Damaged passport should be replaced

— Adapted from the Washingtonpost.com Flight Crew chat conducted weekly by the Travel staff of The Washington Post:

Q: A few years ago, my passport got very wet. Now the automatic readers at passport control sometimes can’t read it.

In those cases, passport control has just entered my number into the computer. But on my recent return to the States, the guy at Dulles told me that I needed to replace my passport (which doesn’t expire for five years) or some foreign countries might not admit me. What do you think?

A: He’s right. Although you may not have problems coming in and out of the States, some countries are very strict about damaged or mutilated passports.

I had a heartbreaking case involving a traveler to South Africa a few years ago who was turned away at the border, even though her passport was completely valid. I’d get a new one.

  • Christopher Elliott

Q: I’m fortunate to be facing the dilemma of how to spend six or seven days in Italy with my husband. For sentimental reasons, we want to do three nights in Positano. We’d also like to see Venice. Our travel agent recommends adding one day to check out Florence. Does this seem like too much? We’re looking for a relaxing trip, but if Florence is a must-not-miss area, then we don’t want to miss it!

A: You’ll barely scratch the surface of Florence in one day.

But if you don’t have plans to go back to Italy anytime soon, then I’d say one day in Florence is better than none. There’s a reason it’s one of the most-visited cities in the world: It’s beautiful and historic and a cradle of culture. Personally, I’d do it, even though it will make your trip a little less relaxing. You need to gauge how much traveling/sightseeing you want to do. You could just as easily spend three nights in Venice and three in Positano and still have a wonderful trip.

  • Zofia Smardz

Q: What are the odds that we’ll see any relief in airfare pricing over the next several months? Prices are so high that my family is thinking of skipping several planned trips. Is this the new normal? Wouldn’t opening up capacity and easing pricing increase demand?

A: I’m sorry to say that I think it’s the new normal. As airlines merge, there are fewer flights to fewer destinations. Opening up capacity doesn’t seem to increase profits. Filling every plane to the brim and charging for everything from baggage to seat assignments seems to be a better strategy.

  • Carol Sottili

Q: Our family is traveling to London in March and leaning toward an apartment rental. Can you recommend a neighborhood that’s convenient to tourist attractions and public transportation? We’re having trouble choosing between Notting Hill, Knightsbridge, Chelsea and other neighborhoods.

A: Any one of the neighborhoods that you list would be a terrific location. They’re all beautiful neighborhoods in central London, close to the biggest attractions, or at least to the tube stations that will get you to them. I’d choose among them based on the flat you like best or the best rental rate that you find.

  • Zofia Smardz

Q: We plan to rent a beach house in Cape Cod next summer. We’d like to see the ocean and be able to walk down to the water. We’d also like to be within walking distance of restaurants, shops, etc. What areas of the Cape would you recommend?

A: I love Provincetown - plenty of shopping, restaurants, etc. - but the crowds and sometimes carnival-like atmosphere might not be for everyone. I’ve driven to, but haven’t stayed in, Chatham, which looked like a great place to visit and more on the peaceful side.

  • Jane Touzalin

Travel, Pages 52 on 11/25/2012

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