While looking over the options, tell your broker what you want to experience, and ask lots of questions: Is electricity included in the quoted price? How about maid service? Who do you call if the roof leaks, a toilet breaks, or some other problem occurs? Request photos of the interior, exterior, and views in every direction, and ask when the shots were taken.

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Smithfield, RI : I am starting to plan a trip to Montreal for June/July when the Jazz Festival is there. I tried a few hotels, but they are already booked. Any ideas for a very reasonably priced hotel or B&B that is in a safe neighborhood for two people? Where else could we travel to from Montreal for a few days? I have already been to Quebec City, so another location would be better.

BT Editors: Accommodations can be scarce in Montreal during the city's Festival International de Jazz de Montréal aka Jazz Fest (June 28--July 8) and Formula One Grand Prix (June 8--10), but affordable hotels and B&Bs are still available.

The first place to check is Montreal's official tourism site (tourisme-montreal.org), which has a good database of hotels, B&Bs, hostels, and motels. Other networks, like Bed&Breakfast - A Downtown Network (bbmontreal.qc.ca) and bedandbreakfast.com/montreal-quebec.html, both list dozens of B&B properties in downtown Montreal that have room during the Jazz Fest, along with photographs and rates. But expect slightly higher rates: double rooms with private baths that regularly range from C$125--C$135 start at C$145 during those 10 days of concerts. Nearby Montreal, the Laurentian Mountains, Eastern Townships, and Gaspé Peninsula all have great scenery and cute villages to recommend them.

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Prospect, Kentucky: My husband and I have a trip planned for Maui, HI. We leave on Nov 2 return Nov 11, 2006. Should we cancel our trip. How are things in Hawaii right now? Thank You

BT Editors: Don't cancel your trip. Though the October 15th earthquake caused power outages on islands including Oahu and Maui, most of the impact of the earthquake was felt only on the Big Island. Within two days of the earthquake, Maui and Oahu got their lights back, and flights returned to normal schedules.

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BT Editors: Thanks again for all of your great questions. Next week, Rob Hodel will answer your questions on Costa Rica. See you next week!

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