With air ticket fees ever on the rise, we’re sure there’s a nickel-and-diming department at every airline HQ, and the job of those nerds is to find more ways to tack on extra charges. Those of us who remember the good ole days when you bought your $99.99 ticket, and that’s exactly what you paid to fly.

Today, there’s the ever growing list of add-ons, including baggage fees, in-air food, blankets, special seating, state taxes, city taxes and oil price supplements. Of course, we can expect even more to come.

Do the math. The average cruise costs about $200 a day per couple. The all-inclusive price provides a comfortable cabin, all meals and snacks, Broadway style entertainment, dancing, deck games, swimming, exercise sessions and many other free goods and services.

At today's inflated prices, a landlubber vacation that involves staying at a resort hotel of comparable quality would total at least $400 per couple daily. Three hotel or nearby restaurant meals can easily double that amount. Amenities that are free on cruises, such as games, music, swim, sun and spas, would add considerably to the cost of the same services at resort hotels or private facilities.

The world’s few habitats for the rare species are in China. One is in the mountains of Sichuan, Shaanxi and Gansu. To preserve the highly-endangered animal, the Chinese government maintains a Giant Panda breeding facility and visitor center in the Bifeng Valley in Sichuan.

They're located in picturesque areas 900 miles from Beijing. There are flights, riverboat cruises, bus and train excursions from the nation's capital and other Chinese cities to the Bifeng Valley. Hotels near the Giant Panda facility include the Hongzhu, Beite Xingyue Binguan (Moonstar) and Super 8 Yibin Lu Neng.

Before you decide to take your dog, first check with a vet. Don't go with a sick, severely injured or pregnant dog. If the dog must take regular prescription meds, be sure to pack an adequate supply.

If Fido is very nervous and easily frightened, ask the vet for meds for such emergencies. Also, take over-the-counter meds for possible upset stomach, diarrhea or constipation. Along with your own first aid kit, include meds you can administer in case your pet is injured during the trip.