First Trimester Road Trips - DC & Nashville

It's official.  I'm pregnant!  We're ecstatic!  Of course, constantly having the baby on my mind doesn't bode well for travel blog writing or traveling in general.  Nonetheless, we've braved some road trips, lived to tell about them, and even have a couple more planned for this summer!

If you've ever been with child, or traveled with a woman who was, you know it can sometimes be tricky depending on morning sickness and her oversion to odors.  We road-tripped to Washington, DC to visit family for the Easter holiday when I was only 8 weeks in.  I was just getting used to the idea of this living, peanut-sized person swimming around in my belly, let alone constant nausea and waxing fatigue.  "What's happening to my body!?" "Can people tell?" "Should I tell people yet? or wait it out a little longer?"  My usual I-can't-wait-to-get-there giddiness was replaced with "will I have time for a nap?" 

Some Tips for travel during your first trimester:

1. Bring plenty of bland snacks -- saltines, pretzels, granola bars, etc.  We've been told that you're better off with something in your belly, and it turns out it's true. 
2. Lots of water!  -- which results in a pit stop about every hour or so.  It's good for you though, so drink it.
3. Pack your prenatal vitamins -- You don't want to forget those, especially since we all tend to veer off course (as far as diet and nutrition is concerned) while traveling.
4. A fluffy pillow and room to stretch your legs. -- Try to share the driving with a pal so you can stretch out in the back seat.  Keeping your feet elevated will also help decrease ankle swelling and back soreness.
5. Get out and stretch your legs, walk around and get the blood flowing every chance you get.

Once you arrive, eat mini meals like you do at home, rest when you can, plan on hitting the sack early and rising frequently to use the restroom.  Bring super comfy shoes and loose-fitting clothes for walking around, and drink plenty of water during the day too!  If you're comfortable telling your news to those you're traveling with, they might be more understanding when you need to stop and rest more often than usual.  I chose to tell the family members we were with and chatting about it made it even more fun!

Next, we headed to Nashville, TN for the Rock 'n Roll Marathon and Half Marathon.  We went with a large group of friends, mostly from OU so it was difficult to hide my non-alcoholic ways in the bars.  I ended up spilling the secret to the group to make things a little easier. 

Lucky for me, after running a half marathon, the rest of the group was just as tired as I was, often leading to early bedtimes and afternoon naps. I fit right in! 

Nashville was pretty cool, but I can't help but think it's a million times better when you're able to party sans nausea and fatigue.  Maybe we'll go back someday. 

Just remember, you're still yourself while traveling pregnant, you just need to be patient, give yourself plenty of extra time for pit stops, frequent meals and naptime.  The advice people keep giving me is "get out and do stuff while you can before the baby comes."  So, that's what I intend to do!

Trips on deck :: a relaxing trip to East Hampton, NY to play on the beach; and a long weekend on a houseboat on Lake Cumberland, KY.  Stay tuned for second trimester trips!

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!

Travel 2.0

Prior to my recent jet-sets from Cleveland to Hawaii (9 hours) and Beijing (13 hours) I had only travelled relatively short domestic distances by plane. For a flight lasting longer than the average person's workday, I couldn't imagine the lengths passengers would go to avoid muscle pains, trapped-in-an-aircraft-for-a-day-with-a-bunch-of-strangers-aphobia and, perhaps worst of all, boredom. 

Thanks to a new generation of journey-friendly products and services I refer to as Travel 2.0, and a few calisthenics exercises, a long flight in coach can turn out to be a surprisingly positive experience.

In-flight Entertainment

My under the seat carry-on bag contained the usual self-entertainment items -- a book, magazine, iPod, headphones, cards, snacks, etc. -- but I barely read a page.   Thanks to the mini TV screen mounted directly in front of my face, I was thoroughly entertained by movies (I Love You, Man; Marley and Me; Eclipse; Wizard of Oz; 40-Year-Old Virgin; Cars; The Proposal), TV shows (The Office; Curb Your Enthusiasm; Project Runway; History Channel selections), music (a dozen channels of different genres) and games on demand.  Time flew by (no pun intended) just as quickly as if I were sprawled on out my own comfy couch watching TV on a Sunday afternoon ... except, I was sitting upright, surrounded by 100s of strangers in a dimly lit cabin of a Boeing 747.  Just like home!

Bonus: Regular headphones with a standard connector work just fine in the arm rest plug -- no need to purchase the flight-specific set like the old days. 

If you book a flight with touch screen options, you can easily select music, videos and flight info channels; and the trivia games allow you to play against fellow travelers on board.  You're goin down, lady in 28B! 

When you're ready for a snooze, set your screen to the map of your flight route.  It was surreal to wake up and realize that we were directly over the North Pole on our way to the opposite end of the world.  High-fives to Santa and all the penguins!

iPads

I was amazed to see how many iPads were popping out of the overhead bins.  Mostly surprised by the fact they didn't belong to adults -- kids ages 4-12 were the ones with the $499 toy!  Parents smartly loaded them up with kids' games, coloring apps, videos and Dora eposides before making the trip.  I found myself wishing I had one of my own, and also relieved that the kids were being so calm and quiet while we were in the air. 

Muscle Stretches & Seating Tips
On both of my flights there were people who stood up most of the trip.  Parents walked up and down the aisles with their babies, older couples stood together and chatted in small groups and many passengers did ankle lifts and lunges to keep the blood flowing.  When I wasn't sleeping, I made it a point to get up at least once an hour (try to get an end seat if you can, for easy exiting), to stretch my neck, legs and back. 

For extra back support in your seat try using the blanket or pillow provided by the airline for a lumbar roll.  Wear comfortable, breathable shoes, and layer up for better temperature control.  The air tends to get stale, so even if you're getting chilly, you might want to switch on your air vent for some circulation.  Bring your own blanket and neck pillow if you're able, and an eye mask and ear plugs are helpful for a more comfortable sleep.

Food Service vs. No Food Service

My flight to Beijing was 4 hours longer than my flight to Hawaii, but felt much shorter.  How could that be?  Food service makes all the difference.  Try to find a flight that serves a meal and/or snack every few hours.  Eating makes the time go by much faster by breaking up the trip into smaller chunks.  If no food is provided, make sure to bring substantial snacks for yourself and eat every 3-4 hours.  Drink plenty of water and avoid concentrated sugar drinks (like cranberry and tomato juice) toward the middle and end of the flight. 

Many International flights offer complimentary beer and wine, which can help you sleep and calm your nerves. 

What are your long flight travel tips? 

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!

Next Stop - Beijing!

Ni hao, ma?

You read it right, my wonderlust is taking me to Asia!  I always said I'd like to experience China someday, but I never actually thought it would happen.  I'll be spending 3 weeks in the ChaoYang district of PRC's capital, Beijing, this fall.  I can't wait to start researching and learning some key Mandarin phrases.  Any tips you have would be lovely, as I'm definitely venturing into foreign territory here. 

Stay tuned for more info about my travel plans, how to obtain a Visa, etc. 

Great Wall of China

Rooftop view of part of the Beijing skyline

ChaoYang District (where I'll be staying)

 

Temple of Heaven, Beijing

 

Packing for a Roadtrip to the Beach!

Can't wait to kick back & soak up the sun!

Only a few more days until we hit the Pennsylvania Turnpike (aka my nemisis) for sunshiney East Hampton, NY.  It'll be a week of family fun on the beach!  In case you're revving up for a roadtrip yourself, here are some tips from a seasoned roadtripper:

Have Cash on Hand:

Pulling up to a tollbooth when you have no cash (or easypass card) feels like the worst thing ever.  Plan ahead to have small bills on hand.  Bring a couple 20s, a few 10s, some 5s, 1s and a roll of quarters.  Quarters may come in handy for street parking later on, depending on your destination.

Road Snacks:

You're going to the beach, so who really wants to stop for body-bloating fast food on the way?  Not me.  Instead, pack healthy, car-friendly road snacks.  Some of our favorites are granola bars (with fiber so they fill you up), string cheese, apples, bananas, lean beef jerky, combos and something sweet like mentos or starburst.  Don't forget gum, energy drinks (coffee!) and lots and lots of water.  Make sure to bring some napkins in case of spills and a bottle of travel purell (antibacterial hand liquid) to use before eating. 

We've found that bringing your own callapsible cooler on wheels is a great way to tote these snacks, and then again to use on the beach!  Bring a re-freezable ice pack to keep your drinks chilled.

Music / Books on Tape
No one likes to drive in silence for 10+ hours, so be sure to plan accordingly.  If you and your driving partner/possy like the same music, you're in good shape.  Bring your iPods with auxilary hookup and shuffle through your mixes, or grab your old CDs for some great throwback favorites.  If you have enough time, create a mix made special with this trip in mind.  Every good roadtrip deserves a themesong!  If music gets old, take a break and pop in a book on tape or comedy CD.  Be careful though, just because you're into the plotline, doesn't mean the rest of your group is anxiously awaiting the next 8 discs. 

A good comedy CD makes an hour on the road fly by, but the reverse is true for terrible comedy.  If you forget to pack any of these things, don't worry!  As long as you have a good positive attitude for the road ahead, just turn on a local radio station.  You'd be surprised at some of the gems you might find.  When was the last time you heard Lisa Loeb's "Stay"?  Yeah ... me neither, until roadtripping on Maui.  It must have come on 4 times in one day!  ... an extremely unexpected theme song of the trip. 

Beach Things

I've already mentioned the collapsible cooler, which I highly recommend double-dutying for the beach, but other than that, some other beach necessities include:  beach sheet/blanket, umbrella, sunglasses, small iPod speakers with water/sandproof casing, towels, beach chair, drink coozie, playing cards, sunscreen, snacks, cornhole boards and bags, a frizbee, a ball of some sort, and a big beach bag to bring it all in.  If you're riding a bike to the beach, remember your helmet, and be sure your beach bag is some sort of backpack. 

One of the awesome things about taking a roadtrip to the beach is the fact that you can personalize your beach fun.  If your family has a game you love to play in grass, chances are you can play it on sand too.  Our favorites are cornhole and bocci ball.  You'd be surprised how much a little bit of sand can change the game completely!  Since you don't need to worry about checking bags or packing limitations, you can bring whatever you want.  A major beachday plus!

The most important thing to remember when roadtripping is to keep an open mind and have a positive attitude.  Driving in the car for an extended period of time is not comfortable, but you can make it great with some creativity and positivity (creatisivity?!).  If you get lost, make a memory in an unexpected place, then turn around.  It's all about how you look at it.  You're not lost if you love who you're with!

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!