Dolphins frolic at Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. -- Photo courtesy of MGM MIRAGE

Q: Can you get tickets for Siegfried and Roy in Las Vegas? We'll be there early next year and would love to see this act.
-- I. Davidson, Hamilton

A: The Siegfried and Roy Theater situated in the luxurious Mirage Hotel and Casino was home to the dynamic duo until an accident in 2003 saw Roy Horn get severely injured by one of his favourite white tigers.

However, Roy has been making public appearances. For his 61st birthday celebration this past October, he attended a bash at their Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the hotel.

Visitors and fans can visit Siegfried and Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat and observe their beloved exotic animals. The hours are 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. weekends. Admission for adults is about $18 and for children ages 4-12 the price is about $12.

For updates and information on their causes, you can visit their website at siegfriedandroy.com.

Q: How do you choose a hotel in Mexico? And are there any cost-saving ideas you can offer?
-- R. Samuel, Oshawa

A: Mexico is a popular winter destination for Canadians and the price for an all-inclusive package is another strong draw.

Many resorts in Mexico offer affordable rates where you can eat all you want, drink all you want (with the exception of some Continental liquor or other specialty drinks) and of course lounge in the sun or participate in the resort's many scheduled daily activities.

When selecting your vacation property in Mexico, here are some quick pointers to consider: Mexico's hotel rating system is based on stars and diamonds so when flipping through your tour company's vacation guide, watch for the one to five star or diamond rating system. These guidelines relate to the quality of service and amenities.

Sometimes you might hear the phrase "rack rate" which is the maximum rate that a hotel charges for a room. If you're booking directly with the hotel, you might wish to inquire about discounts or special rates throughout the season.

Often when the price is quoted, depending upon availability, there might be a less expensive room than the one quoted. Hotels can also offer reduced discounts for children or they can stay for free up to a certain age.

Your travel agent will be able to give you an idea on price ranges based on your budget and your vacation's objective. For instance, if you're craving constant pampering with luxury amenities along with fine dining then be prepared to pay at the higher end.

For other travel information on Mexico, call the Mexican Tourism Board at 1-800-44-MEXICO (639426).