Dear Sam:

I've been going for crazy ladies' weekends with six of my bridge friends for 25 years. We've done all kinds of great getaways, but this year we're stuck for ideas. Have you any suggestions?

One of the Crazies

Dear One:

It seems as though every hotel in the world has discovered that women like to go away together, which strikes me as somewhat odd, because in our grandmothers' time, they did it too.

How about this one? It seems appropriate when Québec is celebrating its 400th anniversary this year.

Sunwing Airlines has a special happening, $19 return to Montreal, if you fly on any Friday between May 23, and June 20, and return on a Monday between May 26 and June 23. If you must return on Sunday add $30. Taxes are extra plus Sunwing has sweetened the pot even more by adding three-day car rentals from only $79 plus taxes. Space is limited, and flights and/or car rentals must be booked by May 5.

For more information, visit www.flysunwing.com; for reservations, see your travel agent.

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Dear Sam:

I've never taken a driving trip and I'd like to try one. My problem is that I get lost easily, and I'm very much afraid that will take the fun out of the trip. A solution is to take someone who can help with directions, but I can't find anyone I care to spend a holiday with.

Is it a bad idea to try to do this?

Lost-a-lot

Dear Lost-a-lot:

You would hate travelling with me, I have the same problem. I do though meet the nicest people while trying to find my way.

I can't read a map, and my pal gets lost in the pool. We were in Florida recently and got lost every time we left the hotel. When we spent two hours looking for a huge mall that was a mere six blocks away, we decided to do something about it. Off we went to buy a GPS. A decent one for tourist use shouldn't cost more than $300 and be easy to use. Now Bonnie's voice guides us. I know she's going to save us hours and hours of frustration.

I should have bought a GPS years ago.

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Dear Sam:

I am going to Punta Cana and would like to know the proper tipping procedures for an all-inclusive resort. They recommend tipping the maid, porter and waiters. How much is recommended and when do you tip the maid, everyday or the end of the week?

Karen

Hello Karen:

When all-inclusives started, tipping was included, now in most resorts, it is not. I've talked to people who tip ahead of service because they think they'll get better service. I tip for service, and tip the maid at the end of the week.

If the service is not particularly personable, I don't tip at all. Many people tip the daycare employees and the entertainers that they have become close to, and of course their favourite bartenders.

How much you tip depends on your budget.

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Dear Sam:

To celebrate our 30th anniversary, we're planning a river cruise. I haven't been to Europe and know nothing about cruising.

What should we know before we book?

Excited

Dear Excited:

My friend suggests looking at Scenic Tours, and gave you some hints as to what to look for in a river cruise.

River cruises are the next great trend in cruising, and from the Amazon to Europe's wine countries there are many exciting new options.

With the wide array of choices, Scenic Tours -- which offers 14-day cruises from Amsterdam to Budapest -- has come up with several important questions to ask your agent when you are researching a river cruise holiday.

First, how spacious are the cabins? With newer ships coming on stream each season, cabins are becoming larger to reflect passengers' changing tastes. Ask if there are in-suite amenities you'd appreciate, such as on-demand movies and CD players.

Does that cabin have a balcony? Since river cruises travel at such a languid pace, and never out of sight of land, many passengers appreciate a balcony large enough to sit on -- perhaps with an aperitif or cup of coffee. Be clear if that's what you want: some ships have tiny Juliet-style balconies or even just a railing, which runs along the side of the ship.

What exactly is included? Port charges and other taxes can add up; and gratuities alone can total several hundred dollars per couple over the course of the holiday. (Gratuities are included on Scenic Cruises.)

Are there any shore excursions included? Any alcohol, such as wine with dinner? Perhaps you'd like the availability of special services such as a butler to serve in-suite pre-dinner drinks and to press your clothes.

How many languages can you expect to hear on board? As pleasant as it is to meet other world travelers, it can be tiresome to hear announcements in a half-dozen languages all day long.

Lastly, inquire about optional extensions, as many passengers like to add a city stay or tour at the beginning or end of the cruise.

Does the company seamlessly combine the two styles of vacation? Does the accommodation ashore reflect the standard on board the ship? Visit www.scenictours.com.

Have fun.

Sam Ion can be reached at sion10@cogeco.ca.