Laja Falls are just one of the sights to see in diverse Chile. (Clipart.com)

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Q: When is the best time to visit Argentina, Chile and Uruguay?

-- R. Leonard, Milton

A: That depends on who you ask. Argentines, Chileans and Uruguayans generally like to take their vacations in the southern summer months of January and February. However, during the months of November-December and March-April prices are generally lower and attractions have smaller crowds. If you're planning on visiting the northern subtropical and desert areas of Chile and Argentina, the summer and fall months June through October are idyllic.

Q: Doing geneology studies of our family tree has been put on my shoulders. While we live in Toronto, our relatives live in Quebec. Any help you can offer would be very much appreciated.

-- G. Bedard, Ajax

A: You might be interested in an initiative by Maison de la France (the France Tourism Office). To coincide with Quebec City's 400th anniversary this year, the organization has set up a 9,300-name database of names shared by French Canadians, which can be accessed at frenchanting.com.

Jacqueline Dillmann-Faure, executive director for Maison de la France, says this special project is to help people learn where in France their ancestors lived.

Some 20 regions of France are affiliated with the program.

Q: My next business trip will take me to Shanghai. I have never been there and I'm wondering how to get from the airport to Deping Rd.

-- A. Nicholls, Toronto

A: There are very good ground transporation linnks from Pudong International Airport, China's second largest air terminal.

These include the Maglev train, airport shuttle, hotel shuttles, buses and taxis.

To get to Deping Road, you can take airport bus line No. 4.

Look for airport greeters dressed in red outfits and a bright yellow sash. They will be able to assist you with inquiries. There are English-speaking agents at a visitor information booth on the main floor of Terminal Two.

Terminal Two, whose shape has been compared to the wings of a seagull, opened in March to big fanfare.

Avbuyer.com reports: "Passengers can get to any transport mode to leave the airport in just five to 10 minutes. "Air Canada's direct flight from Toronto takes about 14.5 hours, so be sure to pack your inflatable pillow, eye mask, headphones and books.