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.

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

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.

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!

A tsunami warning has been issued for Hawaii and evacuations are to commence soon. Many people along the US West Coast, including California all the way north to Alaska, are concerned about the impact this tsunami warning will have on their areas. The West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center issued the following statements at 5:52 AM PST this morning:

“A Tsunami Advisory is in effect which includes the coastal areas of California from the California-Mexico border to the Oregon-California border.

A Tsunami Advisory is in effect which includes the coastal areas of Oregon, Washington, British Columbia and Alaska from the Oregon-California border to Kodiak, Alaska.

A Tsunami Advisory is in effect which includes the coastal areas of Alaska from Kodiak, Alaska to Attu, Alaska.

A Tsunami Advisory means that a tsunami capable of producing strong currents or waves dangerous to persons in or very near the water is imminent or expected. Significant, widespread inundation is not expected for areas under an advisory. Currents may be hazardous to swimmers, boats, and coastal structures and may continue for several hours after the initial wave arrival.”

Tsunami Ready is a valuable information resource to assist those at impacted sites to help residents prepare and be informed on the latest advisories. Check out the West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center for current information. Tune in to local radio or television stations for advisories in your local area and stay in touch with friends and relatives through social media sites like Facebook and Twitter.

Have someone in Chile you are concerned about? Good Morning America provided the following State Department phone number: 1-888-407-4747

If you have current information or links to resources, please leave them in the comment section to assist others. Thank you!

This site is not an official government notification site but provides content for informational purposes. We urge you to verify all tsunami warnings and evacuations through your local government and emergency services departments. All information contained is from official sites in the public domain. 

Early this morning an earthquake with a magnitude of 8.8 originated near the central coast of Chile. Due to the proximity of the epicenter, tsunami warnings have been issued in the Pacific area, including Hawaii. Tsunami wave activity is being recorded and monitored by the National Weather Service (NOAA) which issued the following statement:

“A TSUNAMI HAS BEEN GENERATED THAT COULD CAUSE DAMAGE ALONG COASTLINES OF ALL ISLANDS IN THE STATE OF HAWAII. URGENT ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN TO PROTECT LIVES AND PROPERTY.

A TSUNAMI IS A SERIES OF LONG OCEAN WAVES. EACH INDIVIDUAL WAVE CREST CAN LAST 5 TO 15 MINUTES OR MORE AND EXTENSIVELY FLOOD COASTAL AREAS. THE DANGER CAN CONTINUE FOR MANY HOURS AFTER THE INITIAL WAVE AS SUBSEQUENT WAVES ARRIVE. TSUNAMI WAVE HEIGHTS CANNOT BE PREDICTED AND THE FIRST WAVE MAY NOT BE THE LARGEST. TSUNAMI WAVES EFFICIENTLY WRAP AROUND ISLANDS. ALL SHORES ARE AT RISK NO MATTER WHICH DIRECTION THEY FACE. THE TROUGH OF A TSUNAMI WAVE MAY TEMPORARILY EXPOSE THE SEAFLOOR BUT THE AREA WILL QUICKLY FLOOD AGAIN. EXTREMELY STRONG AND UNUSUAL NEARSHORE CURRENTS CAN ACCOMPANY A TSUNAMI. DEBRIS PICKED UP AND CARRIED BY A TSUNAMI AMPLIFIES ITS DESTRUCTIVE POWER. SIMULTANEOUS HIGH TIDES OR HIGH SURF CAN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE THE TSUNAMI HAZARD.

THE ESTIMATED ARRIVAL TIME IN HAWAII OF THE FIRST TSUNAMI WAVE IS 1119 AM HST moved up to 1105 AM HST SAT 27 FEB 2010 MESSAGES WILL BE ISSUED HOURLY OR SOONER AS CONDITIONS WARRANT.”

A list of frequently asked questions for tsunami awareness and safety can be found at the NOAA website.

The Hawaii County Civil Defense alerted residents this morning at 1:oo am HST through the Tsunami Warning System urging residents to stay tuned to their local radio station for updates. More information can be found at the Pacific Disaster Center Tsunami Evacuation Zones official website.

If you are located on a coastal area of the Pacific Ocean, tune in to your local news channels or radios for the latest warnings and statements from the National Weather Service. Stay calm and follow the directions of officials in your area.

For more information on tsunamis and what to expect, vist the FAQ section of the NOAA. Our thoughts are with our Ohana in Hawaii during this scary time.

Have someone in Chile you are concerned about? Good Morning America provided the following State Department phone number: 1-888-407-4747

If you are in the Hawaii area and have updated information, please leave a comment and/or links to assist others. Thank you!

This site is not an official government notification site but provides content for informational purposes. We urge you to verify all tsunami warnings and evacuations through your local government and emergency services departments. All information contained is from official sites in the public domain. 

Follow Updates from residents live on twitter: #hitsunami

Just before the Olympic Opening Ceremonies NBC aired a Tom Brokaw segment on the relationship between the US and Canada. I watched the beautiful scenery play before my eyes and the history of a country that is so close, yet to some of us, so far away.

Canada is a beautiful country inhabited by the nicest people. I’ve been to Vancouver, Quebec City and Montreal. During each visit I only encountered kindness and friendliness. Social media has also brought me closer to the people of Canada and being asked to speak at Canada e-Connect was an honor. I hope to stay in touch with many of the personalities who crossed my path and visit other parts of this gorgeous and rugged country.

When I think of Canada, I see visions of First Nations People, Anne of Green Gables and a fluffy white snowman called Bonhomme. I think of maple leaves, snow and more recently the Winter Olympics. What do you think of when someone mentions Canada?

I grew up with the Griswolds Vacation movies. In fact I sometimes thought we were the Griswolds, especially when we set off on our annual family vacation. Now that I’m a parent, I see the humor in travel with kids as we’ve even had our own travel mishaps, just like the recent Hotel Hell Vacation by HomeAway.com.

I’ve been to Grand Bahama Island on a family vacation where we ended up in an ant filled hotel room. In fact, that one particular trip set me on the travel writing path so that I could help other families avoid these types of situations.

My husband and I purchased one of those travel agent specials for a romantic getaway to Cancun. You know the trip I’m referring to – the last-minute too-good-to-be-true-because-you-can-actually-afford-it package. I even once traveled on a comped media press trip that turned out to be the worst hotel in St. Louis, MO. In fact, a fellow writer threatened to take an early flight out because the lodging was so unacceptable.

Do you have a similar ”hotel hell” story to share?

HomeAway – the world’s leading online vacation rental marketplace – is asking travelers to share their stories of hotel horrors in the form of a text, photo or video entry between now and March 2 for the chance to win one of four $10,000 family vacations at a private, spacious HomeAway vacation rental.

Contest entries will be voted on by the general public, and finalists will be judged by the king and queen of travel mishaps – Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo, who recently reprised their roles as Clark and Ellen Griswold from “National Lampoon’s Vacation” for a new HomeAway advertising campaign. Watch the full episode below.

Be sure to visit http://vacation.homeaway.com to enter your travel mishap story.