Q: My spouse is retiring in the next few months and wants to celebrate in Mexico. Our roots are Mexican, but our families have lived in the U.S. for three generations. With all the recent bad news of killings and drug cartels, I’m not sure a Mexican vacation is a good idea. What do you think we should do?  B.C., San Francisco CA

A: A good idea would be to take a trial run first to get a taste of Mexico. Check with the internet or local travel agency about a Baja cruise from San Francisco or Los Angeles. It will visit Pacific coast ports, usually including Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco. You can go ashore to check out the towns, do some shopping and experience local dining.

If you’re satisfied about the safety and other factors, make your next vacation a week’s stay in Mexico City and other inland destinations. Another good idea is to check your families’ histories and make contact with relatives in those areas of Mexico for potential visits with them.

Q: When I drive long distances at night, I have to fight to stay awake. However, when I fly red eye, no matter what I do, I can’t get a moment of sleep. I’ll be doing a lot of red eye flying over the holiday weeks. Any suggestions?

Jack L., Chicago IL

A: We could suggest you invest in first-class tickets, so you’ll get full-reclining seats. Of course, since they cost five times more than coach, is it worth investing many more bucks just for a couple of hours of comfort?

Q: We haven’t been to Las Vegas in a couple of years, and want to book a visit for next month. We’ve been warned to stay at a hotel that does not charge resort fees. What are resort fees?

Jay S., Providence RI

A: It’s a hidden extra charge, similar to what airlines do to lure customers. For example, when you book a round-trip flight advertised for $99, the real amount you pay may be $120 or more, because of fuel fees, taxes and other add-ons.

Q: We know the rule for getting to the airport is one hour before a domestic flight and two hours for overseas. We’ve always complied, but lately we’ve often seen people run to the check-in at the last minute and they’re allowed through. How can they get away with late arrivals?

Jack P, Portland OR

A: The rule is still in effect. Some late passengers may be allowed to board, but airlines are getting more and more strict about it. These days, once the gate is closed, they could be banned from boarding that flight, and charged $75 or more to book another one.

No matter what the excuse, whether it’s heavy traffic getting to the airport, baggage check or slow security lines, late-arriving passengers may still be banned from their scheduled flights. Additionally, during heavy check-in times between 7 and 9 am, 4 to 6 pm and holiday weeks, you should get to the airport another hour earlier than required.