bgambino: Hi Tom! I'm planning a honeymoon in May of 2009. We're looking at Mexico and the US Virgin Islands currently, but I wouldn't mind going to Hawaii either. I've been to Riviera Maya and know what to expect, but I'd love to go to St. Thomas and St. John, possibly Puerto Rico, or Hawaii. we were quoted around $5500 for a 9 night stay at the El Dorado Royale in a swim up suite, air fair included, all inclusive. Could we vacation in the Virgin Islands or Hawaii for around the same price?

Tom Uhlenbrock: Wow, you've got some nice choices to make. I love Puerto Rico. Old San Juan is terrific, and the Westin Rio Mar is a beautiful all-inclusive resort in Rio Grande. Not too pricey, either. Your best bang for the buck, of course, is going to be Mexico, and any of the great new resorts in Cancun or Riviera Maya. I've been to the British Virgin Islands, and Bitter End Yacht Club on Punta Gorda is nice, Little Dix Bay nearby is fabulous, but more expensive. You can match that $5,500 figure in the Virgin Islands, not sure about Hawaii. Check out the ads in the Sunday Explore section to get a feeling and go from there. A good travel agent is always helpful. Cheers and Congratulations. TU

bgambino: We're planning on heading up to Chicago sometime after Thanksgiving but before Christmas. With the gas prices these days is it more economical to Amtrak it? I've taken the Mega Bus, and while an incredible bargain, I'm not interested in taking it again due to departure delays, uncertainty of seating, uncomfortable, etc...

Tom Uhlenbrock: Yes, Amtrak should beat gas prices, even after Thanksgiving. If it fits your schedule, go for it. I wouldn't trust Amtrak in Missouri, though. It uses rails that are owned by freight lines, and the Amtrak trains spend a lot of time sitting on a siding waiting for the freight train to clear. I've not heard about that problem in Illinois, though. You might give Megasbus another try. One of my cohorts just returned from Chicago and sat on the top of the double-decker, front row, and had a nice trip. Cheers. TU

LaTonya Tillmon: I was wondering if you knew a travel agency that I can book a trip to Miami in January 09 formy b.day

Tom Uhlenbrock: Hi LaTonya, and happy birthday. Are you merely flying to Miami, and meeting friends or relatives? If so, you can book your own flight on any of the online sites. I use travelocity.com, expedia.com, and orbitz.com. It's easy. If you need help planning flights, lodging and activities in Miami, a travel agent would be good. There are many good onces to choose from, and I can't mention them all. I have worked with Gwin's Travel, Altair Travel & Cruises, Brentwood Travel, Great Southern Travel, Damar Travel & Cruise and TravelPlex. But there are many more goods ones in the St. Louis area.

Marianne: My husband and I would like to take a 4-day trip to Mexico--beachfront is a must. Is there a place/resort that you would recommend? Is it best to book a package deal?

Tom Uhlenbrock: There are dozens of fine resorts in the Cancun and Riviera Maya area, all on the water. Cancun was essentially rebuilt in the last couple of years after the recent hurricane, and all of the resorts are new and improved. The cheapest way to get there is through one of the companies that charters its own flights. Check this Sunday's Explore section and you'll see Apple Vacations, Funjet Vacations and Worry Free Vacations. They all fly chartered planes from St. Louis to Mexico.
A travel agent can help, immensely. The last time I went, I stayed in Moon Palace in Cancun, and RIU in Riviera Maya. Both were terrific. Cheers. TU

Kathy: Hi. I was needing to find a safe yet somewhat inexpensive hotel close to Wrigley Field in Chicago. What are your suggestions? Thanks.

Tom Uhlenbrock: I asked our baseball guru, Rick Hummel, and he said there is nothing next to Wrigley, he usually stays somewhere on Lakeshore Drive. Mentioned a Holiday Inn. Chicago has a very helpful Office of Tourism. Its job is to answer questions like yours. If it was me, I'd call them at 1-877-244-2246, or visit www.cityofchicago.org/tourism and see what they have to offer. On my last visit, I stayed at the Trump Hotel, which was neither cheap nor near Wrigley. Remember, you can stay downtown and take the elevated train or a cab to Wrigley, but then you'll have to watch the Cubs. Go Cards! TU