Happy New Year!

Dear 2015,
Thank you for the opportunities you presented me, both professionally and personally. While I spent way too much time on airplane for business, you helped me reach a milestone and personal goal of visiting my 6th continent. What a magical adventure! Australia and New Zealand were otherwordly and breathtaking. On the home front, work brought me some great clients, interesting projects, good colleagues, and more travel. It was a great year, filled with health, happiness, and love. I wish you, 2015, good bye. May 2016 be as kind and obliging and bring me more opportunities for travel, continued health and prosperity for me and my loved ones.

My deepest wish is for everyone to have safety, access to healthy food, useful endeavors to occupy the body and mind, and a willingness to accept others. May 2016 shine on all of us with good fortune, tolerance, and wisdom.
peace, love, and travel
the Map Pin Junkie

My 2015 travel recap in a few photos. As a reminder, these images are mine and protected by all applicable copyrights.

The Map Pin Junkies 12 Days of Christmas - Gift Recommendations - Day 12

It's that time of year when we exchange gifts to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or just the joy we feel towards friends and family. 

Today, the last day in our 12 Days of Christmas Gift Recommendations, the gift is cash....but not in the 'oops-I-forgot-to-get-you-something' way. This cash gift is for a specific purpose!

Anyone who travels a lot (or even a little) will appreciate the gift of an expedited experience through the airport, right? Right, so give your travel the gift of Global Entry for $100. Of course, you cannot apply for the recipient, but you can creatively package the money in a box wrapped with a world map or tucked inside a globe ornament. There are a lot of creative ways you can designate the cash for the gift of Global Entry. Even cooler, is that approved Trusted Travelers get TSA PreCheck designation included in Global Entry!

To learn more about the program or to show your traveler the great gift he/she just received, click here! Heck, even Santa has Global Entry!

Santa courtesy of http://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry

 

 

 

Thanks for visiting our 12 Days of Christmas Gift Recommendations. Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas, health, happiness, and a beautiful New Year.
peace, love, and travel,
The Map Pin Junkie

The Map Pin Junkies 12 Days of Christmas - Gift Recommendations - Day 9

It's that time of year when we exchange gifts to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or just the joy we feel towards friends and family.

Day 9 features a gift I am giving this year (shhhhh!), a world scratch map from Luckies of London! What's a scratch  map, you ask? It's a map on which you scratch off the places you've been, sort of a travel log. This deluxe version features copper foil against a deep black background. Under the foil are vibrant country colors.

I love this gift because, at $32, it becomes unique and personalized to any recipient! Even better, it comes in a durable cylinder for shipping and easy gift wrapping! It is available on Amazon in time for Christmas delivery, too! Check it out here!

Happy Gift Giving!

all recommendations are mine alone and I have not received any money, product, or perk from any of the companies listed.

The Map Pin Junkies 12 Days of Christmas - Gift Recommendations - Day 8

It's that time of year when we exchange gifts to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or just the joy we feel towards friends and family.

Day 8 of the 12 Days of Christmas is for all the power junkies on your list. Named one of the best chargers around, the Anker Astro E4 13000mAh Classic Portable Charger has a huge capacity and supposedly can deliver five full charges to an iPhone 6. It is small, sleek, and is backed by an 18 month warranty. Even better, it has an LED flashlight, built in! Get it here.

It works on Apple phones and iPads, Android devices, some other brands of tablets and Bluetooth devices. Priced at $30, it weighs less than a pound and with outlets at a premium in most airports, the traveler on your list will thank you! 

Happy Gift Giving!

all recommendations are mine alone and I have not received any money, product, or perk from any of the companies listed.

The Map Pin Junkie's 12 Days of Christmas - Gift Recommendations - Day 5

It's that time of year when we exchange gifts to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or just the joy we feel towards friends and family.

Day 5 of the 12 Days of Christmas features another book. This one is eye candy for those looking to do some map pinning or for the armchair traveler on your list.

Lonely Planet's The Travel Book 2nd edition brings you 229 countries and destinations in full color. I have the 1st edition, but the 2nd edition promises 817 all new images and text. A bestseller, at $24, this is sure to delight any recipient. It is  available from several book sellers and looks great under the tree! Sorry for the poor photo, I took a hasty snap with my phone.

Happy Gift Giving!


all recommendations are mine alone and  I have not received any money, product, or perk from any of the companies listed.

 

The Map Pin Junkie's 12 Days of Christmas - Gift Recommendations - Day 4

It's that time of year when we exchange gifts to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or just the joy we feel towards friends and family.

For Day 4 of the 12 Days of Christmas my gift recommendation makes a great package decoration! A globe ornament is one of the best gifts I've given. When I presented it to 'he who shall not be named' several years ago, I had it tied to a box that contained plane tickets for our next trip. Every year, it gets hung on the tree and we can reminisce about all the trips we've taken solo and together. 

Lots of retailers offer globe ornaments, but I particularly love the antique feel of this Age of Exploration version from 1WorldGlobes.com. At $20, it is a faithful reproduction of a globe designed by Didier R Vaugondy, cartographer to Louis XIV in 1745. Swap out the hanging string with a festive ribbon for even more holiday flair. I used a length of wired green velvet ribbon to give it extra 'zhuzh'.

Give your sweetie the gift of the world with this charming little orb! If you don't hang it on a tree, try hanging it on a door knob or drawer pull to add charm to your surrounds. I can never have too many globes and believe that having globes and maps around keeps world travel vibes in the air so opportunities to travel will come your way. So far, my plan is working! 

Happy Gift Giving!

Home At Last - 2015 Travel Concluded

2015 was a great year with a lot of travel opportunities for work and for pleasure. Coming back to the States from my last business trip late Friday night, I was once again thankful for all those that helped me get where I wanted to go. So, thank you United Airlines (international business travel), American Airlines (domestic business travel and HUGE mileage to get me to Oz), and Marriott Hotels (domestic stays in high style). Each of you made this year's travel special!

Happy Thanksgiving!

The turkey is in the oven, the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade is on television, mimosa's are flowing and happy faces are all around. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Philadelphia - Hometown Holla!

Recently, I was excited to learn that my hometown of Philadelphia was named the first UNESCO World Heritage City in the United States. I've long known about the abundance of history and culture the city has to offer, but I got little pangs of pride when I read the article from Travel and Leisure. If you need to decide on a domestic destination for an upcoming vacation, start with Philadelphia. Food, culture, history, art, sports, and recreation, it really does have it all!

“As a World Heritage City, Philadelphia is being officially recognized on the global stage for its wealth of contributions to the world as the epicenter of American democracy and for its enduring commitment to preserving the unique historical and cultural assets in our diverse community.” - Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter

Read the whole article here: Philadelphia - UNESCO World Heritage City 

(image courtesy of Getty Images, featured on TandL website)

Sydney - Night and Day

As we in America start to bundle up for Winter, those in Australia start to peel back the layers to enjoy Summer. As I pull out the sweaters (all I really need in Arizona), I was thinking of my time in Australia. My visit included time spent in Sydney and many, many trips to or past the iconic Opera House. If you find yourself there, take the tour. It is totally worth it! It is trite and played out as a photo opp, but I still spent hours shooting it from every angle and at several times of day.

Destination Dash - Sedona, Arizona

This issue of Destination Dash features a place I have been countless times yet it still surprises me - Sedona, Arizona. Yes, it has its share of crystal spinners and ley line readers but it also has upscale spas, incredible hiking, and some palate-pleasing dining opportunities.

Name: Sedona, Arizona
Population: 10, 111 (2013)
Flight Time: from LAX, 2 hrs 55 minutes, with connections
Get Started: Stop by the vistor's center on 331 Forest Road to pick up some information.

5 things to do in Sedona:

1. Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Even if you aren't Catholic or religiously inclined, this majestic structure was designed to blend in with the surrounding rocks by Marguerite Brunswig Staude and sites 200 feet above the valley floor. Recommended time - 1 hour.

2.  Spend the afternoon at Tlaquepaque. This is touted as an arts and crafts village but feels more like a time warp to a Spanish colonial square. Cobbled paths, shade aplenty and a wide variety of shops will charm even the most shopping-averse among you (trust me, I hate to shop but don't mind spending hours here). WARNING - DO NOT GO OVER THANKSGIVING!! The crowds are insane. Recommended time - 2 hours.

3. Hike Oak Creek Canyon - No matter how many times I hike along Oak Creek, it never gets old. If you are game, consider an overnight trip in August, when the temperatures are close to perfect and the creek floods in certain spots, making for an adventurous amble over rocks and fallen trees. Recommended time - 5 hours or more.

4. Eat at Dahl & DiLuca. You will be hard pressed to find better food in the state of Arizona (at least that's what my out-of-town visitors have told me. This is one of my favorite places to eat. The food and the ambiance create a romantic, intimate dining experience and it is the perfect way to end a weekend in Sedona. Recommended time - 2 hours. 

5. Take a Pink Jeep Tour. If you are stymied as to how to see maximum Sedona in minimal time, consider Pink Jeep Tours. These off-road adventures cover everything from history to scenic beauty within several tour options. Recommended time - 1 1/2 to 3 hours.

This list represents what I have done or what my friends have done (#5). Your list may differ and this is intended to kick-start your planning. Sedona has something to do all year round, so start planning.
Peace, love, and travel!

A shot of Bell Rock I took for the cover of an equestrian supply catalog and yes, it really does look like this!

Destination Dash - Melbourne, Australia

Destination Dash post features my latest city crush, Melbourne. I was lucky enough to start my Antipodean adventure in this cosmopolitan yet charming city. I spent 4 packed days exploring all parts of the city and fell in love with it. Victorian and Edwardian architecture coexist beautifully with steel and glass structures to create a modernity tempered with antique elegance. The vibe is upscale but not pretentious.

Name: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Population: 4.5 million (2014)
Flight Time: from LAX, US 17 hours non-stop; from London 20+ hours, 1 stop
Get Started:  If you will be coming from the airport while on a layover, take the SkyBus into the city. It's not that expensive and gets you downtown in about 20-25 minutes.

My write-up will not give you a moment-by-moment day, but gives you the highlights I'd recommend seeing while in the city. The list covers indoors and outdoors and provides stimuli for kids and adults, but only you know your physical limitations, tolerance to things, and schedule.

The total time for my recommendations comes in at 11 hours, but remember that is because this is what I like to do. You may want to devote more time to sport venues or get out of town for a fast trip to the Dandenong Ranges (about an hour drive outside the city). If you want to build in time for meals, I recommend choosing two or three things from this list. This is just a guide, so read on an enjoy!


Site recommendations:

1. Queen Victoria Market - on the corner of Victoria and Elizabeth Streets. Crowded with people and an impressive array of produce, groceries, dry goods, souvenirs the market is full of locals and tourists. If you can stand the crush of people, stand quietly and try to count the number of different languages being spoken. My best was 14! Recommended time - 2 hours or more.
2. Melbourne Zoo - Elliott Ave, Parkville. Gorgeously laid out and surprisingly diverse, the zoo is a great way to spend 1 hour or 4 hours. It is located in a quiet part of town and just off the 25 tram stop for Melbourne Zoo/Royal Park. Many travelers think of the Australia Zoo in Brisbane and the go-to zoological experience but Melbourne is equally interesting and entertaining. It makes a great destination on its own or as a companion experience to visiting the Werribee Open Range Zoo. Recommended time - 3 hours.
3. Old Melbourne Gaol - 377 Russell Street. Whether you are a history buff, lover of the macabre, or have a few hours to kill and don't know what to do, make a beeline for the Old Melbourne Gaol. It provides a facsinating glimpse into prison life of the mid-to-late 19th century. Grab a docent and walk the bluestone corridor to learn about such notorious criminals as Frederick Bailey Deeming, Elizabeth Scott, Martha Needle, and folk hero Ned Kelly. The interior harkens the Green Mile or Shawshank, but has a pervasiveness darkness probably made all the more so during the night tours they offer. A thought-provoking look at prison life, the territorial judicial system and impressive collection of death masks. Recommended time - 1 1/2 hours.
4. Royal Botanic Gardens - Birdwood Ave, South Yarra. There is nothing to dislike here. It offers soothing vistas, lush vegetation, and beauty around every turn. Go early morning for a misty stroll through the gardens. It is empty of crowds and full of cockatoos, parrots, magpies, and pukekos. We got there about 45 minutes past sunrise and it was otherworldly. I felt like I'd fallen into a storybook illustration. Recommended time - 2 hours, 3 if you take a picnic.
5. Melbourne Museum - 11 Nicholson St, Carlton. Home to a vast selection of geological, cultural, and anthropological history, this museum is one of the best natural history museums I've visited in my life. It is easy to meander from one hall to another and offers a wide variety of subject matters, enough to keep visitors engaged whether they are 3 or 103. My visit was made even more special due to the WWI Centenary Exhibition, which offers an in-depth and emotional look at WWI and the contributions made by ANZAC forces. Recommended time - 3 hours or more.

 Peace, love, and travel!

*As a reminder, these photos are solely mine and not to be used without prior written permission. Thanks!

Ticking off my 6th continent. Melbourne, by the port.

Downtown split by the Yarra River

Interior of the main cell block.

Interior of a cell.

One of many lovely vistas in the garden.

Laugh Kookaburra, laugh.

Memorial Day 2015

Whether you are traveling or relaxing at a backyard barbecue today, take time to remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Regardless of your political leanings, the fallen deserve our thanks. Happy Memorial Day!

Peace, love, and travel!

M