The more important question- why would you get your baby a passport? Why would you put yourself through the misery of traveling with an infant across the border? I’m teasing of course. BabyTravels has her passport. We got it in the mail about a month ago. Cutest passport picture ever- I might add. So why did we decide to do it? Well…for legal reasons really- all U.S. citizens need a passport to enter and leave most foreign countries. Since we do have a few foreign excursions planned for this year, we opted to get her one.

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Everyone could use a little advice now and then. And let’s be honest- when was the last time you knew everything about a particular subject? There’s so much information out there to sift through, but hidden out there on the web are some really good tips available that people need and are looking for.

For instance, when I got back from my first cruise I wrote a blog post about cruising for the first time- packed with information I wish I had known before I left. To make it easier for those who are looking for information, I created this roundup of all my favorite travel tips and advice. Look through it- there may be something that interests you.

How to do Disneyland in a day

Three reasons you shouldn’t travel

Staying in a hostel 101

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Justin over at Southern Explorations sent me their list of the 10 best reasons to visit South America in 2010. I thought it was extremely pertinent because I am sending my photographer to Argentina this week.  I am a little sad to not be going myself- but figure our brother-in-law would be a better companion because he speaks the language.

So here you go- as if you needed an excuse, the top 10 best reasons to visit South America in 2010:

1. It’s Still Affordable: It used to cost much more to fly to South America than to Europe but not anymore. Airfares from many US cities are comparable, and after you arrive, you’ll find hotel and meal prices mostly lower. Favorable exchange rates make 2010 the perfect time to go.

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When Hilarye left town a few weeks ago for a her scrapbooking retreat, I took advantage and planned a little outing my own. A quick day trip to San Francisco sounded nice to me. What could be better than a balmy 65 degrees and lunch at the wharf?
San Francisco is a really great city for a quick trip, it has access to BART right from the airport and its super easy to hop on a cable car or MUNI once you’re downtown. Because I went with a friend that hadn’t seen much of the city after we hitched a ride on BART to Powell St. we hoofed it around town. It was a long day of walking but it included sites like Chinatown, the Bay Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghirardelli Square, Lombard St. and city hall.
The highlight of a trip to San Fran for me is always the wharf. I love the crowds the smell of the sea, all of the touristy shops and the distant views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge really top it off. Plus before I forget to mention it, the awesome sourdough bread bowl of clam chowder for lunch at the Boudin Bakery.

A couple of months ago I interviewed my favorite flight attendant, well here is an interview I did with my favorite pilot (who also happens to be my brother-in-law) Dave. His love for all things airplanes, airlines, flying, and the friendly skies are palpable. If you get him talking about his love (other than my sister-in-law and two adorable neices of course) he gets a sparkle in his eye and will talk your ear off. Hopefully this interview will answer all your airline pilot questions but if it doesn’t feel free to leave them in the comments section!

DTM: How long have you been a pilot?

Dave: There are many ways that someone can become a pilot.  The three most common are flying for the military, attending a flight school, or earning your licenses at your local airport.  All three ways are perfectly acceptable and each has its own strengths.  I attended the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences at the University of North Dakota, located in Grand Forks.  UND is a large state University with a topnotch aviation program. Read the rest of this entry »