Travel Tip Tuesday {of sorts}.

 Have you ever wished you could just drop everything, pick-up and go?  Seriously, just go.  Seriously.  And hmmm, maybe, travel around the world...well, maybe that's a little extreme but, I'd definitely like to be able to pick up and go.  Let's just say that I'd love to be able to both!  However, that's not ideal at this point in time in my life and definitely doesn't fit into the budget.

But, let me tell you that I would be in heaven if it did...yes, I really, really would.  Alright, let's just say that the sky was the limit where'o where would I start...  Hmmm...  I'd have to say snow.  I'd head to Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City to pick-up a few friends of course and probably not in that order.  I might be convinced to head the beach first too.  And let's be honest all my friends would probably pick the beach as the first stop to.  Anyhow, even dreaming for now.  But, wouldn't this "ability" be positively, absolutely, wonderful?!  My mind is screaming Y-E-S!

Anyhow, today's tidbits...

In 2012, I officially, have earned 3-weeks of paid vacation and I'm uber excited!  I've been brainstorming the last 2-months where my travels will take me next year...  And let's just say the possibilities are absolutely endless.  Also, I've already arranged a few travel companions.  I have a few tentative trips planned however, they are contingent upon budget and availability.  Yes, I'm sure you'd love to know what's on the agenda, right?  I thought so...

January:  This is a "MAYBE"...a trip to London with Brenna.  A quick 2-days in London.  1 day to fly there, 2 days for sightseeing, and 1 day to fly back.  It's a very quick trip but, if the airfare is right and the apartment rental (roomorama) is there...BOOK IT!!! 

March:  Maui, Hawaii with 2 girlfriends, Kori and Staci.  And for those of you that follow my blog "yes" it's Kori from Blonde Episodes.  This "here" blogging world is pretty cool because you make virtual friends and then sometimes you meet them in real life and become good friends.  Pretty exciting, right?  Right.  We want to hit the beach, drink frosty beverages, and have girlie conversations.  Oh, and I can't forget climb a waterfall...or fly over it in a helicopter.  Very cool, don't you think.  This trip will be a quick 5-days at the beach.  And most likely a hotel on the beach.

June/July:  Rome, Italy with my sister to celebrate her big 3-0!!!  However, this trip has a bit of a "clincher".  A very tight "budget".  The trip budget is $1,500 per person.  Yes, that includes airfare, apartment rental (roomorama), food/drinks, and museum tickets.   This budget does NOT include any "shopping" money and will not.  I told my sister that was "separate". 

Fall/Winter:  Paris.  Not sure who will be going with me but, I've had 2 girlfriends "show" some interest.  So, we will see when it get's closer.

Fall/Winter:  Europe.  My girlfriend, Marian, would love to head to Europe with me and open to anywhere...so, I might do the cruise I did last year again.  I would have done that again this year but, "single occupancy" was a problem.  Sorry, a little side note there.

And I'm sure your noticing a pattern of sorts here, there's no guy included in my travel plans (at this point).  I'll officially admit it:  I'm single again.  After 6-1/2 years of being in a committed relationship I am single.  Whew!  I'm glad I finally got it out there - on the blog.  A change like this kind of "shakes" things up a bit.  Actually, a lot.  So, as a result I'm looking forward to a new and exciting year and I'm hoping travel is a big huge part of it!  So, yay to 2012!  I've already had a few months to adjust and I think I'm doing pretty good.

Anyhow, I am looking forward to 2012 and my exciting travel plans.

So, my tip {of sorts} for today...  Plan ahead.  Yes, plan ahead.  Talk about it.  Put a budget together.  Write it down and put in paper.  Request the time off from your boss.  You can always "cancel" the vacation if the plans don't come together or don't "fit" into the budget.  That's what I do and it will all come together.  For example...my "potential" January trip to London.  Oh, and I can't forget about pre-planning flights.  If you have a "plan" of future trips periodically check for flight deals and book the airline tickets when you find a killer deal.  More on this next week's post.  My frequent trips to Chicago...plan ahead...there will be deals!  And there are.  Hence, my trip back for New Year's weekend.  I'm hoping Chicago is a winter wonderland for me!  Yes, I really am.  I am looking forward to building a snowman with Lily, snowball fights, snow angels, and ice skating.  And good times with friends.

Have a wonderful Tuesday and don't forget to plan ahead, budget, and request the time off.