MJ’s Travel Favorites 4-18-10

Following some imposed downtime, as a result of a previous rotator cuff and shoulder injury, I’ve been for the better part of three weeks.  It is with great excitement today, then, that I’m able to take to the skies once again.  Today I’ll be winging my was to Maui, hoping for a little sunshine and relaxation.  Life truly is good.

Here’s are my discoveries for this past week.  Things that I found interesting, informational, helpful, or just plain quirky.  I hope that you will enjoy these posts as much as I did.

• Italyville teases the palate with recommendations about top foods in Calabria.  Since this year’s trip to Italy will likely take me to this part of the country, I filed this info away for future tasting.
• Taking Off has practical advice about the weather – don’t let it ruin your vacation.  Wise words indeed, and I’d add don’t let anything ruin your vacation.  Your attitude will determine the outcome of your time away.
• Rick Steves Blog Gone Europe outlines a one-week itinerary for London.  It’s a pretty hectic pace, but I like the way it’s laid out.  You can drop and add based on your own personal preferences.
• PlanetEye Traveler – Washington DC reviews a musical about writing a musical.  Sounds like a production that writers would love.
• Travel Write Live lists the top 10 countries that he needs to visit, prompting me to think about my own list of the same.  Look for it later this week.
• Eyeflare discovers romantic Lake Como.  Simply charming!
• Sharing Travel Experiences offers a cultural and culinary look at Sicily.  This was another one that caught my eye, and since Sicily is in this summer’s plans I’ve bookmarked this post for future reference.
• Journeywoman listed 10 books she’s give to a girlfriend.  They’re all travel related, and I noted a couple titles that I’ve put on my reading list.  Check them out!  I’m sure you’ll find a title that captures your fancy.
• American Express Open Forum list 10 key hotel features in a business hotel.   It will come as no surprise that free wi-fi tops the list, but take a look and see if you agree with the rest.  Anything missing?
• PlanetEye Traveler – Niagara explains that Niagara is one of the most haunted cities in Canada.  With the current interest in the paranormal and the popularity of all the paranormal-themed television shows, this should pique the interest of many fans.
• Urban Daddy tells us about a gadget that might come in handy for your next road trip.  It allows you to take those old college mix tapes and turn them into files for you iPod.  What could be better than a road trip listening to songs from your youth?
• AAA Travel Views has some quirky sites in the Dakotas.  I love this kind of spots!
• Inside the Travel Lab has a review of The Reluctant Tuscan.  You had to know I’d love this one, huh?  Yep, I’ll be reading this one before the trip.
• Almost Fearless has a guest post detailing mistakes that are frequently made when planning long term travel.  It’s always easier to learn from someone else’s mistakes and then make new ones of your own.
• Intelligent Travel introduces to a offbeat museum in New York City focuses on gangsters.  I’d like to stop off and see if I can learn what’s true and what’s just urban legend.
• Airline Reporter chimes in with his take on some of the issues of airline travel today – pricing, fees, and baggage.  There’s some good food for thought there, and maybe we are getting exactly what we asked for.
• Miss Expatria tells us why that last day of vacation, the one where you’re leaving for home, is always the toughest.  It so very true!  That’s why it’s good to start planning another trip on your return home.
• PlanetEye Traveler – Seattle has a guest post that reviews the Fairmont Olympic.  This grand old hotel occupies a soft spot in my heart as it was the spot of many memorable events growing up (including my Senior Prom).  I’m glad to know that someone else enjoys its history and elegance as much as I do.
• From Buenos Aires to Paris is a new blog that I have totally fallen in love with.  This is some of the finest food porn around.  After drooling over her photos, I jotted down several recipes that even I could master.  First up will be the blue cheese and pear crostini.  I think I’ve found heaven!

That’s it for this week.  I hope you’ll take a few minutes and check out some of these great posts.  And if you do, please leave a comment and tell them that MJ sent you.  See you next week!

Photo credit:  personal collection

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