using set datatype, practical?

[dukegamma]

I am creating an interface to view tours that are being arranged, and I have a set datatype including all the countries that have tours going to them so that the database can be searched specifically for tours that are going to select countries.

First off, is the set datatype my best bet? And if so, is there anyway to get about retrieving data without meddling with the binary representation of items selected?

thanks

[weekender]

what do you mean by a set datatype? Surely just use mysql tables, and construct sql statements to search for particular countries. No binary required.

please explain further