WHAT A TRIP!

Cameras in the cockpit???

          It seems now we not only have to worry about terrorists taking over our  planes (for those of us who still think like that since 9/11) but now we have to worry about some pilots with whom we are entrusting our lives.

I haven't heard enough outrage about this latest incident with the Northwest pilots who overshot their destination by 150 miles..AND wasted the passengers' precious time to reach their location...and did I mention also jeopardized individuals' safety? Is the flying public ignoring it like they would a flight attendant's emergency oxygen mask presentation?

It was a precarious enough situation that military jets were almost sent up to check on the plane. It is even more unnerving because now pilots can lock the cockpit door and we have no way to know what they are doing. How did these two pilots ignore attempts at communication with air traffic controllers?  And where were the air marshals? Shouldn't they have been a bit suspicious?

On the flip side, former NTSB members have gone on TV saying that there are tens of thousands of flights a day that go on without a hiccup - which is a pretty stellar safety record. However, if you are the one on a not-so-safe plane, the others just don't matter.

So - what can we do? I have friends who are afraid of flying who have introduced themselves to the pilots when they get on board, ask to see the cockpit, and check in with them. You can also remind them that you will be paying attention to the flight and landing times. But - what about those red eyes? I love those flights myself, but always wonder how the pilots stay awake... in light of this recent incident we have had some implied comments that pilots do doze off now and then.

Which brings us to one solution that is being tossed around...and invariably would cost the airlines ( and us) more money of course: Cameras in the cockpit. I'm all for it. What do you think?

The College Tour

Last fall I spent the weekend with my three kids and husband at his college reunion. The university did a nice job of incorporating the kids in a number of activities - and started the brainwashing early! 

It made me start thinking that many families are doing just what I did – and also traveling with older children to college campuses nationwide to tour prospective universities for study.

Just this week the LA Times reported that despite the economy, summer tours of schools are having a strong start. This should continue through early fall, when applications are due.

The college tour can be turned into an amazing and memorable family vacation. If you go between now and late October, you will still get nice weather in most places, and even be able to attend a football game or other sporting event to catch the true school spirit. There are also many enriching student events that are offered, from concerts, to dances, to guest speakers. Most of the events are free and you can learn about them in the campus newspaper. Many of the college papers are also available online so you can plan before you go.

I thought I might inspire some of you to actually do some sightseeing on the college circuit– yes, meet with the admissions director and get a school tour…but don’t

 miss some of the extras a campus and its surrounding have to offer. I’m talking world class stuff.

Here are some college campuses that are some of my favorites for sightseeing: (Oh and they aren’t bad colleges either J )

Stanford University:

First off, enjoy the gorgeous European feel of this campus with sprawling lawns and stunning architecture.

--Visit the Cantor Arts Center - The sculpture gardens have the largest number of Rodin sculptures outside Paris. I've been to both the Rodin museum in Paris and the sculpture garden on campus - Stanford's is right up there.

--Memorial Church - the crown jewel of campus. The non-denominational church is open to the public, and a guided tour recounting the history is available at certain times.

--Hoover Tower - Observation deck offers great views.

--Downtown Palo Alto - University Ave offers some nice strolling - lots of cafes and boutiques with a definite college-town vibe.

--San Francisco is a mere 45minutes away - look into taking the train right into the city.

 

UCLA:

Another looker of a campus - with liveliness in the air.

--My favorite place on campus is the Murphy Sculpture Gardens. So tranquil it's hard to believe frat boys are congregating nearby. Found on the northern edge of campus, it is the perfect place to relax amongst some 70 sculptures. Bring a blanket and a ball for small kids.

--Another favorite in all of Los Angeles - the Geffen Theater. Intimate and inviting, this theater has some great productions and is walking distance from UCLA.

--The Hammer Museum - Also walking distance from campus...holds Armand hammer's collection of impressionist and post-impressionist paintings.

--Walk to Wilshire and take the bus to Wishire and Fairfax to LACMA...and/or the Petersen Automotive Museum. For a meal, head to the classic LA Farmer's Market. Always amazing people watching and interesting choices of food in a VERY casual outdoor setting.

University of Texas: Located in the quintessential town for college students, Austin Texas. On campus and off, there is plenty to do.

--LBJ Library and Museum - Intersting look at his presidency.

--Ranson Center: Holds the world's first photograph and Watergate papers of journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein.

--U of T Tower - a 27 story architectural beauty. Go tot he observation deck here also.

In nearby Austin:

--Barton Springs Pool - a bucolic place for a swim that is a favorite amongst the locals.

--See the bats under Congress Bridge. Approx 1.5 bats live in the crevices of the bridge and at sunset they all fly out to look for food.

--South Congress Ave - Funky, eclectic, perfect for the teen ehading off to college. Guero's is my favorite Mexican food...and Jo's Coffee often has interesting events. The last time I was in Austin, there was a concert in the parking lot for dogs and their owners.

--Don't forget the Austin music scene...

More colleges to come later this week...

A DAY WHEN LA FEELS LIKE A SMALL TOWN

HAVE A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY WEEKEND....

 

Do something patriotic

Aaaaah - the Fourth of July. As one of my favorite LA Times columnists Chris Erskine puts it, it is the sweet spot of summer - one of the last lazy days you really feel the summer is still unfolding in front of you. Soon enough those pesky "Back to School" ads will kill your buzz.

It is one of my favorite holidays - casual, warm, filled with friends, family, and the wonderment of kids.

Although the headlines read that many towns are giving up their annual fireworks and fun, there is still some great local flavor to be had. My own town does it right. My favorite day all year - starting with a 5K or 10K race at 8AM. Best way to start the morning with all the residents cheering the runners on in this neighborhood course. But let there be no mistake - this is a highly produced event...with an offical start/balloon arch and MC. I ran last year and will run again this year.

The day that follows is filled with neighborhood BBQs and pool parties...and a local parade that winds though a few mile course. More parties.. then fireworks...if one can make it that late after all the fanfare.

If your town doesn't do anything - look into neighboring towns - many events are free and there's always plenty to do with the kids. Best part: You don't have to go far.

My other suggestion is to look into a presidential library if there is one near you. No better way to feel patriotic...and many of them offer special holiday events. (Not to be politcal, but it seems the Republicans offer a few more enticements at their respective libraries and museums...)

Here are just a few things going down:

Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley CA: Patriotic concerts, family entertainment, games, crafts - FREE! There is still a price for admission to the museum, but there is a $4 discount on the 4th. Many other things to see : Air Force One, a 6,388 lb, 9ft tall piece of the Berlin Wall, and the Reagan Library.

Willaim J Clinton Museum in Little Rock Arkansas: The website simply says 4th of July festival and free admission.

George H.W. Bush Museum in College Station, Texas: Live entertainment, historical characters, games for kids, symphony performance, and fireworks. Most activities begin at 5:30 PM. Free - bring blankets.

Gerald R. Ford Museum, Ann Arbor MI: Kids can createw flags while visiting the museum.

If I hapened to miss any special presidential library event, it is because the website did not mention anything.

Here's a link: www.archives.gov/presidential-libraries/

Have a safe and happy 4th!

VACATION LIKE THERE'S NO RECESSION

That's right.... you can still have your vacation and not break the bank. I know the thought of taking a big trip sounds expensive and daunting, noting all the lay-offs and t general fragility of our economy right now. But fear no more....

Last January I wrote about how I posted my  home on a home exchange website www.homeexchange.com. I got addicted to browsing the wonderful homes in far off lands...envisioning my family in each one of them. This summer we did it - we exchanged with two different families for a month long sojourn in France.                     

So now, one year later from that first home exchange posting, I will write about what I've learned and how you can have a great experience swapping homes.  (See my last Jan posting for some photos of available homes. The pictures here are from our home exchange)

 Pros:

---FREE - Can't beat that. Although, you have to factor in your time planning this; finding a house you like, finding a family who will exchange with you, working with the family on planning - sometimes around different time zones, and preparing your home for another person/family to stay there. That last item is something I didn't realize would take so long...normally when you take a trip, you just leave. But before we left we moved things to my mom's house that we didn't want out or around when people you've never met stay in your home. We also wanted it to be extra clean and comfortable, so we made extra efforts there also - repairing things..etc. I also got a cheap slipcover for our couch - so add that to the tab of the vacation.

--Get to connect with another family and learn what to do in their town from a local's perspective. Then - the best part - you get to live like a local. While in France we went grocery shopping... and ate in residential areas not haunted by tourists. My husband loves telling about the transformations:The first time we went shopping for food, we had no idea you had to weigh your fruit first, apply a sticker with the amount, and figure out the cost of the fruit separately  before paying. By the end of our stay, we were dashing through the produce section as if we had been buying our pommes there for years.

--Toys....Kitchen....Laundry..Pool - all amenities that can come with your home. These are great if you have kids - we saved even more money by eating breakfast at home every morning...we didn't need to pack as much because we washed clothes...AND our Paris apartment came with a Wii!!! So we could have some quiet moments trying to figure out our days outings while the kids played their video games on the wii.

  -You see attractions you wouldn't normally see. We stayed in Ste Maxime for the second part of our trip - a place I had never heard of - but it sounded appealing because, well it was the only Riviera home that was available and willing to exchange the dates we needed....and it is 10 minutes from St Tropez.

We got lucky - it is such a family-oriented village, with plenty of restaurants and a big market that came alive every night. Plus - the kids loved the boule courts right at the marina on the water. (bocce.) Had we found a place in sexier St Tropez, I would have taken it, but it would have been more expensive to eat in that ritzy town, and not as kid friendly. Restaurants open later there.

CONS:

--See the first "PRO" - more time consuming.

--The mystery: Everyone worries that you'll end up in a dump...or someone else will ruin your house. You have to open your mind to the fact that when you stay in a hotel, there have been thousands of people who have stayed there e before you, so get over the cootie factor. And you CAN screen pretty well as to is the people will take care of your home or not. Phone conversations are telling - of your gut tells you NO - listen. Not a thing was damaged at our house except a pool fence, which is a minor fix.

Photographs CANT tell everything - they can mislead. So ask for more photos if you feel you need to see more. Ask to see bathrooms and other things the owners may have excluded. NOTE: Photos also don't convey how clean a place is.... we arrived in the Riviera during a heat wave and the house had been closed up - it was damp and muggy inside...and kind of dusty. It seemed to be a family home and the cleaner hadn't cleaned up a lot of the kids' messes...Still - to me it was worth the day I spent cleaning. I was so happy to be there it didn't matter. Request a cleaning crew to clean before you arrive - even if you pay for it.

--No concierge or property manager to call: If there is a problem, and you are out of the country, it is a bit tricky. Chances are, you can't call the owners because of a time difference - or even if you aren't in a foreign country sometimes you can't reach the owners anyway. So who you gonna call??? We had a few problems - one with the pool - it was turning green. Apparently they don't use the same strong pool cleaning solvents in France, and during heat waves, algae takes over. I had to explain in my best college French that the pool is green. Thank goodness I brushed up with Rosetta Stone. Also -communicating with the cleaning lady was a bit rough... and we had some electricity outages, a fuse went out, and we couldn't reach the owners staying in our Calif. home.

--Toys....Kitchen...Laundry...pool. After  you get over the"pros" of having these things, you then go through the frustration of trying to figure out how to work each item. Washing machines are different and don't have directions in English... Pool: see above...Kitchen: have to figure out where to take out trash, figure out what cleaning agents do what for the sinks, counters, etc. Little headaches but enough to make one miss home sweet. BTW - this is only applicable to foreign travel.

--No guarantee that the deal will go through. We had already booked our tickets... lined up two back to back exchanges, and our Paris apartment cancelled!! No explanation, nothing. It all worked out - my first choice apartment that wasn't available when I was first planning became available...and the www.homeexchange.comfolks jumped on it to try and help me with their France connections..but I was a grouchy stress case for two days trying to hide this fiasco from my husband who was skeptical of home exchanges!

Overall - we had a great time and I would do it again if I were travelling for a long period to maximize the value of it. I figure it saved us about $20,000.

You can also do this in America!! Keep your travel dollars here this summer to help the economy :)

Happy Travels.

FREE IN DC

Washington D.C. is in the spotlight with the upcoming inauguration - the district will hosts thousands next week for the celebrations and all sorts of special events are happening around town. If you look at any website that has to do with Washington DC, there is a special exhibit, contest, or party in light of the inauguration!

So even though most of us won't be attending in person, we'll surely see it on TV, or get clips from the internet or newspaper. Some of may even be inspired to travel there sometime soon....with our kids...so I have compiled  a special list: FREE in DC.

That's right - many of the best attractions are F-R-E-E. This is not a too-good-to-be true sub-prime kind of free. This is honest to goodness pay no money ever kind of free.

And - the kids should love it. (Ther'e ssomething for all ages...but if you wnat full impact so they understand a little more about the histroy and current government, wiat until they are older.)

1)Smithsonian Institution Museums: There are 19 museums...Some of my favorites are:

NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM: Some 50,000 objects on display...spacecraft, rockets, space suits... a moon rock you can touch...a space capsule you can climb into..and freeze dried ice cream in the gift store. Fun to try at home!

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN HISTORY: Jan 16 marks the opening of a special exhibit on Abraham Lincoln...the young fashionites won't want to miss the special exhibit on First Ladies - they even show inaugural gowns!

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY: The one in Mew York is still my favorite, but this is still captivating.Kids can freak out at all the bugs in the insect zoo...

2) Bureau of Engraving and Printing:

This is pretty captivating! Take a free tour and see how money is made - literally. The BEP produces billions of dollars...as well as postage stamps and hand engraved invitations on behalf of the White House. You get up close and very personal with the printing process on this tour.

3) Arlington National Cemetery: Burial site for soldiers, politicians, and others wqho have served our country. The tomb of the Unknown soldier is moving..as is JFK's eternal flame.

4) Supreme Court -

You can tour the building - and watch a session...but it is on a first come first serves basis, and make sure they are in session when you go i fyou'd like to see that. (Not recommended for really young kids)

5) National Monuments;

One fun, hot summer long ago I lived in DC right down the street from the Lincoln Memorial...I would jog by every day on my morning run, or at sundown for an evening work out - and wow is it inspirational.

I would try to see all the national monuments at dusk or night - they are really magnificent lit up and less crowded.

--Lincoln Memorial 

--Washington Monument   

--Jefferson Memorial

--Holocaust Memorial and Museum - a history lesson for older kid s- 12 and older.

--World War II Memorial

6) FBI Tours - If they ever reopen again, the FBI tours are riveting. According to the FBI website they are closed indefinitely for remodeling...It's been closed a while, so hopefully if you are reading this in the future, you can double check and see if they've reopened. The tours used to look at fingerprinting, handwriting analysis, spy gear, and America's 10 most wanted.

(The Spy Museum has the same flavor, and is also cool - but it costs to get in.)

This Tues, be sure to "armchair travel" and watch history be made - the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States.

Happy Travels...and Go America!

London With Kids

HAPPY HAPPY NEW YEAR! May 2009 bring safe and exciting travels.

I recently had a reader post a question about my Travel Channel show. "Are We There Yet: London"... He or she wanted to know all the places we visited. So today I will address that question..and remind you all that London is a great place to visit with children. Is it a long airplane ride? Yes. Is it expensive considering the economy right now? Yes - always expensive. BUT - there are ways to make the trip easier and more affordable....

We adventured to many places off the beaten path in this show - some require driving out of London for an hour or so, but I would say these locations are worth it.

1) London Eye - A must see - kids love it, and it gives every visitor a big picture of how London is laid out. It is a giant ferris wheel like ride that takes a half hour to go around. Wonderful views of London - even if it is touristy - what's wrong with that?

You can order your tickets in advance online to avoid any ques...www.londoneye.com

2) Portobello Market - A very fun place to stroll - open every Saturday. All the shops on Portobello Road are open every day - but the market with dozens of vendors makes it special. All kinds of antiques, and interesting things to look at - tourists and Londoners alike come here. I would recommend for older kids - teens might like the fashion angle...

3) Duck tour on the Thames - My kids really enjoyed this - once again, a great way to orient yourself with London, as you go by many important landmarks, and have a guide who gives info on each (as well as cracks jokes.) www.londonducktours.co.uk

4) Buckingham Palace and the changing of the guard - we actually didn't stay for the changing when we were in London because we had just watched the same thing on a smaller scale in Denmark. Still a pretty cool thing - the little ones might get bored if they don' t have a good view.

5) Groombridge Place - What an enchanted forest this is!! Over-sized swings...boat rides...hiking paths through Jurassic times...sand boxes...life-size chess game..

And I would highly recommend the raptor show. The kids can practice the art of falconry - oops my husband was the center of a joke...

   

Groombrigde Place is in Kent - a ways out of London but this is a kids wonderland.

6) Diggerland - Also out of London but there's nothing likeit (A Diggerland was supposed to be built in Virgina last year.) Basically this ia  huge amusement park where kids get to control tractors and diggers in muddy paths.  This is also in Kent....for more info www.enjoyengland.com

7) Tate Modern Museum - The BEST kids' program to get them into the arts. They go on a scavenger hunt, looking through all the same art you are, trying to find certain items. It is very clever, and it allows the adults to actually enjoy the art with the children. Oh - and did I mention what a fabulous and varied collection exists at the Tate Modern? It is NOT a stuffy British museum.

8) Outdoor theater in Regent's Park. Most of the time they offer kid-friendly productions. Pack a picnic and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

I hope that answers all the questions -one hotel I would recommend is Jermyn Street - especially if you are traveling with kids. They have suites, which are actually more like apartments - make sure to ask for the ones that accommodate your size family. It is reasonably priced and right near Piccadilly Square. They have games for kids, child proof locks on mini bar, etc.

Happy Travels - and once again - Happy New Year!

 

A SOBERING THANKSGIVING FOR TRAVELERS

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.

Take the hassle our of taking the kids this Thanksgiving

    

 

 

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!

BEAT THE WINTER BLUES WITH THIS DEAL ROUND UP

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 :)