One of the benefits of being a travel journalist is meeting so many interesting people – the industry is full of them, including today’s guest, who is someone who wears many hats! I have known Mary Jo Manzanares for seems like eons; I kept seeing her name everywhere and then starting a couple of years ago, we started working together! Finally we got to meet during my wee tour of Seattle sightseeing in March. It’s been a great relationship/friendship, and I’m really excited to learn a little more about her in today’s interview.
Can you briefly introduce yourself?
I’m Mary Jo, called MJ by friends and family. I’ve been travel blogging for a little over four years now, and can’t imagine a time when it wasn’t part of my life. I am the Travel Editor for PlanetEye Traveler, and also have a personal travel blog, Traveling with MJ.
So, MJ, many people know you as a travel writer but you’re also a flight attendant. Tell us: what’s it really like? Is there anything that harks back to that romanticised vision we have?
Travel is both my vocation and avocation, and while the job itself can hardly be seen as glamorous these days, the Flight Attendant lifestyle may still have a certain cachet about it. When I talk with friends about heading off to Maui tomorrow it’s often hard for them to remember it’s work! And when I’m lying on the beach with an umbrella drink, I can understand that feeling. But the job has evolved over the years, and all the security issues and cost-cutting measures that have been implemented adversely impact our job. Don’t get me wrong — I’m not complaining, at least not much — but the era of flying as a glamorous mode of travel is a thing of the past.
Andy: I think it all went downhill when they got rid of the cool uniforms. Sigh.
If you were stuck, what’s your favourite airport to be stuck in? The worst? Why?
I love the Vancouver, British Columbia airport. It has all the things you need: good restaurants and bars, shopping, and a spa. Plus it’s a beautiful building with lots of light and a spacious feeling about it. Worst airport to get stuck in would be Kona. Sure, it’s paradise and all, but it’s a small outdoor terminal and you’ll be hot and sweaty before you know it. There’s also not a lot to do there.
Andy: I loved Vancouver airport – and MJ, I hope you’ve met last week’s interview with a bartender. You two would get on like a house on fire 
I recently lamented about my lousy luggage, and I know others are dying to ask: what are your road warrior secrets? Any you’re allowed to share?
Wheels and zippers are usually the first thing to go on luggage, so keep that in mind when making a purchase. I use my Travel Pro bag and put hundreds of thousands of miles on it before it needs repair — and then it’s usually the wheels or zippers. When buying luggage there’s a price point where quality and budget meet, you just have to find it.
As far as other tips from a life on the road, here are what I’d consider my top 3.
* I always have a bag packed with the basics (toiletries, cosmetics, swim suit, underwear, pajamas, etc). It means buying duplicate items, but it helps make sure that I don’t forget anything packing at the last minute. When I’m going on a trip all I have to do is pack clothes for that destination.
* I check bags. I have to tote too much stuff around when I’m working, and it’s a treat not to have to do it for personal travel. The fee is worth it.
* Pack light. Unless you’re going to an extremely remote destination, you can buy anything that you’ve forgotten.
Andy: My mother has always said luggage is one of the things in life worth spending money on.
What was your most inspirational travel experience?
There are probably two when I’m working: transporting families as part of the Make-a-Wish program and carrying service men and women who are leaving for or returning from war. Those passengers help remind me how very simple and easy my life is.
For personal travel, the most moving experience occurred on my first trip to Italy. After an all night flight, and over 24 hours of travel from the west coast of the US, I came up out of the metro at the Coloseo station. It was a beautiful spring day, the sky was a gorgeous blue, and looked across the street and there was the Coliseum. I didn’t just see a building, although it’s impressive architecture. To me, this represented the birthplace of a system of laws and government that eventually gave birth to democracy. Tears sprang to my eyes. I get choked up talking about even today.
What are some of the important things left on your travel wishlist?
My travel list is never ending. As soon as something is crossed off, something else goes on. Topping the list right now: a safari in Africa, Iceland, Bali (quite possibly later this year), Providence (Rhode Island), and wine touring in the French countryside.
That’s an awesome to do list, MJ! Can’t wait to hear about your upcoming travels. You are the consummate storyteller!
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