Atlanta, GA: My family is spread out across the country: NYC, Dallas, Atlanta and Denver. We range in age from 4 to 67 years old and there are 9 of us. We need your help! We're thinking about meeting in Las Vegas but we have no idea how to figure out the best deal for hotel and flight, etc since we're all coming from different locations. How do you suggest we go about this?

Thank you!
Heidi

Candyce Stapen: Check out the various flights and packages offered by booking engines such as Orbitz.com , Travelocity.com and Expedia.com.

_______________________

Wapakoneta, Ohio: My husband and I have finally gotten all the kids out of the house. We have been saving for years for a dream trip to Alaska.We only have 3 weeks so we really don't have time to drive.How can we get the most bang for our buck? We would love to hear your ideas. Dave & Jan

Candyce Stapen: An Alaskan cruise coupled with a pre or post land tour will enable you to see a good deal. Booking a voyage at the beginning or end of the summer season will save you some money. Shop around for deals. Check with the cruise lines as well as cruise-only tour agencies for the best rates. Because a cruise covers not only your lodging, but your food, entertainment and transportation between sightseeing ports, it's actually a good budget stretcher plus you get to go in style, something that all dream trips require.
Couple your cruise with a land excursion to either Denali National Park or Denali State Park. Most ships depart from Seward, about 120 miles south of Anchorage. Plan to arrive early enough in Seward (or overnight there) so that you can day a day cruise to Kenai Fjords National Park. Because the ships that cruise here carry only about 150-passengers, you get much closer to the glaciers than you do on a big ship.

As always in Alaska, bundle up. Wear layers, bring hats and gloves just in case and be prepared for rain.

_______________________

toledo, ohio: I am trying to plan a family vacation for 8 adults and 7 grandchildren to Hawaii in December of 2006. I would like to fly to Hawaii and then take a cruise ship from island to island (probably a week). Are these cruises available and if so, what companies offer them

Candyce Stapen: NCL America has three ships that sail the Hawaiian Islands: Pride of Hawaii, the newest ship, as well as Pride of America and the Pride of Aloha. All have children's programs and "free style dining," the ability to eat in different restaurants when you want instead of fixed seating dining.

_______________________

Ft. Lauderdale, FL: We travel with our 12-year old son and we love Atlantis in the Bahamas because of all the activities and sights that appeal to all of us. What other resorts can you suggest that offer a diverse variety of activities; we do not use the supervised children's programs. Thanks!