TRAVEL Q&ANew international security Q Will enhanced security rules for those traveling internationally apply to travelers returning to the United States from its territories such as Puerto Rico?

A No. As part of the U.S., Puerto Rico is a domestic destination. The latest Transportation Security Administration directive, which became effective Jan. 4, requires "that every individual flying into the U.S. from anywhere in the world, traveling from or through nations that are state sponsors of terrorism or other countries of interest will be required to go through enhanced screening." The new rules include the use of enhanced screening technologies and mandates "threat-based and random screening" of passengers on U.S.-bound international flights. Countries of interest include Afghanistan, Algeria, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia and Yemen. Designated state sponsors of terrorism include Cuba, Iran, Sudan and Syria.

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

AIRPORT UPDATES

Seeing more of travelers Privacy or safety first? Since the attempted terrorist attack aboard a Northwest Airlines flight on Christmas Day, the Obama administration has been reviewing airport security procedures. Some people are calling for the reexamination of a controversial device known as the whole-body imaging scanner, which, shall we say, leaves little to the imagination about what a traveler looks like in the nude. Former Homeland Security secretary Michael Chertoff and at least one group -- the U.S. Travel Association, which represents the industry -- wants President Obama and policymakers to give the scanners a chance. Whole-body imaging technology "has not received the necessary analysis to determine if it can significantly strengthen security," said Roger Dow, the association's president and chief executive. Douglas Laird, a former security director with Northwest and president of a Nevada-based security consulting firm, agrees with the association. "I'm a proponent," he said, "for the simple reason that it's the only way you can find what you're looking for."

WASHINGTON POST

ESCAPE ARTISTS

Queries after agency closes The closing of Hobbit Travel last month stunned a lot of travelers -- most notably those who learned that their confirmed future getaways weren't so confirmed after all. Fortunately, many travelers who paid for trips with credit cards are likely to see their money back, eventually. But the situation raises significant questions: What could people have done differently to protect themselves? "I've been asking myself the same question: What could people have done?" Twin Cities travel expert Terry Trippler said this week. Most of Hobbit's customers did exactly what Trippler would have advised: Use an established travel agency with a good reputation; pay for your trip using a reputable credit card; purchase travel insurance. So what else can a savvy traveler do to ensure they're getting everything they're paying for? Check in with our discussion at www.startribune.com/escapeartists, where we enlist opinions from consumer protection experts to travel agencies.

TROY MELHUS

NOW OPEN

Odd museum for Veracruz A Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium has opened in the Plaza Acuario in Veracruz, on Mexico's Gulf Coast. The 10,000-square-foot museum is an interactive exhibit of weird wonders, including an 8-foot-tall horse made from chrome car bumpers, shrunken heads, matchstick art and freak animals. Mexico also has Ripley's attractions in Mexico City and Guadalajara. The Veracruz facility is next to an aquarium and wax museum. Ripley's has 30 Believe It or Not! museums in 12 countries. The 31st will open this month in Surfers Paradise, Australia.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

SIDEROADS

Cold spot heats up Ice Box Days runs Thursday through next Sunday, and the 30th annual Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run will be held Saturday in International Falls, Minn. The 5K race starts at 9:30 a.m., followed by the 10K at 10:30 a.m. at Rainy River Community College. During Ice Box Days, outdoor fans can enjoy turkey bowling, snowmobile rides, snow sculptures, ice skating, skiing and snowshoeing at and near Voyageurs National Park. Indoor activities will include games, a spaghetti dinner and the ever-popular beach party with live music and a limbo contest beginning at 8 p.m. Saturday at Rumors Up North (1-800-325-5766; www.international fallsmn.us/iceboxdays.shtml).

COLLEEN A. COLES