Amazing video of a Norwegian man skiing down the longest escalator in Europe, in Central London.  Awesome!

Ever seen the blueprints of Eiffel Tower in Paris? Check out these blue prints and also the construction of this amazing tower in France

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Very funny version of London tube map with all stations as anagrams

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I had the chance to play Carnoustie, Scotland recently, and what a great experience! Carnoustie is one of the 10 oldest golf courses in the world (along with St. Andrews), and has been the location for many European Championships and PGA events, including the British Open in 2007. This is not for the novice golfer. I typically shoot in the mid 80′s and this course humbled our entire foursome quickly. The Par 3 16th is named as the hardest par 3 in the world (245 yards from the back) and Carnoustie is often referred to as having the three hardest finishing holes in golf. When visiting Scotland, put this on the list of courses to play. The clubhouse was disappointing, but you are not going to Carnoustie just to grab the pint after the round (although it will be needed).

Fortunately I did not have any more rounds of golf scheduled in Scotland after playing on this trip, as it made me want to quit golf for a few weeks. One of the great courses in the world and an easy drive up from Edinburgh or even easier down from Aberdeen.

Take your pick.  Ski indoors at -1 degree C, or sandboard (snowboard down the sand dunes).  The indoor skiing in Dubai was actually quite impressive.  You can show up in shorts and a t-shirt (as it probably over 110 degrees F outside if you are there in the summer) and the ticket fee covers equipment, and the ski overalls to wear over your clothes.  You ski inside a long metal cylinder with freshly made powder every day.  The two pictures here feature myself along with the actual Austrian Olympic Ski team, who happened to be here that day for publicity, doing tricks.  You can get off of the quad ski lift at midway, or take it up to the top, and you even have a choice of two different ski runs inside.  There is even a sledding run at the bottom of the hill for the kids.  Unbelievable!  This city is even beyond Las Vegas.

If you don’t fancy the snow, you can also try sandboarding down the sand dunes just outside of town.  This was also a lot of fun, but I definitely prefer the quad lift to hiking up the dunes after each run, and waiting the two weeks it takes to get the sand completely out of your shoes.

The other day my four-year old son asked if we could go back to Paris?  Why how proud I was he must be remembering the fine art, beautiful architecture the lovely picnics with baguettes, brie and milk.  Well, someday we may but why?  I want to go on the Buzz Lightyear ride. Do you remember the one with the guns?  So, my moment of dreaming of my sophisticated son wandering the museum pondering the meaning of life melted away with the Buzz Lightyear laser.

Who could blame him?  My husband and I had already been there two times before having kids, we are huge space mountain junkies at the Paris location. I love the beginning when they stop the rocket and you have the open air and then….blastoff.  We even did the pass off where I took a ride and then I took the children while my husband took a turn.

Do not expect the happiest place on earth, I mean it is Paris.  It appears that employees at Disneyland Paris are not required to attend “Smile School” like the other Disney parks.  If you have not been there, here is a quick exercise so you will know exactly what to expect, as an American in Paris.  When the U.S. Presidential campaign rallies come through your town, attend the Hillary Clinton rally wearing a George W t-shirt.  See the looks that you are getting from the other people there, now you know.

If you can look past this, you will have a blast here (with or without kids) – we did.

http://www.disneylandparis.com/

I have always been a little conflicted in thinking about this issue.  Part of me (the largest part) wants to travel as much as possible and see as much of the world as humanly possible.  It truly is the greatest way to learn about ourselves and others.  Then the conscience kicks in and questions what kind of damage we might be doing to the world around us being in constant travel mode.

The truth is that some of the greatest places in the world (many of these are in developing countries), such as game reserves in Africa committed to protecting a species or letting these animals flourish in their natural surroundings, depend on tourism to stay alive.  Without tourism, it will be difficult to protect many beautiful animals and sites in the world (such as gorillas in the DRC and Uganda), Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe or even the great pyramids in Giza.  There is balance in this decision also, as some places I feel should be protected, left in their natural state, and respected without a constant trail of people.  Everybody has different perspectives on which places should and should not be visited, but it is always helpful to do some research before you go.

I think that it is important to support places such as these, but I believe that it is equally important to take the effort to plan and travel to these places in an eco friendly manner.  The following are some tips that might prove useful or maybe (hopefully just make you think a little more before planning your next trip.

1.) For those still using film, stop and go digital.  Digital obviously requires much less paper and far fewer chemicals than film.
2.) Don’t pack your bags with items still in their store bought containers.  Recycle all of these before you leave (it is difficult to recycle in many places) and pack in reusable containers.
3.) Try to reuse your linens at hotels.
4.) If you are taking a cruise or outdoor excursions, plan on taking phosphorous-free soap and shampoo that is biodegradable.  This helps to protect our oceans and rivers.
5.) Take the train instead of flying.  Going to Paris from London on a trip?  It is faster, cheaper, less stressful, and better for the world we live in to take the Eurostar train.  The kids will love it, and so will you.
6.) Take that bathroom brake before you board your flight.  According to a recent study, it takes approximately a quarter of a gallon of fuel just to flush the toilet on a commercial airline.

I know several people who do not dare leave the convenience of home to venture on a trip with their kids. And I always think “why are we doing this Ugh” as I am packing, in the car, on an airplane or just all out frustrated with the mishaps of traveling. I have been the one with the crying baby on an overnight flight, throw up in my hair and alone with baby on an eight hour lay over. But, this is what would happen at home anyway, so why not get out and soak in the benefits of being a family and experiencing new things together. The best part is looking at the pictures and making videos of the time together when we are back in our cozy home.

Get on out and see the world and allow your children to learn with you. There are many ways to prepare for all of those travel kinks that may come your way. The lessons of travel such as culture, patience, flexibility and appreciation of beauty will be invaluable and surpass any amount of lost luggage.

To answer the above question – YES, it is worth it

Get yer braveheart on, pack yer kilt and go to Scotland! This is a great place to take the kids for rugged beautiful coast line, and castles galore. When in Scotland we always start in Edinburgh (great city!), and stay at the Dalmahoy (a former castle in the countryside with a great golf course). Rent a car, purchase a castle pass (especially if you have kids), and hit the road. If you don’t have kids, include pack your golf clubs in the above list. The best things to do in Scotland are:

1.) Golf
2.) Golf
3.) Purchase a castle pass, which gets you in an unlimited number of castles
4.) Golf
5.) Walks along the coast
6.) Sea Life center (great coastal walks adjacent to this also)
7.) Tea and scones

CHOICE HOTEL: St. Andrews ($$$$), Mariott Dalmahoy ($$$)
CHOICE FOOD SPOT: Still looking (don’t go for the food – go for the scenery)
CHOICE GOLF SPOT: St. Andrews Old Course, Kings Barns, St. Andrews Jubilee, GlenEagles, Casrnoustie

Before making those airline reservations, I will give you the best resource to check first. Go to www.seatguru.com to get the best seats on any plane of any airline. They will tell you which seats have more legroom, less legroom, recline further, etc… You choose which airline you are going to fly and which plane this flight will be on (you can tell this from the ticket after you book or before on most airline sites), and they will tell you the best seats on the plane that you should request. I use this every trip!