Get-Away
Once in a while we need to rejuvenate. Rethink our priorities and reflect on our reasons for being. The delicious anticipation of switching it up gives us a certain glow of pleasure. Sometimes our adventures can be right down the street; other times, like last weekend, we vent0075red over several mountain passes to see what we could see.
It all started with my sweetheart declaring that he’d like to visit Crested Butte, since he’d never been there. (Why not? It’s only about five-ish mountain driving hours away. Remember “Flights vs. Road Trips”? We were going to seriously deviate from our norm.) Besides, his friend had extolled the virtues of this pristine area of Colorado full of hunting and fishing dreams. And, we didn’t have any squirmy kids in the backseat to contend with, so there shouldn’t be any problems, right? Right.
It all started with my sweetheart declaring that he’d like to visit Crested Butte, since he’d never been there. (Why not? It’s only about five-ish mountain driving hours away. Remember “Flights vs. Road Trips”? We were going to seriously deviate from our norm.) Besides, his friend had extolled the virtues of this pristine area of Colorado full of hunting and fishing dreams. And, we didn’t have any squirmy kids in the backseat to contend with, so there shouldn’t be any problems, right? Right.
Many months ago we planned this trip. Searching the Internet and perusing the lovely photos displayed, Tom settled on a perfect overnight accommodation. Knowing that the long trip would drain us, he chose a spot we knew we wanted to visit: right on the mountain, below the ski area. Even though it cost quite a bit more than the requisite Holiday Inn Express in the college town, Gunnison, 30 miles down the mountain, he booked luxury instead of economy. (Well, we saved money by driving, right? What? You didn’t know that we could have flown from Denver to Gunnison? Maybe next time.) One thing marked off the list.
Next thing we had to think about was lodging for our sweet mini dachshund Chili. Fortunately we have a reciprocity agreement with our daughter. She readily agreed to watch Chili overnight; Chili is her sweetie. We were set to go.
Whoops! There was a hitch in the normally well-oiled cog of our experienced travel planning. About a month ago our daughter and her family welcomed a new puppy into their family. Usually, that would be just fine in our mini dachshund loving families. However, this time the new puppy happens to be not a little forever puppy, but a gangly, bumbling, sweet, big ol’ black lab. How would 10-year-old Chili react to this interloper? (Jasmine probably thought Chili was the interloper.) Our daughter assured us that she would protect Chili from Jasmine and her puppy teeth (and vice versa). That’s one thing to remember when trading dogs. Most of the time it should be OK, but once in a while there could be a situation that you didn’t anticipate. The best idea is to introduce them to each other ahead of your departure and view their interaction. We didn’t. We had faith in our dog (usually mellow, but doesn’t let any dog push him around) and our daughter (brilliant at negotiation and the care of animals). It worked out.
Whoops! There was a hitch in the normally well-oiled cog of our experienced travel planning. About a month ago our daughter and her family welcomed a new puppy into their family. Usually, that would be just fine in our mini dachshund loving families. However, this time the new puppy happens to be not a little forever puppy, but a gangly, bumbling, sweet, big ol’ black lab. How would 10-year-old Chili react to this interloper? (Jasmine probably thought Chili was the interloper.) Our daughter assured us that she would protect Chili from Jasmine and her puppy teeth (and vice versa). That’s one thing to remember when trading dogs. Most of the time it should be OK, but once in a while there could be a situation that you didn’t anticipate. The best idea is to introduce them to each other ahead of your departure and view their interaction. We didn’t. We had faith in our dog (usually mellow, but doesn’t let any dog push him around) and our daughter (brilliant at negotiation and the care of animals). It worked out.
The mountains are always beckoning and we have zipped up to their splendor often. However, I wanted to show Tom a different route, so we GPSed several options for our trip. Since we dropped Chili off south of Denver, we decided to take a southern route and then almost straight west. We love to check out new surroundings. The route we took meandered along the Arkansas River, a fisherman’s delight, but not as winding as I thought it would be. (I think I was in the backseat the last time I took this route—never a pleasant time for my carsick self. Make sure you consider that aspect when taking your kids on a road trip.) We passed the road to Royal Gorge, and its “highest suspension bridge in the US”, but decided not to visit that attraction. Once we got to a place that actually had food, we stopped for a late lunch. Salida is a fairly good-sized town, and it seemed friendly. We ate some delicious eggs (surprisingly expensive though!) at a cute diner, but didn’t linger too long. After all, we still had at least an hour and a half to drive.
That last hour and a half showed Tom (I already knew about the grandeur, having gone to college in Gunnison) some majestic views of breath-taking hunting/fishing country. Tom was salivating, wishing he could figure out a way to pull up stakes and move there, in the shadow of the mountains right down by the river.
Like a horse heading to the stable, we blew by Gunnison, turning north toward Crested Butte. After all, who could blame us? It was now 3:00 pm and we embarked upon this trip at 7:30 this morning.
“What’s that girl doin’ hitchhiking? Doesn’t she know it’s dangerous?” Tom wondered. I agreed that it was dangerous, but I told him that when I went to school back in the day in Gunnison, it was common to see a group of college kids standing at that very spot daily, hitchin’ a ride up to the Crested Butte ski area. Even though the snow hasn’t started flying, apparently, it was still common practice.
That last hour and a half showed Tom (I already knew about the grandeur, having gone to college in Gunnison) some majestic views of breath-taking hunting/fishing country. Tom was salivating, wishing he could figure out a way to pull up stakes and move there, in the shadow of the mountains right down by the river.
Like a horse heading to the stable, we blew by Gunnison, turning north toward Crested Butte. After all, who could blame us? It was now 3:00 pm and we embarked upon this trip at 7:30 this morning.
“What’s that girl doin’ hitchhiking? Doesn’t she know it’s dangerous?” Tom wondered. I agreed that it was dangerous, but I told him that when I went to school back in the day in Gunnison, it was common to see a group of college kids standing at that very spot daily, hitchin’ a ride up to the Crested Butte ski area. Even though the snow hasn’t started flying, apparently, it was still common practice.
Because of the higher than normal snow pack, the area on the road to Crested Butte at first sprouted pretty lush farm and ranch land. It progressed to cabins/fancy lodges at the foothills as the emerald velvet mountains started to envelope the valley. They rose Alpine-like as we gazed at the idyllic setting. The road was better groomed than the last time I was there 30+ years ago. Maybe not because of the Obama Stimulus, but more likely it was due to the increased interest in the fabulous skiing on the “Butte”.
Suddenly, we turned the corner to see a cute settlement of gingerbread houses. More houses than I remember, but of course there should be after all these years. Again, we decided not to stop, but vowed to come back later after we checked in to the condo and relaxed a bit before dinner. (The complex happened to be a couple miles up the mountain, a village called Mt. Crested Butte, right at the base of the ski resort.) We’d be back.
There are many ways to navigate to a new place. We had several choices: A GPS system for our car, my Android Smartphone with navigation, an old school map, and a printed out copy of the directions using MapQuest before we left home. We haven’t totally morphed into using the phone exclusively yet, so we relied on a hard copy printed from MapQuest directions to take us to our condo. However, it’s always good to have backup.
The condo complex looked striking from the outside as we pulled up. The lobby oozed comfort with a flickering fire dancing in the stone fireplace. (Yeah, it was a little chilly.) After explaining a somewhat complicated method for exiting the parking garage, the manager relayed the amenities the complex had to offer. We zeroed in on the hot tub. It sounded blissful after an 8-hour trek across many mountains.
The condo Tom chose was just how we envisioned it: spacious and luxurious with plenty of granite in the kitchen area and Travertine in the master bath. The bedroom was separate so that it felt less like a hotel room. It was beautiful, to be sure, but I was almost too road-weary to really enjoy it. The spa beckoned.
But first we walked around the square, (I didn’t bring a jacket with me for that walk—probably should have) ducked into a couple ski stores to take the chill off, and up to the chairlift. The condo complex would be called ski-in/ski-out during ski season. Just a few steps away, the chairlift would carry people up for $16/ride during the summer. Many bikers attached their bikes to the lift and then braved the steep trails. We could have taken a ride, but it was going to close in an hour and we just didn’t want to hurry. Besides, we have gone to several mountaintops via chairlifts, and remember that hot tub? That’s what we really wanted.
Donning our swimsuits, to our delight, we found some luxurious bathrobes in our condo which came in handy to wrap ourselves in as we made our way down to the spa. There’s an advantage to going off-season. We had the pool and the hot tub all to ourselves. It was chilly, but not too chilly and we relaxed, trying to shake off the long trip. It was really refreshing.
OK, now I’m hungry. It had been about five hours since lunch and those two candy orange slices really didn’t cut it. I know, I know, I wasn’t really doing anything but riding, but it’s amazing how that can whet an appetite. At least mine.
Suddenly, we turned the corner to see a cute settlement of gingerbread houses. More houses than I remember, but of course there should be after all these years. Again, we decided not to stop, but vowed to come back later after we checked in to the condo and relaxed a bit before dinner. (The complex happened to be a couple miles up the mountain, a village called Mt. Crested Butte, right at the base of the ski resort.) We’d be back.
There are many ways to navigate to a new place. We had several choices: A GPS system for our car, my Android Smartphone with navigation, an old school map, and a printed out copy of the directions using MapQuest before we left home. We haven’t totally morphed into using the phone exclusively yet, so we relied on a hard copy printed from MapQuest directions to take us to our condo. However, it’s always good to have backup.
The condo complex looked striking from the outside as we pulled up. The lobby oozed comfort with a flickering fire dancing in the stone fireplace. (Yeah, it was a little chilly.) After explaining a somewhat complicated method for exiting the parking garage, the manager relayed the amenities the complex had to offer. We zeroed in on the hot tub. It sounded blissful after an 8-hour trek across many mountains.
The condo Tom chose was just how we envisioned it: spacious and luxurious with plenty of granite in the kitchen area and Travertine in the master bath. The bedroom was separate so that it felt less like a hotel room. It was beautiful, to be sure, but I was almost too road-weary to really enjoy it. The spa beckoned.
But first we walked around the square, (I didn’t bring a jacket with me for that walk—probably should have) ducked into a couple ski stores to take the chill off, and up to the chairlift. The condo complex would be called ski-in/ski-out during ski season. Just a few steps away, the chairlift would carry people up for $16/ride during the summer. Many bikers attached their bikes to the lift and then braved the steep trails. We could have taken a ride, but it was going to close in an hour and we just didn’t want to hurry. Besides, we have gone to several mountaintops via chairlifts, and remember that hot tub? That’s what we really wanted.
Donning our swimsuits, to our delight, we found some luxurious bathrobes in our condo which came in handy to wrap ourselves in as we made our way down to the spa. There’s an advantage to going off-season. We had the pool and the hot tub all to ourselves. It was chilly, but not too chilly and we relaxed, trying to shake off the long trip. It was really refreshing.
OK, now I’m hungry. It had been about five hours since lunch and those two candy orange slices really didn’t cut it. I know, I know, I wasn’t really doing anything but riding, but it’s amazing how that can whet an appetite. At least mine.
The sad, gray clouds finally started to leak and it was drizzling as we rolled into the tiny town of Crested Butte. Main Street looked similar to many cute mountain towns, and I was anxious to look around. The problem was, it was Sunday night, so most of the stores were closed. Fortunately, the restaurants were open and we walked the full length of Main Street and back the other side before deciding upon a Mexican Restaurant, Donita’s that looked busy. (That’s often a good indication that the food is tasty.) We asked if we could sit in the bar so that we could watch the football game. We really did want to veg. The problem with Mexican restaurants is that they bring chips and salsa to munch on and either the salsa has too much cilantro in it and is inedible to me so that I starve while waiting for my food. Or, the chips and salsa are delicious and “yes, we’d like another basket of chips, thank you” and I eat until I blow up. In this case it was the latter. I was just going to get a taco until our waiter described the special: carne asada (basically tender pulled pork in a delicious sauce) over some kind of spicy polenta. That’s what both Tom and I ordered. It was, of course, difficult to put my fork down. The bottled root beer didn’t help to ease my discomfort, indeed added to it. Why is it that we just keep eating when we know we should stop?
Due to the drizzle we chose not to spend any more time exploring the downtown area. It was chilly; we were bone-tired and just wanted to cozy up in our fabulous condo. And watch football. What? That’s another thing we have in common. Having grown up a mile away from the Big House, U of M’s storied stadium, I love the whole frenzy surrounding the home team. In addition, our son played football, so I’ve grown to love it. Now, I don’t watch every game or even every minute of the Bronco game, but when a running back breaks away and shoots down the field, I get a rush of adrenaline, too. Anyway.
The next morning we lounged a little, giving our bodies time to wake up before rushing off. One thing that our place forgot: cream for coffee. They provided a coffee pot and pouches of coffee, but no cream and sugar. No big deal, because we had planned on venturing back down into town for breakfast. I get that little (sometimes not so little) caffeine headache if I don’t have coffee every day, so we were definitely going to stop before heading back on the road.
Due to the drizzle we chose not to spend any more time exploring the downtown area. It was chilly; we were bone-tired and just wanted to cozy up in our fabulous condo. And watch football. What? That’s another thing we have in common. Having grown up a mile away from the Big House, U of M’s storied stadium, I love the whole frenzy surrounding the home team. In addition, our son played football, so I’ve grown to love it. Now, I don’t watch every game or even every minute of the Bronco game, but when a running back breaks away and shoots down the field, I get a rush of adrenaline, too. Anyway.
The next morning we lounged a little, giving our bodies time to wake up before rushing off. One thing that our place forgot: cream for coffee. They provided a coffee pot and pouches of coffee, but no cream and sugar. No big deal, because we had planned on venturing back down into town for breakfast. I get that little (sometimes not so little) caffeine headache if I don’t have coffee every day, so we were definitely going to stop before heading back on the road.
The next morning we lounged a little, giving our bodies time to wake up before rushing off. One thing that our place forgot: cream for coffee. They provided a coffee pot and pouches of coffee, but no cream and sugar. No big deal, because we had planned on venturing back down into town for breakfast. I get that little (sometimes not so little) caffeine headache if I don’t have coffee every day, so we were definitely going to stop before heading back on the road.
I had scoped out a few places the night before that were possibilities for breakfast. I love the local places. Even though the local diner we visited in Salida was a little pricey, usually local restaurants offer tasty treats at little more or equal to that of a fast food restaurant. I’d much rather eat at a cute restaurant than grab something and go. McGill’s in Crested Butte did not disappoint us. It’s located in an old building with lots of charm, and has a soda fountain to tempt anyone’s sweet tooth. However, not this time. Trying to get back on track, I was able to order exactly what I had a hankering for: poached egg with an English muffin and sliced tomatoes and the necessary delicious coffee with plenty of real half and half. All for about six bucks. Just right.
Remembering the long trip yesterday, we thought we’d better get back on the road. This time, however, I was driving and I wanted to check out Gunnison a little more closely. What I really wanted to do was to drive by the campus that I spent two years partying, I mean studying at. There was quite a bit of expansion going on, but I recognized several of the classroom buildings. Kinda fun.
We already knew that we weren’t going back exactly the same way. Since we were going back through Buena Vista, we had two or three choices. Deciding upon the mountains instead of South Park, we turned toward Hartsel and Wilkerson Pass. Again, Tom loved the scenery. Finally we got close to some familiar territory. I had a captive audience and showed him where I lived for my sophomore year in high school: another “don’t blink or you’ll miss it” town just like many we’d seen on this trip: Florissant, CO. WE talked about the wisdom of plunking a family down in such a remote area and concluded that my dad was probably a little crazy or desperate or something. Anyway, pretty soon, we rolled into Woodland Park and got out to stretch our legs. OK, maybe there was a reason Dad plunked us down into a remote mountain splendor, because during my sophomore year at Woodland Park High School I escaped my chrysalis. I had finally stretched out to handle the stocky build I had been cultivating by climbing trees, helping Dad carrying bricks and mixing mortar and eating everything in sight since I was so active. Since I was the new girl in this little school of 300, I was immediately popular, something I was not used to. In addition, I was the star in almost every sport I went out for. It was an amazing transformation. Because of the dreamy year I had in Woodland Park, it holds a special place in my heart. However, this time we weren’t there to visit. It was only a fueling up station.
I had scoped out a few places the night before that were possibilities for breakfast. I love the local places. Even though the local diner we visited in Salida was a little pricey, usually local restaurants offer tasty treats at little more or equal to that of a fast food restaurant. I’d much rather eat at a cute restaurant than grab something and go. McGill’s in Crested Butte did not disappoint us. It’s located in an old building with lots of charm, and has a soda fountain to tempt anyone’s sweet tooth. However, not this time. Trying to get back on track, I was able to order exactly what I had a hankering for: poached egg with an English muffin and sliced tomatoes and the necessary delicious coffee with plenty of real half and half. All for about six bucks. Just right.
Remembering the long trip yesterday, we thought we’d better get back on the road. This time, however, I was driving and I wanted to check out Gunnison a little more closely. What I really wanted to do was to drive by the campus that I spent two years partying, I mean studying at. There was quite a bit of expansion going on, but I recognized several of the classroom buildings. Kinda fun.
We already knew that we weren’t going back exactly the same way. Since we were going back through Buena Vista, we had two or three choices. Deciding upon the mountains instead of South Park, we turned toward Hartsel and Wilkerson Pass. Again, Tom loved the scenery. Finally we got close to some familiar territory. I had a captive audience and showed him where I lived for my sophomore year in high school: another “don’t blink or you’ll miss it” town just like many we’d seen on this trip: Florissant, CO. WE talked about the wisdom of plunking a family down in such a remote area and concluded that my dad was probably a little crazy or desperate or something. Anyway, pretty soon, we rolled into Woodland Park and got out to stretch our legs. OK, maybe there was a reason Dad plunked us down into a remote mountain splendor, because during my sophomore year at Woodland Park High School I escaped my chrysalis. I had finally stretched out to handle the stocky build I had been cultivating by climbing trees, helping Dad carrying bricks and mixing mortar and eating everything in sight since I was so active. Since I was the new girl in this little school of 300, I was immediately popular, something I was not used to. In addition, I was the star in almost every sport I went out for. It was an amazing transformation. Because of the dreamy year I had in Woodland Park, it holds a special place in my heart. However, this time we weren’t there to visit. It was only a fueling up station.
Tom could hardly believe that it was such a quick trip into Colorado Springs down Ute Pass from Woodland Park. It can be if there is no inclement weather. I’m always in awe as we pass through such gorgeous terrain. Even after over thirty years of living in Colorado. We anticipated Rush Hour and had no problems bypassing Colorado Springs, skating through at about 2:45 pm. By 3:15 we pulled into our daughter’s driveway, ready to rescue her from our mini-weenie. Or, possibly rescue him from her two dogs. Turns out, it was just as I had imagined. He did just fine; the big puppy didn’t bother him. He just regulated when the young-uns got too rowdy.
I wished that we could stay longer visiting our sweetheart, but it had been a long trip and we still had an hour and a half of driving left to accomplish. She also had appointments that evening, so we left her house at 4:00 pm. What? Right in the middle of Rush Hour? We had already discussed the problem of gridlock on I-25 north to heaven (Fort Collins). There was also a double whammy of a Monday Night Broncos Game that evening. You gotta know that when it’s possible, Tom goes for easy. Even if it’s more expensive. Weighing the time we left with the state of our tired minds and bodies, we decided to once again, cut bait, and use the C470 toll road that skirts Denver and all its traffic. It cost us $11.75, and a little more gas, but it was a small price to pay when we factored in the stop-and-go we would have certainly encountered at choice spots making our way through the snarl.
When we finally pulled in to our little slice of heaven, we probably looked a little ragged, but at least we didn’t have the clenched teeth of a stressed driver and passenger. The car was unloaded as quickly as possible. Surveying our home, the lawn was already mowed, the kitchen was clean and the plants were watered. All that was left to do was to relax and watch the game.
When we finally pulled in to our little slice of heaven, we probably looked a little ragged, but at least we didn’t have the clenched teeth of a stressed driver and passenger. The car was unloaded as quickly as possible. Surveying our home, the lawn was already mowed, the kitchen was clean and the plants were watered. All that was left to do was to relax and watch the game.
Flights Versus Road Trips
My BFF, who also happens to be my husband, and I have always loved taking on new adventures. Our preferred mode of transportation for traveling out of state is taking to the skies. That’s probably because our parents were fond of road trips. Crowded back seats or, in my case homemade campers, with no air conditioning and few bathroom breaks, cured us of subjecting our kids (and ourselves!) to grueling 10-20 hour interminable cornfield scenery. Even when faced with an 8-hour road trip east for a baseball tournament, we booked a hotel half-way. We spent the afternoon splashing in their famous lake. The next day our son was far more rested that his fellow teammates and ready to “go Yard”.
It’s all in the way you hold the bat. Many people try to perfect the way they conduct their lives by trial and error. For us, air travel for distances longer than a day’s drive just makes sense. When planning a trip we first look at the budget. At first glance a road trip looks cheaper. However, when we factor in the cost of gasoline, wear and tear on our vehicle, and the cost of snacks, drinks, and meals along the way, the money starts to pile up. Then, there are also the overnight accommodations to consider. Far more important is the wear and tear on our psyches. We always discuss whether or not the scenery we would experience along the way would warrant the time spent cooped up in the car. Usually the answer is “no”.
But that may be because we have traveled extensively. We have already seen many cornfields and deserts. Fortunately we can experience idyllic mountain panoramas, just an hour away, any time we have the urge to. And, if we have the hankering for an ocean, we want to get there as soon as possible.
Some may argue that the recommended two hour waiting period before flights is a turn-off. But for us, it’s part of the journey. We always plan to get checked in, go through security, and then go out for breakfast before we take off. Since nothing is free except a small cup of soft drink on flights, we figure we might as well relax and enjoy delicious made-to-order Eggs Benedict or Frittata Primavera. That knocks off at least an hour of waiting and we have a lovely time anticipating our vacation. Heck, it’s the perfect travel appetizer.
Once on the plane we settle in to read our Kindles/books/magazines, watch the complimentary TV that we got when we upgraded to include two free checked bags (on one airline), or slip in our ear buds to groove to our favorite tunes. Two hours fly by J and we’re there. If we were driving, we’d still be on the road, GPSing the next bathroom break.
If you do decide to take a road trip, make sure you consider your passengers. Make sure the kids have plenty to keep them occupied while they are confined. Movies can be a good choice. Also pillows are a must, since some kids drift off easily when riding. Whatever you decide to do, STOP! About every hour is a good rule of thumb. Give the kids a map and let them navigate. Give them the parameters; one hour, approximately 75 miles, or make it an even 100 miles. Ask them when the next break will be. Ask them to check out the sights coming up, so that they have some time and interest invested in the trip. This may also change the time spent between breaks. Also, give them an allowance for snacks so that they can budget their money and won’t always be asking you for treats.
Speaking of treats, it’s a good idea to bring fruit and vegetables with dip (individual guacamole or peanut butter packets, salsa, or ranch dip), in a cooler on the trip so that the junk food can be kept to a minimum. Granola or protein bars can be effective to stave off hunger. However, just because you packed a few snacks does not mean that you don’t have to stop. I remember wishing that cars came with a drinking fountain and a bathroom in them because my dad just didn’t like to stop. For him, driving the open road was the vacation. His favorite stop was a rest stop (no treats to tempt kids); for me, any stop was better than no stop. But some of those rest stops can be pretty grim. Pack some anti-bacterial lotion for those lovely rest stop facilities that don’t have soap and water.
When you have to find a hotel for the night, make sure you find one that suits you as well as your passengers. If you have kids, choose one with a pool and/or game room; that’s part of the vacation. One near a tasty restaurant will delight the cook in your family. Of course you need to keep your budget in mind, but dinner at a local home style restaurant costs about the same as fast food and is often infinitely tastier. Your family and their stomachs will thank you.
So, weigh your options. Talk to your family so that everyone feels part of the decision-making process. Remember to make the planning part of the fun. Before you know it, you’ll be taking off to your next favorite place.
It’s all in the way you hold the bat. Many people try to perfect the way they conduct their lives by trial and error. For us, air travel for distances longer than a day’s drive just makes sense. When planning a trip we first look at the budget. At first glance a road trip looks cheaper. However, when we factor in the cost of gasoline, wear and tear on our vehicle, and the cost of snacks, drinks, and meals along the way, the money starts to pile up. Then, there are also the overnight accommodations to consider. Far more important is the wear and tear on our psyches. We always discuss whether or not the scenery we would experience along the way would warrant the time spent cooped up in the car. Usually the answer is “no”.
But that may be because we have traveled extensively. We have already seen many cornfields and deserts. Fortunately we can experience idyllic mountain panoramas, just an hour away, any time we have the urge to. And, if we have the hankering for an ocean, we want to get there as soon as possible.
Some may argue that the recommended two hour waiting period before flights is a turn-off. But for us, it’s part of the journey. We always plan to get checked in, go through security, and then go out for breakfast before we take off. Since nothing is free except a small cup of soft drink on flights, we figure we might as well relax and enjoy delicious made-to-order Eggs Benedict or Frittata Primavera. That knocks off at least an hour of waiting and we have a lovely time anticipating our vacation. Heck, it’s the perfect travel appetizer.
Once on the plane we settle in to read our Kindles/books/magazines, watch the complimentary TV that we got when we upgraded to include two free checked bags (on one airline), or slip in our ear buds to groove to our favorite tunes. Two hours fly by J and we’re there. If we were driving, we’d still be on the road, GPSing the next bathroom break.
If you do decide to take a road trip, make sure you consider your passengers. Make sure the kids have plenty to keep them occupied while they are confined. Movies can be a good choice. Also pillows are a must, since some kids drift off easily when riding. Whatever you decide to do, STOP! About every hour is a good rule of thumb. Give the kids a map and let them navigate. Give them the parameters; one hour, approximately 75 miles, or make it an even 100 miles. Ask them when the next break will be. Ask them to check out the sights coming up, so that they have some time and interest invested in the trip. This may also change the time spent between breaks. Also, give them an allowance for snacks so that they can budget their money and won’t always be asking you for treats.
Speaking of treats, it’s a good idea to bring fruit and vegetables with dip (individual guacamole or peanut butter packets, salsa, or ranch dip), in a cooler on the trip so that the junk food can be kept to a minimum. Granola or protein bars can be effective to stave off hunger. However, just because you packed a few snacks does not mean that you don’t have to stop. I remember wishing that cars came with a drinking fountain and a bathroom in them because my dad just didn’t like to stop. For him, driving the open road was the vacation. His favorite stop was a rest stop (no treats to tempt kids); for me, any stop was better than no stop. But some of those rest stops can be pretty grim. Pack some anti-bacterial lotion for those lovely rest stop facilities that don’t have soap and water.
When you have to find a hotel for the night, make sure you find one that suits you as well as your passengers. If you have kids, choose one with a pool and/or game room; that’s part of the vacation. One near a tasty restaurant will delight the cook in your family. Of course you need to keep your budget in mind, but dinner at a local home style restaurant costs about the same as fast food and is often infinitely tastier. Your family and their stomachs will thank you.
So, weigh your options. Talk to your family so that everyone feels part of the decision-making process. Remember to make the planning part of the fun. Before you know it, you’ll be taking off to your next favorite place.
How to Enjoy Traveling for Work
- If you have to travel for work, make sure you streamline all of your plans so that your travel will be enjoyable or at least less stressful.
- Learn how to pack a carry-on suitcase. Roll clothing to minimize wrinkles.
- Have a stash of under three ounce liquid toiletries: lotion, cologne, shave cream, toothpaste, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, body and face wash, mouthwash, moisturizer, etc.
- If you don’t want to carry on toiletries, often complimentary shampoo, conditioner, lotion and soap are waiting for you in your hotel room. Other items are available upon request: toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, sewing kit, mouthwash and shower cap. If these are not complimentary, there is usually a gift shop in the lobby where these items can be purchased.
- Call to make sure that the hotel offers a hair dryer in your room.
- If you don’t feel chatty, bring work, a book or ear buds for your mobile device to discourage conversation.
- Make sure that you arrive two hours ahead of your flight if you’re traveling from a major airport. Even thought they tell passengers that the cutoff is 45 minutes before the flight for check in, there are always horror stories for those who try to cut it close. Here’s an example:
A woman got to the airport an hour and a half before boarding. She was not able to check in at the
terminal, but was told that she had to check in at the gate, since she was flying on a minor airline. By
the time she got through security, it was only 45 minutes before her flight. They had already given her
seat away (even though she had a seat assignment), so she took one of two that were left. Right before
boarding, she was called up and told that she had been bumped off of the flight. They said that it was
first-come, first-served, at check-in, even though she had made her reservations months before. She
answered that she saw several people come up to the gate after her, but they explained that connecting
flights always have first priority. And, there wasn’t another flight until the same time the next day,
which would have made her late for her business meeting. She ended up leaving the airport, and driving
eight hours to get to her destination on time.
- Get through security before you have a meal, snack or a drink. Then you don’t have to worry about lines.
- They charge for everything except for a small cup of soft drink on your flight. You might want to bring a snack with you or get one in the concourse before boarding.
- If you are flying to high altitudes, to avoid altitude sickness, make sure you start drinking copious amounts of water and take acetaminophen or ibuprophen as directed a couple days before your flight.
Great Travel Ideas for Your Next Anniversary
Any excuse to travel is good enough in our family, but we try to mark our anniversary every year with something special, and often it is to travel somewhere we have never visited.
Before we go we look out ahead of time for airfare deals, sometimes six months prior to our day of departure. Right after Christmas is often a good time to purchase tickets.
Then, if your sister has been pestering you to come and visit, you can combine a short visit with her and her family, (remember: fish and company start smelling bad after 2 or 3 days), with one that encompasses the local sights and spending time alone with your partner. Book a couple days at a bed and breakfast in a resort town close by.
Research activities that you both would enjoy. If that’s not possible, include activities for each person, so that no one feels slighted.
Sometimes we find a house or condo using the VRBO.com Web site that is just perfect for our needs.
If you have already been to the city you plan to travel to, mix it up and stay someplace fabulous. For example: if a visit to Vegas becomes necessary, stay at the Venetian, so that you can fantasize about Venice while you are surrounded by luxury.
Sometimes the best times are when you book a cabin in the mountains and wake up to see a 5-point elk meandering across your front lawn while you sip your morning coffee.
Before we go we look out ahead of time for airfare deals, sometimes six months prior to our day of departure. Right after Christmas is often a good time to purchase tickets.
Then, if your sister has been pestering you to come and visit, you can combine a short visit with her and her family, (remember: fish and company start smelling bad after 2 or 3 days), with one that encompasses the local sights and spending time alone with your partner. Book a couple days at a bed and breakfast in a resort town close by.
Research activities that you both would enjoy. If that’s not possible, include activities for each person, so that no one feels slighted.
Sometimes we find a house or condo using the VRBO.com Web site that is just perfect for our needs.
If you have already been to the city you plan to travel to, mix it up and stay someplace fabulous. For example: if a visit to Vegas becomes necessary, stay at the Venetian, so that you can fantasize about Venice while you are surrounded by luxury.
Sometimes the best times are when you book a cabin in the mountains and wake up to see a 5-point elk meandering across your front lawn while you sip your morning coffee.
Have the Best Anniversary Yet!
Budget
Middle of the Road
Extraordinary
- Go on a scenic bike ride. Take a picnic with you.
- Go on a hike; take your camera to record the occasion and the beautiful flowers you see.
- Go see the movie you both have been wanting to see.
- Cook dinner for each other. Snuggle up with old photo albums and reminisce.
- Go out for ice cream.
- Volunteer at your local Food Bank or homeless shelter together.
Middle of the Road
- Escape to the mountains for an overnighter. Ride the gondola to the top and revel in the natural splendor.
- Rent jet skis at your local marina.
- Go to a Broadway show.
- Go to the horse track, taking only a determined amount of money to bet with.
- Splurge on dinner at a nice restaurant. Sounds cliché, but is often just the ticket.
- Drive to the beach and spend the day doing what each other like to do: fish in the morning, shop or lay out in the afternoon, party at night.
- Go to the fair or amusement park, winning kitschy stuffed animals for each other.
Extraordinary
- Go skiing in Colorado.
- Spend the weekend in Vegas.
- Spend the weekend in San Francisco.
- Plan a trip to Mardi Gras in New Orleans or Carnival in Rio de Janeiro.
- Root for your favorite team at the stadium, ballpark or arena.
- Go see a band you have always wanted to see at a fabulous venue like Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado.
- Go ski-diving.
- Plan a relaxing vacation at a golf resort.
- Taste some wine in Napa Valley, California, Palisade, Colorado, Tuscany, Italy or anywhere in France
