Friday, September 3rd, 2010

The Louvre:  A Love Affair With Art

The Louvre: A Love Affair With Art

The Louvre is one of the most famous museums in the world, and most trips to Paris (at least first trips) include a visit to this famous spot located on the Right Bank of the Seine in the 1st arrondissement (map). The building, originally a palace, is now home to some of the world’s most famous works of art, including the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, and Aphrodite/Venus de Milo.  The museum opened... [Read more]


10 Things to Do in the Dominican Republic

10 Things to Do in the Dominican Republic

As much as I might try to ignore it, here in Seattle the weather is starting to feel more like fall than summer.  Seattle usually has great Indian summer weather, but once we hit winter it’s definitely the time to start thinking about getting out of town.  If your get-out-of-town preference leans toward the island sun and sand, give a thought to heading east (instead of west) and visit the islands... [Read more]


Standing Guard at the New York Public Library

Standing Guard at the New York Public Library

In a city that never sleeps, it’s nice to find a quiet oasis, and that’s just how I think of the New York Public Library.  On your next visit, take some time away from the sightseeing, shopping, and the frenzied pace of Manhattan and check out the library. The New York Public Library was founded by the 1886 estate of Samuel J. Tilden, who bequeathed money to “establish and maintain... [Read more]


10 Vacation Planning Tips for Exotic Destinations

10 Vacation Planning Tips for Exotic Destinations

Exotic travel destinations don’t have to be merely a dream vacation.  With in depth research, and lots of planning, a visit to a Gorilla forest camp can be just as simple as a trip to the islands.  The devil is in the details, as they say, so pay attention to the details that can make the trip a simple one. Here are some things to consider: Where do you want to go? Exotic destinations can be... [Read more]


Use the Convention & Visitors Bureau for Travel Planning

Use the Convention & Visitors Bureau for Travel Planning

The difference between good and great is often in the little details, and with travel that means the research that starts before you ever leave home.  Whether it’s for a general overview, specific planning, or maybe just for some inspirational travel ideas, a little travel research can help make your trip great. When your planning a vacation or business trip, where do you go for your travel... [Read more]


London Bridge in London & Lake Havasu

London Bridge in London & Lake Havasu

Do you remember singing this as a child: London Bridge is falling down, Falling down, falling down. London Bridge is falling down, My fair lady. I sure do.  But when I sang it, I had no idea what London Bridge was really all about or where it was – other than London, I mean.. So what’s the real scoop? London Bridge crosses over the River Thames connecting London and Southwark.  This is city... [Read more]


Subscribe to Traveling with MJ Newsletter

Subscribe to Traveling with MJ Newsletter

This post is a shameless plug.  A ploy, really.  I’m asking you to do something that will help me out.  So please and thank you right up front!  Now here’s the scoop: I’ve finally decided to get organized and start a companion newsletter to go along with Traveling with MJ, with the first edition scheduled for September.  The newsletter will highlight a few things from here on the blog,... [Read more]


Las Vegas Weekend:  Monte Carlo Resort & Casino

Las Vegas Weekend: Monte Carlo Resort & Casino

I recently had the opportunity to stay at the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino and was curious to see how it had fared since my last stay some 10+ years ago. It was a mixed bag, like any hotel stay, so I’ll break it down into easy to understand categories. The Good: Great location at the southern end of the Las Vegas Strip (map) offers easy access to everything that’s going on in the area. ... [Read more]


Honolulu Pride:  Military History in the Islands

Honolulu Pride: Military History in the Islands

It’s easy to be c aught up in the sun, sand, and surf of Hawaii, but the islands are also rich in military history and sites.  Although it can be sobering and painful to think about, these military sites deserve a spot on any must-see list. Next time you’re on Oahu, take a beach break and work some of these spots into your schedule: Pearl Harbor:  This site is administered by the National... [Read more]


Visit the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas

Visit the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas

The San Antonio de Valero Mission was relocated three times, but after becoming the fortress known as The Alamo had only one location.  It can be seen today in that same location, a short distance from San Antonio’s River Walk. The mission turned fortress was the scene of several battles during the Texas Revolution including the 1836 Battle of the Alamo for which it is named.  The Battle pitted... [Read more]