MJ’s Travel Favorites 5-9-10

I have some busy travel plans coming up, including a quick trip to New York, Palm Springs, and then a week in Orlando for the US Travel Association’s annual Pow-Wow.

Pow-Wow is a travel industry event that showcases the best of United States travel. It’s always a great opportunity for learning about trends, discovering what’s new (and returning), becoming educated as both a writer and a consumer, and there’s lot of time for networking fun to boot. I look forward to it every year as it fills me with information and enthusiasm to last the year.

Here’s what I found interesting this week – and I hope you will too!

The Great American Travel Dream visits Malta, a place long on my travel list. The story of her trip, and meeting new friends, is wonderful. (By the way, my original travel list from high school included Paris, Malta, and Iceland.)
And speaking of Iceland, Off to Europe has 10 amazing things to do there. Let’s get this volcano settled down, so I can plan a visit.
PlanetEye Traveler – Istanbul has a great explanation of the whirling dervishes. Absolutely fascinating What a cultural experience!
Online Travel Review reports what many people have feared about the full body imaging airport screen – tacky comments made by screeners. Whether this was a joke or other hijinks remains to be seen, but as we’re always told – no jokes at security.
But Consumer Travel reports that saying no to the body imaging screen may have a heavy price. Looks like it’s trouble either way.
Blogography details an airplane phenomenon that defies logic and explanation. Read, heed, and don’t be an arse.
Travel View suggests how to spend a morning at the Art Institute of Chicago. Follow these suggestions and you’ll hit all the basics, and get plenty else under your belt as well.
Ron Dubin Photography has a great shot of a couple of front row seats. It’s a great view!
PlanetEye Traveler – Disney tackles the questions about whether to stay onsite for your Disney vacation. If taking the kiddos to Disney is in your summer plans, you’ll want to consider this information before booking.
LA Times Travel analyzes whether you should buy Euros in advance or get them while there. The answer is that it’s better to use credit (despite the fees), and that you’ll get better exchange rates there. I’m still buying Euros before I head off.
My Travelista is tempting me tales of gelato, and tours now being offered in Rome to the very best gelato spots. Since I eat gelato at least twice a day while I’m in Italy, this has great appeal.
And since we’re on the subject of Italy, My Melange has a round up of some of the great walled cites in the country. Perhaps best explored with gelato.
Travel with iPhone has some great apps that will come in handy for the visit to Italy. From tours, to Metro schedules, to general information, these will all come in handy.
Sharing Travel Experiences shares wonderful memories and thoughts about a visit to Seattle. These are just a few reasons why I love this city.