Choose Your Own Adventure

Every great adventure begins with a spark. A spark that ignites the desire to travel.  It might be some upcoming time off, wanting to go some place new, or just wanting to get the heck out of Dodge.  Don't let excuses get in your way.  As the great Ferris Bueller said (millions of times in theaters, on videos, T.V.s,  YouTube, etc.), "Life moves pretty fast.  If you don't stop and look around once and awhile, you could miss it."  

The spark happened for a reason.  Don't let that little guy burn out, so start planning! education

First things first, I think about what caused the spark.  Was it an image in a magazine, stories from a friend's recent trip, something seen on social media, getting sick of the weather, or did I walk past my map?  These questions narrow my scope for figuring out where to go, and why I'm going.  Personally, I have a goal to hit all 7 continents, and as many countries as possible, before I enter those pearly gates (or that raging inferno, TBD). For those of you who have never been to my house, I have a giant magnetic World Map.  In my planning phase, I often look at the map to see where I've been before (and wish to return), or find an empty spot in need of a magnetic pin.  Then let the games begin!

In this phase, I have a series of games I like to play when planning.  They include figuring out budgets, searches, deal detections, agendas, food, lodging, transportation, and any others that come to mind. 

I don't know about you, but I don't have a Money Tree planted in my backyard (darn it).  I usually start by giving my bank statement a once or twice over, and give myself a budget.  Of course, I usually blow the budget a bit (but I know this about myself), so I set a budget window.  And yes, this teacher gives herself gold stars for staying in, or under, budget.  We all need a little incentive from time to time.  Then I hit the travel sites and apps to look for hot deals.  Some of my personal favorites are Kayak, Travel Pirates, BringFido, AAA, Trip Advisor, and Costco Travel (you're welcome for the free advertising).  If you have any great places to search, please email them to me.  I'm always looking for new ways to save.  

I like to get as many travel pieces set in advance, as possible.  This helps me start putting my fabulous travel puzzle together.  Which in turn, gives me more time to enjoy, when I'm on my trip.  Things like where I'm going (duh), how I'm getting there and back, what transportation will be used while on said trip, activities, restaurants, places to see, what to pack, etc.  Sites and apps are extremely helpful with this piece of the process. Also, using a search engine to type in "top 20 things to do in...," works like a charm.  

When I play my "Travel Game," I like to strategize.  How can I streamline my planning?  Am I going alone, or with travel companions?  If with others, can we divide and conquer on our travel planning tasks?  What is my goal for this expedition?  Honestly for me, it usually boils down to adventure, and relaxation.  I like to do a pattern of relax, adventure, relax, adventure, relax.  This way, I never get home too exhausted, or without a ton of  entertaining experiences.  

Once the strategy is in place, things can get done quickly (time is money people).

Once I'm in my travel planning phase, I start to tell people about my upcoming voyage.  This makes it harder for me to back out.  Accountability people, it's important.  Plus, the more I talk about it, the more excited I get about the trip.  It's hard for me to leave my inner travel bug hanging after talking up a trip (call it personal peer-pressure).

Once I've gone through my various games and travel bragging  period (if I haven't done so already), I click on "Purchase."  For me, that's one of the best feelings in the world!  However, on my tour of the U.S. I'll be doing things very differently.  Call it an experiment in personal growth.  Normally a planner, my next trip is loosely framed.  

This is what I have so far:

Transportation: Jeep

Lodging: Various friends' places, dog-friendly hotels and AirB&Bs

Food: Yelp, Open Table (again, you're welcome for the free advertising), and recommendations from locals

Travel Companion: Titus, and anyone who wants to join me for a part of the trip (serial killers need not apply)

Packing: As little as I can bare (future photos to come for visual aids)

Activities: Where do I begin?

And Where I'm Going: The open road

Will this temerity drive me mad?  You will just have to watch and see.

If   you  are  flying  the  friendly  skies, sailing  on  The  Love  Boat,  or  taking  The  Orient  Express,  there  are  very  explicit rules  and  regulations on  what  you  can  pack,  and  what  you  can  have  on  your  person (We will get to car packing later).  Remember your current driver's license, Real ID, passport, tickets, visa, immunization documentation, and your first born child. These are just some of the items you may need to prove who you are, and what your intentions are with someone’s son or daughter, wait, no, I  mean your travel plans.   Also,  remember  to  double  check  purses  and  briefcases for  any  restricted  items. I  can’t  tell  you  how  many  times  I  have  fought  with  TSA  agents about  my  Swiss  Army  knife,  and  what  to  do  with  it  (it  was  a  gift  from  my  mom  when  I  turned  16,  thus  starting the "safety  girl" traveler in me, and will never be parted with.  Thanks  Mom!).  Plus, it helps you get through security much more quickly. 

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