Iguazu Falls. (Shutterstock)

Q: Do any Canadian tour operators arrange trips to Iguazu Falls? Seeing the falls and surrounding area is one of the things on our "must do" list. What time of year is best to visit?

-- K. Waters, Oshawa

A: Straddling the border between Argentina and Brazil, Iguazu Falls are at their fullest during the rainy season (normally December through March). But I've heard the view is also beautiful in May and June, when the weather is typically better.

As you wish to explore the surrounding area, you might enjoy an organized moonlight walk. If so, time your visit to coincide with these excursions. See iguazuargentina.com/english/las_cataratas/luna_llena/calendario.html for a calendar. For more on Iguazu Falls, see iguazuargentina.com/english.

As for Canadian tour operators, I consulted the Canadian Institute of Travel Counsellors for suggestions.

Sharon Nightingale of The Travel Centre in Milton said, "I used Globus Tours just last year utilizing combinations of various tours throughout South America, so my clients saw Iguazu from both the Brazilian and Argentinian side. They loved the experience." See globusjourneys.com/Vacation-Packages/Tour-South-America/Panoramas.

Marianne Vogel of Just for You Travel & Consulting (905-627-0272) mentioned Globus for larger groups, plus Gap Adventures, Trek Holidays and Intrepid Travel for smaller ones. "I have had several of my clients go there over the last few years and I have some asking about it again."

Chris Musselman, manager of Parkway Travel & Cruise (416-264-3211), said he has been to the falls and they are well worth the trip.

"The best bet is to stay at the one hotel overlooking the Falls, right in the National Park. The falls are usually included in a longer trip. If you want to just do a short side trip, try Gateways International," Musselman said. See gateways-international.com.

Mussleman said another way to visit Iguazu Falls is before or after a South American Cruise.

"Most cruise lines have add-on packages for two or three days, when their cruises start or end in Brazil."

If you are an Air Miles member, the program offers rewards for cruise excursions or excursions through Globus, GAP Adventures, Exotik or any of their cruise lines with South American or Antarctica itineraries.

Jacqueline Brimley of LoyaltyOne said their Package Vacations and Cruise department can assist with travel to Iguaza Falls. Call 1-888-AIR-MILES (247-6453).

Prisca Campbell of polar tour company Quark Expeditions Inc., says they offer falls excursions to guests who sail with them to Antarctica via Ushuaia, Argentina.

"It is the No. 1 requested trip extension for Antarctic travellers. Because our clients are adventurous, we also offer an Iguazu Falls and Yacutinga Lodge combination. Our guests enjoy the nighttime wildlife observation activity," Campbell said.

See quarkexpeditions.com/polar-experience/essential-extras/extend-your-stay/iguazu-falls-yacutinga-lodge.

For more information and bookings, see your travel agent.

Q: I'm new to collecting frequent flyer points. Where can I get more information on how best to use them?

-- H. Gordon, Mississauga

A: All the frequent flyer programs from Aeroplan to Air Miles have extensive membership information on their websites. In addition, online communities are a great source of finding the ins and outs of collecting and redeeming points for maximum benefit. For instance, FlyerTalk.com has an Inside Flyer section with categories such as Award Watch, for the latest news on special awards, and Bookclub, a section on book reviews on frequent flyer related books.

Then there are also sites like rewardscanada.ca, which gives an overview of rewards programs, provides a comparison chart on travel rewards credit cards, has informative articles and a free weekly newsletter.

Send your travel questions to ilona@mycompass.ca