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Little Rock, AR: I am planning a safari trip to Africa, and was thinking of Tanzania, so my wife and I can see the serengetti. Are there companies you can recommend or any tips? I have been reviewing packages from 2Afrika, any feedback on that company?

Candyce Stapen: I recommend Abercrombie & Kent. Although pricey, the lodges they choose are first --rate. Micato is also a good company.

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San Jose, California: I have vacation for the ENTIRE month of February. We are a family of three, our son will be 4 years old, by then. We are looking to go somewhere warm and that would be FUN for the entire family. A cruise sounds good. Any ideas or places? MIA, MCO??

Thanks!!

Jayne

Candyce Stapen: Cruises are great family vacations, especially voyages in the Caribbean. Although the Mexican Riviera voyages are closer to your home, I find that destination less family-friendly. Disney, NCL, RCI and Carnival all offer wonderful kids' programs for kids your sons age.

Miami and Fort Lauderdale have lots to offer as does the west coast of Florida around Naples and Ft. Myers. In Naples, consider the Naples Grand Resort & Club (formerly the Registry Resort). In Sanibel, try the Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa. The Best Western Pelican Beach Resort is a new, family-friendly property in Fort Lauderdale

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Toledo, Ohio: I have heard of a trip where you can be part of an archealogical dig... but I can 't find any information? Could you point me in the right direction? Thanks

Candyce Stapen: Check out Crow Canyon Archeological Center in Colorado.

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Portland, Oregon: HI,
How do you find a good travel agent or tour company
who will put together small group tours of appx. 10 t0 20
people to Ireland, Egypt,Japan and Peru?
Thank you,
Regards,
Lynn

Candyce Stapen: Adams & Butler organizes customized trips in Ireland, including creating itineraries, and arranging day outings and overnights at castles and country houses. 800-894-5712, www.irishluxury.com. Abercrombie & Kent, www.abercrombiekent, or Butterfield & Robinson, www.butterfield.com, can assist with some of those destinations.

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Stamford, CT: My husband and two teen-age sons want to walk/hike through Switzerland next summer. Can you recommend any inexpensive tour guides or companies that offer inn to inn accommodations?

Chris

Candyce Stapen: Backroads offers a family biking and walking trip with lodging at "casual inns" to keep the costs down. However, the hiking is rated for ages 5 and older so check that the routes are challenging enough for your teens. Backroads as well as Butterfield & Robinson can arrange custom trips.

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San Diego, CA: Hi Candyce
My wife and I, along with my sister and brother in law (ages 29-32) are planning a trip to Peru (Cuzco and Machu Picchu). Our travel dates our flexible (June-August), flying from L.A. or San Diego. We only have about 8-9 days (including travel time); our interest is more in the cultural/historical, not so much the adventure travel, but would like some day hikes. Our budget is about $2000-2500 p/p including flight. Would you recommend planning the trip individually or get a tour package? Any tour operators you recommend?
Thank you,

Candyce Stapen: Sonesta Hotels and Resorts has properties in Peru. They can arrange multi-city bookings as well as outings. Compare their prices with those who get from a tour operator.

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Belle Fourche, South Dakota: We would like to see the Grand Canyon this summer by car or possibly Amtrak. Where should we start and end what should we make sure not to miss? How much time should we allow. We would be interested in beginner white water rafting and other outdoor activities and moderately priced accommodations along the way. We have children that will be 18, 15, and 9 by the time we hope to go, around Memorial Day 2006 or June 2006. Thanks for your help. Clara

Candyce Stapen: The GRand Canyon is a great trip and you are wise to plan ahead as summer is prime time. The park offers avariety of on site lodgings, but you should book these now. You can start in Flagstaff and take the historic Grand Canyon Railway trip to the South Rim if you are not planning on driving to the Grand Canyon.

Good overlooks include Mather Point, the Yavapai Observation Station and Desert View. The Bright Angel Trail has afirst fountain and rest area about 1.5 miles down the canyon. You can rest there and continue or hike back out. Remember to conserve your energy because the way back is all uphill and you're tired. A number of companies offer multi-day raft trips. OARS (Outdoor Adventure River Specialists) is a good one.

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cheyenne,wyoming: we want to take a trip to see pengiuns,,either those in south africa or ,,???? who is the best agency to do this thru??

Candyce Stapen: There are penguins in several locales. Your best bet is to contact a nature-oriented travel company. Try Wildland or Natural Habitat Adventures.

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North Platte, NE: Not only is connecting with flights from a major airport a long drive, but also traveling alone including staying in any city in the world for business or vacationing alone has become potentially much more dangerous for professionals especially females. Once a carefree traveler and businesswoman, now my experiences with life have sent me into a cautionary spin which seems to keep me from enjoying the sane adventures and interesting vacations of the distant past of forty years ago. Believe it or not, my objective in the near future is to regain the old bravery without sacrificing common sense. How is traveling alone and staying in large cities and small towns around the globe poissible for an older lady by herself unarmed in this era? Would somehow obtaining a real guard dog be a help? Affiliating with a strange other adult female or male companion on a sign-up basis is absolutely out-f-the-question. New college roomies were difficult enough. Taking chances on predators trailing single travelers would be totally foolish.

Candyce Stapen: You're quite right to be cautious when traveling alone, but don't let this prevent you from having an enjoyable trip. One answer would be to join the "solo" (not single)departures offered by several companies. I went on a Backroads "solo" walking trip through the Czech Republic with my sister a few years ago and had a great time. Two other adult sisters had signed up as well as single travelers of all ages. Also consider Elder Hostel trips.
Group trips provide you with conversation and companionship at meals as well opportunities to spend time alone.

Another option when you are in a big city is to splurge on a well-located, quality hotel. Contact the concierge ahead of time to find out about the services of a private, reputable guide for the day who can take you to attractions and provide insider information and history.

I"ve done this in Rome and was happily surprised by the quality of the guide recommended.

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King George, Virginia: Having read Diana Gabaldon's Outlander Novels, we are now eager to visit Scotland.
What is the best time of year to visit Scotland? (We would like to avoid the annual Tattoo.) We are planning to fly from Washington to London and go by bus or car to Scotland, doing some sightseeing along the way.
Thank you.
Helmut

Candyce Stapen: Summer is the best time of year to visit Scotland because it's warmer then, although it's never what we might call really warm. Last time I was there in July I needed to buy a hat, scarf and gloves because I didn't pack them. Once out of the major cities, the roads are not crowded and the scenery is beautiful. We drove through the Highlands and took a ferry to islands in the Hebrides.

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Candyce Stapen: Thank you so much for your questions. I've enjoyed chatting with you.
Happy travels,
Candyce Stapen

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