Here at Wandering Educators, we are committed to supporting humanitarian efforts around the world. We're very pleased to participate in a philanthropic raffle called Passports with Purpose (PWP). Since 2008, Passports with Purpose has harnessed the efforts of travel writers and people who love travel to support causes near and dear to our hearts. In the previous two years, PWP efforts have benefited Heifer International and built a school in Cambodia.

It's SO DIFFICULT to choose the right luggage for travel. You don't want to spend too little, and wind up with tattered luggage on the luggage carousel, with pitying looks from your fellow travelers. And some luggage is so expensive - is it worth the money? We've had great luck with lilypond and fishpond luggage - and are happy to share them with our Wandering Educators.

I’m sitting at a blank computer screen trying to write my November column for Wandering Educators. The holiday season is double-timing obligations and chaos my way.  I work to push aside thoughts of addressing cards, shopping, gift-wrapping, menu planning, calendar juggling and other projects vying for attention.

Recently, the U.S. and Australian state departments issued travel warnings to those planning on visiting Northern Ireland. But check any one of the many websites dedicated to Belfast and Northern Ireland travel, and they will be full of praise for Belfast clubs, shops, film and arts festivals, and generally easygoing atmosphere.