As the holiday’s approach, we are all in search of those perfect gifts for the people we know and love. For my favorite travelers (and myself), these are gifts make traveling easier and more comfortable.

For Mom on the go:

Lucy Walk Around Pants: ($68) I love these for traveling. They are versatile and comfortable. Add a cute shirt or pretty sweater and you’re ready to run around town. They are so stretch and light that you can even workout and sleep in them (hopefully not consecutively). The pockets are great when you need somewhere to store your items.

My Tag Alongs: This site is a hoot! With everything from emergency kits to travel sun hats, their clever designs coupled with everyday practicality makes these items very handy to have. Try the One Time Any Time Towelettes ($11) and The Emergency Valet ($28).

Cashmere Travel Set: ($350) For the woman who has everything or simply likes to be wrapped in luxury, this is the way to go. This is truly indulgent, yet somewhat practical because the blanket doubles as a wrap. Long gone are the free airplane blankets. This will have you prepared for comfort. Also love this grey cable set from Saks ($300).

Moleskin City Notebooks: ($17) For that traveler who loves to return to a city or share their favorite little spots with others, the Moleskin Guide Books are an elegant and useful choice for recording their favorite city spots. The books are compact, easily fitting into a small bag and provide ample maps and flexible space for notes.

Flee Bags: ($18) These cosmetic bags are great for durability and practicality. I have one for each kid, one for my make-up, one for electronics and the best thing about them is that they have hooks so you can clip them into bigger bags. The oilcloth makes them work well with kids and liquids. The cute styles make them work for moms.

Tory Burch Beach Tote: ($325) We all need a big bag to throw all the little things into. Whether you are on the way to the beach, throwing in an extra change of clothes or carrying your laptop and magazines with you, you need a versatile tote. This is a classic black, but there’s also a very cute silver option. Perfect for that winter getaway. For all the kids beach gear I still love my very non-stylish but hugely functional Lands End Tote ($32). I have the extra large and it fits all six of our towels, swimsuits for trips to the beach. I always pack this bag.

For the Travel Tot:

My favorite romper by Petit Bateau ($62) is nice enough to wear around town and comfortable enough to wear as pajamas. The best feature is that this romper is reversible which is perfect in case the little one gets dirty.

James Perse ($38) boys clothes are comfortable and stylish making them perfect for traveling.

Great Travel Pillows: The Squishy Pillows ($14) with speakers or the iPod Pillow ($15) make great gifts that deliver comfort and functionality in one. Your little traveler will feel like a pro wearing this innovative pillow, which alleviates the uncomfortable headsets, thus keeping parents happy as well!

Travel Blankets and Pillows: With many colors to chose from and a more reasonable price point than the cashmere, these blanket/pillow combination sets from Lug ($30) are a perfect option for kids. The many options from PB-Travel are great. For younger kids try this pretty pillow blanket combo($56) set. Bucky Creatures ($25) makes a cute blanket for kids. Also Belle Hop ($20) has a reasonable set that includes an eye mask.

Sarah Jane Products ($15) offers a great travel chalk placemat that’s perfect on the road or while dining.

I’m a big fan of non-stop, direct flights.  Scratch that, I’m a HUGE fan.  But sometimes you are going to get stuck with a layover.  Whether you’re looking to save a few dollars or just get a little further afield, layovers happen.

We recently had a 4-hour stop in Athens on our way back from Santorini that was too short to leave the airport but too long for me to just distract Chet with some Duty-Free Smarties and the bustling activity outside the picture window.  It got ugly.

So what’s the trick to surviving long airport layovers with kids?  I asked the experts on Twitter and Facebook.  After a few joking (I hope) responses about Benadryl and the airport bar, folks came up with some great tips:

1.  Technology can save your bacon

iPhone enthusiasts came out of the woodwork to talk about how travel is so much more bearable when you can pass the  iPhone to the kids.  I wholeheartedly agree and make sure that the phone is charged before any trip.  I’ve uploaded several movies and also have a bunch of apps for Chet to play with – though lately he can pass hours merely taking snapshots of his toys and shoes.   But you don’t need an iPhone to provide technological distraction.  Leapsters, Nintendo DS and and portable DVD players also do the trick.

Read the full article on Travel Savvy Mom

Last weekend we took a post-Halloween excursion to Mount Diablo State Park in San Francisco’s East Bay. At 3,864 feet (1,178 m), this mountain is one of the area’s main geographic landmarks and can be seen from around the bay.

If you are visiting the Bay Area during the fall or spring months, experiencing the views from the summit is a worthwhile activity. You can see for miles in every direction and get a unique panoramic perspective of this part of Northern California.

For school age, tweens, and teens, a stop at Rock City is a must. I’m dating myself – but it’s just like the Flintstones – boulders, rocks, and caves are everywhere.   They are just big enough to make climbing them thrilling, yet kid-friendly. That said, younger children need close supervision and I think it would be a nightmare with a strong-willed toddler that wants to keep up with the big kids.

The park is surprisingly vast and it is slow driving to the summit. Prepare better than we did and be sure and bring snacks and water. There are also many great places for a picnic.

For more of this week’s Photo Friday posts, visit Delicious Baby.

Relevant Links:

Ciao Bambino recommended San Francisco family hotels

Favorite San Francisco attractions with kids

Favorite San Francisco Spring activities with kids

San Francisco Bay Area summer camps

Visiting Mount Diablo with kids

San Francisco with kids – Ciao Bambino guest post on Two Kids and a Map

I was born and raised less than half an hour outside of Philadelphia. I grew up going to Phillies games, watching “Rocky” movies and eating cheese steaks and soft pretzels. It’s easy to see why I loved Philly as a kid. Now, as an adult, I love taking my kids.

As a parent, if you want to take your kids on a city vacation, it’s easy to forget about Philadelphia. Think about the competition. There’s New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco, just to name a few. Philadelphia is the 5^th largest city in the country. And there’s a lot more to it than just historical landmarks. Plan it right and your family can get a vacation and history class all rolled into one.

Independence Hall

Once you figure out when you’re going to Philadelphia, buy your tickets for Independence Hall. You need a timed and dated ticket to take the tour. It costs $1.50 per ticket to reserve them online, but once you pay, you’re guaranteed a spot. You can grab same-day tickets for free at the Independence Visitor Center, but they go fast.

Whether you make a reservation, or take the risk, you’ll have to pick up your tickets at the Visitor Center. It’s the perfect place to start your day. There are plenty of folks from the National Park Service on duty to answer questions, help you book tours or even find a great cheese steak for lunch. Take advantage of the free wi-fi, grab a map, get a list of special events, meet Ben Franklin. Okay, not the original, but while you’re checking out the center’s various exhibits, don’t be surprised if you bump into Ben, Betsy or George. The cast of characters definitely gets around.

It’s not far, but give yourself plenty of time to walk to Independence Hall. Even though you’ve got your tickets, there’s still a line or two in your future. In order to get to the start of the tour, you’ll have to go through security. Once the tour begins, your work is done, just listen and enjoy.

Liberty Bell

Philadelphia’s best known landmark is probably the Liberty Bell. It’s also one of the easiest to visit. No tickets needed. You’ll need to stand in line to go through security, but the line moves pretty fast.Once inside the glass pavilion there’s a video and numerous exhibits – more than the kids will want to stand and read – so pick and choose as you go. The bell will be the last stop before you leave the building. There’s a good chance someone from the Park Service will be on duty, talking about the bell and its history. Hang around and listen. Some of the spiels can be entertaining and educational.

Betsy Ross House

Grab a soft pretzel to munch on while you make your way a few blocks to the Betsy Ross House. Though often referred to as a seamstress, Betsy Ross was actually a trained upholsterer. The house is believed to be the place where she made the first American flag. It’s staged with antiques and some objects that actually belonged to Betsy Ross. Have your kids help you hunt for things like her glasses, her quilted petticoat and bible. Ross is buried in the courtyard garden. On a sunny day, it’s a inviting place to take a break.

Ben Franklin’s Grave

If the legs in your family are still going strong, take a couple minutes to walk by Benjamin Franklin’s grave. Franklin and 4 other signers of the Declaration of Independence are buried at Christ Church in Philadelphia. You don’t have to go into the cemetery. Franklin’s grave can be seen through the iron gate at the corner of 5^th and Arch Streets. Bring some pennies for the kids to throw. Locals say tossing a penny on his tombstone brings good luck.

Cheese steaks and Tastykakes

To get a true taste of Philadelphia you have to eat! With all the walking you’ve done, you should have worked up an appetite for the city’s most famous food, cheese steaks. Paper thin beef grilled with cheese in a fresh, soft roll. They’re made at just about every corner restaurant. If the place is crowded, take that as a good sign and go for it.

So you’re prepared, you should know you’ll have a couple choices to make. Popular additions to the Philly delicacy include grilled onions, mushrooms, peppers, lettuce and tomatoes. You can also pick the type of cheese. Typical choices include american, provolone, mozzeralla or what’s called “whiz.” What’s “whiz?” Think highly processed cheese in liquid form. It’s not my favorite, but I have friends who swear by the stuff.

Skip the french fries so you have room for dessert. Chocolate, peanut butter, butterscotch, there’s a Tastykake for every sweet tooth. Since 1914 the Philadelphia based baking company has been making tasty goodies. It’s like a twinkie, but it’s fresh and really good.

If you’ve got an extra time in the itinerary, leave the city and head toward the water. One of the best things about Philadelphia is that it’s close to the Jersey Shore. The beaches. The boardwalks. In the summer they can’t be beat for a great family getaway. But that’s another post. Stay tuned.

Thank you Dana Freeman, aka @MissMagpieFGS on Twitter, for these excellent tips on Skiing in Vermont! She lives in Burlingtom with her children Flynn (10) and Callahan (8) and publishes a comprehensive guide to family-friendly activities in Northern Vermont called FindandGoseek.net

It is no wonder that Children’s Health Magazine recently named Burlington the #1 place to raise a family or that National Geographic Adventure picked us as a top city to live and play in. Therefore, it makes sense that we have so many great family-friendly ski resorts jammed into our tiny state. So get packing and head north this winter!

What are the ski areas for toddlers and really young kids that need a great daycare/introduction to skiing program?

Smuggler’s Notch offers a slope side child care center called “Treasures” for ages 6 weeks to three years old, with age appropriate play rooms, giant fish tanks in each room, and one-way mirrors for quick for easy parent check-ins if needed. Little Rascals on Snow can start skiing at 2 ½. They go right out of the facilities’ back door to use the Magic Carpet, making it easy to come back in should fingers and toes get cold and they need a hot cocoa break. Bonus child care special: 50% off the regular rate of $85 per day during December 11-23, 2009 and January 3-30, 2010

Stowe has a great program called‘3-Ski’. It is a combination of daycare and an intro to skiing. 3-Ski is a fun, no pressure introduction to the sport of skiing with specially trained instructors.The lesson includes the appropriate amount of skiing and games. There is a 3:1 child to instructor ratio.The only caveat, kids need to be toilet trained and willing to participate.

What are the best ski areas for school age kids with fun, well-run ski school programs and ideal terrain for post-lesson skiing with Mom and Dad?

How’s this for 21^st century ski school technology? New this year at Smugg’s they are using Flaik GPS with the kids. That means nervous Nelly mommies have peace of mind knowing their children can be tracked down in an instant and at night techie daddies can go back to their condo and check out exactly where Jr. has skied, which trails and how many miles he logged. Super cool!

The motto at Sugarbush’s ski school is “safety, fun & learning” (in that order). Micro Bear lessons start as early as age 3. Their goal is to foster a love a skiing in all of their students. During vacation weeks they offer camps and clinics that have campers thinking beyond the ski trail. They trade in skis for snowshoes, build snow forts and shelters, and go on scavenger hunts turning your kids into real Vermont outdoorsmen. At the end of the day not only do you get back a better skier but you get one tired kiddo ready for bed.

Which resorts areas have the best set-up for skiing with kids? i.e. convenience plus a nice selection of kid-friendly restaurants and accommodations?

Clay Brook at Sugarbush offers perfect slope side accommodations for families, with ski and boot valet, a heated outdoor pool and hot tubs, and the freedom to walk from your room to Timbers Restaurant without having to put on your shoes. This year they have added an inflatable obstacle course to the offerings at the Sugarbush Health and Racquet Club, so now, in addition to indoor swimming, rock-climbing, tennis, and racquet ball, kids can bounce their way up ladders and down slides to burn off any energy left after a day on the slopes. If that weren’t enough on select weekends they offer“Parent’s Night Out”, where parents drop their children off for games, pizza, and a movie while they can grab a quiet dinner out for themselves.

Do you have any insider Vermont skiing logistics tips to share? i.e. periods of the season to avoid and conversely, fantastic times?

If you can be flexible with your schedule and you are a fair weather skier, come in March. It is warmer, the crowds start to thin out, the snow is great and you are bound to find a deal on lift tickets.

If you’re the outdoor adventure type and your family creed is something like “Ski it if you Can!” then keep Mad River Glen in mind because a few times a year they have crazy discounts likeRoll Back the Clock day (Jan. 26) when tickets are $3.50, the original price in 1948. And on St. Patty’s Day if get your Irish on literally, they’ll let you ski for $17.

In southern Vermont, families looking to save a little coin should check into Mount Snow. Three times a year they offer aYouth Pay Their Age promo (Dec. 13, Jan. 10 & Mar. 21). Simple really: your kid is 7, the lift ticket is $7.

If you plan to rent for the day, weekend, or week, consider using a local ski shop in your town or on the way to the mountain. It’s convenient so you have more time on the mountain. And some offer discounts on the lift tickets–like the Ski & Snowboard Express. Located on Rt.2 in the center of Richmond, it’s a local-owned shop with great service and lift ticket discounts for Sugarbush and Bolton Valley. And you can stop into the Richmond Corner Market located caddy-corner that stocks just about everything you might need for your weekend away.

What are your favorite winter activities with kids in and around the ski resorts other than skiing?

While in Stowe take a trip to, or even stay at, The Trapp Family Lodge (yes, the same yodeling children from the Sound of Music fame). With their world-renowned groomed and back-country trails, XC-ers of all ages and skill level will be able to find a trail that is just right for them. These paths are great for also great for snowshoeing. To make it even more fun, Ski Vermont offers “Nordic Quests”, a treasure hunt on cross country skis or snowshoes. Print one today.

Trapp also offers horse drawn sleigh rides through the mountains and maple sugaring in the old fashioned way beginning in March. This is known to Vermonters as “sugar on snow”, that is Maple Syrup drizzled on fresh snow with a side order of pickles. (Something about cutting the sweet…I think you just have to experience it first hand).

Relevant Links

Ski Vermont

Ciao Bambino now has a page dedicated to the best family ski resorts. More reviews in Vermont and other great ski venues in the United States and Europe will be published in the next few weeks.

Check back for updates.

Italophiles take note … our friend Kathy McCabe, the Editor of the esteemed Dream of Italy newsletter, just announced a Christmas in Italy e-book that is free to the subscribers of her new Italian Daydreams daily email covering food, wine, culture, and the arts in Italy.

I contributed to the e-book with a few highlights from our properties offering Christmas/New Year’s promotions (I highlighted Tuscany specials last week on the CB Blog), but there is much more to know if you are lucky enough to be spending the holidays in Italy this year.

Click here to get more information and access a free copy of the e-book.

Relevant Links:

Ciao Bambino recommended places to stay in Italy with kids

Italy Travel 101: How to create a family-friendly itinerary