2.  Visit a foreign country.  Cabo San Lucas:  Just back from there.  Lots of families.  Through March, might still be able to see some of the whales. Good hotels:  Hacienda del Mar, now a Sheraton; Melia San Lucas. (800) VISITCABO; www.visitcabo.com. 

3. Relax.  Mini-cruise out of Los Angeles or Miami:  Carnival.  Great with teens.  (800) CARNIVAL; www.carnival.com.  *(pg. 68)

4. Get something back on your tax dollars.  Washington, D.C.:  not so crowded, not so hot.  FBI tour, Air & Space Museum, Hard Rock Cafe, Embassy Suites.  (800) 422-8644. *(pg. 148)

SUMMER VACATION DESTINATIONS:

1. Head for perfect weather.  Hawaii:  off season.  can get some good prices.  Hilton Hawaiian Village, Waikiki.  Pleasant Hawaiian Holidays for packages. *(p. 91)

2. Visit a foreign country. Jamaica:  Franklyn D. Resort, all inclusive.  Dunns River Falls. 800-654-1FDR.  1-800-JAMAICA; www.jamaicatravel.com.  *(p.304)

3. Save some bucks.  Go anywhere via a home exchange.  Intervac US: 800-756-HOME, (415) 435-3497. *(p.40)

4.  Experience an other-worldly beautiful place.  Sedona, Arizona at the end of August, during the monsoon season.  Enchantment Resort is fabulously located 3 miles into Boynton Canyon, a remote red-rock canyon that is regarded by mystics as a major power point that is supposed to awaken recollections of past lives, and has both a children's program (Camp Coyote) and a spa.  Hiking trails to ancient Indian caves.  Bring binoculars.  (800) 826-4180, (520) 282-2900.