Want to plan an adults only vacation with my mom, sister and brother-in-law and husband for July 2003. Mom isn't able to handle physical activities, so I was thinking a cruise. But I hear they can get a bit expensive. Any ideas for a 5 night domestic vacation in middle of July?

Actually you might find the cruise less expensive than other alternatives, considering it includes transportation, lodging, meals and entertainment. This year Alaska cruises can be as little as $100-$150 a day per person, which, while not cheap, is still pretty competitive with other types of holidays. For five persons you'd need a couple or 3 hotel rooms per night, a minivan, and other logistical things which might add up. One thing to note, though, is that cruises are typically 7 nights, not 5, so that might lessen the attraction.

Where are you coming from and what's your budget?

We're coming from New Jersey. $400-$600/pp

5 night vacation for a total of $400-$600pp. That's food, lodging and travel expenses? Wow that's a chaep vacation alright. $100 per day?

That's $2,000-$3,000 for the vacation. ($400 x 5 = $2,000; $600 x 5 = $3,000). Do you like beaches, mountains, cheesey stuff (a whole long thread on that)?

Maybe Vermont, New Hampshire, Montreal area.

Carnival runs 5-night cruises up to the Canadian Maritimes departing from NYC - some rates as low as $450 per person (more if you want a window but you don't spend a lot of time in your cabin anyway.)