Quicker on the Return

It is common knowledge among most travelers that the return leg of a trip always seems shorter than the initial portion. But while we all accept this phenomena, it's not clear exaclty why it happens. In my personal opinion, getting to a place takes longer because of the anticipation. You are eager to get to your destination, excited to get the trip underway, at least that's how I always feel before a trip. In fact, the feeling is not restricted to the actual commute, but rather the entire week--or month, depending--leading up to the vacation. For example, this whole week has just been dragging along, one minute feeling like five. The reason? Because I have a flight home to Denver Friday afternoon, and I cannot wait. As a result, the days seem to be at a standstill. It's that damn anticipation, the desire to get away that forces every moment to feel like an eternity. That is, until you actually get there, and then time can not speed by faster. And then you are back on a plane--or a car or train--making your way to your place of origin, welcoming reality again.

What is truly unfortunate is that the initial trip and the return are exactly the same amount of time, but our minds tell us differently. It's all in our heads. Trust me, there is scientific proof. According to an article in USA Today, researchers found that the phenomena made trips home seem 17% to 22% shorter than the initial one. The scientists interviewed people about trips they took, and each time, even though the trips were exactly the same length, most people felt the return trip took less time. Students riding bikes said the initial trip took an average of 44 minutes, but the return took 37, when in reality, both legs took 35. Yeah, they actually have numbers, data to back this up. As far as explanations, well, they claim that the effect, which they dub "the return trip effect," was caused because people expected the initial trip to be faster than it was. It's that optimism that messes with our heads, it skews our sense of what's coming.

So can this phenomena effect other aspects of our lives? Can it really be limited to travel? I'm not really sure, because there are not a lot of incidences where we take one route to get anywhere and choose that same route to get back. Because in life, we're always moving forward, in some respect. People could argue that it seems to take a long time to get anywhere in life, but a second to lose it all. While that is certainly true, you are not then moving back down that path you came down to get back to a certain point. Nope, once you lose it, you are still stuck in that current place, just without what you had before. So while we would all love to have the return trip effect kick in when we need to get somewhere faster--or at least feel like we're getting their quicker--the best we can do is trust that we will get there when we get there, and our minds will help us along the way.

90+ and Sunny: My Week in Myrtle Beach

There is always that fear when you go on vacation that weather in your planned destination will be miserable, while everyone back at home enjoys days of clear skies and high temperatures. For my week in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, this was not the case. Within minutes of arriving, I was greeted with 80 degree, humid and sunny conditions, and it pretty much stayed that way the whole trip.

My first taste of the salty, moist Myrtle Beach air came as I stepped off the plane and onto the airport tarmack, a pleasant introduction to the quaint ocean town. (Little did I know at the time I would grow to despise the airport, but that story will come later.) Once inside the terminal, I met up with my friend Matt, who went to college with me in Milwaukee and now lives in Pennsylvania. We proceeded to reminisce briefly while grabbing some lunch and waiting for our other friend, Bob, to arrive from Newark, where he had been delayed an hour. (This would be the first of many flight delays experienced on this trip.) To kill time, Matt and I grabbed the rental car and took a quick drive over to one of the main stretches of Myrtle Beach, which can only be described as a garish bargain area meant for underage college partiers. I can honestly say I have not seen so many flashy tourist shops selling character and sports merchandise and shoddy clothing, at least not since spring break freshman year when we went to Panama City Beach, Florida.

Once Bob arrived and we had the rental car packed up and ready to go, we drove the 20-some mile distance to the Litchfield Resort, which would be our home for the next week. Along highway 17--which I got to know very well over the course of the trip--I noticed dozens of cheap looking seafood spots and cheesy mini golf courses. Two things I was desperately looking forward to enjoying. And how could I not in a place that's known for its delicious, fresh seafood and unlimited array of mini golf? When in Myrtle Beach, right?

Driving through the pristinely kept front gate of the resort, I felt centuries away from the abject scene we had witnessed earlier. Private condo units set steps away from fresh-water lakes surrounded by lengthy reeds, cranes sauntering through the brush searching for their afternoon meal. Families sat under an awning, fishing, carrying on without a care in the world, while other guests basqued by the pool, soaking in the last of the days light. Our condo sat at the end of a long winding road, #91. We had arrived at last. We quickly changed into our swimsuits and headed over to the beach where we planned to spend most of our time. Most people had packed up for the day and were making their way into their beach-front homes for some dinner, leaving the oceanfront practically bare. As I toed the rushing waves, the slightly cool water refreshed my travel wary body, preparing me for the long week ahead. After a quick walk down the beach and through part of the resort, we made our way to the grocery store to stock up on food necessities and libations--though Bob's grandfather had stocked us up nicely before we arrived.

My first meal in Myrtle Beach was--of course--seafood. I also got my first taste of a local favorite: hushpuppies, basically little balls of fried dough. While the fresh fish was seasoned perfectly and melted instantly in my mouth, I was most impressed by the technique used to cook my food. The restaurant had placed all the ingredients into a brown paper bag, and baked it. When it arrived at the table, the waitress broke open the bag and dumped it on my plate, with the fish landing squarely on top of the rice and vegetables.

Our first day was spent lounging lazily on the beach (after a quick three mile run on the beach, which, in the humidity, felt like 10 miles). We made sure to lather up on sunscreen and drink plenty of water, but despite my efforts, I still managed to develop a red, slightly raw, color on my shoulders. Probably one of the most unfortunate things that can happen on vacation is getting burned the very first day, so I encourage everyone to load up right away, even if you're dying to get some color. Trust me, you'll thank me later when you get to enjoy every single day out in the sun, rather than just one or two.

In the afternoon, we ventured back to the airport (trip #2) to pick up Ashley, our fourth and final companion. Back at the condo, we cooked up an impressive plate of chicken kabobs and roasted vegetables, pairing it with the first of many rounds of cocktails. Once we finished dinner, we made ourselves some drinks-to-go and went for a relaxing stroll on the beach to watch the sunset. Past experiences on the ocean in the evening told me to grab a sweater or something in case the sea breeze forced a chill, but to my surprise and pleasure, there was absolutely no need for another layer. The warmth seemed to dominate the day and barely waned at night. As we traipsed along, each of us pointed out the house we hoped to someday own, the massive beach-front properties that gave no indication that we were in a recession. Mine was modern, painted blue with white trimmings and a spiral staircase between the upper and lower deck.

Our second full day, we experienced the true pain of a heat index that tops 110 degrees. All those days I begged for warmer weather, I will now no longer complain. We could barely stay outside for a few minutes before feeling like we were melting. But as much as everyone wants to hear about we baked out in the heat all day, I know there are others things to talk about. That night, we made our way to Broadway at the Beach, where we enjoyed large platters of scrumptious sushi. We then spent the rest of the evening walking around a shopping area, sampling local wine (very fruity and sweet), indulging on scoops of ice cream and freshly made fudge, and trying on various cute outfits (at least that's what me and Ash did while the guys enjoyed a beer in the bar across the way).

The next evening, after making a nice meal of pasta and garlic bread, we headed over to one of those ultra cheesy mini golf courses to take part in some much needed physical activity. We encountered waterfalls, caves, rivers, and lots of other obstacles typical of good quality mini golf courses. The whole night was filled with laughter, music, fun and cake batter vodka--all Matt.

Wednesday was Matt and Ashley's last full day, and we spent it lounging at the pool and relaxing. Since it was so hot out, we decided to spend the afternoon inside and went to see a movie. After the film, we headed over to a seafood joint Bob raved about called Nance's. We all got a platter of delicious seafood, swordfish, crab, oysters, lobster and of course, hushpuppies. After finishing our meal, we headed over to the pier to listen to some live music over the crashing waves. Yes, it was all country, but still a nice experience, and a prime opportunity to people watch.

On Matt and Ash's final say, we spent the morning on the beach, enjoying the waves and the sun. Bob and I drove them to the airport (trip #3) and dropped them off for their flight to Atlanta, where Matt would be catching a connection to Detroit and Ash would be making her way back to Milwaukee. No more than 10 minutes after leaving, Matt called to tell us the flight was delayed and he would miss his connection, so we turned around quickly (trip #4) to pick him up. We ventured up North to a different shopping area where we found a really great fish market, where the guys got full platters of crab legs, crawfish and potatoes--a guy's dream. It was pouring rain outside, so it was no surprise when we got a call from Ash telling us her flight was delayed out of Myrtle Beach and she needed to be picked up. So we made the best of their extra night and revisited out college days with a game of beer pong--or four or five games.

Our last full day was spent taking Matt to the airport (trip #5) and then heading over to downtown Myrtle Beach where we had lunch on the beach and wandered around some of the cheaper areas of the city. By mid afternoon, it was time to take Ash to her flight, (trip #6). After dropping her off, Bob and I went back to the condo and made the best of the rest of the day by going to the pool and then making a quick dinner. But just as we were finishing our meal, we got a call from Ash telling us she needed to be picked up again. Trip #7. The evening was spent on the phone to Delta getting Ash some compensation for her troubles, and then enjoying some delivered pizza and a rented movie. Unfortunately, Ash had an early flight out on Saturday morning, so Bob took her to the airport around 5 am, (trip #8 for him). Once we packed up and had some food, we made locked up the condo and made our way out.


Even though my trip was not as touristy as it could have been, I know there are plenty of tours and attractions I could have participated in. The bottom line was I didn't want to leave; the entire trip was exactly what I needed. A relaxing week spent in the sun with some of my best friends. The weather was absolutely perfect and it was just the distance from Chicago that was necessary.

No-Vacation Nation

Yep, that's what America is called. Why? Because we cannot take a break from our busy work lives to take advantage of the few vacation days we are granted every year.

Compared to other countries, we get a meager amount of paid time off. For those of you who know me, or read my blog enough, you know how I feel about vacation  and taking time away from work. I think it is a travesty that we only get two weeks off a year. Think about it...12 months of work, five days a week, eight to nine hours of work a day. I'm not in the mood to do the math, but that translates to a lot of days spent in the office. Sitting at a desk. Toiling away in front of a computer. Working long hours on presentations, meetings, projects. It can become thoroughly exhausting, having a negative effect on our personal lives, health and overall happiness. And yet we hang on to those vacation days, reluctant to spend even one.

Why?!?

There are many theories behind this workaholic epidemic. The first is that some companies just straight up do not like employees taking off a lot of time, which is why many people refuse to take long vacations and will limit their trips to one week stints. Also, many companies expect workers to call or check their email while away from their desk, making it nearly impossible to have a legitimate vacation from work. A major readon that Americans travel less or take less time off is because companies due not have a legal obligation to offer vacation. Places like Germany, for instance, requires employers to offer four weeks or more paid vacation, and Finland, Brazil and France guarantee six weeks. But U.S. employers are not mandated by law to offer vacation time, so about a quarter of all American worker do not have access to it. This makes America the only advanced nation that does not guarantee workers annual leave, according to reports.

So what's going on here? Obviously, there are many companies who do provide vacation to employees, but many simply do not use it, or at least not all of it. An article from CNN said that only 57% of workers use up all the days they are entitled to, compared to 89% of workers in France. The average employee gets about 18 days of vacation, but most only use 14. If you figure each American leaves those 4 days unused, that means there are 448 million vacation days just sitting there, waiting to be enjoyed. So why do we do this? Well, when it comes down to it, we are still working on getting out of a recession, and many people are reluctant to be away from the office for fear of being laid-off. I mean, if a company is looking to save money, the first ones to go are the ones who are not around as often.

Another theory is that we like to work. A happiness study showed that working more makes Americans happier than Europeans. I mean, it's called the American Dream because you work hard for it, which means more people associate hard work with success. So while Europeans look to leisure to complete their lives, Americans look to work. Perhaps I should move.

I'm not saying I hate working. In fact, work is a good way to stay busy, keep me motivated and make a living. But, I also believe strongly in the benefits of taking a day off. Just this past Monday, I came into the office, prepared to work. Unfortunately, our office network and internet were down, making it pretty much impossible to do anything. So, a lot of people worked from home. My manager and I decided that would not be the most productive route, and took the day off. It was a much needed chunk of time to take care of other tasks, go for a run, cook a nice meal and relax. I felt energized when I came to work Tuesday, less stressed and prepared to take on the day. If one day off could do all that, just imagine taking the full 18 days I am allowed every year.

Other countries cringe when they hear Americans usually only get two weeks off, encouraging their image of us working like robots. While companies in the U.S. argue that too much vacation time would hurt productivity and get rid of a competitive edge, critics say there is no evidence to support that. Maybe there is something to be said for Americans working as hard as we do, but I believe that there is a lack of life balance that needs to be acknowledged. It's not just about working hard and bringing in the money, it is also about taking time out for family and yourself.

As far as my minimum amount of vacation days goes, you can bet I'm taking every single one of them. I will not be one of those Americans who backlogs a few days, because more often than not those will not transfer over to the next year, and will be lost forever in the abyss of unused time off.

Travel and Technology

A couple months ago, I was on an anti-technology kick, pushing for people to take relaxing vacations where they left all forms of electronic communication behind. While that is still a great idea, and I encourage at least one trip like that a year, I cannot deny the facts: travel and technology--in this day and age--are practically synonymous. If the numerous travel websites like Expedia, Travelocity, Hotwire and Kayak are not evidence enough, check out all the latest travel apps that are available for smart phones. Technology is making travel easier, less stressful and more accessible, and people are loving every micro-second of it.

While technology can be a distraction on vacations, it can certainly help people get there and get around. I'm not sure where any of us would be without the trusty aid of GPS--what street are we on again?--or quick access to airline reservations--can we switch our flight to tomorrow? But there are so many more websites and apps launching nowadays that it's difficult to know everything that's out there.

On my long commute to work this morning, I was reading the feature story in the RedEye, which talked about all the ways that smart phones can ease the stress of travel. There are a number of different applications you can download related to the many facets of travel, some I had heard of, and others were completely foreign to me. As an avid traveler and someone who looks for anyway to simplify vacations, I felt a lot of these would be extremely convenient to have on a trip. I already have the app for Yelp.com downloaded on my phone, which is extremely helpful when hunger strikes as you are wandering around an unfamiliar city. All you have to do is open the app, select what you want to find (cheap eats, hot dogs, fancy restaurant) and your current location and results instantly pop up, showing hundreds of options located just a few feet away. Google Goggles is a useful app when traveling in a country you are very unfamiliar with. The program can translate a menu into English or can tell you the history of a monument in a flash, all you have to do is snap a picture of the item and the app does the rest. The Currency app is convenient when you are unsure about conversion rates--how much would this Fendi purse cost me in dollars? The app displays the current currency rates and even updates automatically with fresh information, since currency exchange can switch on a daily and hourly basis. Similar to Yelp, Happy Hour is an app that can show you all the great drink deals in the area you are visiting; so if it's five o'clock and you're out and about, this app can show you where to find a cheap watering hole close by.

As far as websites go, there is something out there for every possible travel need from tracking flights and navigating airports to managing travel itineraries and selecting optimal seating on planes.That's right, there is a website completely dedicated to finding the best seat on an aircraft. SeatGuru.com shows the layout for over 100 airlines and their featured planes, color-coding the best and worst places to sit. Reviewers back up these claims with comments about whether the seat is located near the bathrooms or if there is a cup holder. (Yeah, it's that specific.) You can also use the site to check for in-flight amenities. The only problem is that you cannot actually reserve your desired seat through the website, but at least you will know which one to select when choosing seat assignments online.

Some other interesting websites that caught my attention: TripIt.com, a website that inputs all your travel information into an online itinerary and sends you check-in reminders and even alerts you to flight delays and gate changes (you can also add restaurants and activities to the itinerary, but this needs to be done manually); Zicasso.com, a simple way to get travel ideas from a number of different sources all at once, all it takes is filling out a short questionnaire about the trip you want to take and voila, price quotes and suggested itineraries are at your fingertips within a couple days (and you don't have to commit to any of the travel companies that submitted suggestions); Livemocha.com is a site that helps you learn, or freshen up on, a language through flash cards, videos and live conversations with native speakers (but make sure you have a webcam, headphones and a microphone so you can fully learn any of the 35 languages featured).

Just as there is an unlimited amount of places to see in the world, there seems to be an endless array of technical options to get you there. So take advantage of these conveniences, utilize their benefits and make booking your next trip simple and worry-free. But be sure to toss that phone or computer aside momentarily and take in the wonderful environment that surrounds you.

Getting Back to Nature

I wrote a post a few weeks ago that talked about the technology-free vacation. I believed then that it was a great idea. Now, after reading an article in the New York Times Technology section, I find it even more appealing. The article chronicles a trip taken by five neuroscientists to a remote area of Southern Utah, completely detached from cell phone reception or wi-fi. For a week, these scholars hiked, rafted and camped in the wilderness, the whole time discussing how heavy technology use effects our brains and how nature may reverse it.

Some of the scientists were skeptical about it, while others embraced the idea. Since this trip is a rarity in our world today, where people can communicate even from the farthest reaches of the globe, it was difficult for these men to give up their laptops and blackberries. But they did it, and you know what, I think it was the best thing for them. They even reported, after a few days of physical activity and fresh air, they were more relaxed, focused and reflective. The constant nagging of a cell phone seemed to dissipate, and it almost seemed silly to want to check email. Even with important happenings going on back at home, the scientists were able to push it aside and enjoy a trip that took them away from it all--literally.

Not only did the trip effect their personal gadget-checking tendencies, but it also changed how they looked at their scientific research. According to  David Strayer, a psychology professor at the University of Utah, what happens to us when we step away from our devices is important to study, it's essential to science. What these scientists found was that taking time away from technology and spending it outside participating in physical activities increased their focus and attention. Their minds were able to relax, producing clearer thoughts and more cognitive reasoning. Perhaps nature is the cure. Of course, the scientists all need more proof of this before jumping to that conclusion. Mr. Braver, a brain imaging expert and one of the skeptics, wants to use imaging to study what happens to the brain when it rests. Mr. Kramer, a professor at the University of Illinois, wants to investigate the benefits to the brain that occurred, whether they were due to being in nature or by participating in physical activities. Mr Atchley, a professor at the University of Kansas, says he wants to study the addictive nature of people and how it can result in bad decisions and destructive behavior.

While the trip didn't cure them of their technology dependence, it did make them realize that a little downtime is important, a way to unclutter thoughts and focus attention. Isn't that why they call it a vacation? It restores you, in a way. I've felt strongly about the need to take a break, because working too much, multi-tasking, checking phones and emails 24/7 can fry your brain; it's mentally exhausting. If you don't take some personal time, you'll go crazy.

I don't know if I would be able to completely give up technology for a week--or even a weekend--but it is something I am willing to try. If nothing else, it will be a freeing experience. Now, I just have to convince my boyfriend, who has a computer permanently attached to him at all times, to come along for the trip.

Electronics Free Vacation

It wasn't too long ago that going on vacation meant completely detaching from our everyday life. Yes, there was a time back before cell phones--though some may not be able to remember back that far--before computers and the internet, when people left town and, really, left it all behind. Now, it's difficult not to stay connected, no matter what part of the world you're visiting. Take my recent trip to Africa, for example. For the most part, we were pretty detached from the world and the daily occurrences in the news, unless it related to soccer. But for some reason no one liked being that distant, that cut off. Since we didn't have wireless in our villa, it became a mission to find some way to access email, the internet, anything. I was not as eager to find a way to connect back to life in Chicago, but even I had my smart phone that could access my email. But I made it a goal to keep my phone turned off, and only to turn it on in case of an emergency. The guys, however, were determined, and carted their laptops all through one of the local malls until they found a place that had wifi. Admittedly, I caved in and checked my email, and it was a good thing, too, since I would have missed a credit card payment had I not.


The bottom line is that more and more people are going on vacation and not really leaving their work at home. There is no such thing as "getting away" because you can always be found. Our society is over-connected, it seems, and no one wants to change that. I mean, look at the facts. We live on a planet of 2.5 billion cell phones. In America the Kaiser Family Foundation says that children spend nearly 8 hours a day looking at phones, computers, TVs and other interactive media. CareerBuilder says 25% of workers stay connected with the office during their holiday. And really, I think that number is probably larger, cause how many businesses can CareerBuilder really monitor.


But what if you really want to detach? To go on a trip where phones and computers are prohibited? To venture to a place where they've never heard of wifi? To truly achieve escapism? Is it even possible? What if there was a vacation company that created electronics-free getaways? Researchers at Mintel say that technology is not going to decline, but the forecast for downtime and disconnection is improving. Research has shown that taking short breaks away from media and technology can actually help students with their reading and arithmetic. Perhaps we all need to take some time away, truly let go of everything, head to a "zero coverage" zone, and just switch off. If we took the time to dig our toes in the sand, lay in the sun and not use our touch-screen-prone fingers except to sip a large cocktail, then perhaps there were be less chaos and craze in the world. Maybe if we switch off, our brains will actually light up.

Back with a Vengeance

After a long absence, I have returned!

I have to apologize for how bad I've been about posting. I realize there is no legitimate excuse for my carelessness, but I'm going to make an attempt anyway. First of all, I had to finish up my internships and get through my final weeks of graduate school. Then I had to spend hours applying for one job after another as well as running around Chicago to attend interviews. You should all be happy to know that I have completed my masters and am now working full-time as a copy writer for a marketing company. Yes, you can celebrate my good fortune, I know I am. Second, as you all know I had a very important trip to South Africa and the World Cup, and let's face it, I was way too preoccupied with happenings there to post anything.

But now I have returned, as dedicated as ever to reporting on the various travel stories and personal anecdotes that I find interesting. (I don't really care if you don't think they're interesting, cause it's my blog.) As you may have noticed, I've done a little rearranging and redesigning to my page, and I think this new layout is rather fitting. So with all that has happened and all the changes going on in my life, it's gonna be a lot to cover.

So let's dive right into it shall we?

How a Vacation Brightened my Mood...

And I haven't even gone on it yet.

Earlier this week, I was feeling completely down on myself. As you remember, graduation is coming up, and I have begun the job hunt. I made a goal of submitting at least one application a day--and usually I submit up to three--in the hopes that shear volume would get me somewhere. However, after almost three weeks of applying, I have only received rejections--3 to be exact. On top of that, I am also trying to finish up my masters and get through my final class. Luckily, the class work isn't too demanding, but it's still there and I still have to do it. Another factor contributing to my sorrow--money. Right now I have a job that pays and one that doesn't. Both are ending in about three weeks time and I will have zero income. My finances are already in shambles, so this will only make them worse. And finally, the project I've been working on for my apprenticeship is starting to come to a close, and people are frantically trying to get everything done, including me. I find myself having barely enough time in the day to get it all done. Not to mention I'm using a website system that has so many bugs and cliches, it's impossible to accomplish anything.

But despite everything wrong in my life, there was one thing that lifted my spirits this week: A trip to Calgary to visit my dad. I won't be going until mid-May, but just the thought of a long weekend in Canada just hanging out with my father made me so much happier. Perhaps it's the knowledge that I'll soon be getting away from all the stress in my life, or maybe that I'll get to spend quality time with my dad, or maybe that the last time I was in Calgary I had an incredible time.

The last time I visited was in 2005, the summer after my freshman year of college. I went on a road trip with my two best friends, and we drove up to Alberta from Colorado. It was one of the best trips I've ever had, and whenever I think of Calgary, I remember the vacation fondly. Now this upcoming travel adventure will be a little different. I have a few more years behind me and no friends to party with. I had always planned to return to Calgary with those two friends, or any of my college friends, or my boyfriend. But that doesn't mean I'm any less excited to go back this time. I'm ready for a great experience. I'm eager to pack a suitcase--I know I'm crazy for enjoying packing;--to get on the plane, sip a complimentary drink, and catch up on my reading; to shuffle off the plane and see my dad waiting for me at arrivals.

Even more exciting than the journey is the destination. Calgary is a modern city less than an hour away from the Canadian Rockies. It reminds me of Denver with its size and fresh downtown nightlife. Some worthy attractions are Olympic Park, built for the 1986 Winter Olympics. The Pedestrian Mall downtown is brimming with local vendors selling clothes, jewelry, art and food. The Calgary Tower offers a panoramic view of the city and the mountains in the distance as well as a glass floor experience peering straight down to the streets below.

One of my favorite parts of the city is the river. In the summer, locals rent rafts--or bring their own if they have them--and float along the gentle current, sipping on beer or wine. My friends and I had the privilege of experiencing this relaxing cruise, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who visits. I may not be able to do it this time around due to weather, but if I do, I'll be sure to report back about it.

It's comforting to know that something as simple as a weekend away is enough to brighten my demeanor. Rays penetrate my darker-than-a-rainy-day attitude, and I feel a sense of relief. If just the thought of a trip can have this effect, I wonder how the actual vacation will permeate my thoughts.

Just a Quick Thought...

...First, I'm sorry the entries have been lacking. I just finished the fall quarter last week, and now I have all this time on my hands and somehow I do not know how to handle it. I promise more posts to come.

...Second, IT'S DECEMBER!!! Christmas season is in full swing!! The Christmas lights and trees are going up all over the city!! The snow is falling--and for all the Chicagoans, it just started today!!

And with this holiday season comes the office blues. No one wants to be sitting in an office when the fectivities are taking place. Plus, the weather can be dreary, except when the snow is falling and settling nicely on the ground--and causing no traffic problems whatsoever in a perfect world. So to ease those times when you're feeling a little blue about sitting at a desk all day, find ways to celebrate the season while working.

1. Throw a holiday party at work-it doesn't have to be big and extravagent. Take a lunch hour, bring in Christmas cookies and some delicious casseroles--or sandwiches work, too--and have some sparkling cider. People will appreciate the break from the grind.
2. Find a Christmas Market: Plenty of cities have small markets selling crafts, gifts, and food. Chicago has the Christkindlemart in Daley Plaza. It's German, but anyone can go and enjoy the hot wine served in little boots, beer, brats, strudels, pretzels, and numerous vendors with delicate creations from all corners of Germany and beyond. What a way to experience the holiday and another culture all at once.
3. Take a trip!--Sure it's the holidays, and you should spend it with your family at home with a Christmas tree and presents. But why not jet off somewhere to go skiing? How about lazing on the beach? Or enjoying a nice mountain cabin? There are a lot of winter deals out there, so check them out and book a spontaneous vacation. That will certainly lift your spirits.

Personally, I'm looking forward to heading back to Colorado for two weeks to snowboard, lounge around the mountains, and spend time with my family and friends. It doesn't get much better than that.

South Africa is Booked!!!

For those of you who have been paying attention to my blog, I mentioned a couple weeks ago how expensive flights to South Africa are and the difficulty we have had in booking them.

Well, no need to worry further...our flights are completely booked!!

Thanks to my parents insane determination--and many, many frequent flier miles--we successfully found flights. Admittedly, it is going to be a long trip, but it's a sacrifice we are willing to make. First, my boyfriend and I fly from Chicago to Newark and meet my parents there, then we all fly over the pond together to Lisbon. We have to stay a night in Lisbon, but I've never been to Portugal, so that makes it all the more exciting. Then we fly from Lisbon, have a stop over in Mosambique, and then arrive in Johannesburg. The final leg is Johannesburg to Durbin. Yeah, it's gonna take us about three days to travel there, but that's half the fun, right?

Needless to say, I am very excited for this trip. The flights are set, the hotel is booked. Now all we have to do is wait. Wait for the matches to be decided--so we know who we'll be watching during the tournament. And wait for that glorious June day when we board the plane for our African journey.

It's October, Where Shall We Go?

Fall has arrived--yes, it's official now even though the first day of autumn was two weeks ago. It's October now, the weather is actually starting to cool down, and I'm leaving my apartment with a scarf, jacket, and boots every morning. Not that I'm complaining, I love my stylish, fall jackets and my adorable knee-high boots. But the question on my mind is, where should one travel this time of year?

It's difficult because of work and school to find time to go anywhere, but if one has a couple sick days stored up, Bing.com has a list of destinations that seem pretty sweet. I don't agree with every location on the list, and in fact some I would skip all together no matter what time of year it is. But there were a couple that intrigued me--because I had never been there--and some that definitely made me want to pack my bags and head to the airport.

The first one I was interested by was Maine. I have never ventured to the northern-most area of New England, but I have always heard good things. I have a friend who lives in Maine, and according to her it is unbelievably beautiful. And in the fall, I'm sure, the colors are breathtaking. And who wouldn't want to see a moose just wandering through the woods? The best way to get there, according to the article, is to fly through Boston--which I get the privilege of visiting this week (future post about the trip to come). Apparently airfare is pretty cheap right now, so why not hit up the picturesque landscapes of Maine.

Heading over to the West Coast, Napa and Sonoma made the list, and I have no objections to this at all. Um, hello, it's wine country! And fall is harvest time. Tourists will have the chance to participate in special activities as the grapes are being brought in from the vineyards such as grape stomping, wine-education courses, dinners and tastings. Being a wine lover myself, this would be an ideal trip to take with either my boyfriend or some girlfriends.

Venturing across the pond...ROMA!! When I saw this on the list, I nearly leaped out of my chair. For those who don't know--and I'm actually not sure I've ever mentioned it in this blog--I lived in Rome for four months three years ago. I was even there during the mild autumn months, and I can tell you all from personal experience it is worth the visit. This time of year is known as ottobrate romane--Rome's beautiful October days. Also, the wine will be spilling in from the vineyards, and the ripe olives falling from the tree branches. For all you chocolate lovers out there, like me, truffles are also a popular item in Italy at this time, appearing in dishes everywhere. Bring in fall "stile italiano."

Apparently Puerto Vallarta is a great place to visit this time of year. I, for one, am all for a Mexican getaway. The summer rains will have faded by this time, and the weather is temperate. In November there are a number of festivals going on in the city. Who wouldn't want to spend an autumn weekend on the beach? In a tropical enviornment? I wouldn't object to that.

Now, there were a couple places on the list I said I did not agree with, so I am going to replace those suggestions with a couple of my own...just for fun:

• Denver, Colorado--yes I hold a bias, but it is still beautiful in the fall, especially if you head to the mountains.
• Vancouver, British Columbia--Canada is known for it's gorgeous fall scenery.
• Redlands, California--come on, the Redwoods have to be worth seeing in the fall.

Anywhere you think would be a good destination to go during fall???

Packing Prompts Inspiration

Graduate school classes have resumed. Back to the grind of reading 300-page books in two days, writing paper after paper, and sitting through three hour lectures and workshops. Luckily, this is what I want to do with my life, so I find most of it pretty enjoyable--with the exception of speeding through books without getting the chance to really enjoy them. But what I really like is when I get a good writing idea compliments of my professors or something I heard in class or read in one of our various assignments.

This time it came from my memoir writing class. One of the writers we are studying is Abigail Thomas, and in one of her books she talks about how to write a personal story. In one chapter she provides prompts for writers who may be struggling with getting their story started. I was reading through some of these prompts--write 2 pages about a time you were dressed inappropriately, 2 pages that take place in water--and I came across one that I thought was really interesting, something I had never thought about before: Write 2 pages about what goes through your mind when you're packing for a trip.

Personally, the process of packing can be stressful. First, I make out a list of everything I think I'm going to need, writing down numbers next to each to indicate how many I plan on taking. 4 t-shirts. 3 long-sleeve shirts. 5 pairs of pants. 1 dress. It appears anal, borders on obsession. But I like to have a plan, and with a list at least I can check things off and make sure that I have them in my suitcase.

Then it comes time to actually grab that bag and put everything inside. I lay out everything I am going to need, grabbing one thing and putting something else back. When everything is laid out on my bed, I scan it to make sure I have everything, plus extra just in case. Then I think, "what's the weather going to be like where I'm going?" I lunge for my laptop and enter the weather channel website. I look at the weekend forcast, the 10 day forecast, the chance of rain, etc. And since I'm on the internet, why not check some of the places I might want to visit, restaurants, bars, monuments. So I need to make sure I have outfits appropriate for those outings, as well as any necessary accessories or toiletries. Sunscreen for a long day at the beach, hats and boots for a day of hiking, jewelry and makeup for nice parties and dinners.

Somehow I get lost in the excitment of everything, and I'll start thinking about how much fun I'm going to have on my trip. And while packing is my priority at this point, I take a moment to appreciate that I can pack a bag and jet off to somewhere unknown. When I place that dress in the suitcase, I wonder what memories it will collect as I wear it. Will that sunscreen protect me, or is a burn in my future? Will my camera even be able to capture the moments of my trip, the experience I will ultimately come away with? Packing no longer becomes a quest to assure I have everything and how to pack it practically. It turns into a game, guessing where an outfit will take me, or better yet, where I'll take it.

What do you think about when you pack for a trip?

National Geographic Travel Books...

...there's an option for every traveler and trip.

Sure, in this economy people are staying at home more. But let's face it, we were meant to explore, born to roam. National Geographic.com has formulated a list of six books dedicated to travel, and each one provides the reader with a little something different.

For the literary types who fancy visiting the locales in their favorite novels--the Royal Crescent in Bath where Elizabeth Bennet walked with Mr. Darcy perhaps--, Novel Destinations is the right book. It provides a list of over 500 literary sites across the U.S. and Europe. It lays out the history of museums, houses, bars, restaurants, and festivals all featured in books and authors' lives. The book can give anyone a private tour through the pages of a classic novel.


For the volunteer--or wannabe one--in all of us, 100 Best Volunteer Vacations to Enrich Your Life brings the world of "voluntourism" to the masses. Pam Grout gives lists of options for people with various talents and personalities. On top of that, beside each volunteer opportunity are personal trips to nearby locations, as well as tips and tricks while traveling in a new country.

How about a little getaway with the girls? 50 Best Girlfriends Getaways in North America, 2nd Edition covers destinations perfect for birthdays, relaxation, shopping, and bonding. It's easy to pick a place, grab a friend or two, and hit the road.

Family vacations are classic...and even when you're older, they can still be fun. The 10 Best of Everything: Families gives families lists of the ten best of any kind of trip they desire. Whether it's staying local (best ice-cream shops or parks) or traveling around the world (best adventure vacations or best itineraries for London), the book provides information, tips, and fun for the whole family. (Wow, that sounded incredibly cliche.)

Road Trips are becoming increasingly more popular in this economy, seeing as it is a lot cheaper to stay around the U.S. than travel abroad. USA 101 puts together a whole array of classic American destinations--the Statue of Liberty, Liberty Bell, Golden Gate Bridge--and invites travelers to get in on the events, fairs, festivals, and small quirks that this country has to offer.

And finally, who wouldn't want to go to the Dalai Lama's favorite travel spot? I know I would. My Favorite Place on Earth begs the question: What is your favorite travel discovery? It follows the stories of celebrities as they discuss their favorite places to go. Next to each celebrity's location, the author has placed information about fun attractions and places to see while visiting these various cities and areas around the world.

So pick up a book and read about where, how, and when to travel. If anything these books should give you some pretty good ideas for future vacations.

Oh...It's On

As people pass by one another on the street, casually they state, "it's on." Phoning friends, workers, colleagues, just to say those two words. Scene after scene, people are challenging...something. But what? What exactly is "on?"

The fight for better travel fares, that's what.

Southwest is presenting their summer deals with new commercials promoting new low fares to certain cities around the U.S. With airlines reporting a decrease in ticket sales of about 9% this summer, they are looking for anyway to get people traveling again. What better way than cheap plane tickets?

Some of their summer deals include: Chicago to Boston $89 (one way); Chicago to Cleveland $49 (one way); Denver to LA $79 (one way); Tampa Bay to New York City $114 (one way), the list goes on and on. You have to admit, some of these prices are pretty appealing, and maybe worth jumping on. Summer is the best time for deals, because more and more people are inclined to take time off and enjoy the gorgeous weather. Southwest, however, has always been known for their low fares. But I'm sure there are plenty of other airlines providing discounts and cheaper flights. You just have to search for them.

As for me, I'm seriously considering taking on the economy with a cheap flight somewhere. One of the cities on my list of places to visit is Boston, where one of my best friends happens to live. For $89, I could visit a city I've never seen and spend time with a good friend...talk about killing two birds with one stone.

A $500 discount and 2 dozen fresh oysters

With a deal like that, who could say no?

I know I would certainly consider taking someone up on that offer. And with elaborate beach front houses on the scenic east coast being rented for cheap this summer, a $500 discount would do wonders. In a New York Times article posted today (which is conveniently located on the left hand side of my blog), rentals for beach front vacation homes is down significantly from last year. The reason for the sluggish behavior is that people are taking their time before they jump into a commitment. They are shopping around for the best deals, more bang for their buck. Luckily for people who are wanting to rent, there are incredible deals right now because people are desperate to get their properties occupied for the summer. Another positive, many locations are still available for holidays--4th of July and Labor Day.

So what about those oysters? Just another perk for the renters. People are thinking of anything and everything to lure in travelers. But the economy is what it is, and it's less likely that beach homes will be rented out for the entire summer as they have been in the past. And with properties still available this late in the game, and at such great prices, it's worth taking a look at the deals you can get.

There is a condo in Garden City Beach, South Carolina, that is being offered for a week as just over $1,000. Even for a graduate student, that's doable. I'm not saying I'm putting the payment in right now, but if I had the money, I would seriously consider it. I love South Carolina, and I haven't been back there since I was a kid. And as for the other various destinations along the east coast, I've never been to Cape Cod or Maryland or any of those beaches. So just for the fun of it, I may look at some of these websites and float away in the hopeful bliss of my imagination. One day in the future I will make the commitment and rent a vacation home on the beach...but I doubt the deals will be this sweet.