As a young working professional it's hard at times to explain to people older than me in the work place how I manage to vacation at least two times a year. While it may seem that young adults are fortunate in their lack of overhead and responsibility, in some cases this is just not true.
I've worked for an Escrow company for two years while attending college part time. I've seen the market take a dive, and even I got a taste of the "good ol` days" the real estate market offered. Yet even with the business slump I did not allow my vacation ambition to be extinguished.
After returning from a 12 day trip to the upper Mid West this spring, I had the inner struggle of returning to work after having one of the best vacations of my life. I shared this struggle with fellow family members who share the same ideals when it comes to vacationing.
When I first started working in high school, one of the conditions to me getting my job was a guarantee that I would still be allowed to take my 10 day trip to Spain after I graduated high school. Being in Europe without any family gave me my first taste of vacation fever. That trip fed a little vacation bug that I never knew existed. So the following year a week long trip to Maui quenched that little bugs thirst once again along with trips to Hayward, Monterey and a night in San Fransisco.
It may seem as though little trips like these are very costly, and not worth the time, money, and effort to plan them, but let me assure you, that is simply not true. A one or two night trip "away from it all" can really make a difference your mental health. Take it from a person who works full time with adults who have children at home, and who have not taken a vacation in a number of years. It seems as though a night or two out of town would give them that extra boost they need to keep on working hard through this rough time in the market.
I have a dear friend who has acted as my travel buddy for a number of years. His two trips to Alaska since graduating high school, and our trips to Maui and Chicago have made him my premier partner when planning a trip. He comes from a long line of professional travelers who act as great influences on our traveling habits, including the owners of the small business I work for, who try to get out of town at least two weeks a year and a clever grandmother who ditches the heat of her San Diego home for the cooler climate of Monterey, CA each summer. A weekend getaway to see her this Labor day, will complete another great summer.
Traveling can be done very inexpensively, take our $200.00 four night stay in downtown Chicago for example. Airfare to Minneapolis was $100 per person, I took my first train ride from Wisconsin to Illinois which was about $75 a person, and it was $150 per person to fly home from Chicago. Reservations were made in February for an early May trip, therefore purchasing ahead of time made a great difference.
Collaborating with the Editor, I've included a couple great websites which can be very helpful in planning your next getaway with some travel buddies or even the whole family.
I've posted some pictures from my recent travels. Hope you enjoy them and Happy Travels!
Helpful Travel Sites:
This site is a meta travel search engine which means it searches hundreds of travel sites. It was started by founders of Orbitz, Travelocity and Expedia who wanted to build a better online travel experience. They recently merged with Sidestep. One note: Southwest Airlines does not participate in these travel web site lookups so it is worth it to check with Southwest independently because they are an excellent airline with great prices and great customer service.
I have found that it is true that you can get a bargain here but you have got to be willing to commit at the low price you ask for because you can not bid unless you put in your credit card and commit to the price you ask for. Also, don`t use this site unless you are sure of your plans because changes can be expensive; the Editor has gotten some really good car rental prices here.
If you are looking for a great travel review website make sure to visit Trip Advisor. There is no better information on a travel destination than real reviews from regular who've been there.
Last, ChinoHills.com has a quick link directory to several airlines, cruise companies, and car rental firms.
and is not a part of nor affiliated with the City of Chino Hills.