On Course: Travel Q&A

TRAVEL Q&A
Q I'm going to Mexico and am wondering if I can pack an aerosol can of suntan lotion in my checked luggage.

A Yes. According to the Transportation Security Administration, toiletries in aerosol cans intended for personal care in limited quantities are allowed in luggage, both checked and carry-on. A Department of Transportation's website, www.safetravel.dot.gov, explains further: Acceptable aerosols, as a rule of thumb, are items you spray on your body. Suntan lotion qualifies. Spray paint and aerosol static removers do not. And what are the "limited quantities"? For carry-on, you must simply follow the TSA's rule about bringing liquids aboard. Keep the item to 3.4 oz. or less, and place it in a clear plastic 1-quart-size zip-top bag. For checked luggage, the DOT's limit for a single can is 18 oz., and the limit for each individual passenger is 70 oz., which, as estimated by the DOT, means that each passenger could carry five to seven average-sized (10- to 14-oz.) aerosol cans.

Answers to travelers' questions appear in Travel weekly and every Monday at startribune.com/escapeartists; send your question by e-mail to travel@startibune.com.

JIM BUCHTA

Sun Country takes off Sun Country Airlines, the self-proclaimed "hometown airline" based in Mendota Heights, recently launched Sun Country Vacations. The new division sells cruise and other travel packages, including airfare, hotel and car. Soon after the launch, the company announced it has expanded its offerings to include packages with flights on other airlines. The updated slogan reflects the change: "Vacation packages to just about anywhere." To book a trip with flights on Sun Country Airlines, go to www.suncountry vacations.com. Travelers looking for trips that require flights on an airline other than Sun Country should phone 1-877-835-2386.

KERRI WESTENBERG

Wanderlust with wheelchair Jessica Voigts of Wandering Educators, a website for international teachers, travels with a wheelchair. Her favorite planning resources include Mobility International (www.miusa.org), which focuses on international travel opportunities for people with disabilities. She also uses www. barrierfreetravels.com, which offers travel tips for individuals using walkers, canes and wheelchairs.

French for hipsters There has been a trend in recent years for language newbies to approach a strange tongue not by learning standard usage but by mastering the nuances of slang and idiom: in other words, to appear cool when struggling mightily. Hence, "Hide This French Book Xtreme" (Apa Publications, $12.99) will be useful to even those folk who failed, or barely passed, French class in high school. It has examples of plenty of slang words and phrases as well as risque expressions and entertaining quizzes. There also are tips about texting in French (leave out the accented letters) as well as chapters on love and dating, the Internet, style, health, going green, pop culture and bad language (useful when you want to know, for example, if you have been insulted).

CHICAGO TRIBUNE

Eagle eyes in Wabasha March is prime time for viewing bald eagles along the Mississippi River in southern Minnesota. At the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, you can watch birds from observation decks or on narrated tours during "Soar With the Eagles," weekends through March 28. The event also features speakers, educational programs, photos and storytelling (1-877-332-4537; www. eaglecenter.org). Another hot spot is Colvill Park in Red Wing. Eagle Spot Weekends are held Saturdays and Sundays through March 21. The best time for viewing is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (1-800-498-3444; www.redwing.org).