When I first started travel blogging I knew a lot about travel as a topic, but very little in terms of the craft of blogging.  Through association with some top notch people, and a couple of fabulous mentors (CJ, that’s you), I learned  some new skills, mastered a little bit of technology, and set about tackling the long list of things that a blogger needs to know.  Since those first efforts about five years ago, I hope that I have had the opportunity to pay it forward, passing along what I’ve learned to others while continuing to learn from those who generously pay it forward to me.

One of the things that I’ve come to enjoy about travel blogging is the community that surrounds it.  Whenever travel bloggers get together, whether it’s for a formal program or a casual bite to eat, the conversations, enthusiasm, and genuine sharing that happens is simply amazing.  It’s energizing, supportive, and makes me a better traveler and travel blogger.

With those thoughts in mind, about a year ago I began exploring the idea of forming a travel blogging organization.  I dreamt of a community of passionate travel bloggers who enjoy what they do and are excited about sharing it with others.

Today that dream becomes reality as Seattle Travel Bloggers launches and accepts membership applications.

My goal is that Seattle Travel Bloggers will become a diverse community of new media enthusiasts and travel experts with members covering the spectrum of the industry – bloggers, writers, travel industry professionals, media, PR representatives, and even students.  Full membership will be limited to travel bloggers (writers, photographers, journalists, etc., we’re not going to get hung up on labels) who live, work, and/or are based in the greater Seattle area.  Associate and other memberships are available for those in supporting industries as well as out-of-area friends.

We’ll be setting up monthly meetings where we can talk travel, where we’ve been and where we’re going, talking blogging, from monetization to technology to ethics, as well as celebrate milestones, learn from one another and laugh.  It will be lots of learning but also lots of fun.

If you’re a member of the travel community at any level, I invite you to take a look and see if membership in Seattle Travel Bloggers is right for you.

Image credit:  Seattle Travel Bloggers

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It’s countdown to Italy time, something I promised myself that I wouldn’t do until after the first of June, and I am incredulous at how expensive flights to Rome are.  We booked several months ago, at a price of a little over $1200/person, round trip, which was the lowest fare we had seen for our itinerary.   It’s fair to note that while we had some date flexibility, we were pretty much locked into a general time frame.

Capri, Italy

Since then, and despite lots of “fare sales”  that claimed to have substantially lower prices, I’m feeling like we got a bargain.  I’ve been watching fares creep up and up, and every time I see some bargain offer I check it out — only to find that it’s not available.  I’ve become greatly disappointed in some of my go-to sites who are still listing fares that have been unavailable for months.  The cheapest fares that I have been able to find, comparable routing to our itinerary, is coming in today at a little over $1800.  Simply crazy!

Enough complaining, though!  I’ll be winging my way to Rome in under two weeks!

Here are a few of my favorite travel posts from this past week:

• Gourmantic has a nice roundup of Italian words and phrases that will serve a traveler well.  Although I recognized most of these, there were a few new ones that I hope to put to good use.
• PlanetEye Traveler – Niagara takes us on the Freedom Trail, the underground route that slaves took to escape to Canada.  What a great reminder that freedom lay not just to the northern US, but in Canada as well.
• Kaleidoscopic Wandering fuels my interest in train travel with some helpful tips.  This is a blog I’ve only recently discovered, although I’m familiar with JoAnna’s work, and I hope you find it as informative and entertaining as I did.
• Sharing Travel Experiences takes us along to Cardiff, Wales.  It sounds like there’s a great mix of history (architecture, castles) with the modern (shopping arcades).  It certainly piqued my interest for the capitol city.
• Europe Up Close has a profile of the village of Sant ‘Ambrogio on Sicily.  Since part of my time in Italy will be spent on the island of Sicily, this caught my eye as some place to put on my itinerary.  It sounds like a wonderfully charming place.
• Gadling has tips on how to protect your digital camera while you’re at the beach.  While sand and water are not so great for your camera, you still want to take it along.  These tips should help you do a better job at keeping it protected.
• PlanetEye Traveler – Disney takes a hot air balloon flight over the Kissimmee area. This is an experience that I’ve always wanted to try, and after reading about her trip, perhaps you will too.

That’s it for this week, short and sweet, but still some excellent travel reads.  Stop by and see what these travel bloggers have to say, and please, tell them that MJ sent you!

Photo credit:  personal collection

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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.

That it for this week.  I hope your travel are many and filled with fabulous adventures.

Photo credit:  personal collection

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While I”m winging my way across the Pacific Ocean, en route to the island of Maui, here are some travel articles that will keep you informed and entertained.  If you haven’t already been making vacation plans, this should get you in the mood.  Enjoy!

• Consumer Traveler reminds us that all is not lost if you’re ID is lost or stolen during your trip.  There are things you can do to get through security.  A little prevention would be a good thing, too.

• BNET has a great example of why the customer is not always right.  Like when they’re being racist.  The Ritz-Carlton now has a public relations nightmare, and a lawsuit, on its hands.
• Gadling has the 10 Commandments of airline etiquette.  Read and heed,  my friends.  And all you frequent travelers will probably want to make that a list of 15 commandments!
• Travel Savvy Mom is debating the pros and cons of an iPad purchase.  I’m doing the same thing, trying to think of how I’ll use it and where.  This analysis helped me a lot.
• The Frisky reports that iconic hand bag maker Louis Vuitton has come out with a case for the iPad.  I may decide to work an iPad into the budget, but lovely as this case is, this accessory won’t be coming home with me.
• Your Life is a Trip gets a good discussion going about the new Arizona immigration law.  Should travel writers boycott the state by not writing travel articles about it?  There’s plenty to think about on both sides of the issue, so add your thoughts in the comments.
• Europe up Close helps us navigate the menu of Turkish food.  Warning!  Reading the post may induce serious drooling.
• PlanetEye Traveler – Istanbul gives us a look at a cave hotel.  Beautiful, and quite intriguing.  I think it would be fun to stay in a cave.
• Nile Guide has a list of the great book exchanges made while on the road.  Not only is this a list of some great reading, but following all the exchanges was a lot of fun.
• Travels with Two has a great profile on the women winemakers of Sonoma.  I loved her Napa post last week and this is a great addition.
• Euro Cheapo suggest a visit to Paris without a stop at the Louvre.  While the Louvre was not my favorite museum in Paris, I’m not sure that I’d want to write it off all together.  Although since I’ve been once, I’d happily pass on another visit.
• Upgrade Travel Better muses about why people order Gingerale when flying.  I haven’t noticed that it’s extraordinarily popular, although I recommend it for quelling a queasy stomach, although I think in some parts of the country it’s a more popular drink than in others.
• My Melange tempts us with the patisseries of Paris.  I’ve been to a couple of places on her suggested list and she’s spot on.
• PlanetEye Traveler – Vancouver celebrates the 100 year anniversary of Playland.  I remember going to the PNE as a kid and how much I enjoyed the wooden roller coaster.  This was a nice little trip into the past.
• Business Insider has a list of the best hotels for business travelers.  Check out the list and see if you agree.
• The Vacation Gals has a round up of international summer travel recommendations offered up by various travel bloggers.  It should be no surprise that my contribution to the list was Italy.  But hey, if international travel isn’t in your plans, you can enter their contest to win two free nights at a Hyatt Hotel.

That’s it for the week.  I hope you have a wonderful week ahead of you, and may all your travels be adventurous and safe.

Photo credit:  SXC

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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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There are lots of great travel stories this week, and I’m envious that a lot of my pals are currently on the road.  It’s a perfect time to enjoy their travels vicariously, though, so I hope you’ll take time to see what these great travel writers are up to.

• UpUpnAAway is off to exotic Dubai to meet up with her husband.  She’ll be on the road for several weeks and explains how she packs everything she needs using the bundle method.  Everyone has a packing preference, but if you’re struggling to fit everything in, this post offers some good suggestions.
• Musings of the Global Traveler answers questions about elite frequent flyer status.  If you want the best airline experience, status matters.
• PlanetEye Traveler – Boston has a list of 25 FREE things to do in Boston.  In an otherwise expensive city, it’s nice to find some fun, family friendly suggestions that are also free.
• Flight Wisdom attempts to decipher and explain bereavement and emergency fares.  Not every airline has them, and they’re often not great deals, so give this a read before you need to know the info.
• Sharing Travel Experiences talks about the concept of serendipity while traveling.  Good advice and suggestions on how to just let be and let happen.
• Vagabondish has a beautiful photo of La Tossa de Montbui in Catalonia, Spain.
• The Perrin Post shares with us those “secret” booking codes that will help get great deals on luxury hotels.  I know a lot of people that swear by this method, having great luck, but it’s never worked for me.  I’m open to a tutoring lesson!
• Travel Savvy Mom discovers how you can love books and love the Kindle, too.  I’m a Kindle fan for pretty much the same reasons that Kayt outlines.
• PlanetEye Traveler – Washington DC offers tips for enjoying DC’s Cherry Blossom Festival.  Despite some pretty horrible weather, they promise to be spectacular.
• Eyeflare introduces us to the ghost town of Ruby, Arizona.  I love little towns, and especially ghost towns like this, so Ruby is going on the to-see list for next time I’m in the Tucson area.
• italy MONDO has a nice explanation about the wines of Sicily.  Let’s see. . . Italy and wine. . . two of my favorite subjects, so it’s no wonder this post caught my eye!
• The Vacation Gals keep with the wine topic with a review of a travel-sized wine wand.  This is a great gadget for travelers who like opening a bottle while on the road!.  It’s a giveaway, too, so head over to enter before the contest closes on March 16th.
• World Hum talks about the intriguing (or annoying, depending on your view) concept of place-dropping.  No A-lister, celeb names dropped in this group, just marvelously exotic and compelling destinations.
• Europe up Close explains the cafe culture of Athens.  It’s one of the great parts of travel, having a cup amongst the locals, watching the world go by, and deciding what to do or see next.
• Wandermelon introduces us to the modern side of Mexico City, a good reminder of how the old and the new co-exist in the cosmopolitan city.  Long on my list of places to visit, I keep asking myself why I haven’t gotten there yet.
• PlanetEye Traveler – Los Angeles gives us an ethnic tour of Sawtelle Boulevard, explaining its thriving Asian community of shops and restaurants.  Try one of the recommendations.
• Consumer Traveler explores the increasingly common practice of requiring co-payments for using frequent flyer upgrades.  Enough of these fees already!
• Gadling list the 25 greatest cities in the world for drinking wine.  Two Washington locations were on the list – Walla Walla, which makes perfect sense, and Bellingham, which I’m still scratching my head about.

That’s my reading list for this Sunday.  I hope you’ll take a little time out of your day to explore what these writers have to say.  And hey – tell them MJ sent you!

Photo credit:  SXC

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I’ve been traveling most of this past week, with some time in Washington DC the first part and then some time in Spokane toward the end.  Keeping up with my favorite travel bloggers is made easy with my feed reader, but nothing can compensate for a busy schedule with little time to read.

This week’s list is short, but don’t take that to mean there isn’t great stuff to read here!  Grab a cup of coffee and settle in for some Sunday reads.

Consumer Traveler discusses whether or not cruise ships should continue to make Haiti a port of call.  Whether is taxes already strained resources of a poor country, or helps stimulate the economy, will not be something everyone agrees on, but this article lays out arguments for each side.

PlanetEye Traveler – Phoenix appeals to my girly side, and my need for the occasional pampering, with a review of spa treatments at the Golden Door in Phoenix.

Gadling has some tips and tricks to help you economize on luggage fees by carrying everything on.  Honestly, I’m a fan of checking my bags, and it’s worth the $25 to not have to schlep my bags everywhere, but if you want to avoid that option, these tips can help.

Another Consumer Traveler article discusses the problem with retrieving checked bags at the carousel.  In this case it sounds like it’s more lack of customer service than missing bag.

I would love to learn to cook Thai food, and this Gadling post tell how the author did.

Travel Views offers advice for those attending the Mardi Gras Parade in New Orleans.  There is family fun to be had.

The Carey Adventures has a photo of Seattle’s famed Virginia V.  Seattle residents of the boomer generation will probably remember an event or two held upon this ship.  If you’re a fan of Peter’s work, you may want to check out his People, Places & Patterns Project.

PlanetEye Traveler – Edinburgh introduced me to the Burns Supper.  I love the odd and quirky traditions, and this is certainly one of them.  I’m not too sure about the haggis, though!

Intelligent Travel introduces us to the Map Machine, an iPhone app that is the digital version of National Geographic’s atlas.  This would be a very handy little gem for your next road trip.

Jaunted gives us a retro-moment, taking us back to a time when “stewardesses” had age, height, and weight restrictions.

That’s it for this week.  I hope you’ll stop by to read these articles, and please let them know that MJ sent you.

Photo credit: SXC

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It’s been a week of horrible news from Haiti, and travel bloggers have been covering the devastation following the earthquake right along with all the major news networks.  They’ve also been instrumental in stepping up to the plate, and finding various creative ways to raise money to help in relief and rebuilding efforts.

I can’t choose one fundraising campaign over another, nor one charitable organization over another, so I will simply ask you to read what people are doing and consider donating or starting a project of your own.

Rubble from the Earthquake in Haiti

Now, on to other travel news from the past week:

• Vagabondish writes about one of my favorite ways to remember travel experiences – food.  Those great foods that you discover on the road can be experienced again at home.
• My Bella Vita provides a way to re-create a food experience at home, with an easy recipe for Italian Bolognese Sauce.  A staple all over Italy, this is an easy make-at-home dish.
• The Silent I has a great food-themed post, suggesting some great dining choice on the island of Kauai.  Take the list along for your next visit.
• Gadling tackles slaking the thirst, laying out good reasons why it may not be a cost efficient choice to purchase a soda card on your next cruise.
• PlanetEye Traveler – Arizona reminds us that baseball’s spring training is not all that far away.  Cactus League ball begins March 3rd.
• Consumer Traveler writes about a topic near and dear to my heart, vacations are a necessity not a luxury.  I take all my vacation time, but am amazed at how many friends never seem to find the time to take off.
• Travel Views has an explanation about why your need and International Drivers License and how to go about getting one.  If you’re renting a car abroad, you should check to see if you’ll need one.
• Listphobia has a list of 10 unique gadgets, many of which will be very familiar with travelers.  Diamond iPhone anyone?
• Los Angeles Times Travel lists the best travel books of 2009.  I found a couple more to put on my reading list.
• PlanetEye Traveler – Toronto profiles a restaurant that will appear to the socially minded among us.  This restaurant hired ex-cons to work the front and back of the restaurant, providing great food and service, while also getting a second chance at life.
• Another blog post from Gadling offers practical tips on what to do with left over foreign money.  While the tips are imminently practical, I take a different approach.  I save the money to spend on a return trip!
• Travels with Children takes us up close and personal with NASA Space Center in Houston..  It’s a great family adventure, with plenty to keep visitors of all ages entertained.
• Rick Steves’ Blog Gone Europe shares an email that serves as an important reminder of the myriad ways traveling writing reaches people.  It serves as a reminder that we should never judge anyone’s travel choices.
• New York Times profiles an LA tour company that offers gang tours, promising to take you to high-profile gang areas.  Proof again, that crime really does pay.
• Seattlest reviews a trapeze school here in Seattle.  I first learned about trapeze schools on an episode of Sex and the City, and now I learn that I can do it indoors and at home.  Something to think about!
• PlanetEye Traveler – Amsterdam reviews the Rijksmuseum, and exhibit featuring Rembrandt.  I agree with Marianne that this would be a wonderful way to spend a winter afternoon.
• And one final post from Gadling, this one sure to sound familiar to those who have a cat for a pet.  If you think that you cat doesn’t mind all your traveling, think again!

That’s it for this week.  I hope you’ll take time to not only read this great line up of travel posts, but also to take time to think about what you can do to help relief efforts in Haiti.  It’s a very small world!

Photo credit: United Nations Development Programme @flickr

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The beginning of a new year seems to be the time for predicting trends, reflecting on the year past, and starting discussions on the “best” of the year gone by.  Lately, there seems to be a lot of discussion centered around which are the “best” travel blogs, and when someone asks me that question, I always answer “it depends.”

What’s best for anyone depends on what they’re looking for, their personal travel styles and preferences, and why they want to read about travel.

A dedicated backpacker, hiker, hostel-staying budget traveler is probably not going to be interested in reading a blog about luxury cruising, someone planning a close-to-home family trip may not be interested in reading about an around-the-world trek, and the sports traveler will probably not want to know about shopping.  Although there are surely those people, like me, who enjoy reading about all types of travel, I’d hazard a guess that outside of the travel and travel blogging industry, we’re a minority.

For most people, the “best” travel blog is the one that meet their needs (whatever it may be) when they need it (whenever that may be).   It may be a need for information (specific or general), it may be for entertainment or inspiration, and it may be for practical tips.  It’s a pretty tall order for anyone to deliver.

That’s part of the reason why I started doing a weekly round up of MY favorite posts for the week.  It’s a little look at what I found to be the best of what I’ve read during the week. It’s as diverse and eclectic and my personal interests, and I hope that even readers who do not have the broad interests that I do will find a nugget or two of interest here.

Here’s why caught my eye this week:

• Intelligent Travel gives us a glimpse at how Epiphany (Twelfth Night) is celebrated around the world.  In many places, it’s also the start of Carnival, leading up to Lent.
• PlanetEye Traveler – Vancouver has information and suggestions for those needing accommodations during the Olympics.  It may take some creativity, but there are still options.
• Traveling Greener has a post topic near and dear to my heart, iPhone apps.  Take a look and see if you can discover a new one.
• My Mélange offers several peaceful respites while visiting Paris, proving what many city-lovers have always known, there is peace to be found in the most unexpected locations.  I missed her recommended spot in Marais and will have to look for it on a return trip.
• Sharing Travel Experiences tries to explain why we either love or hate London.  What is it about that city that evokes such extremes?
• The Vacation Gals tackle a thorny travel issue, and what I call the “my travel choices are better than your travel choices” arrogance.  Kara takes on one of the heavy hitters in the travel business, and I couldn’t agree more.  Let’s not get hung up on splitting hairs over definitions of travel, tourism, and vacation.  Instead, let’s see and experience the the world the way it works best for us.
• PlanetEye Traveler – Adventure has a beautiful photo taken from near Everest base camp in Nepal.  Mt. Everest looks gorgeous, and I’m in awe of those who can make it to base camp, let alone those who attempt to scale the mountain.
• Why Go Italy has some tips for avoiding lines.  I can personally vouch for two of the tips, at the Colosseum and the Accademia (and I was able to get same day tickets at the latter), and anything you can do to cut down wait time will enhance your time there.
• Practical Travel Gear reviews two power strips that are perfect for the traveler with gadgets.  A power strip is also helpful when attending a conference or convention when meeting room plug ins are at a premium.  Take one along, and be the hero by sharing the plug in with others.
• Travel Savvy Mom profiles a rather quirky museum, Munich’s Hunting and Fishing Museum.  I love quirky museums, but I’m not so sure about this one.
• Luxuo offers its predictions on travel trends for 2010.  See if you agree.  Flashpacking, huh?  Hmmmm!
• PlanetEye Traveler – Amsterdam suggests going back to school – at Cannabis College.  Yes, it really exists, so take a look at what it takes to “graduate.”
• Consumer Traveler has a list of resolutions for hotels, doing away with some very bad hotel strategies.  There are a few more that I’d add to this list (inspiration for a post, perhaps), but the five list are enough to get your teeth gnashing.
• Gadling reminds us that air travel can be a gamble, and cites odds from Irish bookie Paddy Power as to which airline will be the next to go bankrupt.  Make your guess before clicking through to see the odds.

I hope you’ll take some time to click through and read a few of the posts that captured your attention.  It’s a big world out there, and we all have different ideas about travel.  There’s room for all of us.

I’ll be in Las Vegas for most of the coming week.  Where you are, I wish you a great week of travels – near or far!

Photo credit: SXC

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It’s been a week of big travel news, although some of centered around flying hoaxes.  That’s why you need to read these blogs posts that will give you real scoop!

SoSauce (travel geek blog) an Indian cooking lesson, including Naan.  Yummmmmmm!

LA Times Travel compares and contrasts Halloween activities at Knott’s Berry Farm and Universal Studios.

PlanetEye Traveler – Philippine Culture (formerly Filipina Soul) shares a delicious and easy  lumpia recipe.  I’m going to give it a try.

Intelligent Travel asks us if we’d take the Titanic cruise.

Consumer Traveler debates the issue of whether airport lounges are worth the price of admission.  For frequent travelers, I say yes.

A second post from Consumer Traveler outlining a new boarding process being tried out at Virgin America.  Travelers with NO carry on bags go first.  I think I like it!

PlanetEyeTraveler – Boston lists 5 great north end Italian restaurants.  A trip to little Italy is a must for any Boston visit.

My Bella Vita lists five essential Italian experiences.  How many have you done?

Itallyville provides a recipe and instruction for make homemade tomato sauce.  It’s a lot of work, but can’t you just taste that delicious freshness?!

Sharing Experiences lists five cities sure to part the shopper from some serious cash.  Not that there’s anything wrong with that!

PlanetEye Traveler – Las Vegas (formerly The Las Vegas Adventurer) lists the best places to hang out for Monday Night Football.

Italylogue lists options on how to get to Croatia from Italy, along with costs, pros and cons.  Having done this myself a few months back, I can tell you that it’s a close distance away, but takes a long time.

Up Up and a Gay portrays some classic traveler profiles.  Any Flight Attendant or frequent traveler will recognize these types.

Gadling gives us a look the shower on the Emirates Airbus A380.  First class only!

I hope you enjoy these travel posts as much as I did.  And if you stop by, please let them know that you read about them here at Flyaway Cafe.

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