I can’t travel every day of the year (gasp). I’m a Traveling Mama and that job comes with a big responsibility – being a mama first and foremost. When I can’t travel, I’m dreaming of travel by planning my next trip or taking a mental journey through travel blogs and a good travel book.

Yes, I do hold a full time job, in addition to travel writing. So what do I do during my breaks at work? Read travel books! The latest tome that I’ve devoured is Every Day in Tuscany: Seasons of an Italian Life by author and traveler extraordinaire Frances Mayes. I’ve had a crush on Frances ever since I got my hands on Under the Tuscan Sun. She’s such an adventuress!

Italy is a destination that’s still on my list (I don’t tell too many people, but I’m 1/4 Italian). You know you have your own list too. Well, I’ve always wanted to enjoy a good meal with a bottle of vino followed by a sip of lemoncello, all while enjoying an afternoon overlooking a vineyard (or someplace similar). Frances Mayes brought me into moments just like this in Every Day in Tuscany.

Frances’ latest book not only illustrates snippets of life in her Tuscan town, but she provides recipes of her more memorable meals shared in the stories. She also ventures outside of her town and introduces readers to experiences in Umbria, trips to the sea and even a story of a Vespa and grenade left on her doorstep!

I could go on and on about this latest title by Frances Mayes, but I’ve become intrigued and want to replicate some of the dishes mentioned. The sun is shining in my backyard and I’m thinking of making one of those antipasto platters she described. I’m going to sit on my back patio with a glass of wine and will start at the beginning of the Bramasole story by reading Under the Tuscan Sun once again, followed by Bella Tuscany and then finish my mental journey with Every Day in Tuscany.

Would you like to escape to Tuscany with Frances Mayes? Every Day in Tuscany was just released in bookstores and is also available online at Amazon (Every Day in Tuscany: Seasons of an Italian Life
affiliate link). Readers of TravelingMamas.com can enter a random drawing to win a copy of this title. Just leave a comment stating your favorite moment in Italy (if you’ve been) or where you’d go in Italy if given the chance. Be sure to check out FrancesMayesBooks.com for more information on Frances and her Tuscan life.

Contest open to North American residents ages 18 and older. Ends Monday, March 15 at 11:59 pm CST. One entry per email address. Bonus entry for tweeting contest and leaving separate comment. Review and giveaway copies provided by publisher.

Hi Traveling Mamas,
I am taking a trip to Europe, mostly Italy, for a month. I had planned on buying a rail pass and take the bus, but (if I can do this?!) I would rather buy a scooter as soon as I get there and sell it when I leave. How plausible do you think this is?
Thanks,
J

Hi J,

I’m not sure exactly where you’ll be and for how long, but if the bulk of your visit will be in Italy, have you looked into a scooter rental? Scooters and mopeds are available in all major cities and some rural areas. A motorino (scooter) rental may be a cost effective way for you to travel around Italy and access sites that are harder to get to by other means of transportation.

There are a number of motorino rentals facilities that will negotiate rates on extended rental periods. If the rates seem a bit too steep for your budget and you really want to purchase a moped, then go for it. Search classified ads online for the city you plan to make your transportation purchase, but before you seal the deal, check local laws on foreign ownership.

Here are some of my favorite European planning resources to assist you in taking that next step in travel:

WhyGo Italy – Jessica of WhyGo Italy is not only one cool chic, but she knows all about travel in Italy. Read through many of the informative articles available on her site to help plan your route. Once you decide your route then you can figure out logistics and transportation.

Have you visted Europe a la Carte? Author Karen Bryan is in the UK and has tons of articles regarding transportation and information for your Europe holiday.

Another planning resource that I’ve heard good things about is Europe for Visitors. Durant Imboden has been compiling information regarding European travel  for decades and started publishing his site in 2001.

I hope this helps point you in the right direction and that your visit to Europe is safe and full of wonderful travel memories. We’ll ask our readers to chip in with comments and tips to help you decide if you should purchase that scooter.

The beginning of every family holiday starts with questions such as, where to go, what to do and how much will this cost. Cost is one of the most important factors that will help decide answers to the other two questions. Hopefully, this information will assist you in choosing which type of lodging will suit your family.

When a family starts to plan a vacation, they should enlist the aid of all members. That’s what we do. Decide on a budget and then let the kids discuss places they would like to visit. You can make suggestions based on specials that are available, the mode of transportation you can afford, and how long you plan to be away.

Let the children suggest places they would like to visit. Even though your plans may not include travel to Walt Disney World, your children will still feel as if they have made a contribution. They can go over the choices put on the table, and then make a decision. This is also their vacation after all, not just a getaway for the adults.

Here’s a list of different types of lodging options you may come across in your family travel planning so that you know just what you’re getting into. Have some tips or suggestions? Leave them in comments.

• All-Inclusive Resorts: All-inclusive resorts are a growing trend in the travel industry. They can be found all over the Caribbean and Mexico and are now making their way into the US. These resorts typically include meals, non-motorized activities, kid clubs, and domestic adult beverages. Some plans resorts use is the American Plan (AP) which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or European Plan (EP) which does not include meals.
• Bed & Breakfasts and Small Inns: The terms Bed and Breakfast or Inn evokes a sense of romance or intimacy. For some of this lodging choice, it’s typically true, but there are many Bed and Breakfasts that were once the home of historical figures and there are also examples of architecture and art. Some B&Bs can be child friendly. However, most of these establishments are furnished with antiques and irreplaceable items. You are the best judge of your child’s character, and only you can make the correct decision on lodging choices for your family. Be sure to verify with the innkeepers that children are allowed.
• Villas/Homes: Villas or home rentals can be a great choice for longer stays. They offer all the comforts of home, including separate bedrooms, a full kitchen, and sometimes a private pool.
• Hotels/Motels: These establishments can range in price, depending upon the amenities provided. Some have on-site restaurants, which can be convenient but costly. A hotel is where all the rooms are accessed from inside a hallway. A motel is where the rooms are accessed from outdoors.
• Hostels: Hostels were established as an inexpensive way for students to travel throughout Europe. Today, hostels can be found all over the world, including the US. They offer dormitory style inexpensive accommodations. They do not offer the amenities of a hotel, but the experience of meeting foreign visitors and the socializing opportunities help children gain a greater understanding of the world and its people.
• Campgrounds: Campgrounds can offer your child an opportunity to get closer to nature and the outdoors. Some campgrounds offer cabins while most offer RV and/or tent sites (primitive camping).

Whichever type of lodging you decide for your family vacation or holiday, be sure to research and have a wonderful trip. Family travel is an adventure, no matter what the destination.

There is a place like no place on Earth….. ~ The Mad Hatter

When Lewis Carroll (Rev. C.L. Dotson) penned the literary tales of a young girl named Alice and her fantastical adventure of following a white rabbit, I wonder if he ever imagined the story would become such a well-known treasure, much less Disney and Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland in 3D. Alice was a real girl who was the daughter of the dean of Christ Church in Oxford while Carroll was a lecturer and mathematician. He made up stories for the then four year old Alice and her sisters.

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass bring to life an imaginary world as seen through a child. Disney’s animated classic brought Mad Hatter tea parties and a grinning Cheshire cat to the attention of children worldwide. Now, the story continues in a new film that will entertain all ages.

At TravelingMamas.com we’re firm believers of entertaining the mind through reading, but with Disney and Tim Burton bringing this imaginary world back to the big screen, it just seems appropriate to tell you about where the story was created and how you can visit real places mentioned in this classic literary adventure.

The River Thames – Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch along the River Thames, just like Alice. Be sure to watch out for those rabbit holes as you enjoy a sunny afternoon. A cruise along the provides a wonderful scenic ride to Oxford.

Christ Church, Oxford – The Alice Tour is usually reserved for school groups, but with the release of Disney’s latest film, the cathedral may be getting an influx of summer travelers searching for Wonderland. Don’t just search for Alice, as this medieval cathedral has been around for more than 800 years and has so much more to offer. For group tour information visit Christ Church, Oxford Official Website.

Museum of Oxford – This museum houses memorabilia from the literary classic. There are rotating exhibits and a downloadable schedule for visitors.

Alice’s Shop – Did you know that the shop in Through the Looking Glass is real? The inspiration for Alice’s character, Alice Liddell, used to purchase her sweets at this business. Now it houses all kinds of Alice in Wonderland memorabilia for sale. The shop also arranges guided Alice tours throughout Oxford, led by a local historian for a set fee.

Of course, there are many other places that inspired Carroll or that have a tie to the storyline and/or characters, but these should provide a starting point when planning your own family adventure.

Here’s a featurette of Disney’s Alice in Wonderland, bringing to life the imaginary world that Lewis Carroll created. I plan on watching the full-length film with my family now that it has been released. Have you visited any of the real places where Alice or Lewis Carroll walked?

Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Featurette

I’ve been searching for the perfect camera bag that is not only functional for my gear, but also stylish. I’m sooooo over the “bonus camera gear” bag that’s been included with my past two camera purchases. They were black and “blah” and bulky too. Sure, they protect and hold a good bit, but a mama has to look good when she’s traveling.

Fortunately, jill-e designs answered my plea and that of many other women by offering stylish protective camera bags with fashion and flair. The company sent me their small pink patent leather camera bag to test out, and boy have I put this thing through the ringer. I’m tough on bags and wanted to make sure it would pass the CajunMama test. I took this bag to Montreal and I took it to the Mardi Gras Experience in New Orleans. One was an air trip while the other was a road trip and the jill-e small camera bag passed.

In this bag I was able to pack a Canon Rebel SLR with extra zoom lens, accessories, Flip Ultra Video, a mini power strip, and phone charger. The side pocket was the perfect place for my passport and it even includes a change wallet for some airport spending money. I’m sure I could fit a good bit more into the jill-e bag if I put my mind to it. This isn’t just a camera bag – it could also be a general travel gear bag or small diaper bag.

Functionality and equipment protection is important when traveling, but with the added elements of fashion and all-around fabulousness (yes, I said fabulousness) this pink patent leather package with brown leather croc trim is just what I was looking for in a travel bag. That’s why the jill-e small camera bag is On the Move Approved.

The jill-e small camera bag retails for $169.99 which is a competitive price for a professional camera bag – and it’s super cute! Even if you aren’t a photographer, the padded velcro sections are great for organizing your travel gear. The company offers many other bags in various colors and sizes, even for guys (JACK). The jill-e small camera bag would make a great gift for Mother’s Day or a Traveling Mama’s birthday. Maybe my kids will get me the large bag, which is big enough to act as a weekender (hint, hint).

Want to win your own jill-e pink patent leather small camera bag? You can get up to three entries by doing the following: 1) Leave a comment on this post stating where you’d take your jill-e bag and what you’d pack in it. 2) Fan jill-e and Jack bags on Facebook and leave a different comment on this post stating you’re a fan. 3) On twitter, retweet this contest through the retweet button at the top of this post and leave another comment letting us know you tweeted.

That’s it! Contest ends March 9, 2010 at 11:59 pm CST with winner being announced sometime on March 10. We’ll contact the randomly picked winner by email and they will have three days to respond with a mailing address or prize will be forfeit and awarded to a secondary winner. review product and prize provided by company. US entries only, please.

Winner Update: Congrats to DianeD who is now a Jill-e Facebook Fan!

Where will US travel consumers been spending their vacations this year? ASTA, the American Society of Travel Agents, recently released results of its annual survey of hot travel destinations. The best part about this top destination survey is the information is based on actual vacations booked by consumers, not a list made up by so-called experts.

Here are the top ten summer destinations for 2010:

Orlando – It’s not hard to imagine that the highest percentage of domestic travel bookings are for this popular family destination. Orlando isn’t just about theme parks, although that’s the main draw. Many conferences are held in this Florida city and other attractions are becoming wildly popular. Planning a visit to Orlando? Be sure to visit ThemeParkMom.com to find out some of the latest deals and openings.

Las Vegas – Vegas weddings and mancations are popular in Sin City, but many trade shows are held here each year, including CES (Consumer Electronics Show) and BWE (BlogWorldExpo). I have a teen who’s a Star Trek fan and asked to attend the Trekki Convention this summer. I wonder if I’ll have to don Vulcan ears to be admitted. If you’re going to Vegas with a limited budget, be sure to check out our list of free things to do in Vegas.

San Francisco – This city embraces travelers from all backgrounds. Each Sunday from April 25-October 10 the Golden Gate Band performs an outdoor concert. Pack a picnik and enjoy the delightful climate of this top ten destination. For more information, visit the official site, OnlyinSanFrancisco.com.

Miami – Saints. Superbowl. Need I say more? Maybe a who dat!

Los Angeles – The city of Los Angeles is a popular destination, but it also is a great place for drive. Check out some Los Angeles scenic driving routes available on the Official Los Angeles Visitor Site.

New York City – The first time I visited NYC I stood in Times Square with my head back and mouth wide open gawking at the massive hi-rise buildings. It was so hard to get a glimpse of the sky and people were walking past me in a rush to get to their destination. Everyone should visit the Big Apple at least once in their lives and if you’re keeping an eye on your travel dollars, then this list of free things to do in NYC might come in handy.

San Diego – This outdoor summer fun destination is home to the San Diego Air & Space Museum, which offers a new exhibit to satisfy science and sci-fi buffs alike. The Science of Aliens exhibit offers technology to map out what life on another planet might look like. It also chronicles Pop Culture artifacts documenting our fascination with aliens throughout history. Check out SanDiego.org for official events going on throughout the summer.

Honolulu - The Islands of Aloha all are fabulous destinations, but the most popular place to fly into is Honolulu on the Island of Oahu. One of my favorite free things to do near Honolulu is to watch the Friday night fireworks show at Hilton Hawaiian Village on Waikiki Beach.

Seattle – One of my favorite quirky travel bloggers shares her experiences as a resident of this misty city on NerdsEyeView.com through local field trip posts.

Washington, DC – Every time I visit Washington, DC I leave feeling patriotic and uber-American. This final top ten destination may be where our laws are passed, but the history and architecture keep bringing me back. I love walking The Mall and visiting the Smithsonian Museums. Here’s a post on planning resources for your visit to Washington, DC.

“Although the top destinations have remained relatively unchanged for many years, it’s interesting to see some fresh destinations, both domestic and international, appear on the scene,” said Chris Russo, ASTA president and chair. “Regardless of whether a destination is a perennial favorite or a soon-to-be favorite, working with a professional travel consultant to plan your next vacation ensures you will get a great value and an unforgettable experience.”

Well, Chris, this mama has visited a few of these destinations but it looks like I’ll have to step up my travel schedule so that I can visit ALL of the top ten summer travel destinations in the US.

Have you visited any of these travel hotspots or plan on visiting for a family vacation or romantic escape? If not, where do you like to go? Be sure to leave a tip or two in the comment section to help a fellow traveling mama plan her trip.

I’ve had a good number of press releases and information come through the Traveling Mamas’ mailbox. Some things have come via my personal email from friends and colleagues. I love supporting authentic people, so when my Canada e-Connect cohort, Kim Mance, announced that the finalized episode of Galavanting in the Colorado Rockies was ready, I couldn’t wait to share.

Kim aired a sneak peek during our travel blogger panel at Canada e-Connect presented by Phocuswright and the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC). Want to see more? Check out Kim’s post on how to get the Galavanting Gals on your local channel. I’d watch!

Speaking of travel writing, do you or someone you know want to share your travel knowledge and make a few bucks while you’re creating content? BootsnAll, the grandpappy of all travel blog communities has launched the new BootsnAll Travel Writers Platform, giving YOU the chance to share your experiences with the world. Check out the video by Mr. BootnAll himself, Sean Keener.

Finally, tonight on The Travel Channel, my favorite rascal Tony Bourdain shows us Ecuador with his gritty wit and penchant for bringing viewers along with the crew. While Tony may be entertaining, I’m finding that I enjoy reading the behind-the-scenes adventures of the crew in the No Reservations Crew Blog. Here’s a ’taste’ to get ready for tonight’s episode. No Reservations airs  Mondays at 10E/P on The Travel Channel:

Want to get great news and information before it goes on the blog? Subscribe to the TravelingMamas.com newsletter which offers deals, contests and other travel tidbits that may or may not be found on the site.

Cancun is one of the top spring break destinations, but not necessarily the best time of year for a family-friendly visit. This travel ritual is one that US college students may experience at least once in their lives, if for anything more than to observe the craziness. As spring break lovers graduate from college, get married and start families, they may realize that they need an adult spring break.

A group of coworkers asked me to put together a long weekend getaway to Cancun in hopes of relieving a bit of stress. We took a group flight from New Orleans and as we stepped off the plane, we regressed back to our student days and acted as if we hadn’t a care in the world.

Here are a few tips from our budget ($370/person) spring break at an all-inclusive beachfront resort in Cancun:

Make Sure Your Passport is Valid: Nothing can put a wrench in your international spring break travel plans than getting to the airport and finding out your passport is too close to the expiration date to board your plane. Don’t have a passport? New travel rules require US citizens to present a passport for travel to and from Mexico.

Bring a Large Insulated Cup: Before departure, a few of us went to the local Walmart and purchased those oversized insulated plastic glasses with tops and handles. We harnessed our inner sorority girl and spent an evening painting names and little pictures all over the mugs with the words “Spring Break for Big Kids”.

Tip the Bartender: On the day of arrival, we made sure to introduce our group to the poolside bartender and gave him a big tip. This insured that we always had prompt bar service and there was no problem in filling up our insulated cups, which were 4 times the size of the little resort plastic cups.

Pack the Basics: A spring break getaway is probably the easiest to pack for. Make sure you have swimsuits, a few sundresses and sunscreen. Of course, a small makeup bag is in order, but you won’t need to wear too much war paint once the sun kisses your face.

Take an Excursion: Most hotels and tour companies work with local tour providers that offer packaged day trips. I’m all for getting off the beaten path, but with a group, I think it’s best to book with someone more equipped to cart around a large number of people. Our entire group met with the booking agent and broke off into smaller groups for excursions that satisfied various interests. The excursions included parasailing, historical tours, snorkeling, and various other activities (such as tequila tasting). A few people opted to relax at the pool and enjoy the resort facilities and unlimited domestic drinks.

Nightlife: Spring break inevitably means visiting a few nightclubs to enjoy a local libation (or two or three) and dancing. We booked spots on a party bus that included transportation and entrance to popular hotspots. We were given those infamous plastic bracelets which entitled us to a drink at each club. The downside to this? The party bus includes a ride TO the nightclubs, but inebriated travelers must find a taxi back to the resort. Be sure to tuck away enough Pesos for that return ride or you may find yourself stranded.

Safety: Be respectful of all law enforcement officials. If not, you just may find yourself in a Mexican jail. Also, when traveling during spring break, stay with people you know and don’t go off alone. Be sure to leave the jewelry and electronics at home.

Sprink break can be a great time for travelers of all ages to relax, have fun and blow off some steam. Use a little common sense and remember that you’re in a different country, with different rules. Courtesy and a smile will get you much further than a surly attitude. Be sure to bring home a few goodies for those who stayed at home – just make sure it’s all legal! Have fun and enjoy spring break 2010 in Cancun.

They say what happens in Cancun stays in Cancun, but for some people that isn’t an easy rule to follow. One couple became engaged on our trip, while another brought home a souvenir that was delivered nine months later!

Before traveling internationally, be sure to check current travel warnings issued by the US State Department.

Family travel for children can be fun and exciting, but sometimes the kids get bored on the journey there and back. Packing a backpack full of easy to transport activities can alleviate the ”I’m so bored” argument and keep your child occupied (and the driver sane). Not only will this feel like a life-saver to you, but your child will feel important and responsible by keeping up with their own bag. Here are a few tips of what to include in your child’s activity backpack to make that spring break holiday or summer vacation that much easier for everyone:

Healthy Snacks – A small bag of healthy munchies will help satisfy the endless hunger children seem to experience while traveling. They can also be enjoyed while making a stop at an odd roadside attraction.

Crayons – A box of crayons will come in handy. Just be sure to place them in a plastic zip bag. The boxes the crayons come in always seem to fall apart. You’ll have colors everywhere rolling around on your floorboard or the airport floors.

Activity Sheets – Enchanted Learning offers educational color sheets for every occasion. Select the activities by the theme of your trip or your child’s interests.

Journal – If your child can write, encourage journaling so they will always remember their trip, such as a visit to an aquarium or zoo.

Sketch pad – A small sketch pad can provide imaginative entertainment for your child. Don’t forget the pencils! The sketch paper can also be useful for tic-tac-toe, hangman, and other easy games.

Compass – Your child will have fun using a compass to keep up with the direction of travel. Plus, you never know when the driver will need it.

Deck of Cards – The kids and parents can make use of these.

Books – They are never too young to enjoy reading.

Travel Size Games – Retail stores sell miniature travel sizes of popular games. Some of them are magnetic, reducing the chances of losing a piece.

Legos – A small plastic container of Legos can occupy a child for hours. This was a life-saver when mine were smaller. My son would sit in the hotel room and play quietly while I unpacked in our hotel or resort room.

The choices are endless and can vary from child to child. Don’t forget to pack other essentials such as wipes, a toothbrush (for after the snacks), handheld video games and extra batteries for any electronics. Portable DVD players can be a lifesaver after all the other activities have been exhausted. Also, giving your child a map will not only make him/her feel important, but they might even learn a bit of geography!

Children are like sponges, soaking up every experience. You can sneak in a bit of education, but the most important activity is to have fun as a family and create lasting family travel memories.

In a rush and don’t have time to go to the store before your family vacation? TravelKiddy can help. They offer various bags with activities for all ages, even big kids. (affiliate)

We’re so happy that our friends in Hawaii are all safe and accounted for. I know that I spent the entire day with my eyes glued to the television and bit my nails until they became nubs. I remember how it felt to wait for the many hurricanes to hit the Louisiana coastline and I can only begin to imagine the fear and concern Hawaiian residents and visitors experienced today while sitting in cars on higher ground.

Many travelers planning that dream vacation to Hawaii may be concerned about how the recent tsunami will affect their current travel plans. The Hawaii Tourism Authority Issued the Following Statement to assist travelers and alleviate any fears that their holiday has been impacted.

At approximately 1:40 p.m., the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center cancelled the tsunami warning in Hawaii. There was no reported damage to the state as a result of the tsunami generated by the earthquake off the coast of Chile. Hotels and other visitor-related facilities are open and operating normally.

Most flights to and from Hawaii are on schedule, however, there may be some delays and travelers should check with their airline before going to the airport.

For more information, call 1-800-gohawaii or visit www.scd.hawaii.gov

Enjoy your Hawaiian Holiday and we hope that the residents of the Aloha State can get back to regular business as soon as possible. I know that I can’t wait to return for that legendary hospitality and to give my Hawaiian friends a big hug!