Ever since we first posted about Rule 240 and then Peter wrote about it in his MSNBC column, there have been dozens of discussions, disagreements and debates among bloggers, commenters and various Web denizens.

Having provoked such a virulent debate, and having watched it develop, we felt it was time to clear up a few misconceptions about what we’re saying in regards to Rule 240.

Peter is once again attempting to set the record straight.

CHEAPER EUROPEAN TRAVELS

Dear Peter, I am a great fan of yours and watch you constantly. My husband and I have booked free award business-class tickets to Paris March 29 through April 7, 2008. At this time we have not reserved any hotels.

Actually, we were going to rent a car and travel around to small towns to keep the price down as not to spend so much time in Paris only. With the euro so high would you even recommend going?

Is there any way to make this trip realistically reasonably priced? Both my husband and I feel if we go to Europe (we both have been often, however only …

A COSTA RICAN FAMILY VACATION

Our family was thinking of visiting Costa Rica next summer. Our group would consist of eights adults and six children ranging in age from two to 11 years old. Is this a good idea? If so, any suggestions?

Costa Rica easily accessible, affordable, and filled with opportunities for family-friendly activities, so yes, this is an excellent choice. One popular excursion includes visiting Ecological Farm in Monteverde, where you can embark on a Night Safari armed with flashlights and a guide to search for nocturnal species like sloths and glow worms.

Because you’re traveling with such a large group, it seems wise to rent out a villa rather …

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PLAYING THE FREQUENT-FLIER GAME

My husband and I have been planning a trip to Costa Rica with our kids for a few years now. We planned to use our Mileage Plus Visa account. We finally have enough miles and have been totally flexible with our travel dates (leaving any day from the end of January to mid-February and returning eight to nine weeks later). They can find an outbound flight for us, but state that the partner airline United did not have any return flights available (not for any day in February, March, or even April!).

Find out Peter’s advice on making your holiday travel plans as smooth as possible.

When is the best time to get plane tickets for Christmas in Phoenix? I plan to stay about a week and will fly Southwest out of Baltimore. Thanks for your help.
Marlene W.

Normally, you’d want to wait 45 days before your flight to book your ticket, but the rules change during the holidays.

Thank you for all the tips that you provide for traveling! I have a question regarding travel insurance, as I am going on a trip in March to Italy via ABC Tours, and was unsure as to whether I should purchase travel insurance or not. Thank you so much for your time.
-Sally S.
This is one of those age-old questions with no definitive answer. It’s estimated that 30 percent of Americans purchase travel insurance, which is a drastic increase since 9/11, when less than 10 percent of travelers were insured.