#2013Goal

If you follow my Facebook page you may have noticed that lately I have been using the hashtag #2013goal. A few people have emailed me about this so let me explain.

At the beginning of 2013, I challenged myself to take advantage of every 3 day weekend.  You see, I only get 20 days’ worth of vacation time during the year (GASP!) and that is not nearly enough time to go all of the places I want to go and see all of the things I want to see. So, in order to maximize my vacation time, I'm wrapping most of my travel for the year around long weekends. 

Now, in doing this there are a few things I need to keep in mind: 

First: Depending on the destination, airfare may be a little more expensive than what I would typically want to pay. Not only will airfare be more expensive, but lodging will also be more expensive over a holiday weekend. 

 

Solution: I am planning travel to some destinations during what is considered "low season". For instance, President's Day weekend (February) I am headed to Istanbul, Turkey. This is certainly the off season for Istanbul and the weather is not idea; but because of this, I was able to purchase airfare for less than half the price of going during high season.

Another possible problem I might incur traveling during the offseason is that attractions may be closed. Some hotels, museums, restaurants, etc. schedule routine maintenance during the low season, or close their doors entirely so that employees can go on holiday themselves. Research will be key in order for this to work. I don't want to head to a destination only to find out that the one thing I really wanted to do or see is closed for renovations!

Second: Destinations may be more crowded than usual over holiday weekends. I’m not naïve enough to think I am the only person looking to maximize vacations by combining 3 day weekends and vacation time. I am sure that lots of people look to escape for long weekends, even if it’s to domestic destinations close to home.

Solution: Travel to off the grid destinations. This is when I get really excited and begin to explore some lesser known destinations such as Cartagena, Colombia or Punta Mita, Mexico or how about Bocas del Toro, Panama?

My last challenge traveling over long weekends is the fact that holiday weekends also seem to be popular for various types of festivals, especially in the Caribbean. Example, I was thinking about heading to Aruba for the Memorial Day weekend (May); however I realized there will be a large music festival on the island during that time. These festivals only add to my first and second challenge (expensive airfare/hotel costs and crowding).

Solution: If it happens to be a festival I’m interested in attending, I will use my first rule of travel: PLAN EARLY. Some festivals offer early bird festival tickets and discounted hotel rates to those who commit early, so I will take advantage of these savings. If it’s a festival I have no interest in, I will avoid the destination during this period and look for alternatives. Once again, research will be important to make sure I’m not hit with any surprise events.

So there is the meaning of the hastag #2013.  Do I have all of my 3 day weekends planned yet?  YEP - all but one, Memorial Day is still open.  But I don't think it will take me long to nail down a beautiful beach to lounge around!

Do you have any 2013 travel goals?  Of course you do!  Feel free to share with me.  Be sure and use the hashtag #2013goal so that everyone can cheer you on!

Oh, the Places You'll Go!

For Christmas, I gave a friend of mine a book for his son. Not just any book, but my absolute favorite children's book: Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss.

Congratulations!

Today is your day.

You're off to Great Places!

You're off and away!

I have loved this book since I begin reading it to my own children when they were toddlers. Even now, as an adult, I often read this book to myself as a reminder that I can do anything, go anywhere and see anything I put my mind to.

You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes

You can steer yourself

any direction you choose.

You're on your own. And you know what you know.

And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go.

You see, for many years I talked myself out of living my travel dreams. Making excuses such as I can’t afford it or that traveling to faraway places alone is not safe.

You will come to a place where the streets are not marked.

Some windows are lighted. But mostly they're dark.

A place you could sprain both your elbow and chin!

Do you dare to stay out? Do you dare to go in?

How much can you lose? How much can you win?

I would say that I can't leave my kids and I can't take them with me. Or that being away from them for a week is simply irresponsible and unacceptable. So I settled into the life of "normalcy" that consisted of work, come home, be Mom, repeat; but secretly yearning for far away places and trying to figure out how to fill the void that is created when you put your hopes on the back burner.

You can get so confused

that you'll start in to race

down long wiggled roads at a break-necking pace

and grind on for miles across weirdish wild space,

headed, I fear, toward a most useless place.

The Waiting Place...

One day, after a routine doctor's visit, I found myself in the intensive care unit of my local hospital. The doctors were saying things like "stroke" and "bleeding on the brain". They were asking me questions such as "what has you so stressed out?"

NO!

That's not for you!

I spent a week in that hospital bed. It was there that I decided that I would no longer simply be who society expected me to be. That I would no longer live my life by the standards of others. I decided that life is to be lived and I deserved to live it on my own terms, in my own way. I made some life changing decisions that put me in a better position to do the things that made me happy. Things that filled the void and released the stress. I stopped making excuses.

With banner flip-flapping,

once more you'll ride high!

Ready for anything under the sky.

Ready because you're that kind of a guy!

So now when I get discouraged and the naysayers begin to naysay, I simply remember Dr. Seuss and I can almost hear him say:

And will you succeed?

Yes! You will, indeed!

(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)

KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!

So...

be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray

or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O'Shea,

you're off to Great Places!

Today is your day!

Your mountain is waiting.

So...get on your way!

For the full text of Oh, the Places You'll Go! click here.

As I Grow

As 2012 quickly comes to a close, I have been spending some time reflecting on my year in travel and I must say - I'm quite pleased.  Not only did I travel to most of my targeted destinations for the year (although I did fall short with my US destination list), I found a way to slip in an unexpected trip to Paris!

But, what I’m most pleased with is how much I have grown as a traveler.  For instance, I use to go for long weekend trips to beautiful places and lay around the beach for the majority of my time.  But now I plan longer trips and while I still spend a lot of my time on the beach, I make sure I find time to explore my destination.  I now take the time to get to know the people, the culture, sample the food, etc.

I have also broadened my travel horizons.  While I still prefer beautiful beach destinations, I am planning trips in 2013 to non-beach destinations such as Madrid/Barcelona (Spain), Siem Reap (Cambodia) and Bangkok (Thailand).  OK, I can’t fool you guys, OF COURSE I will hit up some of the best beaches while traveling.  Ibiza while in Spain and Phuket while in Thailand.  It would be a shame not to.

And while my travel year ended in a bit of disappointment (I should be writing to you from Hong Kong) I look back over the past 12 months and I can't help but smile when I think about the new friends I've made and the adventures I experienced.   I've learned new ways of doing things and opened my mind to new ways of thinking.  For the first time, in a long time, I'm excited about the New Year and all the things a New Year brings:  new people, new destinations, new adventures.

Enjoy the journey everyone and as always - SAVE TRAVELS!

2 Girls & a Bikini

View my year in pictures by clicking here.

I Did it My Way

How I Afford To Travel


If you follow my blog you know that I am a huge fan of everything Quintana Roo, especially the town of Playa del Carmen, and the islands of Isla Mujeres and Cozumel.  Yes, I have visited these destinations frequently and have done most (certainly not all) of the touristy things to do.  One of my absolute favorite things to do in this area is snorkeling at the Underwater Museum and the Mesoamerica Reef, which is the largest reef in the Western hemisphere.  I love the vibrant underwater life around both of these spots and typically this is my choice activity.  Which is why on my latest trip to Playa del Carmen, I decided to do something I had never done before.  I decided to head over to Cozumel, walk right pass all of the snorkel tours, rent a scooter and take a self-guided tour of the island.

If you aren't familiar with this area, Cozumel is the largest inhabited island in Mexico and is a quick ferry ride (about 45 minutes) from Playa del Carmen.  With a population a little over 100,000 in 2011 and a year round temperature right around 80 degrees, Cozumel has become one of the most important tourist destinations in Mexico.  But enough of that.  Let's talk about my day!

I arrived on the island a little later than planned due to hanging out a little later than planned the night before, but I still had plenty of time to explore.  To save a bit of time, I rented a scooter from the vendor on the ferry ride over.  This was probably more expensive than negotiating a rate with a vendor on the pier, but the price was still much less than I anticipated - $35 for the entire day, including full coverage insurance. 

The vendor gave me a map of the island but there were a few things that I already knew I wanted to see, such as Celarain Lighthouse located on southernmost part of the island inside a park called Parque Punta Sur and at least one of the Mayan Ruin sites.  I set off on my plan to circle the entire 30 mile long island, but it didn’t take long to find something that peeked my interest - a military base with  a circa WW II fighter plane at the gate. Rumor has it that during WWII, this division of the Mexican Expeditionary Air Force was assigned to an Air Force unit based in Luzon (Philippines).  These pilots, who called themselves the Aztec Eagles, participated in more than 90 combat missions, totaling more than 1,900 hours of flight time in support of U.S. and Filipino troops*.  Interesting right? 

I pushed on and ran across a lighthouse located inside of a busy marina.  I walked around taking pictures and watching as the workers of the marina smiled and carried on with their day.  There is also a large residence inside of the marina that looks abandoned.  This was one of two lighthouses that I saw during my journey.  The other was located on a dock.  Neither was open to walk up.

I continued my self-guided tour of the island.  The scenery was breathtaking as I passed beach after beach (there are close to 40 official and unofficial beaches total).  The crystal clear water continued to call my name and I had ignored it long enough.  I simply had to stop for a sun break, and some lunch.
Because someone had recommended Playa Mia Beach Club, this is where I headed.  I didn’t realize there would be an admission fee, but I sucked it up and paid.  Playa Mia is very commercial and I found out later, a popular tour for cruise ship passengers.  Luckily for me, there were no ships in port and I had the beach practically to myself.  I lounged around for most of the afternoon, enjoying the sun and the quiet. 

I left Playa Mia and made stops at a few secluded beaches, watching the sunset along the way.   Needless to say, I never made it to Celarain Lighthouse or the ruins, but I had no regrets.  Cozumel had impressed me and I knew I would be back.  Sooner rather than later.

*courtesy of World of Warplanes

For more pictures of my day, please click here!

How I Afford to Travel

The other day a friend of mine sent me a text asking if I wanted to go to dinner on Saturday night.  I responded with “Sorry, I’m in Mexico” in which she responded “Must be nice”.  I stared at the screen annoyed for a few minutes.  I couldn’t quite put my finger on why her message was bothering me so much.  And then it hit me:  I invited this friend to come to Mexico with me over a year ago and she said she could not afford it.

Don’t get me wrong, I totally understand that there is a recession and that people are having financial difficulties.  However, in the case of this friend, every time I see her she is wearing designer clothing from head to toe, she is carrying the latest “it bag” and her hair/nails are freshly done.  Which brings me to the point of this blog:  I don’t question your priorities, please don’t “must be nice” mine.

Whew, feels good to get that off my chest.

Now that we are past that, let’s talk about the question I get asked most frequently – “how do you afford to travel?” and the answer is simple - I plan for it.  What does that mean?  It means that I do what I have to do in order to travel the way I want to travel.  This includes:

·       Budget – we have talked about this before.  I have a yearly travel budget.  I sit down at the beginning of each year and map out where I want to travel that year and when.  I then spend some time pricing flight options, hotels, etc. so that I have an idea of what each trip will cost.  I also give myself a cushion for other things I might want to do.  For instance, if I’m going to Australia I know that I will be snorkeling and other water related activities.  If I’m going to Paris, I know I will be doing some shopping.  Add it all up, and I now have my yearly travel budget.   

·        Separate Account – I have a set amount, which was determined based on my travel budget, direct deposited into my travel account each pay period.  I also have certain reimbursements, such as my Flexible Spending Account, sent directly into my travel account.  I use this account only for travel related items such as plane tickets, hotel reservations, and spending cash while traveling.

·     Cut the Fat – I have cut out things in order to save money.  For instance, outside of a regular trim and a deep condition I do not have my hair professionally done, I do my own manicure and pedicure using professional tools that I purchase from a wholesale website, I do not have cable TV and I take public transportation every chance I get to save on gas, parking, etc.

The most important thing I do:

·        Plan in Advance and Remain Flexible – since I know early in the year where I want to go, I set up airfare alerts in order to receive emails when fares to my destinations are dropping.  Most travel websites have this feature, I use Airfare Watchdog, but I do not depend on these websites to find me the best fare.  I randomly check airfare for my destinations, using different departure and return dates.  I also try and purchase my tickets at least 6 months in advance using a site that has a price guarantee so that if the price does drop I will receive a refund.

And there you have my answer to the question “How do you Afford to Travel”.  Of course, there are other things that help such as having points and friends that work for airlines and in the hotel industry; but for the most part, I stick to my budget and never loose site of what is important to me.

How do you save to travel?

IT'S A PARTY, IT'S A PARTY, IT'S A PAR-TAY!

When I first started my Facebook travel page and blog, there were a few travel bloggers that I was immediately drawn too.  Something about their online “spirit” and passion for travel spoke to me and I knew that one day our paths would cross!  One of those individuals was Tracey Friley, AKA One Brown Girl, and creator of The Passport Party Project.  Tracey inspired me, so when I saw her post about The Passport Party Project coming to Chicago, I immediately volunteered.

I had no idea what to expect.  I anxiously waited for Tracey to contact me regarding the date of the Chicago event and find out what she needed me to do.  I reached out to her a couple of times via email to let her know I was still interested in volunteering and to let me know if there was anything she needed.  Yes, I was excited and didn’t want her to leave me out. 

Let me back up a little and tell you a little about Tracey and her goal to gift 100 girls (ages 11 - 15) with their very first passports.  Frustrated by the statistic that “less than 40% of Americans have a passport”, Tracey decided to make a difference.  Now Tracey was already conducting a successful travel and learning Adventure Camp where small groups of girls traveled to tropical destinations for travel and learning adventures; but that did not stop this award winning entrepreneur from teaming up with Expedia and providing young ladies with the tools necessary to obtain her very first passport.

So let me tell you about that day.  I arrived at the Hilton Chicago bright eyed and ready to work.  I was even more excited because I knew another one of my travel idols – April Thompson of The Absolute Travel Addict – was also volunteering.  We worked hard getting the room ready for the girls.  There were travel magazines, glitter glue sticks, travel themed stickers, funny glasses, boas, and my personal favorite:  blinged out airplane rings and earrings.  OH MY!

The girls arrived and the fun began.  We created travel vision boards in the shape of a suitcase using the items I mentioned above while the girls chatted about the various places they would love to travel.  There was travel trivia with questions such as “Is having a Passport a right or a privilege?” or “Name a travel occupation?”  There was even a test in currency conversion.  We laughed, we ate, we danced and there was a cupcake eating contest (I could have won, but I figured that would be bad etiquette!).  The most moving part of the day came when travel blogger volunteers shared their traveling experiences and spoke about why travel is so important to them.  Tears came to my eyes as I spoke about my Mom and my trip to Paris.  I could see light bulbs going off in the girls’ heads as each volunteer spoke.  By gosh, I think they got it! 

Tracey took passport pictures of each one of the girls and a passport application was given to each, along with a money order to cover the required processing fees.  The girls were beaming and filled with gratefulness as we said goodbye and “safe travels”.  And just as quickly as they came, they were gone.

It had been a long day and I was exhausted, but full of pride.  I was a part of something bigger than me, a movement that cannot and will not be stopped.  I am convinced that these 8 young ladies are the future faces of travel and thanks to the help of Tracey's Travel Angels:  The Absolute Travel, Farsighted Girl, Sky Chi Travels, BlackAtlas, and Empowering Youth Through Travel – they are one step closer.  After all “a passport can give a girl perspective on her place in the world and plant the seeds of global awareness...not to mention how ready she will be for that unexpected invitation to travel for fun, a travel grant or even study abroad!  She might as well be ready!” Tracey Friley

View all of my pictures from The Passport Project Party here.

Go for the Parade, Stay for the Island

Recently, I drove over 500 miles from Chicago to Toronto to attend The Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival (AKA Caribana).  When I tell you I was excited, I was EXCITED!  This was my first Carnival type parade and I was seriously like a kid at Christmas.  

 

My journey began before sunrise, arriving in Toronto early afternoon and the excitement in the air was contagious.  The hotel was buzzing with activity while the sound of calypso music floated through the lobby.  Groups of masqueraders checked in, carrying their colorful costumes and large head pieces. Everyone was in good spirits and why not?  After all, the largest Caribbean style parade in North America was about to happen!

I had some time on my hands so I decided to explore Toronto a bit.  I will admit, I had not done any research on things to do in the Toronto area since my main focus was the parade, so I took the easy way out and spoke with the concierge.  He was eager to share with me all of the best things to do in his town and started his rundown, “Toronto Eaton Centre, CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, Yonge-Dundas Square, Toronto Island where there are beaches, including a clothing optional beach”  STOP THE PRESSES…did he just say beaches?  Clothing optional?  Nothing he said after that mattered.  I began my interrogation: 

Me:  I’m sorry.  Did you just say beach?

Him: Yes

Me:  Did you just say clothing optional beach?

Him: *LOL* yes, I did throw that in there

Me:  *hyperventilating* where

Him:  A 10 minute ferry ride across the harbour

Me:   Where is ferry

Him:  Right behind us.  $7 round trip

Ohhhhhh – the joy!  It’s not 2 Girls & a Bikini for nothing!  I had to get there, but it was already mid-afternoon, not to mention overcast skies.  There was always tomorrow – but there was also the parade.  I was in a bit of a quandary.  Surely I would find a way to fit it all in, I simply had to. 

I set out of the hotel to explore downtown Toronto.  First, the Eaton Centre, a beautiful glass structure rising above downtown and filled with over 250 retailers and restaurants. Then a quick walk over to Yonge-Dundas Square, Toronto’s version of Times Square, not as large but filled with people and activity.  I walked and walked.  Toronto was busting at the seams and alive with languages and accents.

Evening came and after a quick dinner and a visit to the official “Tribe House” I was off to bed, looking forward to the day ahead.

  

I arrived at the parade route early to get a prime spot and to be up close and personal with the masqueraders.   The parade was fascinating and more thrilling than I imagined!  The music.  The colors.  The people.  The unity. The diversity. 

I was having a great time, but you know me and the promise of a beach was still calling. The sun was shining bright and it was time to check out this Island I heard about.

Toronto Island is actually several islands, loaded with green space for picnics, a lighthouse, a children’s garden, boat and bike rentals, a farm, wading pools, tennis courts, and of course – BEACHES.  It was beautiful.  I spent the reminder of the afternoon walking and exploring.  This little island was captivating and I was captivated.  The ferry ride back provided the best view of the Toronto skyline.  I was in my happy place.

Sunday afternoon I headed out of Toronto with my car pointed towards Niagara Falls.  I have never seen the Falls in person and excitement began building in me all over again, but I regretted not seeing more of Toronto.  My heart was already planning a return visit with more time to get to know the city, and of course, lots more time on the little island I didn't know existed.



See all of my pictures from the weekend on my FaceBook page!