The Vacation Argument: An Oxymoron?

You never know where your vacation will lead.

It’s like complaining about a free lunch or having too much fun. Who does it and what’s the point? The other day a friend of mine mentioned the fact that she and her man keep arguing every time they discuss their vacation options for this summer. Which part of Mexico should we go to? How long should we stay? What should we do there? Let’s do something else instead, etc.

One of them has too many vacation days to use up this year. Sucks to be you, right? Must be nice! The other one can’t seem to convince him that she can only afford one big trip this year. Here lies the issue. If they plan on vacationing together, they must make a choice. The quarrel ensues.



My advice? Just pick one. All options are lovely. There’s no sense in making your vacation (or vacation plans) stressful. The point of a vacation is to escape your everyday stresses in the first place. I know, it sounds much simpler than it is.

Decide on your ultimate “goal” for the trip. Whether it be adventure, to see a particular show, concert or attend an event, pure relaxation, good food, sightseeing or just plain old togetherness, you can surely narrow down your options by agreeing on a common goal.

Family vacations always sound like a good idea, until the planning actually starts. He wants to be active on vacation, but she wants to relax. They want to be pampered and eat at fancy restaurants every night, but they want to cook their own food and lounge in comfy clothes and bathing suits all week. Is it really worth the fight?

It never fails. Every year my extended family tends to have big ideas about a vacation we can take together, and then after a few months of debate and juggling everyone’s calendar conflicts, we never actually go. Someday I hope to remedy this vicious cycle of vacation arguing so we can simply enjoy each other’s company in beautiful place we can all afford at a time that works for everyone. But I digress …

Make yourself available. Compromise is key. Chances are you’ll have a great time no matter which vacation you choose. Check your calendar and offer plenty of options for weeks you’d be available to skip town. Plan ahead for requesting vacation days from work and add to your vacation fund whenever possible.

Take a risk. Never been out of the country and afraid to make the trip? Don’t be. Sure, getting a passport can be a frustrating (albeit expensive) task. Just do it. Get one, so you’re able to cross the border at a whim the next time your best friend wins a free trip to Mexico or your husband wants to take you to Niagara Falls for the weekend. I’m not talking about risking your life in North Korea or something … just easy international travel that millions of Americans do everyday (The Caribbean, Greek Isles, Western Europe, Australia, even Beijing or Tokyo). Book it and then fill in the details.

Just say “yes”. Say “no” less, and say “yes” more. Don’t be a stick in the mud, and be sure to keep an open mind. This is possibly the most important rule. OK, maybe even I wouldn’t jump at the chance to bungee jump off a bridge or go ice fishing for a week. No, no, I mean say “yes” to trying sushi at a great seafood restaurant at resort. Say “yes” to snorkeling in Mexico and don’t be afraid to be called up on stage to sing karaoke at a live show. Vacations are an opportunity for you to let loose and try new things in front of close family and friends (and 100s of people you’ll never see again). What better way to make a memory?

Everyone needs a vacation now and then. Speaking of which, I’d like one right now!

Finally, Nashville, TN is on the List

A runner I have never claimed myself to be. Swimmer? Sure. Dancer? Oh yeah. A Country Music fan? Yup! But a runner? I wish. Nevertheless, I couldn't pass up an opportunity to cross off a travel wishlist city of mine -- Nashville, Tennessee -- for this gigantic annual sports event.

The Country Music Marathon & 1/2 is coming up this spring and several of my friends are geeked up to run (or at least attempt to run most) of it. I'll be there with my camera and a sign, cheering for them along the sidelines.

Whenever a long-weekend trip comes up, the question is always whether to fly or drive. Should we use the airline miles we've worked so hard to obtain, or save them for a longer, pricier trip? I typically choose the latter, since I'm usually not the driver anyway. And in this case, after researching our flight options, it would in fact, be cheaper and more efficient to drive to the great country capital. We'll carpool with a friend and bunk up for the weekend, exploring every curve of the city and hidden restaurant and pub gem we can find.

Following my own past advice, I'll take the next few weeks to delve into some Nashville tourism sites and tip guides to compile a list of maybes to accomplish while we're in town. That's the fun part! The open-ended realm of possibilities your maybe list presents is the most exciting part of a trip, save the simple idea of skipping work for a couple days. That's also glorious. Everyone needs a breather now and then to remind them that there's a life outside of your cubical. Cubical smubical. Vacation is truly on the horizon now.

Now I've got some research to do.

Plans on the Horizon

Do you have a vacation on the horizon?  I mean, other than visiting your family and friends for the holidays ...

I've found that just by planning to plan a vacation in the next year or so, gives me a sunnier outlook on life.  By giving yourself something to look forward to, you reduce your risk of ending up in a "rutt", or bored with the status quo.  Try saving a few dollars here and there and starting a fund for your next journey.  Getting away is a great way to remind yourself what's important in life.  Recharge.  Reset.  Explore!

On your lunch break or while you're doing the dishes tonite, decide what type of vacation you need next.  It might be exotic, relaxing, touristy, adventurous, entertaining, peaceful, etc ... you decide!  Maybe you crave just hitting the road with a light bag, your GPS and some snacks for a short jaunt to a nearby state.  It's completely up to you ... it's your vacation ... that's the beauty of it. 

Once you've narrowed down your type, decide what you'd like to accomplish while you're there.  Is this a place you've been before?  If so, you might just want to take it easy and go with the flow.  Things will be familiar ... maybe plan to hit up just one new place while you're there to keep it interesting.  You never know -- you just might find a new favorite restaurant or scenic view!

Perhaps your goal is to read that great novel you haven't had time for, or even to start writing your own!  Maybe you want to indulge yourself with great food and wine, or be entertained by live music, shows or nightlife.  Or maybe your goal is to accomplish nothing. Just relax.  That's a beautiful thing too!

If you're stepping outside your comfort zone and going somewhere exotic (maybe a different country or a place with a culture or language different than you're used to), plan to leave in a few months (at least) to give yourself plenty of time to do your research.  If you're a person who likes a structured vacation, look into guided tours, local entertainment, amusement parks, museums, shows and restaurants before you jet set to a new land.  There's nothing more difficult than arriving in a foreign country with no clear plans, or at least a familiarity with the layout on a map.  If you're a member of AAA, they have great maps and knowledgable travel agents who've been to most of the common vacation spots around the world.

Need a break?  Maybe you've decided that since your last couple trips have been packed with touristy plans and busy schedules, that you're ready for an all-inclusive paradise resort vacay -- a true "I'm gonna do what I want to, when I want to" escape from reality, where you can just unwind and recharge your battery.  If you're feeling even lower-maintenance, how about just driving to a beach, renting a condo, preparing your own meals, reading books and laying on the beach with a cold drink in your hand?  Sounds lovely to me :)

After our trip to Beijing -- filled with anxiety, fear of the unknown and overstimulation -- my husband and I are in need of a little pampering and relaxation.  Next stop :: all-inclusive paradise!  Not quite sure where yet ... but the research has officially begun for our big trip of 2011! 

Happy travels!

The Road to Hana - Maui, Hawaii

Where else in the world can you cliff dive into a waterfall, swim in a sacred pool, dig your toes into a black sandy beach, drive over dozens of one-lane bridges, walk through a lava tube or gaze at the natural and virtually untouched landscapes of the Pacific Ocean off the islands?

If you ever have the chance to go to Maui, one thing is certain -- you simply must drive the road to Hana.  Take the entire day to explore some of the newest beaches on Earth, created by volcanos and carved by the thrashing of waves over the course of thousands of years. 

They offer tours, but I've heard some horror stories of broken AC, bad translators and bumpy-car-sickness-buses.  You're better off renting a vehicle that you feel comfortable driving on narrow, winding roads for 6+ hours, so you can spend as much or as little time as you'd like at each stopping point.  (Note:  Make sure to add multiple drivers to your rental insurance if you plan to share the drive).  We opted for a Jeep Rubicon with the top off, and it worked out perfectly. 

Things You'll Need:

• Maui Revealed guidebook (or another book that lists each attraction by mile marker), or CD
• Packed lunch, snacks and plenty of water
• Hand sanitizer
• Old hiking shoes if you plan on walking the paths to more hidden waterfalls
• Bathing suit under your clothes
• Sunglasses/Hat
• Beach towel if you plan on swimming
• Camera

Road to Hana Tips:

• Depending on where you're driving from, make sure to leave early in the morning.  Most tours start around 8-9AM, so it's a good idea to start ahead of the pack at 6-7AM.  At any given stop, there is only enough room in the pullout for 1-2 cars to park.
• Make sure you have a full tank of gas.  The town of Paia is the last stop with a gas station before you get to Hana.
• If the weather calls for a chance of rain, make sure to bring waterproof clothes/bag for valuables.
• Keep the windows and top down and take in the flowery aromas and breathe in the muggy air.
• Read the legends and history in the guidebook along the way so you know what you're seeing.  Hawaii is full of stories, and reading them made the trip memorable.
• Don't rush.  Take your time on the road.  The road is the attraction.  Once you get to Hana there isn't much to see -- just a sleepy, laid back town.  It's about the trip there, and it's extraordinary for sure!
• Pull off to the side if you're being followed closely.  Locals zoom around the tight curves with ease.  Pulling over is what the locals call "driving aloha".
• Don't drink the water.  It's not safe.  Drink your bottled water.

There are dozens of waterfalls to see along the way.  The guidebook will lead you by mile marker to the easiest ones to see, but there are countless others if you're brave enough to hike for a couple hours in the jungle.  We chose to stick close to the road.  Here are some of my favorite waterfall shots!

Make sure drive with the windows open and top down.  The roads were breathtaking!

I've been to plenty of beaches in my days of travel, but truly had never seen a more vivid contrast of colors, natural beauty and inspiring views until we reached the black sand and black pebble beaches.  They're definitely worth the stop.  You've never seen anything like it!

There a lots of caves, paths and lava tubes to explore in this wonderland.  You have to crouch down low to get through some of them, but then they open up unto a world of bright blue crashing waves on a black sand beach overgrown with vivid green.  This is planet Earth at its finest. 

Toward the end of your journey, you'll come to place the guidebooks call the Seven Sacred Pools, however, after much reseach, we've discovered that there's actually nothing "sacred" about them and there are many more than seven!  The area was originally referred to as O'heo Gulch.  Since the owner of the land wished to share his beloved natural oasis with locals and travelers, he decided to change it to its current name to attract more visitors.  Whichever way you choose to refer to it, these pools are amazing. 

This gulch is where the fresh rain water from the top of the mountain drains into waterfalls, each with their own pool, until the fresh water reaches the sea at the very bottom.  Gradually, each pool gets a more salty as the water combines with the ocean.  Needless to say, this water is not drinkable and even carries bacteria, but it's the perfect place for a quick dip before continuing your journey to Hana.  Highly recommended.

The photos just simply don't do it justice.  The road to Hana is the adventure of a lifetime.  Truly.  You won't be disappointed if you take some chances, get dirty and explore the world around you! 

Mahalo for Removing Your Shoes - Sunrise at Haleakala

This little sign was the first thing we saw upon arriving at our rented condo on Maui.  The "Mahalo for removing your shoes" sign hung so politely in the breezeway that we couldn't help but take only one step inside before slipping off our shoes and placing them neatly in the foyer.  Mahalo to you for your politeness.  You're very welcome!

We settled in and explored our new home-for-a-week at the Maui Kama'ole.  This place was all laid out for us, and we couldn't be more pleased with its amenities.  The ocean front view was to die for -- perfect for morning reading on the lanai and sipping wine and gazing at the sunset in the evening.  The owners left us authentic Maui Coffee for brewing, a Maui Revealed guidebook, along with several other tip sheets and pamphets, and an assortment of beach-read worthy novels, games and DVDs.  The condo boasted brand new stainless steel appliances, in-suite laundry, 2 flat screen TVs, granite countertops and the lovliest Hawaiian decor we could have hoped for.  It was adorable, beautiful and perfect for our getaway!

Before arriving on Maui we decided that there were 6 things we definitely needed to see/do before heading back to the mainland:

1. Driving the Road to Hana
2. Sunrise at Haleakala
3. Luau
4. Tedeschi Vineyards / Maui Brewing Co.
5. Eat like a local
6. Relax at the beach!

To make sure our trip felt like a vacation rather than a stilted trip with a regimented schedule, we agreed on something very important:  We'd have 1 goal/activity to accomplish every day with the caveat that if we changed our minds we would change our plans, no problem.  If you want to stay up all night and sleep in all day, do it.  If you want to go to bed early and wake up at 5am, do that too.  It's vacation!  My suggestion for Maui, is to follow what the sun is doing to maximize your daytime experience. 

We were surprised to find on that in the Hawaiian time zone, the sun rises around 5:30am and sets at around 7:30pm (much earlier than we'd expected).  Make sure you check sunrise/sunset times and plan your excursions accordingly.  Since the sun rises so early and we were making the 2-hour trip from Kihei to the summit of Haleakala for the sunrise, we had to wake up at 2:00am to hit the road in time. 

Sunrise at Haleakala

Whether or not you're a religious person, you'll be sure to have some sort of spiritual experience atop this giant dormant volcano.  Maybe it's being above the clouds in freezing cold temperatures that messes with your head ... but I prefer to believe that up there you're closer to God, seeing the sun rising in the East from as close to His point of view you can get on foot.  It's a truly remarkable experience that everyone should attempt at least once. 

If you plan to go, pack accordingly.  You might think you're tough -- especially if you're used to Cleveland winters like we are -- but the chill factor up there is a force to be reckoned with.  Plan to arrive at the summit when it's still dark (at least 30 minutes before sunrise) so you can experience the vast nothingness.  It's a void out there with no light, save for the twinkling constellations above.  If you're brave enough to face the wind, be sure to get there early enough to stargaze. 

Things you'll need:

• Layered clothing - think winter tailgate day in Cleveland and double it
• Flashlight
• Big warm blanket
• Winter hat, gloves, scarf
• Camera
• a snack for the road & lots of water

Here's us all bundled up at the summit as the sun was rising.  I'll never forget it!

Aloha! ... Hawaii part 1

Aloha friends!  We've been back in the continental U.S. for less than a week, and I'm seriously reconsidering our decision to buy round trip tickets.  Beach withdrawl has officially set in, and my Hawaiian suntan is peeling and fading away little by little ...

It was the vacation of a lifetime ... truly a week I will remember fondly for the rest of my days.  Brimming with natural beauty, exciting adventures, awe-inspiring views and life-changing experiences, Maui is a magical place.



It's really something when you can return from a vacation full of adventure and activities and say you are "refreshed".  It's not that my body felt rested and relaxed after a week on the islands ... no, no, no, that's not what I mean.  I'm talkin' "refreshed" in the sense that my will to live, explore and appreciate the world has been completely rejuvenated.  It's as though Hawaii gradually unplugged my old life over the course of a week and jump-started a new one ... another beginning ... a reawakened version of my former self.

I'm not sure if it's the fruit, the sea, the flowers or a combination of all three that make the air literally smell sweet on Maui.  I know they have less pollution, but sweetness!?  Plumeria were blooming right outside our condo and birds of paradise greet you on the walk toward Kama'ole Beach III ... the gentle waves crash in the distance as you stroll past lawn loungers in the beach park, just laying, belly-up, engulfing themselves in the sea breeze and sunshine.  You wonder how long they've been lying there ... a couple minutes, an hour, four days ... and suddenly it doesn't matter.  They become a part of the landscape ... the truly unique landscape that encompasses the natural spirit of aloha. 

Trip Details:

Duration: 1 week in May 2010

Location: Kihei, Maui, HI

Airline: American Airlines & Hawaiian Airlines

Condo: Maui Kama'ole - Hawaiian Condo Rentals via Expedia

Car: Jeep Rubicon via Dollar Car Rentals

I could probably write an entire book about everything we did in our Hawaiian paradise, so this trip will most definitely be a poly-part extravaganza. Stay tuned for more posts about Sunrises & Sunsets, the Road to Hana, Maui Winery & Brewery, Beaches, Upcountry, Resort vs. Condo, How to plan/pack, etc.

Until then, aloha & mahalo!

Bikini Found .. x2!

I thought it was hopeless.  Would I never find a bikini I love as much as my little black bandeau?  Was I doomed to roam the beach forever in a morbid shade of noir?  OK ... a little dramatic, but still!  My time left before taking to the skies for Maui were dwindling, along with my motivation and optimistic shopping attitude, when I found myself in the sale racks at none-other than my bff, Target.

There they were -- bright, bold colors and funky bikini styles calling out my name.  "Try me! Try me!"  I couldn't resist.  Since they actually had all the right sizes, I felt the need to proceed to the dressing room. 

Aloha good fit!  I found myself actually enjoying the image staring back at me.  Green happens to pull just the right hue from my sunkissed skin to make me look even tanner.  I was in luck!  Struggling to choose between a plain aqua blue/green twist bandeau and a slightly dimmer shade of green with gold sparkle designed bandeau, I chose to splurge and get both, for a grand total off ... drumroll please ... $60! 

I'm not kidding.  After months of searching the racks ... Yesssss!  Two perfect new bikinis called out to me and I answered ... "Yes, you may accompany me to Hawaii, thank ya very much!"

Spring Sprang Sprung

I saw a little green bud on a tree branch this morning, and that can only mean one thing ... spring is here!  It's officially time to put away coats, boots, gloves, hats and scarves for the season and trade them for flip flops, bikinis and cotton dresses.  The first part is easy.  The second part requires some extra workouts at the gym and some spring shopping.

Our little "spring break" in Vegas is just the jumpstart I need to get some springtime basics:  colorful tanks, comfy tees, bermudas, beach cover-ups, strappy sandals, and a few fun maxi dresses.  Ahhh, just the thought of it makes me 10 times happier.  Shopping is not my favorite pasttime -- weird, I know -- but I sure do enjoy ripping the tags off my new purchases and wearing them immediately.  Especially if the sun is shining, temperatures are climbing and concert season is quickly approaching!  I can almost feel the fun that's in store ...

First items on the list this year:  colorful bikini (not just black like last year), flip flops and new sunglasses! 

Happiest States: Hawaii Moves into First Place

Yep, I like happiness ... I can't wait to go to Maui in May!!!!

47. Ohio
sheesh. get me outta here!

Read about it here:
http://www.livescience.com/culture/states-well-being-happy-100216.html