If you have read the "about me" section of this blog, you know that Dan and I are not living together this year. At first, we thought there was no way we could swing an anniversary trip. With him enrolled in such a rigorous masters program and with our finances already so strapped, celebrating didn't seem like much of a possibility. Amongst all the reasons we shouldn't, we made the decision to go for it. Probably one of the best decisions we have made in a while! We had the most wonderful- and I mean the most wonderful weekend ever. So wonderful that I have decided to share my planning tips with you!
The first #1 most important thing: Budget
This one doesn't even need explaining. Make one. Stick to it. If you don't stick to it, be prepared to sacrifice other things (like eating out for lunch) for the rest of the month.
The second #1 most important thing: Why are you vacationing/traveling in the first place?
This is so important because it may determine where you end up! Are you seeking peace and quiet- a place to relax? Or are you looking to let it all out- party/socializing? South Beach may not be the best place to relax in peace. Just as renting a cabin in the mountains may not be the best place to socialize and meet others.
#2: Accommodations
Most people think of accommodations and think only of price. There is more to accommodations than price. So so so much more. Just think. Look at the big picture. Options range from historic bed and breakfasts to swanky modern hotels. Cabins come loaded with dishes, pots and pans, which make it easy to prepare food on your own. But at an all inclusive resort you just show up, sit, and chow down.
And #3 ties right in with #1 and #2: Location, location, location
Keep in mind the reason and the type of accommodations you are seeking while you look at location. Will saving 20 bucks a night in room charges cost you 30 bucks a night for valet parking? Will saving 50 bucks a night cost you 10 bucks in taxi charges every time you go out? Are you within walking distance of restaurants, bars, and entertainment? Again, think big picture.
I could keep going with my #'s, but I have come to learn that part of the fun in vacationing is winging it! I know this scares some people, especially you agenda people... but there is something so liberating with planning your trip based on my tips #1 through #3.
Think about your daily routing for a moment. If you are anything like me you have recently made a list for groceries. A list for chores. A list for work related projects. A list to help you keep track of your husband's list. Do you really need to have every moment of your vacation planned out? The answer should be NO.
With the above tips in mind, I was able to successfully plan an amazing anniversary trip to St. Petersburg, Florida for the Veteran's Day weekend. This boardwalk was located only 4 blocks away from our hotel. Thank you tip #3
I found the Hollander Hotel through www.tripadvisor.com and booked our stay through the discount site - Travelosity.com. Thank you tip #1 and #2. I have nothing but great things to say about our stay at the Hollander. Extremely friendly staff. Willing to go out of their way. It felt like we were with extended family, and I don't mean the crazy ones- I mean the cool ones. Go check 'em out at http://hollanderhotel.com/.
Just days before checking into our 1930's historic hotel I decided to call and ask for information regarding the local area and about upcoming events. Lucky us, Ribfest was in town. What a great event! You can learn more about this experience by visiting http://ribfest.org/. And again, this within walking distance from the hotel. Go tip #3. Did I mention the Hollander provides a free shuttle service all day to anywhere downtown? Tip #2 again.
We had some time to kill before the Ribfest on Saturday and decided to visit the Museum of Fine Arts. At $15 a ticket, it wasn't the cheapest place we visited, but it was a much needed art fix for me. A BIG thank you to my sweetie for letting me splurge!
Once we left the museum we stumbled across a young woman who was running a segway tour as part of her local business- Doo's Amazing Tours. On impulse we sign up for a 2 hour historic tour for Sunday afternoon. We were not disappointed. Doo had a great sense of humor and we hope to take one of her paddle boarding tours in the future. You will want to take a moment to check our her website by visiting http://www.doosamazingtours.com/.
Between enjoying drinks on the hotel's front porch, participating in Ribfest, touring the Museum of Fine Arts, taking a segway tour, and walking along the boardwalk watching dolphins every evening- I would have to say it was indeed the perfect 2nd year anniversary trip ever!
I hope you found my tips useful. Too long of a post? Useful information? Can I spell? Please feel free to leave honest feedback.
Until next time!
