Yikes, a pretty explosive topic, but still am glad that I raised the subject. My husband and I are older parents...young at heart as we like to say. I agree that most vacations are exactly that...vacations from every day life. The only issue with the comments has been the "earning it". I believe that it is up to us, the parents to make sure that our children are prepared for the trip and are age appropriate and will not interfere with others enjoying their vacations, after all that is what room service is for... My parents were born and raised in rural Ireland...farmers, and their families did not have the means for a nice vacation. My parents dream was to give their children (myself) what they did not have and I certainly want to continue that tradition. I do not think that children have to earn the right to take a nice vacation. I think it is a parents right and even a wonderful responsibility to show our children the more wonderful parts of the world..after all isn't there enough sadness (ie; Katrina and IraQ) in our present time. I would certainly expect my child to act appropriately during a vacation...but also would encourage him to explore and even wonder at the beauty that Alaska or any where else has to offer..again just my thoughts, for what they are worth...clare