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. […]
Read MoreCategory Archive: Themes
Euphoria in Greenville, South Carolina
Come September, I’ll be heading to Greenville, South Carolina, for Euphoria, a weekend-long event that includes exclusive tasting events, cooking demonstrations and wine seminars, as well as multi-course dinners and live musical performances. Dedicated to excellence, euphoria features domestic and international wines, celebrity chefs, master sommeliers, and national recording artists. The annual event shines a spotlight on Greenville, South Carolina’s thriving Culinary and Arts Communities. Greenville, situated at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, stands out with its award-winning downtown, vast entertainment options, and diverse population. And as a charitable organization, Euphoria gives back to the community that supports it, with all net profits providing sustenance to those in need, providing educational opportunities, and supporting children. And what about Greenville? Centrally located along I-85 between the long-standing Southern urban centers of Atlanta, GA and Charlotte, NC. Greenville and […]
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 MoreTraveling 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 […]
Read MoreHotel Review: The Banjaran, Ipoh, Malaysia
The Banjaran Address: No 1, Persiaran Lagun Sunway 3, Sunway City Ipoh Value Luxury Rating: (2 out of 3 hearts) Features: Situated in a 16 1/2 acre valley, The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat is surrounded by Mother Nature at her finest – limestone hills, rainforest, geothermal hot springs, caves, and waterfalls. It’s the perfect setting for a getaway, whether that’s a structured program of health and wellness, a relaxing stay with pampering spa treatments. or a romantic escape, providing a sanctuary from the busyness of everyday life. (But don’t panic, complimentary wi-fi is available throughout the property, should you prefer to keep connected with your world.) The resort features 25 air conditioned Garden and Water Villas, conveniently located around the Spa and Wellness Center, and a variety of natural treatment options. Some of those treatment options include: Geothermal Pools – Located alongside the geothermal lake, […]
Read MoreTraveling 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 […]
Read MoreRestaurant Review: Estiatorio Volos, Toronto
Estiatorio Volos Address: 133 Richmond Street West, Toronto, Ontario MJ Rating: Features: Volos is centered around the concept of Philoxenia, a Greek work meaning hospitable, a concept that is woven into the tapestry of the restaurant’s food, service, and ambiance. It takes traditional Greek cooking styles and infuses them with a modern twist with local Canadian ingredients creating upscale dining that still feels like you’re in a friend’s home. Assuming that friend is a Greek who knows how to cook well. Price Range: Moderate to high. This is upscale, downtown dining, and the prices reflect the location. You know what they say – location, location, location! Appetizers start at $9 and entrees at $19. Dinner for two, with a shared appetizer, main, and a glass of wine (or cocktail), will set you back $100 or more. Personal Notes: The atmosphere at […]
Read MoreTraveling 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 […]
Read MoreTraveling 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 […]
Read MorePostcard from Ipoh, Malaysia
I had never heard of Ipoh before this trip to Malaysia. The town once known for its thriving tin mining industry is now staking its claim in other ways, including spa and wellness tourism. This water lily was in the gardens at The Banjaran, Malaysia’s first natural hot springs wellness retreat, providing peaceful bliss after a week on the road.
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