Ask Trip Coach: XXXL Vacations

It's time again for the most delicious of do-good campaigns, Menu for Hope. This annual effort enlists food bloggers (full disclosure: I'm one of them) in the fight against hunger. In recent years, the campaign has raised nearly a quarter of a million dollars to support the UN World Food Programme. It has also given away some sweet prizes. Through December 25, you can purchase a single $10 ticket (or many) to bid on the prize item of your choice. Here are some that will be of serious interest to those traveling in 2010: Heading to New York? Bid to win a two night stay in the Chelsea studio of a local food writer. Want to get out of New York? Bid to win a two-night stay at the Farnum Hill Orchard in New Hampshire, with a tour of their cider making facility. Additional items and details at East Coast Prizes. Those going west might bid on dinner for two at Michelin 2-star restaurant Manresa, or a two-day artisan baking class at the San Francisco Baking Institute. Budding photographers bound for L.A. might bid to win a Food Styling & Food Photography Workshop with renowned shutterbug Matt Armendariz. Additional items and details at West Coast Prizes. Visiting Europe in 2010? Those dreaming of Italy can bid to win a two-night stay at a small inn in the alps of Piedmont, a market tour and trattoria lunch in Florence, or a personalized wine tasting class in Rome. Context Travel is offering two spaces in any of its scholarly city walks; in Europe, that includes Rome, Venice, Naples, Florence, London and Paris. A trip to Paris would also be elevated by winning a ten-course dinner for two with wine pairings at Hidden Kitchen (value $230). And if you're wondering where to eat while in Paris, I myself have signed on to be somebody's food slave, writing a tailored printable guide with recommendations based around the winner's personal taste and budget. Additional items and details at European Prizes. These are only a fraction of the prizes being offered for your traveling and gastronomic pleasure in 2010. Visit this site to bid on any items before December 25! ELSEWHERE... NYT: The Frugal Traveler on Ways to Give Back

Manhattan is in full-blown holiday mode! The tree is up, skaters are spinning, street vendors are roasting chestnuts, and tourists and locals alike are crowding the streets to be a part of it—and to peer into this year's dolled-up store windows. Photographer Joshua Paul captures these magical scenes in our slide show. AND WHEN YOU WANT TO WARM UP... Where to Drink Hot Chocolate in NYC

Procrastinating on your holiday shopping? One of the San Francisco area blogs I follow, Bay Area Bites, just published a Foodie Holiday Wishlist, and I've got to say, it has me drooling. Who wouldn't want truffles, or salami from foodie favorite and Ferry Building fixture Boccalone? If you'll be visiting San Francisco over the holidays, be sure to check out the city's light displays, especially in the Fisherman's Wharf area, where boats are also decorated with lights. Just back from San Francisco? Going there soon? Our new city page lets you post questions, recommendations, photos, and more—and you might hear back directly from our editors.