Suzanne Van Atten: The ferry between Fajardo and Vieques is pretty reliable, but it's time consuming. The trip takes an hour, plus -- because the ferry sometimes sells out before it can accommodate everyone who wants to ride -- you're recommended to buy your tickets in advance and get to the port at least one hour before departure. If you absolutely have to be somewhere on time on the main island, your best bet is to fly.

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Boston, MA: My husband and I are spending 10 days in PR, May 9-May 19. We are renting a car from the San Juan airport and heading to Rincon for the first 4 days. Then we will spend the next 4 in Vieques, and the last 2 in Old San Juan. What is the best way to get from the mainland to Vieques? We're confused about the different flight and ferry options, plus what to do with the rental car. Thanks!

Suzanne Van Atten: Your cheapest option is to take the daily passenger ferry from the town of Fajardo. It costs about $4 round-trip and takes about an hour each way. Buy tickets in advance at the Port Authority in Fajardo and be at the port at least an hour before departure, as the ferry often fills up. Last time I checked, it left Fajardo at 9:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; and 9 a.m., 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sat.-Sun. and Mon. holidays.

There is also a car ferry, but rental cars are not permitted to leave the main island of Puerto Rico so your best bet is to turn it back in to the agency and rent another car in Vieques. But be sure to reserve your rental car in Vieques ahead of time, because they often get snatched up.

You can also fly to Vieques from San Juan or Fajardo.There are several operators, including Vieques Airlink, Isla Nena Air Service and Cape Air. Check their sites or give them a call to confirm cost and departure times.

BTW: You should forgo renting a car for your last two days in Old San Juan. It's quite walkable, and it's easy to catch a cab or bus if you want to explore other parts of the city. And be sure to allow plenty of time to drive between Rincon and San Juan. Although it's only 93 miles (150 kilometers), it could take you roughly three hours, depending on traffic and road construction.

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Wernersville, PA: Need a reasonable, clean and safe hotel for 1 night near San Juan. Going on a cruise and want to spend the day before in San Juan. Cruise line hotel reservations and air are way too expensive.

Suzanne Van Atten: In Old San Juan, which is where the cruise ship docks are located, I suggest Hotel Milano. It's very modern and clean, albeit a little lacking in character. But it is located in an historic building and has, to my knowledge, the only rooftop deck in the old city -- a great place for sipping pina coladas.

There is also a hotel that caters to -- but is not exclusive to -- gay clientele in the Condado area not far from Old San Juan called Atlantic Beach Hotel. It's one of the best deals on the island. It's located right on the beach and many of the rooms have been recently renovated. On Sunday nights, there's a late-night drag show that's quite popular.

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