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.

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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!

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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

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  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!

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I did see some pretty amazing bears and cute otters!

I think no matter what your political affiliation, it's not hard to agree that one good thing about Sarah Palin is the spotlight it has shone on Alaska. It is exactly the kind of travel destination I love to recommend: Sort of off the beaten path…great for kids…lots to do in the great outdoors. There is so much I could write, but one topic that came up recently with a girl friend sort of strikes my interest tonight. My friend wants to take her family to Alaska next summer, and wanted to know if she should take a cruise, or stay in some hotels.

Cruising to Alaska is more popular, and frankly, easier. Kids who are used to being plugged in and electronically entertained are probably going to be happier on a cruise, where there is never a shortage of modernization. However, one of the most memorable experiences for me in my travels was doing so many COOL things by driving through Alaska and being a part of nature. Granted, a cruise ship can take you through passages that you normally wouldn't get to see….and there are some cruise lines that have biologists on board to teach kids about their environment  – so it's not all pools and play stations. I will name some cruises in a later post.

Another thing that was so memorable about my trip is that I was staying at a Wilderness Lodge- Tutka Bay Wilderness Lodge. Out in the middle of no freaking where, this place is so peaceful. The lodge offers organized excursions, so it makes taking day adventures easier. We went bear viewing…kayaking with otters…and deep sea fishing. After a full day out in the fresh air, there are home cooked meals and a hot tub awaiting. A family with teenagers and pre teens was staying there the same time I was , and the kids said it was their best vacation EVER. I was sold.

There are other wilderness lodges in Alaska… they are unique to the region. Kachemak Bay Wilderness Lodge is high end and nice I understand, but I liked the owners at Tutka Bay. It is located on the Kenai Peninsula. We spent some time in Homer and then took a water taxi to the lodge. I'm not going to act like everything was wonderful – it is a lot more work getting around the huge state of Alaska this way, driving or flying from town to town..it's not like there are places to stop and ask for directions in the middle of practically nowhere. SO if that doesn't sound like an adventure, or if you have really young kids then maybe a cruise is for you. Or stick to one place like Denali National Park.

Alaska's not a luxurious place. It is rugged, but beautiful. You will find your soul there. There is no Four Seasons… no hotel spa. Not that kind of trip…but wonderful and real. Definitely take the kids. Oh  and by the way – don't count on seeing Russia from  your lodge window.

www.tutkabaylodge.com

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  ISN'T THIS SKY INCREDIBLE? I SNAPPED THESE PHOTOS ON MY WAY HOME ONE NIGHT FROM ST TROPEZ.I HAVEN'T TALKED MUCH ABOUT MY ADVENTURES IN FRANCE THIS SUMMER -ONCE AGAIN, THE TIMING RIGHT NOW IS NOT GREAT - BUT I WILL REFER TO IT OFTEN.

SOMETHING TODAY REMINDED ME OF THE RARE BRILLIANCE OF THE SOUTHERN FRANCE SUNSETS. MAYBE IT IS THE UNFORTUNATE FIRES IN LOS ANGELES RIGHT NOW, CHANGING THE LIGHT LANDSCAPE IN OUR SOUTHLAND AND SETTING THE SKY  ABLAZE.

THEY SAY THE UNIQUE LIGHT DREW ARTISTS TO THE SOUTH OF FRANCE. AND I'M NOT TALKING ONE OR TWO ARTISTS – I AM TALKING MOST OF THE WELL KNOWN ARTIST OF THE IMPRESSIONIST AND CUBIST ERA. MATISSE, PICASSO, VAN GOGH, CEZANNE, TO NAME A FEW.

                                          THE BEST PART OF THIS IS THAT FRANCE HONORS THEM SO MUCH MORE THAN WE DO IN THE UNITED STATES. WHILE I WAS THERE I  VISITED SOME MUSEUMS DEDICATED TO JUST ONE ARTIST THAT WAS SO MUCH MORE OF AN INTIMATE EXAMINATION OF THE ARTIST AND HIS WORK.

ONE OF THE MOST MOVING ISTHE ASYLUM IN ST REMY WHERE VAN GOGH SPENT ONE OF HIS LAST YEARS. HE PAINTED SOME 150 WORKS IN 52 WEEKS, AND WALKING AROUND THE GROUNDS OF WHERE HE WAS INSTITUTIONALIZED YOU ACTUALLY SEE THE PAINTINGS IN THE SETTING WHERE HE PAINTED. VISITING HIS SPARSE BEDROOM IS FASCINATING – THE MUSEUM DOES A GREAT JOB OF DOCUMENTING HIS MENTAL ILLNESS AND HOW HE SOUGHT OUT ART.

ANOTHER SIMPLY EXQUISITE LOOK AT AN ARTIST'S WORK IS THE CHAPEL OF THE ROSARY DESIGNED BY HENRI MATISSE. IT IS IN VENCE, AND YOU COULD MISS IT IF YOU BLINK WHILE DRIVING. IT COSTS 5 EUROS OR SOMETHING TO TAKE A PEEK, BUT IT IS WORTH IT. ALONGSIDE THE CHAPEL IS A LITTLE MUSEUM SHOWING HIS EARLY SKETCHES AND IDEAS FOR THE CHAPEL THAT MAKES IT ALL THE MORE ENLIGHTENING.

AND WE CAN'T FORGET THE PICASSO MUSEUMS – ONE IN PARIS IN THE MARAIS, AND THE OTHER NEWLY RENOVATED ONE IN ANTIBES IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE.  WE ALSO VISITED THE LOVELY RODIN MUSEUM IN PARIS. THERE'S ALSO THE MATISSE MUSEUM IN NICE.

 WHILE I WAS ENJOYING THESE PERSONAL AND WELL ORGANIZED LOOKS AT ARTISTS, IT DAWNED ON ME THAT WE DON' THAVE MANY ONE-MAN MUSEUMS. WHILE FRANCE HAS SOME 400, WE ONLY HAVE 40. NOT COINCIDENTALLY, THEY ARE SOME OF MY FAVORITES HERE AT HOME: THE NORMAN ROCKWELL MUSEUM IN STOCKBRIDGE, MASS (THE BERKSHIRES), AND THE GEORGIA O'KEEFE MUSEUM IN SANTA FE. I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO TAKE THE FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT TOURS IN OAK PARK ILL…AND VISIT THE ANDY WARHOL MUSEUM IN PITTSBURGH.

BOTTOM LINE: SEEK THESE OPPORTUNITIES OUT ON YOUR TRAVELS, INTERNATIONAL OR DOMESTIC. IT IS NOT AS OVERWHELMING TO DIGEST THE WORK ON ONE LIFE…AND I THINK THE KIDS WILL GET MORE OUT OF IT TOO, DEPENDING ON THE DAY AND THEIR MOODS!

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If you are thinking of taking a trip to Disney anytime soon, you may want to wait until it is someone in your family's birthday. The "happiest place on Earth" is trying to make your birthday a little happier: (and let's face it – trying to bring people to the park in this tight economy.) Every guest gets in free on his or her birthday!

The special promotion begins in 2009. To qualify, visitors have to show proof it is his or her big day. Obviously children too young to drive will have to show A birth certificate or other form of identification. Go to www.disneyparks.com for more info…and you can register your birthday visit in advance.

That can be a nice savings for a family with twins…the price of admission for one child these days is: Disneyland, Anaheim: $59 for kids 3-9…$69 for everyone older than 10. Walt Disney World in Florida: $63 for kids 3-9 and $75 for everyone older than 10. Granted, Walt Disney World Resort has many other attractions, so people usually buy more than a one day pass, and also buy tickets to the other parks which are also part of special deals offered.

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So…I am getting back into posting. It's been a while because I spent the summer in France – and every mother will relate to this one…did I really think I would get a chance to write everyday with three kids and so much sight seeing to do??? AAAAH… it sounded good.

Anyway – I would love to share so much about France..but I don't feel it is the right climate, if you get my drift. Not many people watching the stock market or having home struggle are saying – "Oh, now I gotta book my ticket to Europe."

There are so many things to do close to home anyway! AND I'm talking REALLY close. Fall is a wonderful time to travel all around – weather is still good, prices generally fall everywhere because it is quiet right after summer and before the holiday crunch. But one of my favorite things about fall are all the seasonal celebrations – some right in your own town or just an overnight trip away.

For instance…Underwood Family Farms in Ventura County, CA is a GREAT fall destination. They just started their fall festival that lasts until Halloween. It is a large real working farm and they emphasize the educational aspect of growing your own food and taking care of the land. Kids can pick their own pumpkins in an acres big patch… get friendly with the farm animals…or partake in some of hte special events they have – including a tractor show this weekend! (Little boys everywhere rejoice.)

I took my family there for a birthday party and it is a full day outing. You can also take them to the country store to buy some of the produce the farm grows to make it come full circle…and maybe get your kids to eat more veggies if he or she picks it out from her fun day. For more info go to: www.underwoodfamilyfarms.com

Some other super fun things to do with your kids are corn mazes that are "cropping" up all over the country – Check out how elaborate they are – some are miles long! For more info on corn mazes and fall festivals near you here are some links:

www.cornmazesamerica.com

www.cornfieldmaze.com

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   AS IF we all need another reason to visit lovely San Francisco…but this time, I may really convince you to bring the kids. There are plenty of reasons, but the most newsworthy is the reopening this week of the tremendous California Academy of Sciences Museum in Golden Gate Park. Ten years in the planning and $500 million later, this is a true "sustainable architectural masterpiece" that  the whole family will love – just allow plenty of time because there' so much to see! 

(Speaking of seeing…Just check out the photo above – if the roof looks green to you, that's because it is!! It is a LEED certified building with a 5 acre roof top garden with some 7 million plants.) Here's a close up of the roof top with skylights to let in natural light:

 The Museums two main questions it attempts to explore are :How did life develop..and how will we sustain it? The exhibits used to illustrate the topics of life and sustaining it are educational and engaging: An aquarium, planetarium, natural history venue, and a 4 story rain forest dome, pictured above. One of the highlights is the albino alligator named Bonnie.  She is one of the many new animals whose population has dramatically increased for the new museum.      

Some fun extras that you might ant to check out: Penguin feedings every day…and a 3-d theater with a presentation about bugs! Sure to keep your little crawlers interested.

The only things is – the admission seems pretty steep to me. $24.95 for an adult…and $14.95 for kids 7-11. Kids 6 and under are free….And here's a tip: Every third Wednesday is free if you can coordinate that.  Do come hungry my fellow travelers – This ain't no ordinary museum food…after all this IS San Francisco. There are two restaurants and one of the chef's involved there is from one of my favorite SF restaurants The Slanted Door.

While you are there you can also enjoy Golden Gate Park and the relatively new De Young also. Check the exhibitions to see what's kid friendly. (Dale Chihuly just left but that was a wonderfully colorful show..)

Have fun and let me know what you think –

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Remember to book your tickets to Moab, Utah for Labor Day – The best classical music concert IN THE CANYON!!! Really – they lug a grand piano onto the rocks.

More on that later – but here’s a great photo to inspire you.

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