elisamarie: Tom:

My husband's family likes to get together as an entire family (there are only 8 or 9 of us with one of them being a toddler) every year in mid September. We travel from several different locations, us from STL, my SIL and her family (she has the baby) from Indianapolis, my BIL (with or without his girlfriend) from Akron, Ohio and my in laws from Atlanta.

For the past two years we have gone to the Smokey Mountains because for the kids it's the same approximate distance (8 hours or so) and I oh so love the mountains. We have gone on a cruise before (SIL hated that) and have gone to each of THEIR homes before, but of course they never come to STL because we have a dog (guess that is better discussed with my therapist...LOL).

SIL said she is not going back to the Smokey Mountains because she can't see beyond Gatlinburg to the beauty of the area and she doesn't like the touristy aspect of Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge/Sevierville. I have suggested we go to the other side of the mountains in NC, which is much less touristy and even more beautiful, to no avail. You say Smokey’s to my in laws and they can't think beyond Gatlinburg.

Every suggestion I make is always followed up with "what is there to do." I even suggested Chicago and was followed up with "what is there to do in Chicago?" My response was well, um, ANYTHING you want. Not enough for them.

So what we are looking for is a location we can travel that is not too far for anyone but not too close to anyone either. We like to keep the travel pretty equal for the kids at least and make things easy for the in laws. Each of the kids and their significant others/spouses are in our 40's and my in laws are in their late 60's. The one toddler will be almost 3 next year. He's my favorite one, he doesn't complain about my suggestions.

For next year I have suggested Door County, Wisconsin, The Wisconsin Dells, Chicago, Nashville, Kentucky Lake area, Dell Hollow to rent a houseboat, Cumberland Gap, Mammoth Cave, KY, Asheville, NC, Savannah, GA, One of the islands off of Savannah (can't remember the name), Hershey, PA, Charleston, SC, Myrtle Beach, SC, Wilmington, NC, Cape Hatteras, NC, the Pocono's in PA, the Catskills in NY, Hilton Head, SC (although only a few of us golf), French Lick, IN. All come with the question "what is there to do." They even asked this of Branson and besides, they have decided Branson is too close to us, of course.

The one thing we like is to have a nice cabin or condo to rent so we can all be together, make meals together, etc. I have not been to all the places I suggested, and can and will do the research, but wondered if you had any other suggestions that we might consider east of the Mississippi for a family who all have different ideas of what is fun.

I know this is very long, but I’m at my wits end with this “vacation.” Vacation planning should not cause this much stress. And somehow I always am declared the travel agent.

I also wanted to thank you for your suggestion for my husband and I for the holiday season. I think we have decided on Memphis since it is somewhere we have not visited before and we can drive.

Tom Uhlenbrock: Wow, you have some wonderful options listed there. Door County in September is gorgeous. Last time I was there I rented a condo and had a great time. Nice parks for bike riding. Beautiful beaches and lighthouses. Take the ferry to the islands. Having said that, French Lick, Ind., with the two restored hotels also is a good bet. Baden Springs is awesome, with its huge atrium, indoor pool, etc. There are three golf courses, horseback riding, spas and a casino with big-name entertainment. The Dells is mostly waterparks. A houseboat would be fun, if you can stand being up close and personal with your relatives for that long. Ashville, N.C., is a good destination, especially if you can stay at the new Biltmore Inn on the grounds of the estate. Nashville has a lot to do. The other spots might be a big pricey. Too bad you can't talk them into Branson. It really has a lot to do, and condo rentals are easy. Lots of shows, Silver Dollar City, which is a first-class theme park, Celebration City amusement park, upscale shopping at Branson Landing. By the way, I've been do Chicago about a dozen times and still haven't done everything. The museums change exhibits all the time, and Millennium Park is outstanding. Good luck. TU

Bruce: My wife are planning a trip for mid June 09 to Atlanta, Savanna, the coast, and Smokey Mtns. We're planning about two weeks and hope to see the aquarium and Coke World at Atlanta. We think we know where we need to stay in Atlanta, but do you have any B&B or small resort suggestions for Savanna, the Ga or SC coast and the area around Smokey Mtn NP? ALSO - Where's the best BBQ?

Tom Uhlenbrock: The Georgia Aquarium is one of the best. Don't miss it. My wife and daughter just got back from Seabrook Island, just south of Charleston, and got a nice little condo on the beach at a place called Pelican Watch for a very reasonable rate. Savanah is loaded with quality B&Bs, google their tourism site and look under lodging. The Sevierville/Gatlingburg/Pigeon Forge side of Smoky Mountain NP is a commercial strip with all the chain hotels. On the other side is one of my favorite places, the Swag Country Inn, a collection of log cabins with luxurious interiors on a mountain ridge overlooking the park. Not cheap, but worth it. The cost includes excellent dinners (and you can bring you own wine and liquor.) When you do the park, be sure and drive through the Cade's Cove section. It's my favorite. (Sorry, don't know any great barbecue joints in that area.) Cheers. TU

Ryan: I'm looking for an all-inclusive, couples only honeymoon spot for may. I think somewhere close like the carribean would be great. Do you have any recommendations?

Thanks

Tom Uhlenbrock: Ryan, there's tons of them to pick from. Cancun and the Riviera Maya are probably the cheapest. Most of Cancun has been rebuilt from the hurricanes and the new resorts lining Hotel Row are gorgeous. Apple Vacations, Worry Free and Funjet all offer deals in Mexico, and other Caribbean isles. Just got back from Jamaica (see the Sunday, Oct. 6, Explore section) and stayed in the new Iberostar at Montego Bay and Couples San Souci at Ocho Rios. The latter is for couples only, no kids, and would be fabulous for a honeymoon. That's their specialty. Good luck. TU

MARY: we are going to vegas for new years eve. do you think airfare will go up, down or stay the same. we have been holding off getting tickets hoping the price will go down.

Tom Uhlenbrock: I don't think airline prices will go down in the foreseeable future. I'd bite the bullet, and pay to get the dates I want. You can check prices on Orbitz, Travelocity, or Expedia, but the airlines' sites have been doing as good, if not better. Get on aa.com and see what American has to offer. Cheers. TU

jim r.: Tom, why have car rental prices gone through the roof. I mean, it's crazy how much more they are charging all around the country. I know gas is high but why would that affect car rental prices?

Tom Uhlenbrock: The prices for EVERYTHING have gone through the roof. Actually, I've rented a car for this week from Thrifty and the increase is not that bad. The prices actually fluctuate. This week, I think I'm paying about three bucks more per day. Still beats the wear and tear on your own vehicle. Thanks for asking. TU