Punta Cana: A Dry Resort

Even if you could find a vehicle that would hold 14, the cost would be high and wouldn't allow the flexibility to break up into smaller groups. Instead, rent two minivans. Dollar Rent a Car, for example, has seven-passenger Dodge Caravans for $528 per week, including taxes. Public transportation is another option: The Bus (808-848-5555, www.thebus.org) offers regular service to the major attractions throughout Oahu, and visitors can get a four-day unlimited pass for $20. But the convenience of having your own wheels, especially with children, may be worth the extra money.

As for accommodations, Aston Hotels & Resorts has several low-priced, conveniently located properties. They're not beachfront but are within walking distance of Waikiki Beach. They include the Aston Pacific Monarch Condominium Resort, with one-bedroom units running as low as $133 a night, and the Honolulu Prince, with two-bedrooms from $139 a night. Info: 877-997-6667, www.astonhotels.com. You can also rent a house or two, although this will probably cost more, especially in Waikiki. The Oahu Visitors Bureau (808-524-0722, oahu.gohawaii.com) keeps a list of accommodations.

I'd like to take my wife to Maine for a long weekend at a nice ocean location that offers good food. We'd like to try one of those clam-bake things. Any ideas?

Craig Cussimanio

Annapolis

Maine is a great place to decompress. The night sky is so clear you can see satellites orbiting, the air is crisp even in August and the lobsters are sweet, plentiful and relatively cheap.

I'd recommend flying and renting a car, especially if you have only a long weekend. You can currently fly nonstop from Dulles into Portland on United for as little as $207 round trip. Independence Air will begin offering service on June 23 for a similar price.

I'm partial to Mid-Coast region around Boothbay Harbor, about an hour's drive from Portland. It has shopping, restaurants, hiking and an interesting day trip by boat to Monhegan Island. There are several top-notch bed-and-breakfasts, including Greenleaf Inn (888-950-7724, www.greenleafinn.com) and Topside Inn (877-486-7466, www.topsideinn.com). If you'd prefer a larger resort, try Spruce Point Inn (207-633-4152, www.sprucepointinn.com). Cabbage Island Clambakes (207-633-7200, www.cabbageislandclambakes.com) organizes a daily boat trip in summer from Boothbay Harbor to Cabbage Island for a traditional clambake that includes steamed clams, lobsters and all the fixin's; cost is $44.95 per adult.

Contact Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce (800-266-8422, www.booth bayharbor.com) or Maine Office of Tourism (888-624-6345, www.visitmaine.com).