Travelers Thoughts

RV travel is a great way to see the country and spend some quality time with your family. Why not take advantage of gas prices coming down and start planning a family getaway.  Traveling by RV is less stressful than other forms of travel because you can control all of the departure and arrival times since you are not at the mercy of the airlines.  Depending on your location, you can also schedule your days to include sightseeing tours, or just go out on your own and find your own adventure.

When traveling with the family it is important to find family friendly sites to hitch up overnight.  The kids can go a little stir crazy if they don’t have some social outlet.  There are many RV parks and campgrounds that are family friendly and offer amenities for entertaining the children, and therefore attract many families. RV travel is quite the social outlet for some families. When you settle into these campgrounds, it is not uncommon to meet other families whom you form lifelong friendships with.  This is a great way for the kids to have some time to play with other kids and for the parents to swap ideas about entertainment in the area and exchange other RV travel ideas.

RV travel is also very popular with retirees. After retirement, many couples choose to sell everything they own and live in their RV’s and travel the country full time.  There are Senior RV clubs that offer social gatherings all over the U.S. and Canada for those who are full time travelers, as well as the weekend warriors. It is believed by many that RV-ing is the best way to see the country and a great way for empty nesters and retirees to reconnect with their spouses, after the hustle and bustle of raising a family and working 9-5 is behind you.

While RV-ing you may chose to “camp out” in campgrounds or off the beaten path somewhere secluded.  This decision may be easy for some that don’t like to “rough it”.  RV travel incorporates a few more conveniences than traditional camping. So many people find it fun and interesting.

You can plan a theme for your trip, like antique collecting, or touring the historic sites in the northeast, or all about the Wild West and rodeos.  There are unlimited possibilities when planning an RV excursion.  Let the road and your imagination be your guide.

Vacations are becoming more expensive every day with rising fuel costs, food costs, hotel costs, just about everything is on the rise, making it more difficult for families to afford summer vacations.  The new catch phrase is “staycation” This means you stay close to home and explore the area around you.  Staycations also emphasize what vacations are all about; quality time with your family.

Depending on your location, there are probably many one tank trips you can take with your family. Do some research and find out what’s around you, within driving distance.  Even if it involves a night in a hotel, it’s still more affordable than a plane trip and a week at a hotel, meals…etc.  On a staycation you can also enjoy local things that were always out of your budget.  Again, without  the major travel costs, you can afford these little splurges, like eating at fabulous local restaurants, and taking in local theater.

Vacations are a great tiime for families to regroup after a hectic season and get to know eachother again.  Staycation-road-trips are a good way to do this.  Reconnect with you kids and enjoy local family activities together. There are probably numerous sightseeing opportunities that are overlooked due to busy schedules. Exploring your surroundings together will create just as many memories as visiting the mouse in Florida.

Be certain, no matter what you plan for your staycation travels, that you  DO NOT just stay at home.  When you are at home with unlimited free time, it is easy to fall into the trap of completing all the little projects that don’t get done throughout the year.  Leave the house daily as if you were out of town.  The cluttered closets, the piles of laundry, the dirty grout lines will all have to wait.  Don’t let the daily chores ruin your vacation, because you chose to make it a staycation. Plan your daily activities in advance the way you would on any other vacation.

There are parks and picnics and museums and history all around you.  Enjoy your local resources and most of all enjoy some relaxation with your family.

Now, as for Sundays, as far as I can tell, the hotel and other rentals definitely begin reducing their prices a ‘little bit‘. Depending on your desired location and the hotel or whatever accommodations you have chosen, that ‘little bit’ can be equal to anything from a dinner out to a gallon of gas. As a matter of fact, recently when I was checking prices to stay in Savannah in the near future, some hotels were even offering gas cards in amounts of anywhere from $25 to $50 depending on your length of stay — and that was for either a two-night stay or a three-night stay. Now that’s incentive enough for me to go. How can you beat it? I believe with gas prices being what they are right now, incentive gas cards are a common practice in quite a few places across the nation.

I think also, the business travelers are frequent Sunday through Thursday travelers and many hotels are reasonably quiet during those days. The kids are most likely in school, the moms and dads and everyone else is working, so you can enjoy some adult time around the pool, if that interests you or in the jacuzzi. No need to be an old meany and chase the children out of the adult areas or quietly mention it to the hotel managers.

Yep. Business travelers and retirees. Good rates. And now that I am a retiree and living on a limited budget, my few travel excursions will definitely have to be planned when I can get the best deals. Although there are also discounts offered to senior citizens in many hotels, be sure you cross-check the rates with other discount opportunities. You might just find that your AAA membership card will get you the same rate, if not better.

In addition to finding good deals during the Sunday through Thursday travel times, you are going to find that the museums and botanical gardens and day tours and things like that are less crowded. The lines will be shorter wherever you go, the restaurants won’t be quite as crowded (and neither will the bathrooms). The guided sight-seeing tours might even seem to be a little more informative if you can actually hear the narrator.

Avoiding the traffic can be another plus if you are driving to your destination during the weekdays. If you live in a large city, there is no doubt that at some time you have witnessed the interstates crammed with cars because people are trying to get out of the city for the weekend every Friday. Conversely, returning to the city on Sunday afternoons, you are going to be sitting at a dead stop for long, long stretches of the interstate as everyone tries to return home again for that Monday work day. It is even worse on holiday weekends.

Since my work week has been reduced to part-time and occasional work, I am free to travel whenever and wherever I can afford to go. And since nothing makes me happier or more excited than visiting a new place and experiencing all that it has to offer, I will definitely be doing a lot more of that in the upcoming future while taking advantage of every little bargain I can find along the way.

One of the best ways to get away and still maintain a reasonable travel budget is often one of those all-inclusive trips. If you are patient and spend some time online, you can find deals that offer airfare and hotel rooms as well as your food and drinks. They don’t require a travel agent and you can book them yourself. The drawback to an all-inclusive vacation is that since everything is provided for you, you may not partake in many of the sights and sounds of the location. You may not do much more than just relax at the hotel. But a really good vacation does not mean you have to take in every single thing the area has to offer. Sometimes what you need the most is the rest and relaxation that you most likely will not get if you just stay home for your vacation.

Cruises are a great example of all-inclusive travel. They also are one price. Food, lodging and entertainment are all a part of the package. Some of the best parenting advice I have received was to take a cruise, it is perfect for kids. Make up your mind to cut down on the souvenirs for all of your family and friends when you reach the various ports, and a cruise will get you out of the house and take you to destinations that would be difficult to reach in any other way. You get to choose the length of time you want to be away. You get to choose from a variety of destination stops. You get to choose how active or inactive you feel like being. You also can book your cruise online. No travel agent necessary.

Now you need to remember that travel agents are in the business to know about the flights and hotels and sights and restaurants. They can be an incredible help with just basic information about the area. Most travel agents travel often. They usually know about the best deals available whether it is the best airfare or the best hotel rates. They can advise you if your vacation destination is a family friendly destination or probably more of a singles destination with singles activities available. If you don’t know exactly where you would like to go but you have a definite dollar amount that you want to spend, travel agents can suggest something that may just fit your budget and it may be some place that you would never have thought of.

If you have the flexibility to travel on the spur of the moment, airlines and hotels have some great last minute deals available. You never know when they are dealing with cancellations that could result in the perfect travel experience for you. The flight alone may be so inexpensive that you can afford a much more luxurious hotel or possibly take advantage of some particular sight-seeing adventure that you wouldn’t otherwise splurge on.

Even if your travel budget limits you to packing up the car and driving to your getaway, that in itself can be a vacation to remember. You could just fill up the tank and see how far it takes you, though I would not advise that during a holiday. You can stop along the way and buy some of the local wines or produce from the area. Stick to the hotel chains you recognize and that pride themselves on quality guest services if you have not made reservations for this trip. After traveling for hours in a car, you will definitely want to land in a place that has good beds and pillows and a place where you can get the rest you need to continue your trip.

In whatever manner is most appropriate for you, do take that vacation. Travel by boat or plane or automobile, but do yourself a favor — get out there and travel.

The first thing you need to start with is, of course, your budget. If keeping within the guidelines of a budget is not a priority for you then that’s just great! But for most of us, a budget is a necessity. You need to decide if you will be planning just a long extended weekend, a week or two, or longer. Believe me, even a long weekend can get you to that nirvanic state of relaxation that you need so badly and you can throw in some fun along with it.

Do your homework. Traveling on a budget can be reasonably easy if you get as much information as you can before you leave home. You can go online and plan your destination from the cost of the accommodations to trolly/tram/bus schedules to entry fees for the local sight-seeing excursions. If your budget is really limited, you may consider looking for accommodations that have a kitchenette so that you can keep cold beverages on hand or snacks or even those easily prepared meals. The difference in the price of a hotel room or efficiency with a kitchen will be made up in the cost of having to eat every meal out or paying upwards of $2.50 a piece even for basics like bottled water. And don’t forget, often traveling the week after a holiday can pare your expenses down a bit. If you are serious, you can find those travel deals out there.

Have you considered sharing accommodations with a few of those best friends of yours that are planning a vacation on a budget also? Depending on the destination, there are rental villas and apartments or condominiums available in most fair sized cities. You would not necessarily have to share every minute of your time with them — just possibly share the cost of that villa or condo. Sometimes hotels and some resorts will offer you a great deal if you book a block of rooms just as if you are handling a planned group travel vacation. Actually, that would be a planned group vacation.

Travel agents have a wealth of information available to you. They are ‘in the know’ when it comes to the best places to stay and the best places to eat and the best times to visit that destination you have in mind. If you are traveling with the children, a good travel agent can give you suggestions regarding entertainment and things of interest for the kids. They can also advise you if the destination you are considering is going to be a kid-friendly kind of place or a place primarily for adults with things of interest that no child of yours could or would enjoy.

When traveling anywhere, always, always plan ahead for medical expenses and basic unplanned costs. Check out the medical care available just in case the unforeseen becomes ‘the scene’. I cannot imagine anything more frightening than to have a sick or injured child when you are traveling and then to find out the nearest medical help is an hour away. Be sure you know if there is reasonable medical care in the vicinity and be sure you know how you would handle the expense. Most hotels and resorts have the basic emergency supplies but you should also plan to take your own travel emergency kit and pack it light, but pack it well.

The bottom line to this kind of traveling is plan, plan, plan. You and your family will have a terrific time if you have been thorough and haven’t overlooked any of those important details. So now it’s time for you to get started. Computer on. Browser up…clickety click click.

1. First consideration is finances (for most of us). Will it meet your budget guidelines? And if it won’t, should you wait a while until you can afford it or choose a different destination. If you really, really need a break from the daily routine, then find a different location, maybe a little closer to where you live or where the cost of the accommodations is more budget friendly. You can save up and go to that dreamland destination next year. And always plan to have with you enough money or the financial ability to properly handle any unexpected situations that may occur.

2. How will you be traveling? If you are driving, you just need to plan those gas stops and combine them with bathroom stops. I always like to take snack foods when I travel by car. Some grapes, a couple apples, a few bananas and some cheesy crackers will get me a long way before I think I have to stop for a meal. I also like books on cd.

If you are traveling by air or rail, you will get the best rates if you plan several months ahead. Each of those methods are really easier and faster than driving and good planning is what will make for a great trip.

3. Now, who will be looking after your house and your pets. If you have the right sitter in mind, you can almost start breathing easy once those plans are in place. Always have a back up plan for Fido and Fluffy ’just in case’ the sitter runs into some kind problems. It would be a drag to have to cut your trip short to get back to your furry family members.

4. Accommodations can make or break even an otherwise well planned vacation. Be sure that the hotel where you will be staying doesn’t just happen to be resurfacing their pool or under some other kind of construction that will effect your stay there. There is not a ’good deal’ good enough for your accommodations to not be comfortable and quiet when you need to relax and get a good night’s sleep. Also, make sure your hotel is located conveniently to those sights you are there to see as well as restaurants and shopping.

5. Packing is important. Here is the tip of a lifetime - PACK LIGHT. Take as few bags as possible. Take clothes that you can layer and mix and match and take two pair of comfortable shoes. Leave your good jewelry at home. Be sure you have your insurance cards, driver’s license, passport if needed and your medications.

6. Keep a check list and go over it frequently. Be sure you have everything covered several days prior to your departure. That way, you have some breathing room to handle the little last minute things that might present themselves.

7. Loosen up. Getting a break from your job and daily routine is reward enough, so don’t get so up tight in your planning that you need a vacation before your vacation. And while you are away, try at least one thing you’ve never tried before. It could be a new food, learning a new sport or just a new dance. Come home renewed with something new to add to your old world.

8. Working vacation? If you can work remotely, on the internet, you can potentially work from the road for smaller vacations and not lose any income. This affords you to take more frequent trips. Cheap laptops are great for travel, don’t have to worry if anything happens to them. If I will work for 2-3 hours most days, it’s like I was not “off work”, so I can travel 6-10 times a year without counting it as vacation time.

Most experienced travelers, at least the ones that are not independently wealthy who can afford to have their manservant travel with them, will always suggest that you pack as few bags as you think you possibly can, then divide those things in half and repack.

Choosing the right suitcase is of utmost importance. The bag must be made very well, but it doesn’t have to have that ever-so-chic designer label on it. It need not cost a fortune either. The bag is going to get banged up and beat up, so do not take that 200 year old steamer trunk your great, great, great grandparents used to come over from Ireland. It’s a little heavier than you need anyway, it probably doesn’t have wheels and you won‘t be taking every belonging you own like they did — hopefully.

Everyone in the world seems to travel with a black bag(s). I used to think it was just a hoot that my mother would always crochet a bright red or orange pompom and attach to each of her bags when she would come for a visit. Turns out she knew exactly what she was doing. When those bags went round and round on the luggage conveyor, we all could spot hers immediately. We were all reasonably embarrassed too, but the lady had a good plan. So when you choose the piece(s) of luggage you are taking, make sure they stand out from the other hundreds that are going on the plane — or boat or train of whatever. Choose a color that will embarrass anyone under twenty. Hot pink might be good or my personal favorite, day-glow green. Just make sure you can recognize your bags easily.

What you put in that luggage is definitely important. Extremely comfortable shoes are a must. And take two pair of them so you can wear one pair one day and another pair the next. Your feet will thank you. You can pack one pair of shoes for those more formal occasions if you are planning any.

Those clothes you have chosen to take, are they comfortable enough to sleep in? That seems to be my only criteria as far as clothing. Take what you want, just make sure your travel wear is comfortable, make sure you have layers, make sure you carry colors that can be mixed and matched (blacks and tans go with most anything) and make sure you can wear those pants with several tops and vice versa.

Leave your most precious jewelry at home. The end. No more discussion. Take along the pieces that won’t make you appear to be a flashy, trendy tourist. Take those simple pieces that will go with almost anything you wear. If your bags get lost, that rare ruby pendant that Aunt Sadie got from the Maharaja of Menamoomoo will be tucked away at home in your safe deposit box.

So I think that should help out a bit. And when you arrive at that exotic location and find that there are no elevators and it is seventy-eight steps to your room and no bellman, you will be glad you gave some thought to these things. You’ll have me to thank that you only have ONE light bag, that is has some defining element to its appearance, and, of course, that it has wheels.