Hello! I'm Mary Jo, often known as MJ. I'm a traveler, published author, travel writer, podcaster, and publisher. When I'm not on a trip, I'm busy planning or researching the next one. My travel ethos is value luxury — knowing when to splurge and when to save — whether I'm traveling across town or around the world.
This holiday gift guide represents goods and services that I use regularly, with a few items that are currently on my personal shopping list. It represents a mix of needs, wants, and splurges. These are things that make my business, travel, and home life simpler, easier, better. And things that make me happy and bring me joy.
I’m a big fan of the “you don’t need more stuff” philosophy. I have everything I need, and a good portion of the things I want. And, thankfully, I no longer feel that “things” define who I am, my values, or my worth. Over the last year or so, we’ve been trying to take more […]
From the peaks of the Cascade Range to the beauty of the Olympic Mountains, there are plenty of options for skiing in Washington state.
Detroit stands at the crossroads of American innovation and artistry, and its museums reflect both its industrial pulse and its rich cultural layers. Travelers to the city will discover institutions that run the gamut from world-class art collections to hands-on science museums, each capturing a piece of Detroit’s legacy and dynamic spirit. Whether you’re strolling […]
One of my greatest joys in traveling is discovering new things – history, city sights, meeting people, and – of course – food. A recent trip to France introduced me Comte cheese and it’s quickly shooting to the top of my favorite cheese list. What’s so special about Comte cheese? Comte is known for its […]
Planning a perfect weekend getaway in Sweetwater, Tennessee, (population around 6,500) offers travelers the chance to explore a small town shaped by Appalachian heritage, quiet resilience, and a history often overlooked in the rush between Knoxville and Chattanooga. Here, you’ll find carefully preserved buildings, a railroading past, and a walkable downtown that encourages slow exploration […]
Welcome to a journey into the world of unusual Halloween traditions – a time when the extraordinary, unusual, and peculiar take the spotlight. As fall sets in and nights grow longer, different cultures embrace the eerie Halloween season in their own distinct ways. While we’re familiar with costumes, candy, and haunted houses, there are other […]
The trend of vacationing with groups of friends – often five or six couples – has gained momentum in recent years, as reflected in travel industry data for 2025. According to a survey from vacation rental platform Vacasa, 46% of Gen Z travelers expressed plans to take a trip with friends during the summer, while […]
Newport’s mansions are more than relics of opulence—they are living chronicles of ambition, technological innovation, and changing social tides in Gilded Age America. Each estate bears the hallmark of its visionary owners and the artisans who shaped every fireplace, ballroom, and art-filled gallery. The Transformation of Newport: From Quaker Retreat to Gilded Playground Originally a […]
Classic French cuisine is a living, breathing reflection of the country’s history and the creativity of remarkable individuals whose stories have shaped what lands on the plate today. Let’s delve further into each dish, uncover not just the flavors but the rich tapestry of personalities, royal dramas, and cultural currents behind these culinary icons. Let’s […]
Of about 300 outdoor theater remaining in the United States, there are five drive-in movie theaters in Washington State that have managed to survive. And since it’s still a fun way to watch a movie, I want to highlight the remaining ones and suggest that you add a visit to one on your things-to-do list. […]
From mountain towns to lakeside views and city stays, the Pacific Northwest is full of great places that offer something special for dogs and their humans.
The people of Cambodia are warm and welcoming from the moment you arrive. Whether you’re exploring Siem Reap’s markets or taking a boat ride down the Tonle Sap River, or cruising on the Mekong (as we were with Ama Waterways), the Khmer people are always eager to share their heritage and stories with you. The […]