Try teaming up with a friend to take advantage of cheap deals at resorts this season. (Clipart.com)

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Q: I'm a poor student studying graphic design at community college and have been unlucky in finding any kind of affordable trip south this winter. Have you heard of any deals?

-- A. KOHN, TORONTO

A: First, a long shot: Why not put your design skills to work and enter the Dominican Republic's international design competition for a new tourism logo. The winner will receive a seven-night vacation for two to the Dominican Republic and a cash prize of $15,000 US. Deadline for entry is Dec. 30, 2009. For full details, see concursologosectur.com/idiomas/ingles.htm.

Short of relying on lady luck, try teaming up with a friend to take advantage of cheap deals (most are based on double occupancy) at all-inclusive Caribbean resorts this season. To target options that fit your budget, consult a travel agent or check online at places like BelAirTravel.com, where I recently saw a deal for a seven-night all inclusive vacation (airfare, accommodation, meals and beverages) in the Dominican Republic priced less than $600 per person (plus taxes) based on double occupancy. If you are flexible about destinations and travel dates, you might also find a good deal through a last minute travel booking site.

Q: We'll be flying soon and I'm worried our luggage might exceed the weight allowance. What should I do?

-- S. KORN, ETOBICOKE

A: Rules vary from airline to airline so check with your carrier for weight allowances on checked luggage. Some carriers like WestJet don't charge for a checked bag that is within its weight and size limits while others like American Airlines and United Airlines charge $20 US each way for the first checked bag.

In addition, American also has a holiday limit through Jan. 10, 2010, when travelling to certain Mexican, Latin American and Caribbean destinations.

I found a good website that can help answer luggage questions. Luggagelimits.com allows you to find luggage information on many airlines using a search tool.

Luke Dudley, founder of LuggageLimits.com and a seasoned globetrotter, says he created the site because, "When you relocate as much as I have, you soon look at your possessions in a new light, and I can't remember how many times I've had to leave a bike or bulky items at the airport for kind friends to collect and forward to me."

Q: I'm a smoker and will be renting a car. What's the deal these days?

-- C. MCNALLY, TORONTO

A: Many businesses have introduced smoke-free policies, including a couple of rental car companies. Avis Rent A Car and Budget Rent A Car recently announced a new smoke free policy for their rental vehicles in the United States and Canada.

"Tobacco smoke leaves a residue on fabrics, fibers and surfaces of vehicles, which emits odours that many people find unpleasant," said Larry De Shon, executive v-p of operations for Avis Budget Group. To ensure compliance with the smoke-free policy, Avis and Budget inspect returned cars and levy a cleaning fee if the vehicle is returned with tobacco odour or residue.

Correction: In the Dec. 9 Travel Q&A item on Costa Rica, the Sun mistakenly linked Lonely Planet and the Happy Planet Index (happyplanetindex.org/news/archive/news-2.html). The Happy Planet Index is compiled by the New Economics Foundation, a think tank on quality of life issues and sustainable development around the world. The two organizations are not related.

ILONA@MYCOMPASS.CA