About Greg Johnson

Greg Johnson is a staff writer and co-founder of Travel Blue Book. After spending the first 25 years of his life as a homebody, Greg discovered his love for travel about 10 years ago. He also enjoys writing and spending time with his wife and 2 young children. The family resides in Indiana.

Earn Up to 25,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® Miles By Switching to Sprint

May 26, 2017 By Greg Johnson Leave a Comment

Do you like points and miles? How about great cellular service at a good price. Boy have I got a deal for you!

Sprint recently announced a new partnership with American Airlines, and boy is this good news for travelers. If you’re an American Airlines AAdvantage® member, you can now earn up to 25,000 AAdvantage® miles when you switch to Sprint. That’s a pretty big stash of points that you can get just for choosing a new cell phone company.

Here’s how it works:

Open a free American Airlines AAdvantage® account.
Switch to Sprint and open a new account here.
Earn 20,000 AAdvantage® miles when you activate your new Sprint account.
Earn up to 5,000 additional AAdvantage® miles when you stick with Sprint for 1 year.

Pretty cool, right?

Even if you’re an existing Sprint customer, you can still take advantage of the offer. Simply connect your AAdvantage® and Sprint accounts to earn up to 5,000 AAdvantage® miles over the course of a year. Easy as pie. [Read more…]

Our Visit to Mycenae: The Fortress City of Agamemnon

January 20, 2017 By Greg Johnson Leave a Comment

When you think about Greece, visions of the Parthenon and Delphi probably jump to mind. It’s a land rich in its history of city states and great battles. As the “Cradle of Western Civilization,” Greece is the birthplace of Western art, culture, and thought.

But, in Greece, that’s all relatively new history.

It’s hard to imagine, but there was a civilization in Greece that was at the height of its power almost 1,000 years before what we think of as “Ancient Greece.” The people who lived in this bronze age settlement were as legendary to the Ancient Greeks as Plato, Socrates, and the Aristotle are to us now. And there’s one place where we can still see and imagine how these über ancients lived: Mycenae. [Read more…]

The Most Surprising Thing About Traveling to Greece

December 22, 2016 By Greg Johnson 2 Comments

With rugged terrain, incredible landscapes, and some of the friendliest people on the planet, Greece is one of my all-time favorite travel destinations.

Oh, and the food…

Oh. My. GAWD. The FOOD!

It’s absolutely delicious! [Read more…]

Top Summer Destinations 2016

May 27, 2016 By Greg Johnson 1 Comment

Spring fever is over and summer is almost here. That means many people are anxiously anticipating their summer vacation. In fact, most have already finished the planning process and are just waiting to head off. Haven’t planned anything yet? Check out the these fantastic last-minute summer destinations and see if any of them grab your attention. [Read more…]

Fun Travel Facts from Around the World

May 27, 2016 By Greg Johnson 1 Comment

Traveling may not be for everyone, but for those of us who caught the travel bug, you’ll understand how much it can change your life. The world is your oyster, as they say, and wanderlusters like us know this to be true. While many of people know the names of the world’s most famous landmarks, there are lots of obscure facts that only a few have heard. So, let’s take a look and discover some fun facts about several destinations and attractions. [Read more…]

Visiting the Red Rocks of Sedona, Arizona

April 14, 2016 By Greg Johnson Leave a Comment

Visiting the red rocks in Sedona, Arizona

Cathedral Rock, Sedona, AZ. Photo By Tomas Castelazo (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 or GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons

Please enjoy this guest post from Alison Wilkins.

Located two hours north of Phoenix and two hours south of the Grand Canyon, the town of Sedona is a breathtaking beauty. Red rock formations in curious shapes reach towards the sky (Snoopy Rock, the Coffee Pot, and Bell Rock are a few). Hiking trails abound, and if you prefer to ride rather than walk, there are Jeep tours available or Jeeps and ATVs for rent. For the adventurous who want an aerial view, helicopter, small plane, and balloon rides can be arranged. When the stars come out, bundle up warmly and join a star-gazing group with a guide.

A trolley tour around the town gives a quick orientation to the area. You’ll catach a glimpse of the home now owned by a former Doublemint twin but was formerly in Lucille Ball’s family (spot the Lucille mannequin on the balcony).

Sedona is an art lover’s dream, with numerous galleries and shops featuring interesting sculptures, paintings, and jewelry. Turquoise is popular here, along with Native American pottery (the Navajo Nation is nearby) and Southwestern art. The prices can vary a lot between the stores, so if you’re looking for a souvenir, compare a few different stores. Garland’s Navajo Rugs is not to be missed, for their large rug collection and so much more. They have leather furniture incorporating the rugs, turquoise jewelry and many forms of Native American art.

See the amazing Chapel of the Holy Cross via the trolley, since they will drop you off at the entrance and parking won’t be a problem. This chapel was built on the red rocks and is used for services, and is open to the public for free.

Where to Stay, Where to Eat

Chapel of the Holy Cross. Photo by: Matthew P. Del Buono (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Sedona has an abundance of motels and inns, and most receive high customer ratings. Most are privately owned, but there are also several chains, including a Hampton Inn, two Best Westerns, and both a Hyatt and Hilton resort.

If you do “travel hacking” the Hampton Inn will work for you, but the Hyatt is a time share that doesn’t accept reservations for free bonus nights.

Click Here for Our List of Best Travel Rewards Cards

The restaurant offerings range from Southwestern, to steak, to Italian and there is something for everyone’s preference. The Silver Saddle at the Cowboy Club in Uptown Sedona serves rattlesnake, buffalo, and cactus fries, and has plenty of character. They have outdoor seating that makes for good people watching plus a view of the red rocks. The Javelina Cantina serves Mexican food; try the prickly pear margarita if you go. Speaking of prickly pears, they are a local specialty that you will find in mixed drinks, candies, and sauces.

Stop by the Grand Canyon

While you’re that close to the Grand Canyon, don’t miss it! Take 89A north out of Sedona, towards Flagstaff. The road is very curvy, with beautiful views of Oak Creek Canyon. Get going early in the morning and you can visit the Grand Canyon in a day.

The National Geographic Visitors Center is on the way, and you can watch an IMAX movie about the Grand Canyon, buy a snack, and book a Pink Jeep tour if you want a guide. You can also take a shuttle bus tour from Sedona, with Great West tours, and I recommend you do this on your first visit there, for the wealth of information the guide will share with you. If you’re not on a tour, you will pay an entrance fee per vehicle at the gate to the Grand Canyon, and they’ll provide you with maps. The park has several free shuttle bus routes you can use to get to various viewing points, and they have gift shops, and several dining options including a food court.

Visiting Sedona will bring you closer to nature and the scenery is truly awe-inspiring. It’s one place you definitely don’t want to miss.

Alison Wilkins is a southern mom and licensed clinical social worker. She is crazy about travel and loves the process of planning trips, especially now that she has discovered travel rewards. In her free time she also loves reading, especially travel and personal finance blogs.

5 Reasons You Should Travel with Family

March 10, 2016 By Greg Johnson 1 Comment

When I was younger, my family didn’t travel a lot. We didn’t have a lot of money, and travel wasn’t something that was a priority for us.

It’s not that we didn’t spend time together or go on vacation. We did. But our travels consisted mainly of heading to my grandparents lake cabin for a week or catching a game in the city. When we got a little older, traveling meant heading out-of-town for weekend sports tournaments. It was a wonderful childhood, and I’m very grateful for it.

I never flew on a plane or saw the ocean until I hit New York at age 20. I never made it to the beach until age 24. Until then, I didn’t even understand why somebody would want to travel…much less spend the money to allow myself to do so. But, those two trips totally changed my perspective. I’ve been hooked on traveling ever since.

Over the past 3 years alone, my wife and I have visited over 13 countries. We’ve also made close to a dozen trips throughout the U.S. as well. It’s been freakin’ awesome.

As a couple, we’ve made the decision that family travel is important to us. We’ve been fortunate to be able to bring our kids with us on a few of these adventures. While we’re desperately trying not to spoil them, we are lucky to be able to expose them to new places, people, and cultures when we can. It’s an incredible opportunity for them, and I hope they’ll look back someday and appreciate how unique it is.

While we truly believe travel is a way to break down barriers, providing a cultural experience for children isn’t the only reason to travel with family. There are some practical and emotional reasons as well. Here are 5 reasons we love to travel with family!

5 Reasons I Love to Travel with Family

#1) Spending Quality Time Together

Let’s face it. Life gets really busy, and sometimes we don’t always pay enough attention to the people who are most important to us. Traveling always helps our little family reconnect in a way that nothing else does. Instead of rushing to get ready for school or to get another project done, you can simply relax and enjoy being with each other. When we’re on the road, its like everybody in our family reverts back to the best versions of ourselves – our true selves are once again unleashed. It’s great to get in touch with that every few months and connect with each other on a level that doesn’t always happen at home.

#2) Making Memories

In addition to reconnecting, traveling is always a great way to make new memories. The memories you make while you’re traveling will bring you closer together in the moment plus form a stronger bond you’ll share down the road. I know our kids play the “Remember when…” game all the time. We’ll often sit and look at photos from our trips and reminisce about how much fun we had. Whether you’re wandering through ancient cities, climbing mountains, or just sitting by the pool, traveling with family is a great way to make memories that you can all share for a lifetime.

#3) Bond with Other Family

In addition to traveling with our kids, we’ve been very lucky to travel with both sets of our parents. This has allowed our kids to form bonds with their grandparents that they may not have otherwise been able to do. In the same way we are able to make new memories with the kids, they make new memories with their grandparents as well. That’s something you can’t put a dollar figure on.

#4) Save Money By Renting a Condo

Something you can put a dollar figure on is your lodging expenses. One of the best things about traveling with family is the ability to save money on lodging. On several occasions, we’ve rented condos and beach houses with my in-laws. By splitting the price of a condo, we’re able to save money on two fronts. Obviously, lodging is less. But, condos and beach houses also have kitchens. Instead of being forced to eat out for every meal, we save hundreds of dollars during the stay by cooking at home.

#5) Group Discounts

If you decide to travel with family and are staying at a resort, chances are you’re going to be needing more than one room. By booking several rooms at once, you have the leverage to ask for a discount. We’ve used this tactic several times, and it has worked extremely well. Why waste time and effort selling rooms to three separate families when you can sell three rooms at once to just one? Just ask, and you might be surprised what they’ll be willing to offer you. The worst they can say is “no.”

Enjoy Your Travels

Deciding to make family travel a priority in our lives is one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. Some of the best memories I have are of traveling with my family. What makes them even better is that we can share those memories together. Plus, when you add extended family to the list, it can even make your travels cheaper…and who doesn’t love that?!?

Happy travels!

Best Things to Do in St. Maarten – St. Martin

February 18, 2016 By Greg Johnson Leave a Comment

With so many things to do in St. Maarten – St. Martin, it’s hard to decide how to best spend your time there. That’s especially true if you’re just passing through on a cruise. Never fear! We’ve got you covered. Here’s our list of the 12 best things to do in St. Maarten!

St. Martin Island Facts

We fell in love with this tiny Caribbean island after visiting for the first time in 2015. St. Martin Island covers only about 34 square miles (88 square kilometers), measuring just 9.8 miles wide at its largest point. The island is divided politically into a north and south half, with the north side belonging to the French (Saint Martin) and the south belonging to the Dutch (Sint Maarten). While you can use U.S. dollars or Euros on the Dutch side, businesses on the French typically prefer Euros.

St. Martin Island is easily one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. The island is covered in lush, tropical mountains. The beaches are pristine. Best of all, the people are welcoming. According to one of our taxi drivers, St. Maarten – St. Martin has yet to become very commercialized. Unlike some other Caribbean destinations, the people of the island own the vast majority of the businesses there – meaning they really want you to enjoy their island (and spend your money doing so). As somebody who loves supporting local businesses, I’m totally down with that!

If you’re planning a trip to the island, you’ll quickly discover that there are a ton of things to do in St. Maarten – St. Martin. Whether you’re just stopping by on a cruise or spending the entire week, be sure to check out some of the places listed below!

12 Things to Do in St. Maarten – St. Martin

1) Maho Beach (St. Maarten)

If you do nothing else in St. Maarten, you absolutely must check out Maho Beach. There is no place else like it! The beach actually backs right up to the St. Maarten airport runway – which means that gigantic airplanes fly right over your head all day long. You can even stand behind a 747 and get totally blasted by its jets as it takes off. Seriously, it’s incredible. (I wish I had some video of me standing behind the KLM 747, but my camera woman couldn’t take it and took off running. I made it though!) When we were there, we stayed at the Sonesta Ocean Point / Sonesta Maho Beach Resort and enjoyed watching the planes land and take off all day long. Here are a couple of pictures for you!

2) Pinel Island (St. Martin)

Pinel Island is a tiny little island located right off of Orient Bay on St. Martin’s French side. Take the shuttle from Orient Beach or visit while on a boat tour. The island is inhabited by some friendly iguanas, and there are also a couple of small shops. There’s even a cool little restaurant called Le Karibuni located right on the beach. Grab a drink and belly up to one of the tables on land or in the water!

3) Orient Beach (St. Martin)

One of the most famous beaches in the world, Orient Beach is also the busiest beach on St. Martin Island. Located on the French side, the beach is lined with orange umbrellas and happy beachgoers. If you’re feeling adventurous, there is also a nude optional section for you to enjoy.

4) Mullet Bay (St. Maarten)

Spending the afternoon at this secluded little beach is a great time for singles, couples, and families alike. We spent several hours there, sitting in our beach chairs and enjoying the views. We even did some snorkeling in the bay. There are a couple of small restaurants selling beach fare and drinks. A couple of times a day, a few cruise excursions make their way here. The beach is definitely big enough to accommodate everybody. However, when the cruisers depart, you can practically have the beach to yourself.

5) Zipline at Pic du Paradis (St. Martin)

If you’re into adventure travel, make sure to try the zipline at Pic du Paradis, St. Martin’s highest mountain. Located above the Loterie Farm, you can hike up the mountain or take a taxi. Either way, you’ll experience some incredible views from high above the island.

6) Philipsburg Boardwalk (St. Maarten)

Philipsburg is the capital of the Dutch side and a favorite port for many of the world’s top cruise lines. If you’re staying on the island or just visiting for the day, be sure to take a stroll down the boardwalk along Great Bay. It’s a lively area, complete with shops, restaurants, and plenty of people watching. When you’re done, pull up a chair and enjoy the beautiful beach along the bay. Cruisers can’t even get lost; just get off the boat, and you’re there.

7) Eat at a Lolo

If you want a fun and cheap St. Maarten dining experience, head to Grand Case and chow down at a lolo. These small barbeque-style restaurants will fill your belly full of delicious food for less than $15 a person. Be sure to try a the Johnny Cakes and crab backs as well. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

8) Rent a Car

One of things to do in St. Maarten – St. Martin is renting a car. That way, you can see the whole island at your own pace. St. Martin is small enough that you can easily drive a car around without getting lost. Because the island is mountainous, some of the terrain is a bit steep. Just take it slow around the curves/cliffs and enjoy some great views of the island from your own rental car.

9) Or Take a Bus

Driving a car seem a little much for you? Try taking a minibus instead. One of the coolest things about St. Martin Island is that you can get almost anywhere by group taxi. Fares are set prices and they run just a couple of bucks. Simply head to one of the “bus stops” and raise your hand when a bus is coming near.

10) Cheri’s Cafe (St. Maarten)

When you’re in the Maho Beach or Mullet Bay area, be sure to visit Cheri’s Cafe. Located just a few blocks north of the SXM runway and a few blocks east of Mullet Bay, this family owned restaurant is an absolute hoot! The food here is very good and the atmosphere is even better. Sit at the bar and enjoy the live entertainment playing each night. Make sure to get your picture taken by the owner and head over to their Facebook page to like it!

11) Casino Royale (St. Maarten)

After dinner, head next door to Casino Royale. This Caribbean casino is larger than most, and has plenty of games for any taste. My wife spent some time playing Hold’em in the poker room while I hit the blackjack and craps tables. The nice thing is that it’s large enough so it never feels crowded. Of course, it’s always more fun when you win!

12) Captain Alan’s Snorkeling

One of my favorite days in St. Martin was spent on Captain Alan’s 3-Island Snorkeling Tour. The tour leaves from Oyster Pond Marina and lasts about 4 hours. You’ll get to experience both Pinel Island and Tintamarre Island, as well as enjoy a boat ride along the beautiful St. Martin coast. You’ll snorkel a reef, swim with sea turtles, and enjoy a nice lunch. The hospitality is awesome, and I highly recommend this tour!

Enjoy St. Martin Island

With so many things to do in St. Maarten – St. Martin, you are sure to enjoy your time on the island. Whether you’re traveling alone or with your family, St. Maarten is a great place to visit. We love it there and think you will too!

5 Things to Do in Montego Bay, Jamaica

February 11, 2016 By Greg Johnson 2 Comments

With hundreds of things to do in Montego Bay, the city is a perfect spot for your next beach vacation! Here are 5 of our favorites.

Doctor’s Cave Beach, Montego Bay, Jamaica

With hundreds of things to do in Montego Bay, the city is a perfect spot for your next beach vacation! MoBay – as it is affectionately called – is located on the island’s northwestern coast and is home to some of Jamaica’s most beautiful beaches. With one of the busiest airports in the Caribbean, Montego Bay also acts as a gateway to the country’s most popular tourist destinations.

Personally, I love traveling to Jamaica and am bringing my family back there this spring. The people are friendly, the beaches are perfect, and my kids can drink the water without having to worry about getting sick. With so many things to do in Montego Bay, and just a 15 minute drive to the airport, it’s the perfect destination for our Jamaican vacation!

Things to Do in Montego Bay, Jamaica

Whether you’re traveling alone or with kids, you’ll find all kinds of things to do in Montego Bay. Here’s a list of some of our favorite MoBay attractions!

Rose Hall Great House

Rose Hall Great House, Montego Bay, Jamaica

Perched over the ocean, this historic building once served as the plantation home to cruel slave master Annie Palmer. Known as the “White Witch of Rose Hall,” rumor has it that she used black magic to off multiple husbands and countless slaves. According to some, her ghost still roams the Great House hallways today. Whether you believe the stories or not, the night tour of the house is a freaky blast! Plus, you’ll be treated to gorgeous ocean views and – on a clear night – some of the most beautiful starlit skies you’ll ever see. Located about a 20-minute drive from Montego Bay, this place is one stop you can’t miss!

Martha Brae River

Hop on a bamboo raft and let a river guide escort you 3 miles down the serene Martha Brae River. These knowledgeable Jamaican “gondoliers” are happy to teach you about the area’s tropical plants and animals. (They may even help you grab a fruit snack off one of the trees.) Enjoy your leisurely one-hour float, or get adventurous and jump off the rope swing at the end of your journey. The tour costs about $60 USD and also includes a visit to a medicinal herb garden and round-trip transportation to your hotel.

Croydon Plantation

Travelers seeking a taste of “real” Jamaica should head to the mountains for a stop at Croydon Plantation. The property itself is beautiful, but the views aren’t the only thing you’ll enjoy. While you’re there, you’ll get to sample some of the plantation’s best fruits, complete with a yummy lunch when you’re done.

The Hip Strip

Looking for more local flavor? Try the Hip Strip. Located on Gloucester Avenue, walking this lively strip is one of the most popular things to do in Montego Bay. Here you’ll enjoy local art galleries and lively shop owners, all in a friendly and safe environment. Grab a drink or a bite to eat at one of the restaurants on the strip. Situated next to Doctor’s Cave Beach, this tourist attraction isn’t hard to find.

Doctor’s Cave Beach

You came to Jamaica for the beaches, right? Then, don’t forget to hit the sand at Doctor’s Cave Beach! Powder-like sand and warm blue waters make visiting this beach one of the most popular things to do in Montego Bay. Bring a towel, pitch a tent, and relax in the sun’s warm rays. Or, rent some snorkel gear and enjoy some of the area’s best underwater sights. Entrance to the beach costs about $6 USD. You’ll also find some adult beverages there for just a few bucks.

Enjoy Your Trip

Montego Bay remains one of the most popular Caribbean travel destinations for a reason. The area’s natural beauty, mixed with the welcoming spirit of the Jamaican people, make it a place worth visiting. And, with so many things to do in Montego Bay, what’s not to like? Happy traveling!

Visiting The Tower of London

February 4, 2016 By Greg Johnson 1 Comment

Royal palace? Check. Former prison? Check. Site of execution for TWO English queens? Check, check, and check!

The Tower of London is one of the most fascinating places in the history of the world. Built during the Norman Conquest, this historic castle has been served as a home to kings and queens, a jail for high-profile prisoners, and as the Royal Mint. It is also the current home of the Crown Jewels. Situated in Central London, the Tower of London is one attraction you can’t miss. Let’s dig in, shall we? [Read more…]