UNPREPARED - ENCOURAGEMENT
Traveling
by Marcy Lytle
I decided to go ahead and tackle this topic, even though my traveling adventures with Jon are over. We learned a lot as we got older about where to go, how to prepare, and all the fun there was to be had…and I’m trying to continue on…without him.
Traveling can be expensive, sometimes we don’t know where to go, and packing and all the things might feel like too much. However, there are ways to still go and enjoy when the kids are gone, and you’ve got the will and the want to see and do!
Where to go:
Lot of my friends take cruises. If that’s your thing, go for it. The ones who like cruises seem to take several of them. I hear it’s good for those that don’t want to really plan your own trip, and it’s scheduled for you, the food, and the fun. But if you’re like me, you enjoy the planning as much as the going (well, almost.) It’s fun to hit the highlights of each state, like Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone, Las Vegas, etc. Every state has something worth seeing…even Iowa and Wisconsin (much to the amazement of some of our friends from those states!)
After we visited all 50 states, we then started booking our stays in the charming towns of America. There are so many lists, and we honestly have enjoyed every single one of the places we have gone. We have visited Galena, Illinois and Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania – which were two of our favorites.
We pick a place from the list (lots of them available on line), and we then see what there is to do and see: museums, eateries, scenic routes, cool squares or downtowns, hike, tours, etc. And then we look for small towns within driving distance if we need more to do. We find a quaint place to stay. And we go. It’s great fun.
How to save:
We have a credit card that gives us travel miles. Each trip we take those miles often covered the airfare and rental car! This was awesome. I still use it. And I’m still going. We also look at airfare in advance and try to travel in the off-season. Never during spring break or summer or holidays, but rather we go right after school begins or just before spring break. Airfares are lower in the off-season. We often stop at a store to purchase food for breakfast and snacks, and really only eat out a couple times a day and we share! Yes, sometimes we don’t agree on what to order…but we learned over time to take turns choosing.
If the budget doesn’t allow for airfare, then choose road trips. Those can be some of the best trips to enjoy! Pick a route, pack your food, and go away and return the same day…or book a couple of nights in a hotel or Airbnb. Don’t pick the “usual” towns that everyone else frequents. Pick the small towns with character, with unique and odd things to see, and restaurant dives that people talk about on line. Use the internet to find the ghost towns in your area, and explore!
Packing:
You either love this job, or hate it. I love the packing but don’t care for the unpacking, because that means the fun is over! I have tried so many packing cubes and ways to roll my clothes, etc. but I have recently returned to this: Laying outfits flat back and forth in the suitcase. That seems to be the best for me! I put together outfits (shoes, accessories, clothes) and snap photos before I go, so that getting dressed each day is easy. We tried the carryon-luggage only route and didn’t like it. It rained where we went and we’d only brought one jacket. We were miserable. We just save for the extra funds to check our baggage. I know, that’s not popular. And even though our luggage was heavy, we helped each other lift as needed, so no backs were broken.
Older concerns:
If you have ear pressure problems, like I do, try earplanes. They work!
If your legs hurt you while flying, either wear compression socks (have not done this, but I have friends who have) or just make sure you move your legs and walk as much as possible.
Arrive a bit earlier at the airport, just in case.
Make sure to check your layover times, so there is no more sprinting across airports on your agenda.
Schedule down time while you’re out, for resting, so that no arguments ensue because of tiredness.
Continue to choose healthy options when you travel, make it a part of life. And share the desserts.
Drink lots of water. Lots of water. Lots of water.
Consider air tags, if you lose your phones or just want that added assurance.
Send your kids or friends your itinerary, so they know where you are.
There are so many other things I could write about, but basically just keep going as you can, enjoy the journey, and don’t bicker. Snapping at each other ruins fun, and we have to offer each other grace…at any age.