If the words “California” and “road trip” are synonymous for you, then we might be related. Every time I look at a map of the Golden State — San Diego in the south, Crescent City in the north, and Highway 1 tying the two together like a string gone partially slack — that’s what I think. Road trip! My kids agree.
When it comes to vacation trouble, the worst is the kind that you don’t see coming. I’m talking about insects, rodents, and other creepy-crawlies that decide to join you on your getaway. Add kids to that mix and you have the soundtrack for a horror movie.
If you’re about to take a bucket-list drive up California’s Highway 1 to Monterey or down Florida’s Overseas Highway to Key West, you need to know this: These road trips are unlike any other drive you’ll take. And that’s especially true if you’re doing it with your family.
What’s your worst vacation experience ever? Was it a delayed flight, a missing hotel reservation, or maybe terrible weather that ruined everything? Or maybe it was someone who ruined it for you?
There’s no quick answer to the question, “How do I find the best hotel room?” That’s because no two hotel rooms are exactly alike. They defy easy SeatGuru-ization, which is to say you can’t create a reliable online directory of room sizes and amenities.
You look like a tourist.
Yes, you, with the Hawaiian shirt, the sunburn, and the big camera around your neck.
Tourist. You.
Don’t waste your next trip by just sitting around your vacation destination. Do something you’ll remember for the rest of your life: Take a vacation with a purpose.
One of the hardest parts of a vacation, if not the hardest, is coming home. The excitement’s over — now it’s back to work. But it’s even worse if you don’t know how to end your vacation.
Don’t bother trying to find yourself on vacation, most travel experts tell me. You won’t. Journeys of self-reflection, pilgrimages, and gap years are meaningless.
I beg to differ.
If you’re searching for transcendence, connection or meaning in your life, maybe you’ve contemplated a spiritual vacation. You know, getting away to discover a greater truth. And maybe you’ve also wondered if your family is comfortable with that kind of inner journey.
