The stories like the one continually developing in India this Thanksgiving always give me -and I'm sure most – pause about international travel. We are passionate about it and don't want incidents like this to deter us.

But realistically, almost everyday now there seems to be international incidents of political unrest or religious-based attacks that pose threats to Americans abroad. What can we do about it?

Well, first, although terrorist attacks are unpredictable, know the country to which you travel. India has a history of attacks by extremists, and according to recent govt reports was fourth on the danger list after places like Iraq and Afghanistan…so that can give one slight comfort that this was not out of the blue. Don't visit countries that have a persistent record of attacks. Read local newspapers, or at least review current local news in the language you speak to familiarize yourself with what is going on in the region you want to visit so you know about all potential hot spots. Visit www.travel.state.govfor government safety warnings and procedures to take before you leave to keep you safer.

Since this recent attack included popular soft targets like the wonderful Oberoi and Taj Mahal  Palace hotels where American travelers might stay, look into smaller boutique hotels not in any financial district or highly populated areas. Some I recommend in popular travel spots are: Jermain Hotel in London (great for families) and the Trocadero Dukhans in Paris.

Be aware of your surroundings – one security expert says "Vigilant attention to details will keep you safer." Don't linger in lobbies of buildings. Don't stand near large glass windows – many people are killed by the breaking glass rather than bullets. Travel light so you don't have to spend more time in airports than you need to waiting for your luggage. And speaking of luggage, don't write your home address (especially if it is America) on the luggage tag – write it on the back with an arrow or something on the front that way if your luggage is really lost, the handler will look onthe reverse side.

It's funny because I always tell people to not stand out, don't wear anything that says you're an American…but after spending the summer in France, I realized that all the French were wearing 'Abercrombie and Fitch" or "UCLA" t-shits, so WE were the ones standing out by avoiding them!! The rule for flashy jewelry still stands, however.

I also was reminded how the European train stations in summer are crazy busy – avoid peak rush hours and do not stand with all the crowds while waiting for your train.

Be safe -and still travel. It is a great time to travel in America if you want to calm your fears – and don't think that there's not much to see. Add places like Alaska,… Moab, Utah…Bryce National Park…Acadia National Park…Seattle, WA…Austin, TX…to your list!

And most importantly, give thanks today all your travel opportunities.

    

I have to admit….I really don't struggle with the idea of bringing my kids on a trip, as long as it is a designated family trip. Now, I'm not gonna kid you, if my husband and I plan a getaway for just us, conversely, I am OK to travel without them for a well-needed break as long as they are well cared for by family members.

My husband, on the other hand, is a bit less welcoming. He doesn't want to  take many adventures because of the hassle factor with kids. So, in light of Thanksgiving weekend, the busiest family travel weekend logged in all the travel records, I hope to help those of you who are like my husband! (and even if you aren't.)

At this point, I am assuming you have already purchased airline tickets, so you can't change to the first flight of the day..or change your airline. So –

–Call ahead to see if you airline allows preboarding for families. Some have eliminated that oh so necessary perk (ahem American Airlines) but some still honor it (Yea Southwest.) IT does make a difference, and if your airline does allow it, then DEFINITELY try to pack everything in your carry on bags. Since you have preboarding privileges, there will be room in the overhead for your bags.

–Call ahead to see if your flight is on time. Some airlines can email you to your blackberry or iphone if you have one to give you an update. There is nothing worse than waiting in an airport with antsy kids…and then paying a fortune on meals you didn't intend to buy at the airport.

–Speaking of meals… pack snacks for the flight. Also pack bottles for drinks (those stainless ones are nice if you can fit them.) that way once you get past security you can fill them up for the flight. Nowadays not many food options are offered on flights and that could be a recipe for disaster for kids. If you don't have time or room, bring cash in case your airline does sell snacks on board.

–Remind your teenage girls that they can only pack 3 oz of their liquid make up, shampoos, other hair products, lip gloss, lotions, etc.!! If not they have to be in bags that are checked in. Security measures in place still don't allow more than 3 oz in carry on bags.

–Print your boarding pass at home when you can. It will save you time at the airport. That's the goal with kids after all – less time in places where they can be trouble

–Pack a backpack for them with everything they might want – deck of cards, crayons and coloring book, mini containers of Playdoh, dot to dot or word search games, etc. One Thanksgiving we had the kids decorate place mats for all of the guests and it took up a lot of time!

–Many airports have kid friendly zones – SFo, Dallas/Fort WOrth, and Baltimore/Washington to name a few – play areas to burn off some steam before a long flight – brilliant. Check to see if your airport has one.

Good luck and Happy Thanksgiving. There's so much to be thankful for – just think, one day your kids may not have time or want to travel with you!

A silver lining to the bad economy: high supply means lower prices. Here are some deals for this holiday season and beyond for those of you who have a little extra pocket cash and want to get away:

Europe: When I was there this summer, the dollar was teetering on buying 1.60 euros…now it is more like 1.25!

If you book a flight on Lufthansa by November 19 here are some of the one-way prices based on a round trip ticket:

BOSTON – LONDON: $212

NEW YORK – AMSTERDAM: $263

SEATTLE – PARIS : $327

SAN FRANCISCO – BUDAPEST: $336

If you're in more of a tropical mood (the coldest place I've ever been in winter is Germany…so there's one caveat about Europe in winter. Consider other countries that time of year!!) Hawaii is on sale!!! I like it because you are staying in America, and right now the travel industry could use your money.

I'm not big on package deals, but some are really good and worth investigating – check out Pleasant Holidays if you have children. Kids 17 and younger stay for free in their 3 night hotel and air fare packages.

**3 nights in Maui could cost you $615, that includes air fare from San Francisco!

For a look at more travel suppliers for Hawaii, go to gohawaii.com.

Other deals to think about:

South Africa is a bargain right now!! It is always expensive getting there, but once you are there the dollar buys more than 10 rand right now – a year ago a dollar bought about 6. SO that means your hotel and meals will be cheaper.

Australia – 1 US dollar = about 1.5 Australian dollars.

If you just want to visit Grandma this holiday season – flights are averaging $240-$350…remember to try and book the first flight of the day to avoid flights backing up due to weather…and try to travel on off'days – Thanksgiving morning the planes are usually pretty empty!

Happy travels

  Feeling patriotic today….Voting day and it is very exciting no matter what your politics. Beyond all the rhetoric and robo phone calls…promises and pundits, has anyone considered what these two candidates have endured during the last year of campaigning?

I have thought about it a lot. I have thought about what it must be like to be on the road all the time -the exhaustion, unfamiliarity of each new hotel room, and of course being away from their families.  I have also envied them –  traveling through wide spaces of America, meeting all kinds of people, collecting stories along the way. Any road warrior knows these kinds of experiences are priceless. (Are you listening American Express?) Some of the stories along the way have brought me to tears: Special needs children waving signs for Palin… Obama's grandmother dying right before he could be named president. But many times I think about what a great country this is to travel like these two candidates are doing. Granted, they are not visintg all the touristy spots, but you don't need to for the richest experiences. 

There are so many terrific places in America to see – and plenty of resources to help you plan your trip. With the economic climate, staying in America is a great option – and one that wont' leave you disappointed. I've been to so many mesmerizing locations in the U.S –  From our National Parks… to Santa Fe NM…to New York City…to the Hood River, OR…to Miami Beach, FL…to San Francisco, CA…to Austin, TX…to New Orleans, LA…to Santa Barbara, CA…all these are so different from each other, yet we are lucky enough to have them all in our great country.

Check out www.discoveramerica.org to just scratch the surface of ideas for American travel. For some budget ideas,  why not try Amtrak for something different?? Kids love trains if you are taking them along. There are also many fabulous camp grounds in the U.S. (See my other post on luxurious camp grounds )

Get out there and discover America…and don't forget to vote!