My Favorite Map

I absolutely love the maps from PopOut Products. I've used the ones for London and Paris. The award winning design is perfect to tuck in your bag for urban exploration. They fold to 5 inches by 3 inches. I've used them in London and Paris.

It looks like some of the features might have changed, but my 2002 London map includes 5 maps:  the Underground, main bus routes of central London, Covent Gardens and Theaters, and 2 maps of central London. It also has London events and information in the compact package.

I'll definitely look into getting one or more for our Spanish destinations. As soon as we decide what they are... :)

Rick Steves

You can watch Rick Steves free on Hulu.

(eta: Or you can read about a woman screaming at him here.)

Car Seats

Great review of FAA-approved car seats:

http://www.travelswithbaby.com/gear/car_seats_convertible.htm

Lonely Planet - Ireland

The SIL and fam are planning a May trip to Ireland. Here's a Top 10 for first-timers article:

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/ireland/travel-tips-and-articles/76486

Planning a Longer Trip?

Here's a nice post about an extended trip. The author and her family, including pre-school children, are spending 89 days in Italy-just short of the time that requires more than a tourist visa.

http://smallnotebook.org/2011/02/14/how-to-quit-your-job-and-go-to-italy/

Who wants to go to Andorra?

I do! But it means definitely renting a car.

Some links:

http://www.andorra.ad/en-US/Pages/default.aspx
http://www.ricksteves.com/news/tribune/andorra.htm
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/andorra
http://iviajar.es/mis-viajes/visitar-andorra-un-buen-viaje (in Spanish)

I am so excited that SIL and the nieces also want to go!!

Traveling with a Large Group

Here's an article about group travel.

Do I need a Travel Agent?

We are planning a 10 person trip to Spain in May. My sister-in-law suggested we use a travel agent. I read a couple of articles about when to use a travel agent. Here's one from SmarterTravel.com.

Traveling with a group is one of the times that an agent might be helpful. Also, if the itinerary is complicated and time to research is more limited than money, a travel agent can help.

Here are some of the questions we need answered:
What itinerary should we follow with the following ages: 2, 4, 6, 14, 16, 4 40-somethings and a 60-something?
What is the best way to get around Spain? Train? Rental car(s)? Plane?
Should we buy rail or train passes?
We don't want a group tour for the whole trip, but are there any recommended hotel/flight packages that might include a tour or two?
What car seats do we need?
4 of us will be beginning or ending the trip in either Ireland or Germany. We need to know the best way to handle that.
Some of us want to scuba dive while we're there. Where are good places to dive?

Links- Travel with kids in Spain

http://www.deliciousbaby.com/travel/spain/travel-tips-for-spain-with-kids-toddlers-and-babies/

Language Schools

I've been searching for a school that has language classes for families or opportunities for my kids to meet Spanish children. The ones I've seen so far though have minimum age requirements of 7 or 8. Maybe I need to change my focus to some other play-based activity. Or perhaps a family homestay. We've hosted international students just for a weekend at our house several times.

Car Seats for Spain

http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=111738&p=1182314
http://www.getspain-spain.com/driving_in_spain.html

 gogokidz
stroller car seat

Packing

Ultra light?

I'm trying not to drive my family crazy

I have an obsession. Travel. I love thinking about it, reading about it, doing it, and talking about it. Unfortunately, the latter occasionally gets on people's nerves. :)

So...

less talking, more writing. On this blog.