While the vision of smoke-filled cafes and bistros has always seemed, well, romantic, the reality of wading through all that smoke can be a bit trying. For one, there’s the way smoke just clings to your clothes. What it does to your lungs is even worse, and not too many of us want to inflict that on our children. As of January 1st, however, France has instituted a nationwide ban on smoking in cafes, restaurants and bars. For those with kids (and even many without), the ban will be a welcome change. Now the only thing hazardous about eating in France will be the danger of eating too much…

If your kids are into surfing, any trips to southern Cali between now and March 31, 2008 should include a stop at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. Until then the aquarium, which is home to over 500 species native to the Pacific Ocean, is featuring the Catch a Wave exhibition. Showcasing the surf culture is not the only aim of the exhibit; it also focuses on tsunamis, how sea life survives in crashing surf and other aspects of ocean waves.

Where to stay in Long Beach? The Westin Long Beach is one option worth considering. While it’s more of a business hotel than a vacation resort, the proximity to the aquarium – half a mile – make it a perfect spot especially for short stays. Their Aquarium of the Pacific Weekend Package includes:

• accommodations
• 2 adult & 2 child passes to the Aquarium of the Pacific
• American breakfast for 2 adults (kids eat free)

This 2-night package is valid on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only. For more information or to book, call 866.716.8132 and ask for rate code AQUA1-10.

If business or pleasure beckons you to our nation’s capital, consider taking the kids along and getting the National Zoo’s Panda Package, which combines a welcome kit from the zoo with hotel deals at ten properties around the city. At check-in at the hotel you’ll be greeted with your welcome kit, which includes:

• a plush panda stuffed toy
• a zoo map
• a Giant Panda fact sheet
• a kids’ Giant Panda activity booklet
• a postcard
• an issue of ZooGoer magazine
• a Giant Panda video album CD
• an area dining guide

A portion of your hotel rate will go to the zoo’s Giant Panda Conservation Fund. Of the 10 participating properties, we recommend the following (be sure to check out each one’s individual Panda Package, as some hotels have added extra features like zoo tickets):

• Beacon Hotel and Corporate Quarters (opt for the Corporate Quarters rooms, which are larger and have kitchens)
• Hyatt Regency Bethesda
• Omni Shoreham Hotel
  
• Hotel Rouge
• Fairmont Washington D.C.
• Marriott Wardman Park Hotel

Hotel Rouge lobby, copyright Kimpton Hotels