Wide Open Spaces

      In one week I'll be on the first of three trips I've got scheduled over the next six months. The travel fever has bit me. I've got saved searches for both driving distance and flights as far out as Orbitz and airlines allow and notes and budget calculations on a separate journal type notebook. The planning is a big part of my hobby, if you can call my travel wishes and wants a hobby.

      I've been researching how last minute deals work. Not that I'm going to add another so soon, but a five day All Inclusive resort including air in early December would run me under $1500 in Punta Cana. A more domestic options like a hotel in Old Savannah can give me a get away for under $500 though meals would need to be covered. Quirky hotels with breakfast in the quaint area of Galena, IL can get me a three day get away for $300 and a couple tanks of gas. That's crazy to me to know if I just pick a few weeks here and there, then am flexible with destination, I can probably double my travel options and stay in my annual budget. I'll add to future travel strategies. If I can find travel buddies with flexible schedules the hotel portion is cut in half. But, I'm learning if I want to see more of the country and others, I need to figure out solo travel.

     I'm not a big country music fan, but always loved this song. Swap "her folks" with "her kids " and it captures my wandering heart in this life chapter. 



Comments

  1. AprilOctober 4, 2025 at 1:15 PM

    I had to look up the lyrics, but yep, sounds like a GREAT fit for you, Sam! May your travels, big or small, fill your heart with joy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SAMOctober 4, 2025 at 3:14 PM

      Oh thank you, April. I've been texting with my friends going next week and it will be a lovely girl's trip.

      Delete
  2. Cheryl KimbleyOctober 4, 2025 at 1:59 PM

    Good luck with your plans

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SAMOctober 4, 2025 at 3:13 PM

      Thank you. Three set but the rest will stay in planning mode which is ok.

      Delete
  3. ElleOctober 4, 2025 at 2:59 PM

    I offer one beware: a lady I worked with took one of these. You don't see your actual flight path until after you buy. She had to change airlines. This requires you go all the way to baggage and then the desk to check the bag and back through TSA. She had 40 minutes. She was never told about the bags until she went to the gate to board. She had not been checked through to her destination by airline #1. She raced like He!! on her little 24 inseam legs and flew to the gate person as she was closing the door-yelled. The lady kindly held the door but had it clicked she was screwed. Airlines won't hold a flight even a minute for someone changing airlines. It was awful for her.

    When she got home she started an email chain with the seller. She spent hours trying to get some rational responses. Didn't happen. Buyer beware.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SAMOctober 4, 2025 at 3:13 PM

      When I say solo, I don't necessarily mean a package company, more me just booking for myself. Good to know though about your friends experience. Treaders has had good luck with companies in France, but I can see how they could go askew.

      Delete
  4. CelieOctober 4, 2025 at 3:45 PM

    All these trips look good. I've been to both Galena and Savannah, and highly recommend. I've done a lot of solo travel, and mostly it all's gone well. Short easy trips can be great. I hope you have a good time wherever you go.

    ReplyDelete

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