I’m trying to grow my Instagram following, so if you’re not following me, please head over here and do me that favor. I’m hoping by this time next month my followers will be up to 2,000. Can you help? And just to give you a sample of the kind of things I share on Instagram, here are my top Instagram photos from last month. This photo was taken two years ago while I was visiting Berlin for the very first time. I was there for a travel conference (ITB Berlin, the largest travel trade show in the world), and it was sunny for most of the time I was there. On the very last day, the snow came in. I’m heading back to Berlin in just a couple of days, and while there’s no snow in the forecast, who knows what […]
Read MoreHotel Review: The Kimberly, NYC
The Kimberly Address: 145 East 50th Street (50th Street between Lexington and 3rd Avenue, Midtown), New York City Value Luxury Rating: (of 3 hearts) Features: Located in the heart of the midtown, The Kimberly is an upscale property that is well situated for business, shopping, or just a sightseeing getaway. The 192 European-styled rooms, most of which are suites, feature flat screens and satellite TV, kitchen or kitchenettes with microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, sink and untensils; robe and slippers, electric shoe-shiner, complimentary water, and the expected upscale bathroom amenities. Some rooms have balconies and jacuzzi tubs. Price Range: Low winter rates range from $160 night for a deluxe guest room to $223 for an executive 1-bedroom suite. Rates jump up in spring to $430-550, and if you can bear the heat of summer, drop down to $320-440. (Prices based on a random […]
Read MoreRecommended Reading for Read in the Bathtub Day
One of the relaxing joys of my life is a bubble bath and a book, and maybe a glass of bubbly to go with it. It’s a time for me to relax and escape, to think about the days to come, or to plan a great adventure. I indulge often, whether it’s at home, in a decadent hotel bathroom, or a relaxing hot tub or jacuzzi. When I learned that today was Read in the Bathtub Day, I thought it would be a good time to share a few recommendations culled from what I’ve read over the past couple of months. You might find something here that you like. Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity In this brilliant, breathtaking book by Pulitzer Prize winner Katherine Boo, a bewildering age of global change and inequality is […]
Read MoreInstagram Highlights
I’ve really fallen in love with Instagram (you are following me on Instagram, aren’t you?), and I’ve discovered lot of great photography. From the beautiful landscape photos to the perfect meal, from the urban cityscapes to fascinating profiles, from interesting architecture to relaxing beaches, I appreciate it all. These interesting IG accounts challenge me to be better every single day. Here are my top IG photos from last month (December 2014). I thank you for supporting my efforts to share my photos. The first photo was from a river cruise out of Belgium. It was my first trip to the country, and the sights and sounds – and food – delighted and enchanted me. Cathedral of our Lady in Antwerp, Belgium. A photo posted by Mary Jo Manzanares (@travelingwithmj) on Dec 13, 2014 at 9:30pm PST I am Croatian by […]
Read MorePostcard from Nintendo World, NYC
Located by Rockefeller Center, the Nintendo World Store is the only store of its kind, offering games and merchandise that are otherwise only available through online purchases. With two floors of interactive games, it’s an assault to the senses – like being a kid in a candy shop.
Read More8 Places to Celebrate National Hot Tea Month
Tea is the second most popular drink in the world, the first is water, and while here in the United States we haven’t embraced many of the rituals surrounding tea, our consumption of the drink is growing in leaps and bound. The idea of tea being for blue haired little old ladies, full of pretentious traditions, and offering tiny tasteless sandwiches, does a disservice to the many hotels and restaurants who offer fine fare to accompany their loose leaf selections. A few basic tips will help you enjoy your tea, and prevent any etiquette faux pas. Pour the tea first, then add milk. When stirring the tea, be sure not to clink the spoon against the side of the cup. That whole extended pinky thing — uh, no, just no. No dunking. Lemon should be served in slices, not wedges. […]
Read More2014: A Year of Travel in Review
I log a lot of travel miles each year, and every year I say that I’m going to keep track of just how miles that is. And every year, about half way through, I forget to update my miles and then I never seem to get back on track. Maybe next year I’ll stick with it (and I say that every year, too). While many of of travels each year are a result of flight attendant work, I do manage to log a goodly number of other travel each year, usually averaging one trip a month. This year featured two trips to Europe and a nice amount of U.S. travel. I am grateful for the many travel opportunities that have come my way this past year. I’m blessed beyond belief to be able to see the world and, as I […]
Read MoreEnd of Year Instagram
I’ve decided to start doing regular updates from my Instagram account, sharing the photos that were popular there. You follow me on Instgram, right? If not, click right HERE to go to my Instgram profile, then click on follow. I can’t wait to connect with you there. This photo of the Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City was the most popular one that I shared last month. It must be its stately grandeur, even in the midst of construction, that make people fall in love with the place. A photo posted by Mary Jo Manzanares (@travelingwithmj) on Nov 11, 2014 at 3:32pm PST The next two photos were taken in Lloret de Mar, in Costa Brava, Spain. The first photo was taken in the beautiful Santa Clotilde gardens, a wonderful place to wander on a warm afternoon. The next photo […]
Read MoreTravel Product Review: Neo-Cover Luggage
Neo-Cover Art Inspired Luggage Product: Lady Harvest 2-piece Hardside Spinner Set from Neo-Cover Value Luxury Rating: (of three hearts) Features: This multi-colored luggage set features a brilliant artistic polycarbonate exterior with a special matte finish. The fully lined interior has multiple pockets and zippers while the multi-directional spinner wheels provide a convenient mobility. The aluminum handle has a soft rubber grip with impact locking telescopic handle. Built in TSA combination lock helps protect valuables. The set includes two pieces, one 29-inch and one 22-inch the latter suitable as a carry on. What I thought: What was great: It’s not black! I didn’t need to worry about which bag was mine. It’s pretty. I can’t tell you how many compliments I received about the luggage. While at first people may have been startled by its vividness, they often looked closer and […]
Read MoreVideo 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. […]
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