I used to live in New York City. My children were born there, and we moved to the West Coast when they were 3 and a half, and 16 months old. They don't remember it much, except for our annual summer visit and occasional mid-year jaunts. But I sure see it on TV all the time ,what with the national nightly news being broadcast from there (on the major non-cable networks), the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Have any of you been to Napa Valley for vacation? Safe to say it's my favorite travel destination in California for a long romantic weekend. We can't all afford to take a couple weeks off and fly to Tuscany, of course - but the sea breeze, the rolling hills, and the miles upon miles of vineyards make Napa Valley a reasonable substitute. Sure, there's no medieval or

Some people have a hard time understanding why anyone would choose a ski vacation over a tropical one - and by "some people," I mean, "me." Preference for poolside mixed drinks aside, the cold weather, extreme physical exertion, cold weather, lack of snorkeling opportunities, and cold weather all seem like remarkable vacation turn-offs.

What can I say? When I travel, I like to go in comfort and style. I don't really camp, much, and I like modern-day amenities. But (like most people) I'd hate to be part of the problem. Luxury travel, for me, also involves some ecological responsibility. It's practically impossible to be a world traveler (one with limited vacation days, that is) without flying.