Talk Travel: What to pack on a cruise and other travel questions …

The Washington Post’s Travel section writers and editors recently discussed stories, questions, gripes and more. Here are edited excerpts: 

Q: I (a mid-20s female) am going on a four-day Carnival cruise to the Bahamas in a couple of weeks with friends (all female, same age as me), with ports of call at Nassau and Princess Cays. As this is both my first time going on a cruise and to the Bahamas, I could use tips on what to pack (obviously I plan to bring a bathing suit and warm clothes), if I should bring a credit card or cash (or both) and a money belt for security reasons since I’ll have my passport with me. Do you have any advice?  

A: Carnival cruises are very casual. On a four-day cruise you may have one night that people will dress up in the main dining rooms, but that’s about it. The rest of the time, beachwear and casual clothes are in order. Bring cash for small tips and credit card. You’ll likely leave your passport onboard the ship when you go ashore, so just follow your usual security precautions.  

– Carol Sottili  

Q: My airline card is offering a crazy good round trip price to Australia on the non-stop Qantas sleeper plane. I so want to go. But I’d like to do my first trip as part of a group since I’m traveling alone. Finding something on the web is daunting. I’ve been googling for over a week and my confusion is growing. I’d like to go for at least two weeks and keep costs, excluding air, to $5,000. Can you point me somewhere to start?  

A: Have you looked at the airline’s vacation package division? Qantas offers escorted tours that you could pair with the flights.  

– C.S.  

Q: Is the coverage that comes with super-premium credit cards equivalent to stand alone travel insurance?  

A: Not that I’m aware of. Some of the cards come close, but if you want full-featured travel insurance, you have to buy a real travel insurance policy.  

– Christopher Elliott  

Q: I am traveling to Los Angeles with my teenage daughter in August. We are not sure where we should stay, but would like it to be near the beach and reasonably fancy (milestone birthday, so looking to splurge… a little). Old-Hollywood vibe and cool neighborhood would be a plus.  

A: The Georgian in Santa Monica fits the bill. Splurge on a suite with a view of the ocean.  

– C.S.  

Q: We would like to buy a SunPass mini transponder for Florida toll roads when renting a car. Do we inform the car rental company that we will be buying one of these once we get the rental car at the Orlando airport? Is there somewhere near the airport that sells them?  

A: Try the Publix at Conway Crossing. I would definitely let your car rental company know what you plan to do. It may have special directions for using your own transponder.  

– C.E.  

Q: Any thoughts on good U.S. cities to visit with my sister? We last did Charleston, South Carolina. We are both in our 50s and very fit. I’m a foodie. She loves hiking, outdoors things and doesn’t mind striking out on her own. We are thinking of Nashville, Tennessee or San Diego. She lives in Austin, Texas. Any wild ideas?  

A: Nashville or San Diego would work. I’m also a big fan of St. Louis. It has lovely botanical gardens, a walkable downtown, Forest Park, the Budweiser tour, museums, river gambling, the Hill for Italian food, major league baseball, etc.  

– C.S.