Christi Day: Sending a minor (under 18) abroad is a little more difficult. There is an interesting and popular program through i-to-i travel that is a family-volunteer program. There are many different options for volunteer work such as conservation, teaching, community development, sports and more in locations all over the world. Through this program you and your son could experience other cultures while giving back at the same time. Once he is 16, he can embark on a volunteer trip through i-to-i, all on his own. Another perk to begin thinking about is the value of volunteer travel on college resumes. 

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Venetia, PA: I have a 5 and a 13 year old boy. Where could we go that best suits the age difference in the USA? Not a theme park...other suggestions?

Christi Day: If your family is into the outdoors, then maybe a trip to one of our many national parks. Yellowstone National Park might be a good choice, you can check out "Old Faithful" and your boys might enjoy the wildlife. Also, The Grand Canyon has the I-Max film "The Grand Canyon Experience" in case you do not want to actually climb the canyon yourself...with a 5-year-old... Also, San Diego is a great city for the young and young-at-heart. You can enjoy the beautiful weather, the beaches and surf, and the world famous San Diego Zoo (visit the Zoo in the mornings, so the animals are perky and active).

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Los Angeles, CA: I am going on a teen tour of Eastern Europe & Israel in a week we'll be in Prague, Budapest, Warsaw & tour lots of Israel. I'd like to buy some former Soviet Union souvenirs in Eastern Europe-- any ideas of where I can get them? Thanks

Christi Day: When you arrive in the cities, ask the locals if there is are any open-air markets or weekend festivals. My colleague, Margi, went to Prague and found AMAZING souvenirs such as oil paintings and war memorabilia. Just be ready to strike a deal with the street vendors. Be sure to take small bills in cash.

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Minneapolis, MN: My husband, Stephen, and I are planning a pre-baby "last hurra". He is supporting us while I am in Graduate School, so we will be traveling in March of 2007 (spring break around 3/14/07) and need to be frugal. He has never traveled outside of North America or Mexico, but has alway wanted to go to Greece. We have been researching our options, but there is so much to choose from. What is the best way to see Athans, Delphi, Santorini and Crete? We like to explore on our own, so a guided tour is not our style. What is the best way to reach all of these destinations? Joy

Christi Day: Seven days might not be enough time to tour Athens, Delphi, Santorini and Crete. Research the destinations and determine what you would like to see, then narrow your choices down to two or three cities. Contiki has a resort on Mykonos Island and it is BEAUTIFUL! It is a beach-front property with a swimming pool, two Jacuzzis; it also has a restaurant and a night club onsite. You can party or chill-out at this resort. There is also a wonderful staff to help coordinate the hard-core logistics of your daily pleasure schedule. Or, you could do a seven-day cruise on Louis Hellenic Cruise Company. They have several different itineraries to choose from. If you want to stick close to home, check out Barbados for great beaches or Cozumel if you are into scuba diving and snorkeling.

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Burbank, CA: I'm backpacking through Europe for 3 weeks next month and a friend mentioned I should get travel insurance. What is this, and do I really need it?

Christi Day: TRAVEL INSURANCE IS A MUST!!! For just a couple dollars a day, you can protect yourself from typical travel disasters. For example, the airline loses your bags, your traveling companion breaks his leg and now can't go on the trip, or the local cuisine doesn't agree with your stomach and you have to visit a doctor. Remember, ANYTHING can happen while you are away from home. Travel insurance for eight days is only a $48 policy and will include protection such as trip cancellation, trip interruption, trip delay, medical protection, baggage protection, accidental death and worldwide emergency assistance. STA Travel sells policies up to 13 month coverage. Be smart and protect yourself! Get travel insurance.

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Alexandria, VA: What is STA Travel? Is it only for students in college?

Christi Day: STA Travel is a full-service travel company that specializes in student, youth and teacher travel. We have incredible airfare discounts for international and domestic trip itineraries. We are available 24/7 online, on the phone, and we have 81 branch locations across North America. Some of our products include--hotels/hostels, tours, city breaks, international student identity card (ISIC), insurance, travel gear...and soooo much more! Be sure to check out our Web site to find your nearest STA Travel branch location. Our Travel Advisors are the EXPERTS in booking trips for any budget, answering questions about destinations, and ensuring that you get the ultimate student experience.

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Christi Day: Thanks for chatting with me today! Sorry that is all the time we have! If you have more questions please give your local STA Travel Branch a visit, or check out our Web site statravel.com Happy Trails!

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