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.
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!
ReplyDeleteOh thank you, April. I've been texting with my friends going next week and it will be a lovely girl's trip.
DeleteGood luck with your plans
ReplyDeleteThank you. Three set but the rest will stay in planning mode which is ok.
DeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteWhen 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.
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.
DeleteAll 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.
ReplyDeleteI should spend weeks cleaning and organizing and then plan more day trips too- coming home toy own bed after a change of scenery.
DeleteJRE I have been doing a lot of solo trips since retirement (as a widow) l love them. I love Galena. What a beautiful town. Door county Wi. Is also a favorite of mine as I live in NW Minnesota. One of my favorite trips which you can look up about is the Great River Road, a specific road trip following the Mississippi River (which was one of those Galena visits and actually can go all the way down to Baton Rouge ( I turned around and returned on a different rote before then). I have now planned a week in NYC in December as I’ve always wanted to see the city in the Christmas festivities but boy now setting up lodging and things to do it is going to be very pricey and I’m usually a very frugal traveler but I tell myself this is on my bucket list so I’m trying to bite the bullet better. Next year I want to do a tour of Christmas markets in Europe!
DeleteNYC in Christmas glory is on my list too! Part of why I picked November for the UK is so I can end in London all lit up as I'll catch the start of their Christmas season, yet be home for my own.
DeleteSafe travels, Sam. When I read the title of your post I immediately thought of the Dixie Chicks song. I like that song.
ReplyDeleteIt popped into my head when texting with my friends going next Saturday.
DeleteSo exciting to think you'll be on your way in a week! I hope you have a fabulous time.
ReplyDeleteYour plans sound exciting. I do like going home to England, but here are some really fabulous places to visit in the states. I would like to go to Grand Teton National Park, it's on my retirement list! I'm not a fancy traveller. I'd rather stay in a quirky hotel than a national chain.
I haven't seen so much of the US so will add more in future years. I've never been a must see all 50 states person, but I think there's 8 I haven't been too, and a couple of them were airports only. I like a bit of posh pampering but to stretch my budget, I look for affordable options that are clean and convenient
DeleteMy parents have always said that song was about me! Even thinking about it makes me a little emotional. I grew up in a *very* small town, and had every moment of my departure planned from when I was 13 or so on. I could not wait to graduate & leave behind all of the small town life. Love, love the Dixie Chicks. Their remake of Landslide is really fantastic as well. For fun, Goodbye Earl is another gem. The Dixie Chicks prominently feature when the women get a hold of the mic during karaoke at my parents house. ;-) - Hawaii Planner
ReplyDeleteI'm glad the post gave you your own bit of nostalgia. Your family sounds so fun. I thought the same at 18, then married and settled down, but don't feel I settled, in the community I grew up in.
DeleteForgot they changed their name - I've been a fan forever. ;-) I feel so lucky that my family is really fun, & supportive. We are trying to build the same experience at our house, with our boys & their friends. We are apparently hosting a "Friendsgiving" for Nick & his friends at Thanksgiving, which he's looking forward to. We are always happy to host & see the teens. They are a lot of fun, and high energy.
DeleteMy youngest has had frievdsgivings since 14. My older daughter started that when she was in UK for grad school. By nature of my son living elsewhere until recently, he usually had frievdsgivings. It's a great connection.
DeleteEnjoy your travels. Planning is very important to me: anticipating a trip is as pleasurable as travelling.
ReplyDeleteMy friends and I build it up with fun notes and memes and that's part of this little trip planning I've enjoyed.
DeleteI always loved the Chicks too (not quite sure why they had to drop Dixie) - they are very talented! And good for you young lady on getting the travel bug! Wanna meet me in India in March?
ReplyDeleteTheir band, their choice to evolve I guess. March I got Greece already booked but wouldn't say no perhaps another time. Everything is so far from me though so I need to build up the motivation to be in airports for long stretches between connecting flights to also afford the trips.
DeletePlanning is always a big part of the fun. I've been to all three places you mentioned and they are all nice. Savannah is one of my favorites and Galena is a cute, fun place. I've always loved this song and they'll always be the Dixie Chicks to me.
ReplyDeleteI will plan more US trips and long weekends and mid-weeks now too. I just posted the song...their band, their choice.
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