Trip Coach: Feb. 7, 2006

Budget Travel Editors: Thanks for joining us. Let's get to your questions!
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Birmingham, Alabama: My husband and I will be celebrating our 20th anniversary in October. We would like to go to Ireland for a week, but don't know where to begin. This will be a very big trip for us--my husband was laid off just before our 10th anniversary, so we didn't celebrate that milestone, and we'd like to make this one perfect! We'd like to travel around by car and love the idea of staying in bed and breakfasts. What cities should we plan to visit? What will the weather be like? How much should we plan to spend? When should we begin making reservations or plans? Thanks so much for helping us plan a dream!

Budget Travel Editors: Ireland in October can be lovely...All the summer crowds are gone and prices have gone down. It sounds like you and your husband are the perfect candidates for an Ireland B&B package, which generally combines airfare, a car rental, and vouchers good at more than 1,000 B&Bs across the country. You can plan ahead and choose exactly where you want to go each night, or wing it as you drive along, stopping wherever takes your fancy. Since this is a special occasion -- a big trip, as you say -- I'd suggest splurging on at least one night at a castle. (To avoid any disappointment, I would book that night well in advance.) We published a terrific article about Ireland B&B packages in our December/January issue. It explains exactly how these packages work, gives advice on how to book, and lists the names and websites of companies that offer them. You'll find it here.

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Celina, Texas: I am traveling to Whistler, BC for work in late May. My husband, 3 year old daughter, and 64 year old mother will join me at the end of the conference. I anticipate that we will stay May 27-June 2. We are considering spending a few days in Whistler then the remaining in Vancouver. What activities can you recommend for a three year old? She has recently expressed interest in taking a train ride. Are there any scenic trains in the area? Any other kid friendly recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your assistance!

Budget Travel Editors: Vancouver has many kid-friendly activities. Stanley Park, located in the heart of downtown, has over 1,000 acres of native trees, plants, and wildlife. It contains the Vancouver Aquarium (vanaqua.org), a fun place to spend an afternoon. There's also a children's water park, children's farmyard, miniature train, and more. More park information is at city.vancouver.bc.ca.
Vancouver is also home to the second-largest Chinatown in North American, and it's a convenient 10-minute walk from downtown. Sun Sui Wah (3888 Main St., 872-8822, sunsuiwah.com) has great Hong Kong-style dim sum. More information: vancouverchinatown.ca
Because a number of Alaskan cruises depart from Vancouver, there are many train routes designed for tourists interested in a short pre- or post-cruise trip. Check out the scenic train trip packages at whistlermountaineer.com, vacationsbyrail.com, or Canada's national rail service, viarail.ca.

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Fairfax, VA: I am leaving out of San Diego on April 22nd for a 7 day cruise. I have never been to San Diego and wondering if it is worth it to spend several days there before the ship pulls out of port? Any info on things to see,hotels near the port, good places to eat, will a rental car be necessary,advice on ship to shore transfers ect.? Thanks

Budget Travel Editors: A major naval base with seventy miles of beachfront and a rich Spanish-Mexican heritage, San Diego is booming and definitely worth a few days. Head straight to the revitalized Gaslamp Quarter for boutiques, restored Victorian buildings, and many of the best and trendiest restaurants. You'll find sophisticated Mexican dishes at Candelas, Moroccan lamb skewers and Mediterranean/fusion at the Solamar Hotel's Jsix, and splurge-worthy seafood at the legendary Star of the Sea right on the water (its adjacent restaurant makes a cheaper alternative). Explore Little Italy and Balboa Park, home of the world-class San Diego Zoo, a cluster of museums, lily pond, and the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, where you can catch a free concert on Sunday afternoons. The sprawling red-roofed Hotel del Coronado, made famous in Gene Wilder's Some Like It Hot, is just a short ride across the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge. A trolley tour can take you there, too. The city's downtown is walkable and cabs, including popular pedi-cabs, are common; a car rental isn't necessary unless you want to venture off to places such as La Jolla.

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Kaneohe, HI: What time of year is it BEST to visit South Africa for animal
viewing??
Mahalo