Budget Cuts Could Delay Travel

Federal budget cuts are due to hit airlines and airports in the last week of February, bringing a wave of delays, reduced takeoffs and slower security lines that may only get worse as the year goes on and more government furloughs go into effect.

Basically, the Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood, said most of the Federal Aviation Administration's 47,000 employees would face one day of furlough per two weeks, which means about 10% fewer workers on any given day on average. Fewer air traffic controllers means less people to handle all the planes in the system. To manage the shift, the FAA would accept fewer planes in the system, the same strategy used when there's bad weather. This means larger mile gaps between flights, so passengers will be forced to sit on tarmacs of face delays while they wait for planes to leave the gate.

There are also expected furloughs of TSA workers, meaning longer security lines, and deplaning from international flights could be slower because Customs and Border Protection agents are expected to work fewer hours. Waits at security  could increase by up to an hour, and waits of four to five hours might be common for overseas travelers.

All the details are a little fuzzy, but things do not look promising for travelers over the next few months, and into the busy summer months. Especially with gas prices rising again. It is very possible that staycation could become another common trend this year.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/22/us/government-says-cuts-could-cause-air-travel-delays.html?ref=business&_r=0&gwh=8498274940743D072FA86307E5FD2763

Travel For...You

There are a million reasons to take a trip. To visit family or friends. To spend quality time with a loved one. To see a place you've never seen. To get away and relax. To learn about another culture. But one reason that should definitely be on the agenda...is you.

When traveling, make yourself a priority.

This concept can often get lost in the hustle and bustle of life, especially when organizing a vacation with other people. Everyone has their own ideas about where and when to go, what to do on arrival, how much to pay for accommodations or activities, etc. But travel should not just be about the group, but about individuals, too.

Seattle, Washington

For example, my group of long-time friends is trying to put together a summer trip. The original plan was Seattle some weekend in June, which seemed to work for everyone. But before we even had a chance to look at ticket prices, calendar limitations started popping up. One girl had a bridal shower in June, while another had a possible family vacation, and another had a potential freelance gig. Suddenly dates as early as April and as late as September were being thrown into the mix; people were offering to take inconvenient flights to make certain dates work; but every other month was nearly impossible, and eventually plans for the trip fell to the wayside.

Girlfriend Getaway. Caribvacationsguide.com

The problem is that we want everyone to be able to go, but the reality is that it is incredibly difficult to get seven people in the same place at one time. Especially considering the crazy lives we all lead, and the fact that we're spread out across the country, and weekend trips are not super easy to organize. So far, there is one weekend that six of us can do, but people are reluctant to pull the trigger, because one person cannot make it. As sad as that is, I am a firm believer in traveling for yourself. If you want to go somewhere...go! No one else's schedule should stop you. I understand, in this case, it's a group trip, and that I have to succumb to various agendas. But the fact is that there is a date that works for the majority of the group, and I'm a realist. We may not be able to find a time when everyone can go.

Even if this whole trip falls apart, I fully intend to go to Seattle this year, either by myself or with a couple of the other girls that can still make it happen. Because the truth is, why should anyone sacrifice a wonderful vacation because of someone else? I probably sound like a horrible person, and that's fine--I know I'm not. In fact, I already have plans to see all these girls at some point this year, because the fact is that good friends make it happen. It doesn't necessarily have to be all at one time--though that makes it easier and less expensive--and taking multiple trips gives me the chance to go different places and experience new things.

I am not encouraging selfish, egotistical behavior, by any means. I am simply saying that make sure you take yourself into account when traveling. Never give up what you really want to do just because someone else doesn't want to do it or can't do it. Never limit yourself on account of another person. Because, let's face it, sometimes going it alone is the best idea.

Travel for you!

Solo Travel; SMH.com.au

Making Summer Travel Plans

The thaw of winter is still in effect, with little promise for a warm up any time soon, and yet I am already preparing myself for summer. This past week was packed with much freelance writing and travel planning, so I apologize for my absence. The good news is that I have officially booked two vacations this summer: one week-long trip with a few friends to Myrtle Beach where we'll be staying in a nice, three bedroom house right near the beach; and a Fourth of July weekend trip to Boston to visit my best friend.

Myrtle Beach. www.playle.com

I always get excited for summer trips far in advance, and I find myself planning daily excursions, restaurant options, and recreational activities months before I actually need to. But half the fun of summer vacation is preparing for it, researching the area, learning about the best places to visit, the signature dish I just have to try, and all the exciting things I'll get to do. I even go as far as planning my outfits--but that's mostly to help myself pack more efficiently.

I have never been to Myrtle Beach, and it has been over a decade since I have been back to South Carolina. (My family used to vacation in Hilton Head every year during spring break.) Needless to say, I am extremely excited to go on this trip. Not only is it a brand new place to explore, but it is an opportunity to relax and spend time with my good friends from Milwaukee who I do not get to see on a regular basis. Plus, it will be a nice break from everything going on in my life--work, work and more work. My week in Myrtle Beach will be a welcome escape from it all, a chance to hit the refresh button.

While I have visited Boston once before, it was during the cold month of October, and the weather was not always the best. However, it was a real treat to see the leaves changing in Boston Common, certainly an experience I can check off my bucket list. What really excites me about this trip, apart from seeing me best friend, is that I will be celebrating our nation's birthday in one of the oldest cities in the country, the place where the revolution began, where our freedom was fought and won. I must admit I'm a bit of a history nerd, and I love hearing epic stories and interesting facts about landmarks, and let's face it, Boston is rife with them.

As of right now, those are the only two vacations planned for the summer. And while I would love to travel more, I feel those two trips are sufficient enough. One long relaxing week on the beach, and one quick weekend jam packed with barbecues, fireworks and loads of history. Sounds perfect to me.

I will keep you posted on whether any more trips are in the works. And expect exciting blogs about my summer trips when I return.