[Dan40]

CdC,

You need to look into obummers "frugal" trip to Europe. Is it OK for the Pres to take his family along on an overseas trip? Of course it is, what makes the difference?

It is different when:

The wife and kiddies went in a separate aircraft, not AF1. Because they were touring while obummer worked. That meant a separate plane, a separate motorcade [requires another plane] and a separate security team.
While he is working [unsuccessfully] in Italy, the family has flown to London, likely more than tripling the cost of the trip.