Looking for an all-inclusive resort to mark 40th birthday
Q. We are planning a trip for next January or February. We would like to go somewhere tropical with a maximum four-hour flight and stay preferably at an all-inclusive.
Because we will be celebrating my 40th birthday, I would really like to stay somewhere that has a nightclub (or one nearby). There are several of us going and we want to stay somewhere really nice, but (of course) economical.
I really enjoy reading your articles. Thanks for your help and expertise.
A. Really nice and economical don't necessarily go hand in hand, plus January or February in the tropics is a peak time for those wanting to escape our Illinois winters.
However, don't despair. By starting now you should have enough time to be on the lookout for package deals and special promotions at an all-inclusive resort worthy of a 40th birthday celebration. Using the Internet, you should be able to come up with a bunch.
All usually include accommodations, meals, water sports and scuba, unlimited drinks and snacks, airport transfers, hotel taxes and tips. Their entertainment agenda can include special themed nights, live bands, live shows, piano bar and nightclubs. Here are some suggestions:
Sandals (www.sandals.com) has resorts in Jamaica, Bahamas, St. Lucia and Antigua, which can be reached at (800) 726-3257. Beaches (www.beaches.com) has three properties in Jamaica and one in the Turks and the Caicos; call (888) 232-2437. Club Med, in addition to resorts abroad, has some in Florida, Mexico and the Bahamas; contact www.clubmed.com or call (888) 932-2582.
Outposts Caribbean properties' www.islandoutpost.com lists tropical locations from the sophisticated to the casual and posts their toll-free numbers.
Or stop in the Barnes and Noble bookstore and check out the many travel guides that list all-inclusive resorts in Florida and the Caribbean.
Q. I am a senior citizen and as much as I appreciate our personal inspections at the airports, I feel people at O'Hare are overzealous.
I had a knee replacement three years ago and I carry a laminated card from my surgeon indicating that when I fly I have to get a personal inspection because I set off the detector. I don't mind that, but when I show my card and the inspector has gone over my body three times or more and the hand-held indicator goes off by my knee each time I would think that is sufficient. Unfortunately, they then begin to grope and pat down my body not once, but three times or more. This becomes uncomfortable and I feel offended by the inspectors.
Do you know the regulations for inspections and exactly what these inspectors are told or allowed to do? If so, I would love to have a copy. Thanks for any help you can give me.
A: I couldn't track down a copy of the rules and regulations governing airlines and TSA, or the Transportation Security Administration, but I did track down a phone number that operates 24 hours a day and an e-mail address to which you can address your complaints.
The toll-free number is (866) 289-9673 or e-mail TSA-contactcenter@dhs.gov.
Send your questions at least sixweeks prior to travel to MadelynMerwin in care ofTravel,Daily Herald, P.O.Box 280, Arlington Heights, IL 60006, or e-maildpmerwin@sbcglobal.net.