It is hard to believe it is already the eve of 2010. This past year went by ridiculously fast. I love that the start of a new year means my husband has vacation days again, i.e. let travel planning begin!

Looking back, we had fantastic adventures in 2009. We are so fortunate to have the opportunity to explore the world together.

Something about the image of skaters conjures up that holiday feeling. As winter begins, skating outdoors is accessible even in the most unlikely places. Cities all over the world feature wonderful rinks to help get families in the holiday spirit.

Last year on our spring family vacation, I noticed the rink in Philadelphia’s center and it got me thinking about all the great outdoor rinks that offer this fun winter activity.

Welcome Travel Blogger’s Caravan! Today is Ciao Bambino’s giveaway day. We’ve joined 15 fellow travel bloggers in a holiday giveaway featuring a wide assortment of fun prizes.

We’re giving away a night at The Westin Verasa Napa Valley. Read our kid friendly hotel review of this fantastic wine country venue.

It’s already started. Grandparents, Aunts, and Uncles calling and emailing to ask what my girls want for the holidays. We have a well-earned reputation (that we’re very proud of) for jumping on planes and going just about anywhere, thus holiday presents have taken on a travel theme, resulting in great gifts that make trips run smoother than ever.

Nancy did a post on holiday gifts last month. Here’s our list—many of our favorites are things we use in day to day life. Nothing’s sitting in a box collecting dust between vacations.

In addition to Passports with Purpose this holiday season, Ciao Bambino will participate in the first (and, hopefully, annual) Travel Blogger’s Caravan. We invite you to follow 15 top travel bloggers for a chance to win cool prizes.

Prizes range from hotel gift cards and overnight stays—to digital cameras and noise-cancelling headphones—to luggage and camera bags—to travel guidebooks and DVDs.

We are participating in the Passports with Purpose fundraiser again and the cause is a good one—proceeds will help build a school in Cambodia by supporting American Assistance for Cambodia (AAfC), an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving opportunities for the rural poor.

Travelbloggers around the world are hosting giveaways in support of this fundraising effort. For each $10 donation that you make to AAfC …

The holiday season in New York City is by far one of the most beautiful times for a visit. It is a moment when the streets are filled with symbols of holiday traditions and songs, and the city is bursting with festivities and activities for the whole family.

However, there are some popular activities that can be a bit difficult to enjoy with younger children, be it due to the cold weather or the crowds, and families tend to forgo many of the various celebrations.

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 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.

Thanksgiving is approaching fast. ‘Tis the start of the season for travel nightmares with bad weather and crowds. I recently wrote an article for Peter Greenberg on holiday travel tips and deals. The key to stress reduction is meticulous planning at every point in the process.

Here’s a quick summary of the travel tips discussed in the article. I know it is impossible to follow all of the flight tips—what is best of the schedule, is often not best of the wallet.

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, but there is much more to know if you are lucky enough to be spending the holidays in Italy this year.