Q: I’ve never been on a cruise and was wondering if there are any that are truly all-inclusive and include alcohol in the price, similar to all-inclusive resorts.  A: According the cruise expert Stewart Chiron, the answer is yes–but it will cost you. That’s because the only true all-inclusive cruises are also the most expensive luxury lines, including  Seaborn, Crystal, Regent and Silversea. The good news, according to Chiron, is that these cruise lines are currently offering dramatic discounts to try and get passengers back on the high seas. For more information, check out his website, The Cruise Guy.

Q: I’d like to go on an afternoon canoe trip on a nearby river, but the dry conditions have meant that the water levels at some of my favorites–including the St. Croix out of Taylor’s Falls–are too low. What rivers are good choices these days for canoes?

A: According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, there are several great choices for day outings near the metro area, including the Cannon River from Cannon Falls (river mile 25) to Welch (river mile 13.1).   The river gauge at Welch is reading 2.64, which is the low end of medium (meaning you’ll have plenty of water to paddle, but may need to walk your canoe occasionally). They also recommend the Rum River in Isanti and/or Anoka County.  In general, the closer the river is to the Mississippi (and the Twin Cities), the more reliable the water levels are.  For other options, go to the DNR Water Trails website and check out “Awesome Trips” under “Trip Planning” and “River Level Reports” under “Water Levels.”

Q: I’m planning a train trip west to Montana aboard the Empire builder and I’m wondering if there are any restrictions on bringing food/alcohol on the train. 

A: I contacted Amtrak and the answer is It Depends. Passengers with tickets for sleeper car travel are allowed to bring food and alcohol on board as long as they eat and drink in their compartment.  Coach and sleeper car passengers can bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages in the upper level of the Sightseer Lounge Car. But if you want to eat or drink in the dining car or the lower level of the lounge car, you’re limited to what’s on Amtrak’s menu.Â

Q: The news about the Continental Airlines pilot who died during a transatlantic flight made me wonder what would happen if a pilot died flying one of those increasingly common commuter planes?A: We contacted the Regional Airlines Associations in Washington, D.C. and they assured us that when it comes to a pilot dying mid-flight, you’re as safe on a commuter plane and you are on a heavily staffed 747. That’s because all United States aircrafts operating with 10 or more passenger seats must have 2 pilots. In addition, pilots must undergo regular physical examinations and must be younger than 65.

Q: I read Karen Youso’s story about bedbugs and have another question. My sister got bedbugs on a trip and I picked her up from the airport. Do I need to do anything to my car?

A:  We talked to Dr. Stephen A. Kells at the University of Minnesota’s Department of Entomology and he said it depends on whether or not the bedbugs were inside or outside the suitcase. If they were only on the inside, you don’t need to treat your car. But if they were on the outside, you should get in touch with a pest control service so that they don’t spread. Minnesotapestcontrol.com lists contact information for local pest control companies.

Q: My family is going to California for our summer vacation and my kids, ages 5, 2 and 6 months, are meeting my husband there. Any tips for how to handle the Lindbergh Terminal and security as a solo parent?

A:  Having navigated many airports with my own three children, I can safely say that the good news is that the experience won’t last forever. Most parents find that the most difficult part of traveling with small children is the security line. The folks at MSP suggest that people traveling with small children arrive two hours before a flight departs so that you have a lot of added cushion in case of meltdows, blowouts or pokiness. While you can’t have an unticketed passenger go with you through security, you can ask a friend to take you to the airport and help you collapse the strollers, take your baby out of the car seat, and keep an eye on the bigger kids until the very moment when you have to show your boarding pass and I.D. Then I’d be extremely nice to the people in front and behind you in line and ask if they can help.

Once you are through security, there is a free play area on Concourse C.  There is also a Family Center and Nursing Mothers Room on the same concourse. To use the nursing room, go to the Travelers Assistance desk across from Gate C12. The Travelers Assistance information booths also have emergency diapers and emergency baby formula and can be a good all-around resource should you have any challenges.

One final tip: Dress your kids in bright colors–especially if one of your kids is a bolter. That makes them easier to spot should you get separated.