Today, March 3rd, is UN World Wildlife Day. The UN General Assembly made this proclamation in 2013 as a way to celebrate and raise awareness of the world’s wild animals and plants. I’m not an eco-blogger or traveler, but I do make every effort to respect the world around me, making sure that I don’t engage in any behavior that harms the earth and its creatures. Or, if I’m to be more honest with myself and you, I try to minimize the damage my behavior causes to the earth and its creatures (because, yeah, air travel is not eco-friendly). Although I don’t write much on the topic, either, I’m pretty pleased with this podcast I did with Bret Love about Rwanda’s ecotourism attractions, and how tourism is bouncing back after the terrible atrocities of the Civil War and genocide. I […]
Read MoreCategory Archive: Adventure
Books to Read on Your Next Flight
In honor of World Book Day, I’m updating my progress in the 2017 Pop Sugar Reading Challenge – and in doing so, giving you a list of great books to read on your next flight (train trip, cruise, or wherever you enjoy immersing yourself in a book). As a refresher, the challenge is not a list of books to read. Instead, it’s a list of book themes and you pick something within your reading preferences while still stretching your reading repertoire my getting you to look at books that you may not have considered. The list is 40 books for the basic challenge, plus an additional 12 for the advanced challenge, the latter equating to one book per week for the year. If you don’t read all 40 – or 52 books, it doesn’t matter. The purpose of the challenge […]
Read MoreHiking in Sedona is Seeing Red (Rocks)
There are plenty of reasons to make hiking part of a daily activity routine – it’s a perfect way to jump-start a healthy routine. Hiking in [amazon_textlink asin=’1986602524′ text=’Sedona’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’travelingwithmj-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’0adeffb5-76fd-11e8-b1ff-b7753c9835e5′] promises a healthy experience and more. There are a few off-the-beaten-path trails that are not only breathtaking but also range in difficulty suitable for someone just starting out, or experienced pros looking for the next great challenge. These trails offer options ranging from biking and trail running to horseback riding and climbing and much more. With Sedona as the backdrop, visitors will rush to the illustrious trails spanning the red rock terrain, with jaw-dropping views of Sedona’s landscape and topography. Taking advantage of the backdrop, mountain-goers can bask in the sunshine while keeping their resolutions to be fit in the new year. A local favorite, “The Crack,” […]
Read MoreIf You Hate Camping, Try Glamping
I’ve tried camping, more than just a few times, and no matter how committed I’ve been to the process, it’s just not my cup of tea. I’ve tried tent camping. Hiking and carrying all the gear on my back is a whole lot of work, only to be followed by a whole lot more work to pitch a tent. Sleeping in a wet, rainy tent, on cold rocky ground, is just not my idea of a great weekend. I hate being cold, and here in the Pacific Northwest, I’ve shivered around a campfire to stay warm (I’m talking about you Baker Lake, and in August). Hot dogs are not my idea of a great dinner, and there are only so many s’mores that a girl can eat. Granted, some good red wine will help the cause, but it’s not going […]
Read MoreSayonara: I’m Off to Japan
Tomorrow afternoon I’ll be taking to the skies and heading back to Japan. My first trip to Japan was in October when I was privileged to be a passenger on ANA’s inaugural flight of the Dreamliner (Boeing 787). I spent a week in Tokyo, enjoying some organized tours as well as enjoying a little independent exploration. The city captivated my interest; it was not at all what I was expecting Japan to be. So when the opportunity came up to make a return trip, this time getting out of Tokyo into some of the other areas, I was enthusiastic to make the trip. Here are a few of the activities on the itinerary: Culinary experiences, always a favorite when I’m traveling, figure prominently on the trip, including such specialties as sukiyaki, udon, noodles, eel, Japanese grill, and other local dining […]
Read More4 Tips to Plan a Ski Holiday
If your idea of the perfect vacation includes fresh powder, crisp mountain air, and long days on the slopes, it’s time to book your holiday ski vacation. Skiing holidays are the perfect option for any group, large or small: Families, work and corporate retreats, and singles groups can bond on and off the slopes and trails, while accommodating all skill levels. Couples will find everything they are looking for when they book an invigorating, romantic ski vacation, too; put in a long day on the slopes or trails, and then enjoy spa treatments, romantic dinners, and a nightcap next to a roaring fire in the afternoon and evenings. To help you plan and prepare your skiing holiday we have prepared a list of tips to make the process go more smoothly – all you will have left to do is […]
Read More9 Tips for Waterfall Cascading
Waterfall cascading is an adventure activity that involves climbing up waterfalls and then jumping or sliding your way back down. While some consider it more “freestyle” than canyoneering (which is navigating a river canyon) if you find a good tour company, this can be a safe and enjoyable activity. While a good tour outfitter will take care of the safety aspect by providing helmets, life jackets, and guides, there are some other tips that one might want to consider before going on an adventure like this! Do not wear your sneakers unless you don’t mind getting them soaked. For our waterfall trip, we hiked along trails, through a stream, and finally arrived in a water pool. I wore my Vibram Fivefingers and they worked great and dried out quickly. The rubber on the bottom helped grip the rock when I […]
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