver brought the taxi to a stop and turned to his wide-eyed passengers. "I am not," he said in perfect English. "This is a shortcut." The pony express Looking for a taxi stand in Mexico City, I asked some mounted policemen in a park for directions; I spoke little Spanish, but after some gesturing on both sides, I set off in what I thought was the right direction. Half an hour later, the same policemen trotted up to me. One of the officers dismounted and had me get on his horse. Then he handed me his sombrero and led the horse out of the park, across four lanes of traffic, and all the way to the taxi stand. People waved and honked, and a few even took pictures. I guess they thought I was a celebrity. Jennifer Ochoa, Long Beach, Calif. Bridge under troubled water Our group left Matema, Tanzania, for the drive back to Dar es Salaam for our flight home. The roads were flooded by heavy rains and driving was difficult, so I was relieved when we reached a bridge. But the support under the bridge was broken, and the car ended up in the water. Our bags were lost, but we were saved. People came from miles around to help. My fondest memory of the trip is of the kindness of those villagers. Laurie Hodgson, Colorado Springs, Colo. Try Chincoteague Island When I booked a trip to Mackinac Island, Mich., I thought we would land on the island. Someone at our hotel told me we wouldn't have a problem getting a horse-drawn taxi at midnight, when our flight would get in. When we landed and saw cars, my husband was puzzled and said he thought there were no cars on the island. What was the problem? We'd landed at Pellston airport, which is 15 miles away—on the mainland! I called the horse-taxi service, and the dispatcher said, "Lady, my horses don't swim that well." Anne Curwin, Little Canada, Minn. Modesty is overrated After my daughter became engaged to an Italian Air Force pilot, we planned an extended stay in Italy. We found an apartment in a town close to her fiancé's base. Using the washing machine to do our laundry was easy, but drying our clothes meant hanging them on a drying rack on the balcony. We didn't want people to see our unmentionables, so we hung them at the back of the rack. But on one of our morning strolls, we saw an old woman sitting below her clothesline, where her big white granny underwear was waving like a banner! Deborah Vivona, Edmond, Okla. She put Rudolph out of work The night before my visit to Camelot Adventure Lodge in Moab, Utah, I was so excited about riding a camel that I was unable to sleep, so I took a sleep aid. As I swallowed the tablet, I realized I had also swallowed a tooth from a partial plate. The next morning, I found a dentist, only to be told to come back in four hours. So my cousins and I searched through a store's Halloween decorations and found a set of glow-in-the-dark vampire teeth. We replaced my tooth with one that also acted as a night-light, and I didn't miss my camel ride. Judy Patterson, Florence, Ala. Not quite Italy's most wanted Our visit to Sicily was interrupted when the police picked me and my wife up off the street and took us to the station. Someone had identified me as one of the FBI's 10 most wanted fugitives. They suspected me of murder, drug trafficking, and money laundering. I was about the right age, height, and weight, and looked similar to an FBI picture. After four hours, I was released, to the disappointment of the FBI and the Italian police—and my wife, who had offered to identify me as the fugitive to get the reported million-dollar reward. J.E. Lee, Las Cruces, N.M. But did they buy the bridge? My friend Myrt and I were walking to our car in Santa Fe, N.M., when we came upon two Native American boys. They had a box of ordinary-looking rocks and a sign that said rocks $5.00. "So are there crystals in these rocks?" I asked. The boys said no. Myrt guessed, "Are these some kind of ceremonial rocks?" No again. Myrt asked, "Why would anybody pay five dollars for an ordinary rock?" One of the boys smiled and said, "We don't know, but we've sold six of them!" Diane Kay, Albuquerque, N.M. Wonder if it works for guys I stayed in a hostel while in Florence, Italy, and woke with bedbug bites on my stomach and face. I found a pharmacy, but the pharmacist didn't speak English. Fortunately, the man in line behind me spoke a little, and with a few words and gestures, I told him my problem. He explained it to the pharmacist, and she gave me a tube of cream for the itching. I was thrilled at how quickly it worked. When I returned to the U.S., I showed the tube to my boyfriend's mom, who is fluent in Italian. It turns out my miracle cream was not for bug bites, but for feminine itching. Beth Riley, Downers Grove, Ill. We prefer Cinderella Barbie In 2005, my partner and I traveled to Madagascar. We never told our guide or other people we encountered that we were gay. Halfway into our trip, we checked in to a hotel for the night. When we went into the bathroom, we saw a beach towel emblazoned with a large pink image of Nutcracker Barbie. We turned to each other and smiled, and then my partner said, "Word's out now!" Shawn McDermott, Baltimore, Md. The boy is a bad influence My husband and I took our son on a Danube cruise from Passau, Germany, to Budapest, Hungary, and back. I love to take photos, and the scenery was so beautiful that I had ample opportunity. Like many boys, my son hates to have his picture taken. To show his dislike on this trip, he stuck out his tongue in every photo. One day, we took a carriage ride through Vienna and, of course, had our picture taken. When I printed the photo, I noticed that the horse had also stuck out its tongue. I guess it was tired of photos, too. Karen Zygmunt, Carmel, N.Y. Paging the National Guard When I was in Lesotho recently, a local man asked where we were from. Our group leader said the U.S., and the man asked where Georgia was. She gave him a rough idea, and he said, "Russia is bombing Georgia. How is George Bush going to react?" Annalisa Lazzaro, New York, N.Y. Obligatory monkey story When my mother and I visited the Rock of Gibraltar, we opened our car windows and took pictures of the monkeys there. Suddenly, I heard a thud on the roof. A monkey climbed through the window and sat on my shoulder. Then it dove to the floor, grabbed something from our grocery bag, and leaped back over me and out the window. Yikes! Feeding the monkeys is illegal. Sure enough, I walked to the back of our car and found the little guy eating bread sticks. Brittany Hill, Sagamore Hills, Ohio

"I'm Glad I Could Share It" Anton was thrilled to show Antonia a thriving, beautiful, and independent Croatia. "For so long, no one knew where it was," he says. "Now everyone loves it. Antonia even tells me she wants to get her dual citizenship!" On high A guided tour of Dubrovnik's wall was the perfect way to figure out the lay of the land. Goalll!!! In Dubrovnik, Antonia and Anton stopped in a few bars to catch Euro 2008 matches. "Watching the soccer games was one of my favorite parts of the trip," Antonia says. Calamari dreamin' Antonia swears Croatia has the best seafood in the world. "The calamari tastes like it's straight from the sea," she says. The dish at right was from a restaurant in Novi Vinodolski, the town where Anton grew up. "It's changed so much!" he says. "Thirty years ago, there were no fancy stores or restaurants." Now the town is a destination for Germans and Italians. A three-island tour Antonia and her dad took a boat tour from Dubrovnik and came across this tiny church on the island of Kolocep. Reminders of the past As they walked along the wall in Dubrovnik, they noticed shrapnel marks from the bombings in the 1990s. "It's a shame the city suffered so much damage during the war," says Anton. Island getaway The beaches in the major cities were crowded, but on the islands, it was another story. The beach on Lopud island was so enticing that Antonia and her dad rented chairs and relaxed. Local style Renting an apartment from a woman in Dubrovnik turned out to be the right decision. "She gave us great advice about where to go," Antonia says. "And I loved the traditional earrings she had on, so I bought a pair for myself."

Interested in getting coached? E-mail us your questions—seriously, the more the better—to Letters@BudgetTravel.com. Want advice? Log on for our weekly Online Trip Coach chats, Tuesdays at noon (ET), and let our experts answer your questions. Click here to submit questions and browse our archived chat transcripts. DEAR TRIP COACH... My dad grew up in an orphanage in Croatia and moved to the States in 1960. He has only gone back once, and I've never been, so we're planning a trip. We're going to divide our time between towns along the coast and some islands. Antonia Abram, New York, N.Y. FIRE AWAY! What's the best way to get around? Since you'll be visiting some islands, don't rent a car—taking it aboard a ferry is too pricey. Take town buses on the mainland and ferries to the islands. The national ferry company, Jadrolinija, runs boats from the Croatian coast to most of the country's inhabited islands (jadrolinija.hr). We're kicking off the trip in Opatija. What should we do there? Austrians began flocking to this seaside town in the 19th century to be rejuvenated by its calm waters and mild climate. Today, people go for the very same reason. The scenery is the star here, and the best way to see it is to stroll along the Lungomare, a promenade that hugs the coast for seven and a half miles. The mountains dip down to the waterfront in a series of foothills. Don't bother with Opatija's town beach—it's little more than a concrete platform where you can rent umbrellas and chairs. Instead, go for a dip in one of the dozens of coves you'll pass along the Lungomare. Any restaurant recommendations? If you follow the Lungomare to the north end, you'll reach Volosko, a tiny fishing village that's home to Plavi Podrum. Don't let the remote location fool you—the food here is as sophisticated as anything you'd find in a major city. Case in point: the raw tuna with black-truffle cream on squid-ink toast. The prices are higher than at most restaurants in Croatia, but if you can splurge anywhere, do it here (Obala F. Supila 12, 011-385/51-701-223, four-course dinner $63). Where can we see ruins in Split? Head straight to the Palace of Diocletian, a fortified residence that was built in the late 3rd and early 4th centuries by the Roman emperor Diocletian. Within the restored walls lies a warren of little streets, which emerged when medieval residents made the palace their home. Enter the palace from Split's seaside promenade and wander among the stalls where local artisans sell jewelry, ceramics, and embroidered linens. From there, climb the stone stairs to the peristyle, once the imperial square. Amid the café tables, you'll see giant granite columns, massive stones, and an Egyptian sphinx. On one side of the court is the Cathedral of St. Domnius, which has a treasure trove of sculptures and medieval paintings. On the other side lies the Temple of Jupiter, guarded by the sphinx. Before leaving the palace, be sure to check out the drawings, furniture, and weaponry at the City Museum of Split (Papaliceva 1, 011-385/21-360-171, $2). Is it possible to take a day trip to Hvar from Split? Getting to Hvar will take you two hours, so you'll probably want to stay overnight. Take a ferry to Stari Grad on Hvar island ($9), and then take a bus from the port to the town of Hvar ($5). The impeccably preserved Old Town resembles a film set—which may explain why it has become such a trendy destination for celebrities with yachts. After a walk through the old streets, head over to the Franciscan monastery and museum at the eastern end of the harbor (011-385/21-741-193, $3). If you're feeling energetic, follow one of the paths that wind up from the northern side of the harbor to Spanjola, the medieval citadel. The views are fantastic. You can also get on one of the small boats at Hvar harbor and head to the Pakleni islands, where you can swim and picnic. Fontana Tours offers water taxis and day trips to the islands (011-385/21-742-133, happyhvar.com, taxis from $6 per person, day trips from $29). We were referred to a local woman who rents out an apartment in her Dubrovnik home. Do you recommend staying there? This kind of arrangement isn't uncommon in Croatia—or the rest of Central Europe, for that matter. If this rental doesn't work out, but you're still interested in staying in a private home, Adriatica.net rents apartments on the coast (from $44), and Apartments van Bloemen, just inside the city walls, rents colorful flats decorated with quilts made by the owner's mother (Bandureva 1, 011-385/20-323-433, karmendu.com, from $106). What's the best way to get a sense of Dubrovnik's history? Start with a mile-long walk on top of the thick walls that enclose the city. With the blue sea on one side and the red-roofed buildings on the other, you'll get a look at the towers and forts that have protected the "pearl of the Adriatic" for 800 years. There are entrances to the walls at Pile Gate, St. John's Fort, or St. Luke's Tower ($10). To see what they've been protecting, visit the city's museums and monasteries. The Rector's Palace, which served as the city's seat of government for centuries, has a museum full of artifacts (Pred Dvorom 3, 011-385/20-321-497, $7). At the Franciscan Monastery, go through the Romanesque cloisters to the pharmacy, which has been in business since 1317 (Placa, 011-385/20-321-410, $5). The Dominican Monastery and Museum, in the northeastern corner of the Old Town, has paintings from the 15th and 16th centuries, when the city was at the height of its power and influence (Sveti Dominika, 011-385/20-321-423, $4). And then there are the churches. St. Blaise's Church, on Luza Square, is named after Dubrovnik's patron saint, who is said to protect the city. The church steps are a gathering spot for local celebrations—the most important being the Feast of St. Blaise, held every February. A few steps away is Dubrovnik Cathedral, which has a treasury glowing with gold and silver. Walk the Stradun, the street that bisects the Old Town, to see the Sponza Palace, which once served as the mint, as well as Onofrio's Fountains, built in the 15th century. Where should we eat in Dubrovnik? Kamenica serves big plates of fried fish and mussels at outdoor tables (Gunduliceva poljana 8, 011-385/20-323-682, entrées from $10). The menu is a bit more sophisticated at Lokanda Peskarija, in the Old Port (Ribarnica, 011-385/20-324-750, entrées from $12). Proto prides itself on showcasing the best regional dishes, like brodetto, or fish stew, served with polenta (Siroka ulica 1, 011-385/20-323-234, entrées from $23). How should we spend our time on Korcula? The stone walls make this island seem like a mini Dubrovnik. Once, Korcula was known for its stone masons, who carved beautiful ornamentation onto the façades of the buildings. In the Old Town, go to St. Mark's Cathedral to marvel at the altarpiece painting of three saints by Tintoretto (Trg Sv Marka 1, $4). At the Town Museum, you'll get a nice introduction to Korcula's history (Trg Sv Marka 2, 011-385/20-711-420, $3). Unasked-for advice Dubrovnik is a popular cruise port, and you don't want to get caught in the crush of visitors. The port authority publishes a schedule at luckauprava.no-ip.biz/publicreports. If possible, arrange your sightseeing accordingly.

Greg Benchwick: Hi Travelers, Greg Benchwick here, coming to you live from my friend's hilltop apartment high above the colonial Mexican city of Oaxaca. I've been reading through your great questions about the Yucatan and am thrilled to get this chat started. Let's get chatting! Greg _______________________ Alexandria, Va.: I'll be travelling to Cancun on Oct 22nd for six nights. I'm going solo and not renting a car. I know I'll grow tired of the Hotel Zone and I'm looking to explore the real Yucatan. I've been to Playa Del Carmen and thought the place to be paradise. I'd like to see Colonial Mexico and enjoy a dining expierence of Yucatan flavors. I thought of taking the bus from the downtown Cancun bus terminal to Merida. What's your suggestion on soaking up culture outside of a trip to the ruins in Tulum? Greg Benchwick: Heya Going Solo, Sounds like an amazing trip. And you are definitely in luck. The Yucatan offers one of Mexico's richest, most vibrant cultures. From Cancun, you can visit many places in the Maya Hinterland. There's towns like Nuevo Durango and Yodznot that are just now starting to develop tourism. Then there's the colonial masterpiece of Merida. The one thing to keep in mind on such a short trip is that it takes a good four hours from Cancun to Merida on a first-class bus. So you may be better off looking for an authentic cultural experience closer to home. Halfway between Cancun and Merida are the towns of Valladolid and Izamal. Both have Maya ruins nearby, as well as some cenotes, limestone sinkholes, for swimming. Another feasible day-trip would be to head down the coast to Tulum, then head inland to the massive Maya site of Coba. You'll feel like quite the Indiana Jones in Coba. There's jungle everywhere and many pyramids have yet to be totally excavated. Whatever adventure you choose, I think it's incredible that you are looking to get off the beaten path. Buen Viaje, Greg _______________________ Paramus, N.J.: We are returning to Riviera Maya in Feb. 2009. We love to snorkel but are disillusioned with "group" tours because the large group seems to scare the wildlife away. Any suggestions on how to find a reputable snorkel operator or boat owner who will take us on a private snorkel tour (or a very small group)? Thanks for your help with this. Mary Greg Benchwick: Hi Mary, Yes, it's getting harder and harder these days to find good snorkeling spots along the Mayan Riviera. Big-time hurricanes over the past several years have done some severe damage to the reefs near Cancun, Mahahual and Cozumel, not to mention, there's more divers visiting these reefs than ever before. This said, there's still plenty of fun spots for snorkeling, and you don't even necessarily need to contract a boat to get there. One of my favorite spots is the Yal Ku lagoon in Akumal. The lagoon is packed with parrot fish and interesting rock formations, has extremely tranquil waters, and nowadays, it even sports a tastefully designed above-water sculpture garden. As for contracting a boat. If you really want to get away from the crowds, than you'll be better off chartering a private boat. Tell the captain your wants and needs, and who knows, you may just have the place all to yourself. Happy Travels, Greg _______________________ Dubuque, Iowa: I would like to combine a short cruise with a visit to some of the temple ruins as a birthday present for my 13 year old daughter. She is currently studying the Mayan and Inca civilizations. How should we do that? We have never cruised or been in the area. Would it be better to be land based? Greg Benchwick: Hello Super Parent, Wow, a trip to the Yucatan, what an amazing birthday gift. That's one lucky girl. The good news is that there's tons of amazing things to see and do for a 13 year old in the Yucatan. Heck, even a 63 year old will be delighted by the cultural and natural treasures at hand. I must say, however, that I'm not a big cruise fan. While cruises are absolutely the perfect vacation for some, it will certainly take away from the adventure aspects of an on-the-ground "expedition" through this territory. Cruising also creates a serious environmental impact. Up to three times the CO2 emissions as a flight of the same distance! From what you are saying, it sounds like an on-the-ground trip may be your best bet. I'd suggest starting your trip in Cancun. It's cheaper to fly here than to most places in the Yucatan. I would go straight down to Playa del Carmen from Cancun. That will put you within great striking distance of some of the area's Maya sites, as well as some amazing beaches, cenotes (limestone sinkholes) and great snorkeling. From Playa, I would definitely try to take a day trip to Chichen Itza. This massive Maya site was recently named as one of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World. You'll also have easy day trips (or overnight adventures) to Tulum, Coba, and Cozumel (for snorkeling). There's also a handful of natural "amusement parks" in the area like Xel-Ha and Xcaret, where you can snorkel in amazing waters, swim with dolphins and just let a kid be a kid. Have a great trip. And happy birthday to your little girl! Greg _______________________ San Diego, Calif.: Hi, I have one day in Cozumel, what's the best excursion for me? (I have no physical limitations.) Greg Benchwick: Hiya Cozumel Bound, With one day on the island, I'd say there's only one thing to do: go diving or snorkeling. If you are already a certified diver, you'll be able to dive along some of the world's most amazing reefs. If you don't dive, then take a snorkel trip. If getting wet just isn't your thing, then I'd suggest hopping on a moped and taking a ride around the island. There's a great reggae bar on the Eastern shore! Have fun! Greg _______________________ Dunbarton, N.H.: Hi Greg, I'm taking a group on a Caribbean cruise in February over school vacation. We have a day in Cozumel. What shore excursion would you recommend that middle and high school students might use as a school project, such as an ecological program or historical site? Can you also recommend something for adults who might be interested in a culinary experience, such as a cooking lesson with a trip to a market or an agricultural location? Thanks, Lynn Greg Benchwick: Hi Lynn, Why didn't I get to go to Cozumel when I was in high school? Anyway, those are some lucky kids, and there's plenty for them to do. For me, one of the most interesting school projects would be on reef ecology. Give the kids some snorkels and masks, and take them over to one of the reefs. From there, they can make a list of the species they encounter. Of course, with reefs it's important to encourage "look-don't-touch" ecological principles. There are no cooking classes in Cozumel, as far as I know, but a short ferry away (about 30 minutes) in Playa del Carmen, you can take cooking or dancing courses at any of the area's language schools. Happy Travels, Greg _______________________ Stillwater, Minn.: My son and I are about to embark on a trip to the Yucatan. In fact, we are leaving next Tuesday, Oct. 14th and staying there for a week. We are going with his Spanish Class—7th and 8th Graders, along with two Spanish teachers and several moms are 'tagging-along' as well. My question is: what are the 'must not miss' places/sights/restaurants/entertainment that you recommend seeing/doing for this age bracket of children. Is there any meaningful type of souvenir/remembrance item that they can bring back that would benefit both the people in Mexico and the kids? Thank you for your time. Joy Greg Benchwick: Hola Joy, With a week, you definitely need to see some of the major archeological sites. If you are visiting the state of Quintana Roo (where Cancun and Playa del Carmen are found) then I'd suggest visiting Chichen Itza, Tulum and Coba. It'd also be great to take the kids to a cenote for an afternoon swim. There are tons of these limestone sinkholes throughout the region, and you can easily combine a day trip from Cancun or Playa with a trip to Chichen Itza with an afternoon cenote cool off. The Maya are famous for their arts and crafts. But keep in mind that you don't want to buy anything made from endangered species like turtles of wild cats. And, I must say that you are one brave lady to take an entire class of 7th graders on a weeklong trip. You may just deserve a cold margarita after your first day. Have a great time! Greg _______________________ Salem, Ore.: My husband and I planning a trip to the Yucatan area for early May. As part of our trip, we are planning to drive from Campeche to Palenque (2 nights in Palenque) then drive to Calakmul and the Bio Reserve for two more nights. I'm nervous about two things—a place to get gasoline for the car and are there places to stop for lunch? Should we pack our own food? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks. Greg Benchwick: Hello Calakmul Bound, I love Calakmul, and I think you're going to have a great time there. There are generally numerous places to stop for lunch anywhere in Mexico. Unfortunately, some of these roadside stands have extremely circumspect sanitary conditions, so if you have a delicate stomach, you may wish to pack a sandwich or two before you hit the road. When driving in Mexico, I generally try to keep more than half a tank of gas. It takes a bit more time to stop at so many gas stations, but it's good to stretch your legs, and will keep you from getting stranded. Have a great time, sounds like quite an adventure. Greg _______________________ Grand Prairie, Tex.: I just purchased the 2008 Lonely Planet Mexico guide and am wondering whether it would be worthwhile to purchase the new Lonely Planet Cancun, Cozumel & Yucatan (which I haven't yet been able to browse in local stores). What are the advantages of using the regional guide rather than the all-country guide? Would it mainly be size and convenience or will there actually be additional and different information? Thanks! Greg Benchwick: Hi Mexico bound, Happy to hear that you bought the new Mexico book. I contributed to the Yucatan section, and also penned the separate Cancun, Cozumel and Yucatan book. If you are just traveling in the Yucatan region, I would suggest looking for the smaller regional guide. It will have about 200 more pages of information on the region. It also focuses less on budget travelers (though that's included too) and more on midrange travelers. Happy Travels, Greg _______________________ Grand Prairie, Tex.: Visited the Mayan Riviera, Merida and Campeche this past January, after not having visited for about five years and was shocked by the changes! So much construction, mainly of giant resorts or condos! Roads to formerly secluded beaches now blocked by massive resort gates (or construction of same). Tourism up greatly and so were prices—which I could accept, but it seemed that glitzy "international" establishments are replacing the more authentic regional places I enjoy. Am I overreacting? How can the independent traveler of moderate means find an interesting and satisfying more local experience? Thank you. Greg Benchwick: Hello Looking for an Authentic Experience, Yes, it's become tough these days. And it can be quite sad to see so many resorts going up along these pristine stretches of beach. But the good thing about the Yucatan Peninsula is that it's a big, big place. In the middle of the Peninsula, you'll find "authentic" towns like Oxkutzcab, Santa Rosa and Ticul. One of my favorite off-beat trips is in the state of Yucatan. From the small town of Ticul, you can visit five Maya ruins along the Ruta Puuc. Most of the ruins are relatively small, but you're likely to have them all to yourself. The trip, which you can do in a day, ends in Uxmal, which is a massive site, complete with its own ostentatious sound-and-light show. Along the Quintana Roo coast (that's the Caribbean Coast), the further south you get, the less development you'll see. Xcalak is a small town found on the coast here. It's a bit difficult to get there—it's best to take a car—but you'll have the place pretty much to yourself. Another key to finding authentic experiences is learning the language. With a bit of Spanish, you'll definitely get to dive a bit deeper into the rich cultural tapestry of this region. Keep traveling responsibly. I love to hear people looking for these types of experience. Happy Travels, Greg _______________________ Sarver, Pa.: Where is the best snorkeling, with the healthiest coral and lots of tropical fish in the Cancun/Riviera Maya area? The last time we snorkeled in Yalku Lagoon, 5 years ago, we were disappointed in the condition of the coral and dearth of fishes. Our trip is from March 14-21, 2009 and we will be staying at the Westin Resort. Greg Benchwick: Yes, these reefs have taken a severe beating in recent years. First Wilma than Dean did some serious damage to the reef ecology. But it's important to keep in mind that hurricanes are an integral part of reef ecology. The Reserva de la Biosfera Banco Chinchorro may be a good bet. Reached from Mahahual or Xcalak, this reef may have sustained some damage at the hands of Dean, but last I heard there were plenty of fish there. Buen Viaje, Greg _______________________ San Clemente, Calif.: What is the best place to go if you want to live in a hutch on the beach without tons of people? Also, thebest all-inclusive places? Would like to travel November or December and have three kids. Greg Benchwick: Hello Castaway, There are several good beach hutches along the coast. Tulum is certainly the most famous spot, with tons a spots along the beach and basic to high-end beach huts. Off the beaten track is Isla Holbox. There's some great beachfront cabanas here. The water is not as crystal clear as that of the Caribbean, but you get more of the place to yourself, and during certain times of the year, you might even get to snorkel with a whale shark!! Have a great trip. All the best, Greg _______________________ Greg Benchwick: Hi all, Well, unfortunately our time is up. Thanks for all your amazing questions. It sounds like most of you are headed off on some amazing adventures. As you hit the road, please keep in mind the impact your travel may have on the culture and environment of the Yucatan. By following a simple "leave no trace" ethos, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future for tourism. And, as for me, I'll continue writing my books, running my websites soundtraveler.com and monjomedia.com, and of course, I'll keep traveling. The latest edition of Lonely Planet's Cancun, Cozumel and the Yucatan book should be hitting shelves soon. I authored this guide, and I think that it should answer some of your questions. But remember, the best adventures are always had by the seat of your pants. So put the guidebook away for a day, or even a week, and head out on your own. From the far-out Maya sites in Campeche, to the underwater wonders of the area's cenotes and amazing reefs, there's adventure to be had in every corner of the Yucatan. Enjoy every minute of it. Happy Travels, Greg