Thanks guys! This has given me a bunch to think about! Does anyone have an experiences with cruising with large families? Is it worth the price? it is over our limit, but I believe it might be worth it because it includes all the food. Thanks again!

If you are flexible and can go last minute and find a port you can drive to from home, it might be cost effective. You would probably need two rooms with 3 kids and 2 adults as most lines don't have room for 5 in one room, also one adult has to be in each of the rooms.

From NH, look to Boston or Portland, ME for ports.

Check about passports for cruises. Most require something since the ships aren't registered in the US.

I think a cottage in the mountains near a lake would be your best bet. Lots to see and do in the Adirondacks, for example.

Or try SkyAuction.com. They often offer deals on condos for a week at a set price, usually very cheap, and you don't have to bid for them. I guess it's similar to the AF club you mentioned.

What have you done in NC? There is quite a lot to do in the state. Same is true of Virginia. And it is surely true of DC.