Road Trip!

February 2001 at South Padre on the way to Mexico with my Mom, Dad, and Sister

Growing up, we were very lucky to be able to travel a lot. We never had lots of money. We were never extravagant. But my parents made it a point to show us all the wonderful, beautiful, interesting places that America (and beyond) has to offer.

We always drove, never flew. My mom is an adventurer at heart and a free-spirit. Half of the excitement of the vacation was the trip itself, not the final destination, and I still feel the same way.

We rarely ate at chain restaurants. My dad preferred to take us to those mom and pop restaurants we found along the way. As a kid, I always wished we could eat at McDonald's instead, but now I find that I came to appreciate and remember so many places by their food. (What does it say about me that I recall places by the restaurants we ate at?! Oh yes, I remember going to Memphis! We ate at that BBQ restaurant!)

We didn't stay at fancy hotels. Sometimes it was the Motel 6, and sometimes we didn't stay at a hotel at all. Sometimes we'd camp. And I loved it. I grew to appreciate beauty and nature in a deeper way that way. And when we did stay in a hotel, we thought it was the coolest thing ever!

These experiences impacted me so deeply and helped shape who I am. I'm not sure how or why, but I can't deny it's true. Perhaps it's the sense of adventure. Or maybe it's the realization that the world is far bigger than the tiny little corner of the planet where I reside. Whatever the reason... I LOVE to travel.

I've listened to John Mayer's "3x5" about 10 times since Saturday. That song just gets me itching to take a road trip. So...

One of my goals this summer is to plan an awesome vacation for as little money as possible. I LOVE road trips (this might be an understatement) and I LOVE getting a deal. We're trying to be a lot better with our money lately. But I REALLY want to go somewhere fun, relaxing, beautiful and exciting during our week off in July. So now I've made it sort of a game for myself. I'd already been thinking about it, but lit a fire under me when I booked a night for this weekend at the Westin in Dallas for $63 earlier today (I love Hotwire.com!). I'm feeling pretty good! Stay tuned to see how the rest of the planning goes well and if we're able to make it happen.

And I'd love to hear any of your kid-friendly, budget-friendly, highly fun, beautiful, and relaxing trip ideas!