I’d like to apologize to anyone who sat near me in Rows 16 or 17 last week. You know who you are. You are the ones who heard my little dog, Sticky, yip and moan and wheeze theatrically. For six hours. All the way from New York to California. And back.
more about: travel
What Are Your Houseguest Pet Peeves?
Week before last my parents and I visited my sister on the West coast. It was nice to take a break and see my family, and it was extra special because we were celebrating my sister’s graduation.
All three of us stayed at my sister’s house which she shares with two other students–effectively doubling the number of people in residence. I know we all tried to be good houseguests, but I’m sure that by the time we left my sister’s roommates (and maybe even my sister) were glad to see us go.
Saving on Your Family’s Summer Vacation
Half of Americans are planning a vacation this summer, according to a recent survey of 2,000 adults conducted by American Express . Respondents plan to spend an average of $1,000 per person on summer travel, and 89 percent will stay in the U.S. More than half plan to take their getaway with family. Some 80 percent of respondents say they have a strategy to reduce the cost of their summer vacations; the most popular is driving instead of flying to their destination. Here are a few of ideas I’ve found to save on family travel.
Hyperopics and the All-Inclusive Vacation
I just got back from six days in the Dominican Republic with my husband and three kids. It was the first time we stayed at an all-inclusive resort, and I learned some important lessons about happiness – specifically for hyperopic people like myself. Hyperopia is an excess of far-sightedness. Hyperopics tend to think too much about the future, and save like crazy for retirement and college. “Carpe diem” isn’t in our vocabulary.
Treat Yourself
Once in a while a girl has got to pamper herself. What better time than late in the year, as the impending holiday craziness looms near!
On my recent trip to Napa, I paid a visit to the Spa Villagio at the Vintage Estate in Yountville, and I can say that it was – hands down – the best spa experience I’ve ever had.
A European Vacation (without the European Price Tag)
Last week, I went on the best vacation I’ve had in years. I spent four days and five nights ignoring emails, voicemail, and all work-related thoughts. I stayed in a beautiful French Country-style Inn, slept in a plush king-sized bed in a room with a fireplace and terrace, enjoyed luxurious spa treatments and Swiss-style showers, ate ridiculously good Italian and French food, and drove through the countryside visiting gorgeous vineyards and drinking the delicious product of local winemakers.
No, I didn’t just win the lottery.
I also didn’t take a long and pricey trans-Atlantic flight to Provence or Tuscany, or stay with close personal friends who own a Chateaux (none of my friends own a Chateaux, sadly). I simply planned and saved, then took myself on a blissful trip to the Napa Valley – right here in the USA. Why blog about it? Because I’m always writing here about Holidays and Celebrations, and I want to encourage my readers to actually take a holiday and celebrate something. I’m always asking friends about their travels – where they stayed, what they ate – so that when I finally take a trip to that place, I’ll be in the know. So here you go…
