Q: A friend just came back from Florida, where he was offered rental car insurance (for $12 a day!) by Payless for "lost revenue" if the car was damaged. Is this covered by your home auto insurance or the credit card auto insurance?

A: If your rental is damaged, a company may charge you for what it calls "loss of use" -- a fee for revenue that it would have collected if the car hadn't been damaged. Most insurance companies don't recognize this as a legitimate charge. Neither do I.

-- Christopher Elliott

Q: I'm leaving for a trip to Peru on Aug. 18, and my passport expires Feb. 19 -- exactly six months and one day after I land in the foreign country. I know the six- month passport rule, but I'm unsure whether the expiration applies to the departure or return date. Do you anticipate us encountering any issues?

A: From my research with Visa HQ, which helps travelers obtain visas and other documents, "your passport must be valid for at least 90 days following your departure date from Peru." However, most Peru tour operators suggest that your passport be valid at least six months following the end of your trip. To be safe, renew it.

-- Andrea Sachs

Q: My family may not be able to take a vacation next summer until August. We're considering Brussels and Paris. Is August too late (and too hot) for Paris? Would we run into problems with too many places closed for the month, especially boulangeries and patisseries?

A: It's never too late -- or too hot -- for Paris! And don't worry about the August closings. Paris is a big city, and plenty of places remain open for tourists. You may have more trouble in some of the arrondissements farther from the city center, but in the heart of the city, there'll be enough to keep you occupied and happily munching away on your favorite pastries.

-- Zofia Smardz

Q: I'm thinking of taking a river cruise for my 50th birthday in March. I'm French and would meet my sister in France, and we'd probably do a Rhone cruise. I sent her the Viking website link to check out, and she came back with CroisiEurope, which is significantly cheaper. Since you get what you pay for, I'm a little leery. Is CroisiEurope as good as it sounds?

A: CroisiEurope's passengers are mostly French, so you might feel right at home. The food and lodging is more basic than on Viking, but for those who don't want all the bells and whistles, it might fit the bill.

-- Carol Sottili

Q: I have the opportunity to go to Anchorage for three or four days in September. What are the important things to squeeze in?

A: You'll want a good mix of culture and nature. Here are some suggestions that should keep you busy: Anchorage Museum, Alaska Native Heritage Center, Alaska Museum of Natural History, Chugach State Park, tour of Portage Glacier, and Sourdough Mining Company for food and drink.

-- Andrea Sachs

Q: We'd like to take a trip to a Caribbean island. We're looking for a bit of luxury, lying on the beach during the day, and shopping and walking in the late afternoons before having a drink and a great dinner each evening. Which island(s) and resorts or hotels would you recommend?

A: I love St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. It has a darling town (very laid-back) and lots of protected land for hiking and beachgoing. The most luxurious hotel is Caneel Bay, the former estate of Laurance Rockefeller, but you can find equally romantic properties in the midrange, such as St. John Inn or Inn at Tamarind Court. A ferry runs between St. John and St. Thomas, so you can take day trips to the sister isle to go shopping (oodles of duty-free) and explore other beaches and restaurants.

-- Andrea Sachs

Q: I understand that there's a book titled "10 Mistakes to Avoid While Traveling in Paris." Do you know what those 10 mistakes might be? I'm going soon and would appreciate any tips.

A: I'm not familiar with that book, but I'd say: Be sure to avoid the panhandlers and beggars on the streets and watch your money against pickpockets. Also, research good places to eat -- that vaunted French cuisine isn't quite what it used to be, and you can walk into some really mediocre meals if you don't plan ahead.

-- Zofia Smardz

Q: What's the rule of thumb on whether to accept insurance from a car rental company (in the U.S.)? I have my own car insurance and an AmEx card that I'll use to rent.

A: Most car insurance and many credit cards will cover your rental if you're driving in the United States. But there are exceptions. For example, a specialty vehicle might not be covered, and your policy might be only secondary insurance. Regardless, I'm aware of no laws that require you to buy insurance from the car rental company, which is what some counter agents imply in order to get you to buy their expensive insurance.

-- Christopher Elliott

Q: I'm traveling to Prague in a few months and have heard great things about it. What are some must-see sights, outside the obvious touristy attractions?

A: Prague is amazing, and there are so many "touristy" attractions that you won't have time seeking out any other kind. You must visit Castle Hill and walk down Golden Lane. Cross the Charles Bridge. Hang out in Wenceslas Square. Visit the Lennon Wall. The Jewish Quarter and cemetery are fascinating. Take in Old Town Square.

-- Zofia Smardz