Value Luxury Travel Experiences - Traveling with MJTraveling with MJ

Changing of the Guard at Presidential Mansion in Athens

The Presidential Mansion is located across the street from Athens’ National Gardens, and I happened upon it at the changing of the guard. Called the Evzoni, the guard is an elite ceremonial unit drawn from the Greek Army, and members are usually identified early in the military career while in basic training. The Evzoni are responsible for guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Presidential Mansion, and the gates of the guard’s camp. The Evzoni are easily recognized by and are a bit famous for, their traditional uniform which dates back to the Ottoman occupation of Greece. The everyday uniform is a Farion (a scarlet fex with a black tassel), Doulamas (a navy blue tunic), and Periskelides (white woolen stockings, two pairs are worn) with Anapastos (a type of garter to hold the stockings in place). The shoes they wore are […]

Hotel Review: Cherry Wood Bed, Breakfast & Barn, Yakima Valley

Cherry Wood Bed, Breakfast & Barn Address: 3271 Roza Drive, Zillah, Washington (Yakima Valley) Value Luxury Rating: (out of 3 hearts) Features: Set on a working farm in the Yakima Valley, Cherry Wood Bed, Breakfast & Barn offers overnight accommodations in 22-foot teepees. This specialty bed and breakfast has barbeque grills, compact refrigerators, separate super-clean and private water closets, along with an open-air shower to round out its amenities. The property is horse and dog-friendly, and the teepees have a special bed in your teepee so your dog can sleep right along with you. No children permitted. Price Range: $245/night based on double occupancy. Full breakfast included. Cherry Wood is open during the “season”, generally from late spring into early fall. Reservations required; make them early as they book up for the season quite quickly. Personal Notes: I’ve been interested in […]

Postcard from Peace Center Amphitheater, homepage

I’m in Greenville, South Carolina, for Euphoria 2014, and Friday night was Taste of the South held at th Peace Center. To accompany the great food and drink, Sixwire played in the amphitheater. A wonderful Friday night. This is a really great event and a wonderful way to kick off a weekend.

Travel Product Review: Tani Underwear

Luxury Collection of Underwear from Tani Product: Air Fitness Boxer Brief from Tani Rating: (out of three hearts) Features: Designed to be worn for athletic and everyday activities, the Air Fitness Boxer Brief keeps you cool and comfortable in any situation. The three-dimensional pique knit creates tiny pockets of air that helps regulate your body temperature, keeping you cool where you need it most. The SUPERFINE Tencel wicks away 50 percent more moisture than cotton. What He thought: I handed these over to my favorite guy traveler for review, asking him to pay special attention to comfort and wearability. I asked him to wear them under a variety of conditions: every day, for high energy activities, for long and sweaty travel, and for light exercise. He put the boxers through its paces, laundered it by hand as well as by machine, […]

Postcard from Moon Palace Resort, Cancun

Early morning quiet on the Moon Palace grounds. This was the view of the gardens from my balcony, with the ocean just beyond

Photo Essay: Compelling Kuala Lumpur, A Value Luxury Travel Destination

Malaysia is not a country on the to-visit list of most Americans. It can be hard to get to (it’s a full day-plus-some from the West Coast), but this exotic Southeast Asia country offers some of the best value luxury experiences in the region. Set aside your preconceived notions about this predominantly Muslim country, and be prepared for some great history, cultural, shopping, art, and food experiences in this fascinating corner of the world. Kuala Lumpur, the capital city, Click here to enjoy my photo essay on this compelling value luxury travel destination. Note: I visited Malaysia in November 2014 as part of a press trip organized by Tourism Malaysia.

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 […]

If 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 […]

Summer Travel Reading

I’ve had a Kindle since the very first generation was released. It’s served me well (although I do have my eye on upgrading to the Kindle Paperwhite), allowing me to carry all the books I’d like to read for a little under half a pound. Compare that with the weight and bulk of carrying around a book or two – or a dozen when I’d head to Europe for a few weeks – and it makes practical packing sense. Don’t get me wrong, I still love the heft of a real book and the feel of real paper, but my back and shoulders appreciate my efforts to lighten the load when I’m on the road. I’ve recently discovered that my local public library offers Kindle books on loan, and it’s an inexpensive way to catch up on a lot of […]

Postcard from the Vancouver Waterfront

I’m enjoying a little road trip, courtesy of Toursim Vancouver and the Bolt Bus. It’s a non-stop 24-hour trip to Vancouver, full of activity, food, and beverage. I’m thinking of it as a little sampler of things I need to come back to see and do. This was how I greeted the morning, looking out at the water from my room at the Fairmont Waterfront. Great way to start a spring day.