When it comes to travel, often times you can do better. You can find a better deal, make a smarter choice, or have a richer experience. This week’s Ask Peter column is all about the upgrade. Keep reading as Peter offers up better beach selections, smarter RV travel ideas, new ideas for pet-friendly travel and the secret to hotel cleanliness.

Looking for your own upgrade? You have three chances to speak with Peter this week. Peter will be standing by to take your calls starting at 6pm ET today, 6pm ET on Thursday and 6pm ET on Monday.

Call 1-888-88-PETER (1-888-887-3837), email him at peter@petergreenberg.com, tweet questions to @petersgreenberg (use #askPeter), or post questions on his Facebook page.

Michelle Franklin from Newton, Massachusetts asked: “Would you have a suggestion for the most turquoise blue, clear water beach in the US or Caribbean? We are looking for a place to go with our 18- year-old son to celebrate his graduation. We have been to some nice beaches in Florida, but have not found the clear blue turquoise water.”

First, I like all Turks and Caicos, just a great location. Then there’s Grenada, which is further south than maybe you want to go. I would stay away from St. Barts because even when they have a sale there, they reduce things to retail. Bottom line: it’s a very expensive location. I happen to like Bermuda, but remember it’s not in the Caribbean, it’s in the Atlantic, but you’re going in the summer, and that’s when you want to go.

If you want a money-saving way to enjoy clear water beaches, head to the Bahamas. But, here’s the catch, you don’t have to stay at Atlantis. You can actually stay at the Comfort Inn two doors down the street from Atlantis. And The Atlantis owns the Comfort Inn so you can have access to the many Atlantis perks. And how much time will your 18-year-old be spending in his room anyway?

For an informed trip, check out our full Beach Vacation archives.

Jordan in Grand Rapids, Michigan emailed: “Peter, my wife and I are thinking about buying an RV, but we are holding on to our house and car for now. Do we need additional insurance or is our auto insurance enough?”

RV insurance is a completely different animal. My suggestion is, don’t buy the RV, rent it. It’s the most economically viable way to do road trips these days, especially if you can find another couple or you have a large family. You’re not buying airline tickets, you’re not checking in to hotels, you’re not eating out every night. The only prerequisite, which I have to warn you about is, you’ve got to like the other people in the RV.

One more caution, Jordan, go to an RV place and take some RV driving lessons. You need to understand you’re driving a huge long thing, and it just doesn’t turn on a dime. If you make a right turn in an RV without knowing what you’re doing, you’ll take out five other cars, streetlamps, and garbage cans.

Whet your appetite for the road with the RV Chronicles.

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