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.