Our 2012 Passports with Purpose prize, a 7-night stay in a fabulous luxury penthouse in Mexico thanks to our friends at Inspirato, is going to Bay Area-based travel writer and editor, Jill Robinson.

I can’t of a more perfect recipient for this tremendous prize. Jill writes about travel, adventure, culture, beauty, food and drink for the San Francisco Chronicle, American Way, Every Day With Rachael Ray, Organic Gardening …

If you’re a travel blogger, chances are you’ve either met Jennifer Miner or have seen her speak at an industry event. Jennifer, aka SoCalGal of The Vacation Gals, is one of the leading voices in the blogosphere and a networking goddess.

Jennifer has put together a mini-conference at the Vallarta Suite Resort & Convention Center in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for bloggers of all flavors from January 5-8, 2012. The one entry requirement is that the blogger must be a parent and/or publishing content for parents. This group, known as Mommy Bloggers …

The timing of school spring break holidays are all over the map this year. That’s a good thing when it comes to travel planning as it means it may not be as difficult to book a trip now for an April vacation.

Need inspiration?

My list of favorite 2011 spring break ideas for families …

Cabo San Lucas has a reputation.

Mention it by name and the first thing most think of is tequila and the bar where the shots are being served. I went to Cabo my senior year of college, that’s 1993 for anyone doing the math. It was a great place to play as a youngster. But now that I have youngsters …

Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holiday season in the US. It’s hard to believe Thanksgiving is here Thursday … this also means that the Passports with Purpose travel blogger fundraiser is in full swing.

We announced our incredible Passports with Purpose prize last Monday—a 5-night stay in a suite plus dinner at the Riviera Palm Springs. In addition, we are also thrilled to be part of another truly wonderful prize, a 5-night stay at any of the nine Paradise by Marriott resorts …

The electric blanket came out of the closet the other day. I held off as long as I could. Putting the blanket on my bed is essentially admitting winter is coming, and when it comes to winter I’m a wimp. I live in Northern California: we occasionally get frost, but very rarely get snow, just inches and inches of cold rain.

When the first storm comes into town all I can think about is a warm beach, and I don’t think I’m alone.

Puerto Vallarta makes a perfect family destination. With so much to do and see, a vacation in this vibrant and inviting region in Mexico (West Coast) is likely to include cultural and learning opportunities, in addition to the requisite relaxation.

Jungle meets ocean as the lush forests of the Sierra Madre mountain range descend to meet the Pacific at Bahía de Banderas (Bay of Flags), or Banderas Bay.

Mexico is an appealing beach destination from December through May when the weather is good—there are many non-stop flights to the tourist hubs from major cities …

This week’s Photo Friday post features a photo of our then 3-year-old Devon taking in the sunset in Mexico on Christmas day. Like everything in life, vacationing during the holidays is a trade-off. During this time of year you overpay for rooms …