It's another edition of Travel Tips Tuesday! A place to share. A place to learn. All tips-any tips, as long as they have something to do with traveling are welcome here. Link up below.
Every weekday morning, about nine o'clock, my phone rings. I know I will hear my husband's voice on the other end of the line before I even pick up the phone. He leaves for work before I've even thought about getting out of bed, so that 9 am call is the first time we touch base in the morning before our day kicks into full gear. I'll be honest; it's a mostly utilitarian call with exchanges about the balance of the daily schedule, but there is also a comfortable sweetness to the predictability of the call.
In a strike of complete unpredictably, the predictable voice on the other end of the line today said, "Can I throw a wrench in our weekend plans?"
I paused and steadied myself for the wrench ( I hate surprises, by the way.)
"I'd like to go camping this weekend. Just pick a place and make a reservation."
Sure. I tried to muster a long, icy pause that was meant to convey my thoughts about last minute plans on a holiday weekend. What kind of idiot thinks you can pull a vacation together in three days, I was saying to myself. But instead of balking at the improbability of the plans, I decided to give it go. I certainly wasn't willing to admit that planning this trip might be my kryptonite (at least not out loud). Plus, my husband's faith in my planning skills was too hopeful to not at least try. Traveling on a holiday weekend is something that we have never done before, so I did some quick learning about how to best plan around the busyness of holiday weekend.
Tips for Planning a Last Minute Vacation on a Holiday Weekend
1. Narrow the focus. Last minute plans are down and dirty, and that doesn't leave much time to hem and haw. Give your self some parameters, like a distance from home or a certain theme- like camping to help make the plans quicker.
2. Choose a lesser known destination. Last minute, isn't really the best time to hit the hottest spot on map, but it can be a perfect time to explore a offbeat place that you may have been ignoring.
3. Shoot for the stars. It doesn't hurt to at least call your first choice hotel and see if they might have a cancellation, but be prepared to….
4. Settle for second best. If you really have your heart set on a popular destination but can't find lodging, try some the surrounding smaller towns and see if you have better luck.
5. Look to turn trash into treasure. Renovating hotels or lodging with limited amenities can be a gold mine for last minute travelers.
6. Don't be picky. Seriously, don 't anger the travel gods. Relax and take what you can find. It may be your best vacation spot yet.
That was us last Memorial Day weekend. Trying to plan a last minute trip to Carlsbad ca. It ended up being great but I too usually hate trying to pull together last minute trips. More because I like to get to know more about the area. I’m learning though sometimes the last minute ones end up being the most fun – less expectations.
We never go away for three day weekends, but we’re doing it this weekend! Your tip on narrowing the focus and not taking the time to hem and haw is spot on. I booked our hotel and two days later it was sold out. Usually I like to sit on things for a day or two, but I’m glad I didn’t in this case!
Katherine Belarmino recently posted…Kayaking Phang Nga Bayâs Karsts and Hongs
Its been very long since I’ve been working and i haven’t taken a break since almost 6 months. You have made me keen now to plan a quick and much needed break which will rejuvenate me. I’ll follow the guidelines you have mentioned for planning last minute tips and you are right its good to explore the places you skip when you actually go on a planned trip đ
Iren Carlio recently posted…Points To Keep in Mind When Choosing a Hotel
Love this game