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Update Your Bucket List

Bucket lists seem to be the target of some derision these days, the assumption made that people who have bucket lists and make travel plans from their bucket lists are somehow rushing through travel in the quest of a checkoff. Far be it from me to tell anyone how to travel – different strokes for different folks, after all – and I proudly embrace my personal bucket list. If you want to create your own bucket list, you may want to follow my approach. I started writing down places I wanted to go, things I wanted to see and do, and experiences that caught my eye. I set a top limit of 100 things, because, let’s face it, I could go on forever. With the parameters in mind, I just started writing. It took a few weeks to come up […]

2019 Travel Reading Challenge

Last year I started a year-long reading challenge that focused on travel and books perfect to read while you’re traveling. It was premised on a yearly total of 24 books, an average of two books per month, with an advanced challenge of another six books for a combined total of 30 books for 2018. You can see the books I chose for the 2018 travel reading challenge here. I set my Goodreads challenge at 50 books for the year. I knew the reading challenge list was much less than I’d typically read and I wanted to stretch myself a little. Since I usually read on my Kindle – it’s easy to sync up with Goodreads and track books, but I found that often forgot to add those that I read in print. I think I’ve got everything added in now and you […]

2018 Year in Review at Traveling with MJ

2018 has been a transitional year here at Traveling with MJ. There’s been lots of travel – several new domestic destinations, some exploration around Washington State, and a couple of cruises. It hasn’t all been about travel, though. Now that Tony’s retired and helping me out in the business, we’ve had a few business changes this year. This site got a facelift this spring as we launched a new design and navigational scheme. It took some time to get all the kinks out, but we’re almost there and I think its streamlined approach to information and stories serves readers better. We’ve also changed up our content focus, really zeroing in on what we’re best at – value luxury destinations, experiences, and products. We think of value luxury as luxury for real people, not celebrities with private islands and jets. Luxury […]

Enter to Win: Universal Orlando Resort Package

UPDATE: The contest has ended and Yulia (@thefoodiemiles) is the winner of this great Universal Orlando Resort vacation package. Congratulations Yulia! You all know that I’m a big fan of Universal Orlando Resort. From the three theme parks (including the newly opened Volcano Bay water theme park) to the CityWalk entertainment area to the onsite hotels, I think they are aces when it comes to the guest experience. Today I’m excited to announce a contest that I’m running on my Instagram account – a giveaway for a package to Universal Orlando. Before you head on over there, here are the details: The Prize Two 3-Day tickets to Universal Orlando Resort parks, including Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay! Plus, a 3-Night stay for two at one of at one of Universal Orlando Resort’s onsite […]

New Podcast: Where Else to Go

Today is a pretty big day for me. After months and months of research and practice (also known as dithering around), I’m launching my new podcast – Where Else to Go. The podcast focuses on value luxury travel – that sweet spot where price and experience intersect to create WOW! Value luxury helps you decide when to save and when to splurge, and makes sure you get the most out of every travel experience. Another reason for starting the podcast is that the female voice and angle is missing from what else it out there. I’ve been listening to podcasts for years, including many in the travel niche, and found the female approach to travel is grossly under-represented. So I jumped into the scrum. My half hour podcast is designed to help you decide where to go, but more importantly […]

Video from Athens, Greece

I was in Greece last month and have written a couple stories about my time there already, this story about the Evzoni, and this one about what I learned from a Greek cab driver. I’ve got more to come, of course, but will be spacing them out over the next few months so it’s not all Greece, all the time. However, I wanted you to see this video. It visually tells you a little bit more about what I was doing in Athens, and how important the TBEX conference was to the tourism industry of the city and country. Travel Bloggers Exchange – TBEX Europe 2014 in Athens from ACVB on Vimeo. If you’re a travel blogger, DMO, tourism professional, PR represtative working in tourism, or travel brand, and would like to know more about TBEX, please get in touch. […]

Traveling with MJ February Travel Link Up: Architecture

Last month the monthly themed travel round up focused on Romance. There were some great ideas, suitable for Valentine’s Day or any time you want a little romance in your life. My favorite of the linked up travel inspiration posts was from Raphael at A Journey of Wonders. His story and photos challenge us to think about whether or not Paris is the City of Love. After reading his list of romantic things to do in Paris, I think you’ll say yes. What’s Up This Month? The theme for this month is Architecture. There are so many beautiful buildings around the world, all you have to do is share a story, photo, or post about one of your favorites. If you’re a blogger and would like to participate in the link round up, here are the guidelines: Post should be […]

Traveling with MJ January Travel Link Up: Romance

Last month the monthly themed travel round up focused on Art. As a big fan of both museum quality art as well as street art, I found the submissions a great list of places to check out. My favorite of the linked up travel inspiration posts was from Marysia at My Travel Affairs. Her story – and photos – about street art in Tel Aviv was amazing. I had no idea there was such a street culture in Israel, and if you’re planning a visit, you’ll want to click through to read her post. What’s up This Month The theme for this month is Romance, in honor of Valentine’s Day. A romantic hotel or restaurant, a beautiful beach or sunset, a hideaway that’s perfect for two, any take on the theme of Romance is great for this month’s link up. If […]

Traveling with MJ December Travel Link Up: Art

Last month the monthly themed travel round up focused on Inspiration. There weren’t a lot of participants, in large part due to an error on my part cutting off the submission date. Nonetheless, I enjoyed reading what inspires people to travel. My favorite of the linked up travel inspiration posts was from Suzanne Fluhr at Boomeresque. Her story about Mexico, specifically San Miguel de Allende, in 1963 and how that was the genesis of her desire and love of travel, was heartfelt and inspirational. If you haven’t read it, click on through and do so. I think you’ll be as moved as I was. What’s Up This Month This month I want to know a little more about how you have experienced and appreciate art while you’re traveling. Perhaps you have a favorite art museum, or a piece of public […]

Traveling with MJ November Travel Link Up: Thankful

Last month the monthly themed travel round up focused on Museums. I enjoyed reading about so many different types of museums, from the serious and important to the quirky. My favorite of the linked up museum posts was from Henry Lee at Fotoeins Fotopress. His story, Shalechet (Fallen Leaves), Jewish Museum Berlin, was heart wrenching and painful to read. I wasn’t aware of this museum when I was in Berlin earlier this year, but it’s on my list for a return visit. If you missed it, go take a read right now. So What’s Up This Month? This month I want to know a little more about why you’re thankful to be able to travel. Maybe you’ve been somewhere that was a moving experience, maybe you’ve seen a sunset somewhere that stirred your soul, or maybe you’ve had a travel opportunity […]