30 Day Reboot

 It’s that time of year again.  The time when I begin to feel a bit restless and in need of a change.  I don’t feel stuck, just a little less interested in my usual routine.

Time passes so quickly that I forget to stop and reassess where I want to be.  All of those things that I thought about doing so many months ago, but never did, now don’t feel so important or interesting.

Being retired, I don’t have the commitment of work and yet my life is full and busy and for that I am grateful.  Now, I am ready for something new.

Time for a Change

I have to be careful when I’m feeling this way as I have a tendency to make radical changes, like moving houses or even leaving the country.  I don’t need to go to that extent if I can just find some new ways to revitalize my outlook.

What I have learned is that all change actually happens from within and that is where I need to start.  So, I have created a personal challenge that will help me to reset my perspective and allow some fresh ideas to surface.

Be Easy About It

What I am looking for is a gentle shift, not a huge leap.  Some way of opening up to some new things without having to throw out the old. 

One thing I will do more of is meditate.  Spending just 10 minutes a day, sitting quietly is so simple that I forget how much power there is in reconnecting with my spirit.

When I do that, it seems that I feel lighter, and more creative ideas come to me. 

Do What You Love

Something that never fails to soothe my soul is to go out in nature.  No matter what the weather is, I always love just walking in a park.  I go during off hours so I can be alone and just experience the peace.

 
This year, I started a small vegetable garden.  It has been so satisfying to care for the plants and watch them grow.  It is a lovely reminder of the cycle of life.

Have Fun

Part of the process for me is to remember to have more fun.  I have always been a very serious person so light-hearted fun is pure joy when I can let myself feel it.

Over the years, I have found that I enjoy many things but don’t often incorporate them into my daily life. 

Whether it is turning up the music and dancing while I’m cleaning house or cooking some new exotic dish, it doesn’t matter.  Just being playful is key to feeling happy.
 
Minimize Negative Influence

It is helpful for me to reduce outside interference in order to make sustainable changes. 

The big one for me is my phone.  I live alone so it is easy for that to be my biggest connection with the outside world, but it has become less of a tool for communicating and more of a time warp of senseless activity.  I catch myself scrolling through a flood of information that I don’t want or need in my life.

I remember when a phone was just a phone, not a mini-computer.

Television is another intrusion that I allow far too often.  I don’t need the constant input of bad news and excessive advertising. 

Maximize the Positive

It is easy to go through the day without stopping to think about how I am really feeling.  Every day there is an opportunity for me to look for the best things in the world around me. 

Something as simple as a friendly check-out clerk at the store or a lovely yellow butterfly on the bush in my yard.  Life is as wonderful as we let it be.

Many years ago, Bing Crosby sang “Accentuate the Positive – Eliminate the Negative”, that is my new mantra.

I can’t wait to see what delightful things I will discover on this new journey.
 
Do you feel a need for change at different times of the year?  What do you do when you are craving something new?  Share your stories and join the conversation.

Published on Sixty and Me

Post Pandemic Travel - Getting Back to Basics

Post pandemic travel is a new and interesting experience.  So many people, myself included, are ready to explore the world again.  The question is, just how do we do that now?

Destinations are beginning to open to visitors but there are still many aspects that have changed and need to be considered before embarking on your next adventure.  Especially for women traveling alone.

Solo travel has always been a unique experience

It required special planning to make sure that it was safe and enjoyable.  Not so different than how it is today.

Thinking about how to do this reminds me of when I first began to travel.  Deciding where to go, how to get there, where to stay were just some of the decisions that I needed to make.  Everything about the process was a little scary but very exciting. 

I’m feeling that way again and it is making this process even more enjoyable.

Jump back in or take it slow

For some, this will be going full speed ahead, trying to regain their normal routine.  For others, it will be a little slower and more deliberate.  I probably fall somewhere in the middle.  I want to go fast but also be mindful of real and relevant factors all over the world.

Pre-pandemic I was travelling full-time, most of it internationally.  Just the month before lock-down in the US I was in 3 different countries and planning the next. 

Now that seems unrealistic and even careless in some cases.  I had to remind myself that things have changed and if I want to continue to travel, I need to do somethings differently.

Back to basics

As much as I love the experience of going somewhere far away, I don’t feel quite ready for that.  What I am ready for is that feeling of wonder and joy that being anywhere new brings.

I began thinking of things to do and places to go a little closer to home.  Places that would give me that sense of being away without having to go too far.

When I first started to travel alone, I would pick a nearby location and plan from there.  What I found was that it didn’t matter where it was, it always felt like I was worlds away.

Start small

Something I love to do when I am in a new place is to take public transportation, especially buses and trains.  That is something I almost never do at home. 

I started by checking stations and schedules near where I live and began to see all of the locations I can access without driving.  What I didn’t expect is that it was as much fun, if not more, than researching flights, at a fraction of the cost.

The other thing I love about traveling is staying at a nice hotel and taking myself out to dinner.  As much as I enjoy that, it is something I only do when I’m away. 

Just this small amount of planning helped me to see that I can have all of the pleasure of taking a trip with a lot less of the anxiety producing aspects that I don’t want.

There are so many options

Now, that I’ve decided that this is a good way for me to ease back into travel, I’ve realized just how many possibilities there are.  I don’t have to fly to another city to enjoy all of the things I can have right here. 

I’ve decided I will play tourist in my own city and state.  Each trip will involve something that I love – visiting local parks and gardens, going out to lunch or dinner alone, staying at a nice hotel for just a night or two or booking a luxurious spa treatment, anything I want. 

Not only will it be convenient but without having to pay airfare, it is much more affordable. 

Just thinking about this new way to travel has reignited my enthusiasm for something that has been such a wonderful part of my life. 

Wishing you safe and happy travels!   

 How do you feel about traveling again?  Are you comfortable with planning and preparing for post pandemic changes?  Have you ever been a tourist in your city?  Share your stories and join the conversation! 

Published on Sixty and Me

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finding Joy in Isolation

 When the pandemic first hit the U.S. in 2020, like so many others, I wondered how I would cope.  Would this be a devastating hardship or could it be an opportunity to look at life in a different way?

There were so many unknowns that business as usual didn’t seem realistic or even possible.  I started to think about ways that I could be comfortable and still stay safe with so much fear and confusion going on around me.

As I spoke with family and friends, I could see that everyone had a unique approach to this unprecedented situation.  Some were trying to work around the virus to maintain as much of their normal day to day lives as possible and others wanted to ignore that it was even happening. 

Very quickly, I realized that how I dealt with this was entirely up to me.  So, I went into planning mode.  I wanted to find a way to transition to a new normal and maybe even find some joy.

First, I needed to assess what I would require for extended periods of lockdown.  As I did my inventory, I realized that I had very little in the way of food on hand and an excessive amount of travel supplies.  After so much traveling, I had enough shampoo and toothpaste to last 6 months.

Since it was still winter in Colorado, I thought of it as getting ready for a big storm.  I didn’t want or need to hoard supplies but I did need to have food in the cupboard.

It reminded me of when I was a girl and mom could make a few pantry staples and one piece of meat stretch for several meals.  How well she managed really inspired me.  This was a great chance to get creative and do some things differently. 

 I never enjoyed grocery shopping, or any shopping to be honest, and now it was much worse.  I started checking into delivery options and found that I could get everything I needed delivered to my door, it felt like a real luxury.  That is something I will continue long after the crisis has passed.

Also, there was an unexpected surprise in having someone else doing my shopping.  As supplies fluctuated, I would sometimes get substitutions for items that I would not have tried otherwise. 

I started to appreciate how well I was able to navigate through this strange time.  Feeling very secure with my home and food supply my attention turned inward.  I began thinking of how I would spend my time. 

Previously, I would have been traveling all over the world for work and pleasure but that was not going to be possible, at least for the time being.  That was a big concern for me.  How would I adapt if I was confined to one place, not able to jump on a plane whenever I wanted? 

I began thinking of all of the wonderful trips I had taken and trying to remember details of each adventure.  I had moved so quickly from one place to another, now was a good time to reflect on those journeys and what they really meant to me.

Being in one place for an extended period of time was growing on me.  It was nice to wake up in my own bed every day and not have to worry about check-out time or flight schedules. 

I was cooking more and even started sourdough baking which is something I used to do when my children were young.  I discovered a lot of the simple pleasures that I didn’t have time for before the pandemic. 

For me, staying in was a relief, I didn’t have to go anywhere or do anything that I didn’t truly want or need to do.  I’ve never liked crowds, so not being able to attend events felt like pure freedom.  I could do whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. 

Little by little I started experimenting with this new way of life and found so many hidden gems that I would never have thought would be possible.  I have loved slowing down and really taking time to look after myself.  What I discovered is that you can find joy even in isolation.

How have you coped during the pandemic?  Were there any unexpected benefits from a change in your lifestyle?  Share your story and join the conversation.

Published on Sixty and Me

Finding the Path with a Heart

As we age, it becomes apparent that we must create new lives.  Will we change careers, begin retirement, travel, downsize or stay where we are?  What often comes with that are the fears associated with making those choices.  We begin to worry about money, our family, our health, where we should live, should we settle down or roam the world.   

When we were raising our families, those decisions seemed to be made for us - we must keep a job, take care of the children with all of the responsibility that entails.  There was very little free time and what there was usually consisted of weekends or once a year family vacation and then back to the routine.

Now, in our 60s we have to make a conscious choice about what we want in our lives.

Our work is not to make something happen but to learn how to let it reveal itself.  It is that time in our lives when we have the opportunity to allow the soft flowing of events to become clear to us and then follow the path that has the most meaning in our lives.

It can be very easy to remain in our old patterns, letting familiar circumstances drive our daily lives.  If we look more closely, we realize that we are entering a brand-new chapter and are being given a tremendous gift.  The possibility, maybe for the first time, to do something just for ourselves. 

For many of us, as this realization sinks in, we employ the same principles of how to get things done – we take action.  What is really ironic about this concept, is that the harder we try to make anything happen the less likely it is to turn out in a way that is pleasing to us.

If we can learn to let go we will discover things that we never thought possible.

Letting go is much easier said than done.  We are taught our entire lives that we must work and struggle in order to get things accomplished.  That hard work is the only way to achieve the results we desire.  Always trying to control external circumstances is exhausting and in the end never really possible.  We cannot control anything outside of our own self so that is where the work must be done.

That is why so many spiritual teachers advocate practices like Meditation, Mindfulness, Yoga, Prayer and Journaling.  Anything that allows our conscious mind to relax and release resistance will provide benefits in all areas of our lives.  Just like any other skill, we must learn to develop techniques that work for us.  This is not a one-size fits all solution so we must do what feels right for us personally.

It doesn’t matter where you start, you just have to begin.

Like everything else, it is very easy to approach this as something else to manage or control.  Trying to unlearn that is the most difficult thing I will ever do in my life.  Even now, after many years of practicing many aspects of letting go or allowing, I find myself slipping back into my old habits.  It is important for me to do something each day, even for just a few minutes, to reclaim my balance and continue forward. 

What works best for me is to keep it simple and find those things that bring me joy.  Sometimes it is writing in my journal or going for a walk.  Other days it is playing with my grandchildren or planning a trip to some faraway place.  It really doesn’t matter what it is, all that matters is that you find ways to release the anxiety and tension so that you can learn to experience the peace that comes from just being in the world.

With that peace comes an unfolding of events that we never could have planned.  Bringing to us those very things we thought we had to chase after.  It is ultimately more satisfying to have everything we desire come to us in the perfect way and at the perfect time than to try to manipulate or coerce it.

For me, appreciation is a key factor in everything I do.  I am grateful for what I already have in my life and look forward to whatever new surprise is on the horizon.  I always trust that something wonderful is about to happen and my only job is to relax and enjoy it.

How do you relax and let go? Do you do anything differently now that you are older? Have you had any experiences with how something occurred after releasing control? Share your stories and join the conversation!

Published on Sixty and Me

How Travel Has Changed

Still basking in the afterglow of my recent trip to France, it reminds me of how I used to travel.  Rushing from place to place, trying to see and do everything I could possibly squeeze into whatever time I had.  Always thinking, I have to do this now because I will probably never come back again.  With my itinerary overflowing and a dizzying array of stops, I needed a vacation when I returned home. 

It was all very exciting and I had no desire to slow down.  I was also much younger and had enough energy to get me through even the busiest schedule.  Now, all of that has changed.  Slowly, over the years, I found that I wanted to take my time, do a little less and spend more time enjoying my new surroundings.

This trip was a perfect combination of activities and relaxation.  My family rented a lovely home in the countryside just outside of Paris.  Beautiful, peaceful gardens and close proximity to visit the city.  To be able to wake to the sounds of birds chirping and know that the only thing on my agenda was to sit and have coffee in the garden was divine.

Now, as I’m planning my travel, I keep the schedule very light and open.  I plan to have one or two activities that I would like to do but nothing set in stone.  Flexibility is the key; I want to be able to decide what I want to do and not be tied to a strict schedule. 

I also plan my transportation very carefully, allowing extra time for travel delays, recovery of jet lag and any others issues that inevitably arise from travel.  I’ve learned how my body reacts to long, overnight flights and now plan accordingly.  It is so much more pleasant to arrive knowing that I have a couple of days to rest and acclimate to my new environment before I have to move on. 

I love to book a nice, quiet hotel with a restaurant and room service so I don’t even have to leave my room if I’m so inclined.  Usually, after the first day, I’m ready to go out and explore a little.  Walking around where I’m staying always gives me a good sense of the local area and gets me energized for more activities. 

One of my favorite things to do in any area that I’m visiting is to go to the market.  Preferably outdoor, but any nearby shop will do.  Even if it is only to pick up a few light snacks to take back to my room, I love feeling like a local and not a tourist.  The absolute best is when I have a kitchen, which is why renting an apartment or house is fantastic.  I can cook and shop and it makes me feel right at home.  It is a wonderful way to experience a new place.

I do enjoy seeing the sights, just at a different pace.  For me, this type of travel gives me more pleasure and much less stress.  These are the experiences that I remember and enjoy long after the trip has ended. 

What is your travel style?  Have you changed how you travel over the years?  Do you like a full schedule or is it more relaxed?  Share you experiences and join the conversation!

Wishing you Happy Travels!

Published on Sixty and Me

How Low Can I Go – 10 Items for a Weeklong Cruise

I have long been an advocate of packing light.  It has saved me more headaches than I can count.  There have been times when I decided it was necessary to take a little more “just in case” and I always regret it.  Everything from broken wheels and handles to carrying my bags up flights of stairs or over cobblestone streets has taught me that less is more. 

My usual go-to for travel anywhere is a rolling backpack and a tote.

 I can easily fit all that I need in them for my trip, but both are still lightweight enough, that if I must, I can actually pick them up and carry them.  Not checking luggage at the airport and getting on and off trains and buses is so much easier with just the 2 bags.

Now, I’m getting ready for what is called a Barefoot Cruise and need to rethink what packing light really means.  With only 10 – 12 passengers, small cabins and very little space I want to make this as simple as possible.  This will take a little bit of planning, but I love the thought of doing something in such a new and different way, it makes it feel like it’s even more of an adventure.

So here is my packing list - 2 swimsuits, 1 pair of shorts, 1 skirt, 1 dress, 2 t-shirts, underwear, flip flops and hat.  Just looking at that list gives me a bit of anxiety.  Is it reasonable to take so little and still be comfortable?  Aside from a small bag of essential toiletries – shampoo, deodorant and sunscreen what else do I really need?  If I were packing for a regular trip, I would take all the same things just more of them. 

What I will do is plan very carefully, exactly what those 10 items are. 

I will make sure that everything is lightweight and can be washed out by hand if needed.  The t-shirts will serve as swimsuit cover up as well as a nightshirt and it all must match.  When I look at it that way it doesn’t seem so bad, in fact it feels rather freeing. 

I do want to test my theory, so for my next few short trips I will try to pack this way and see how this works.  I will find out if there is anything that I can’t live without before I get out into the middle of the ocean where I won’t have access to anything.

When I was in my 20’s it was nothing for me to throw my swimsuit and a change of clothes into a bag for a quick trip.  But now that I’m in my 60’s my travel style has changed dramatically so this will be very enlightening.

I know this isn’t something that would work for everyone but the fact that it has piqued my interest tells me that I need to try it.  I would much prefer the focus to be on the experience as opposed to the things. 

I’ve been writing about independent travel for many years now and this may be my biggest challenge yet but I’m excited to try it. 

Are you a light traveler or do you like to take whatever you think you will need?  What are the biggest drawbacks of taking too little or too much?  Share your stories and join the conversation!

Published on Sixty and Me

Happy Holiday Travel Tips

For me, the journey begins long before I depart.  I love the planning, preparing and packing before I go.  What I have discovered is the more organized I am the more I can relax and enjoy the trip.  Most of my trips involve multiple forms of transportation – planes, trains, buses and boats, so it is important for me to be prepared for all aspects of the journey without feeling the need to overpack.

Traveling can be very stressful, especially around the holidays so it is critical that I have a plan for how to minimize the discomfort and maximize my enjoyment.  It all starts with good advance planning.

Make a List

First, I write or print out my itinerary.  Then, for each day I make notes of what I will be doing and where I will be going.  That helps me plan my wardrobe for the trip.  I start with my travel days and what I will need to wear and have with me for the journey.  I add any special items that I might want to take.

Next, I print my master packing list and make sure that I have all necessary travel size items (toothpaste, shampoo etc.) before I begin to pack.  I have used this list for many years, making a few modifications along the way and it completely alleviates the stress of worrying about forgetting something important.

Packing

Over the years I have learned the importance of traveling light.  I will never forget the trip I took to Europe when the handle on my roller bag broke and I had to carry my bags across the train platform and down the stairs in the pouring rain to get to a taxi.  Every time I am tempted to overpack or even check luggage I think of that experience and remember how much easier it is if I pack light.

Before I begin, I select a matching color palette.  Usually it is black for all bottom pieces and blue and purple prints for tops and scarves.  That way I only have to take one color of shoes and everything goes together so I can mix and match to make several outfits. 

If I’m traveling to a different climate it helps if I have all color coordinated layers, so I don’t have to take separate items that I only will wear once or twice.  If I’m coming from or going to a very cold location, I wear my coat and put it in a space compression bag, which takes up very little room in my luggage. 

 Luggage

I am very particular when it comes to my travel bags.  I have found that having the right luggage helps me to limit how much I take and is easy and convenient for all my needs when I’m away from home. 

The 2 bags I take on almost every trip are my rolling backpack and tote bag.  I can take both as carry on for planes and trains, they are great, and I never have to check luggage.  I put all my clothes and shoes in the backpack and the items I need quick access to in my tote.  I know where everything is, and I don’t ever leave anything behind at hotels.

My tote is always packed with the same items, so it is ready if I’m staying overnight at my daughter’s house or taking a last-minute weekend trip with friends.  It is also where I keep my passport, spare phone charger, scarf and notebook so literally I can take a change of clothes and be out the door in minutes.

Supplies

I travel for work and pleasure, so I like to keep everything I might need with me.  Most people I know joke about how prepared I am but for me it is essential.  I like to be comfortable, especially with unforeseen delays and circumstances that arise with travel especially around the holidays. 

There are a few items I always have – coffee and tea, water, snacks, sewing kit, miscellaneous medical supplies (band aids, cold/allergy/pain medication, sleep aids etc.).  There is nothing worse than getting to your hotel at midnight after a 3 hour flight delay with no food available until the next day.  Being able to have a cup of tea and snack before going to bed makes me feel much less deprived.

Attitude

Just like anyone, I can get caught up in the stress and anxiety of travel.  I try to remember that everyone else is feeling the same way and try to make the best of the situation.  I truly love to travel, and it is always so much more pleasant when I can relax and enjoy the journey.

Wishing you safe and happy holiday travels!

Do you go away for the holidays? What are your favorite tips for easier travel?  Share your stories and join the conversation!

Published on Sixty and Me

Why Cruising is Great for Solo Travelers and Introverts

There aren't many holidays that are so well suited to solo travelers and introverts as cruising.  Where else can you go that you have the perfect balance of social interaction and as much quiet personal time as you desire.

Honestly, I never expected to find myself on a ship with thousands of my closest friends.  It sounded like my worst nightmare, until I tried it.  My first cruise was on a very small ship, 700 passengers and was not full, so it was a great way to try it out.  I was so pleasantly surprised that I booked my next cruise just a few weeks later.

This was the grand experiment.  It was a much larger, more traditional cruise ship with every possible amenity and 3,000 passengers.  I was very nervous when I saw all the people getting ready to board our vessel.  I knew there was no going back.  Good or bad, I would be stuck on this ship for the next 10 days.  I kept reminding myself of the fantastic experience I'd just had and that if I didn't do anything but stay in my stateroom and order room service I would be fine.

That is the biggest and most critical tip I have.  Pick the cabin that you really want because if you're like me, you'll be spending a good amount of time there.

Location is everything - don't book below public areas like the pool or nightclubs or near lifts, unless you need the access.  You'll hear everyone coming and going and be trapped with the noise that you are hoping to retreat from.  I always choose a cabin with an unobstructed balcony, mid ship on a high deck for the best privacy and views.

Dining is fantastic onboard, you can go to any one of the complimentary or specialty restaurants any time of the day or night or you can join the main dining room if you're in the mood for a little company.  Most days, I prefer the buffet or one of the smaller places where I can enjoy my meal while looking out at the water.

If it gets a bit too busy, I can just leave, same goes for all the other options.  Sometimes, I will dress up and go out to see one of the shows and discover it's more than I bargained for.  It's easy enough to go back to my cabin, sit on the balcony and listen to the sound of the waves as we sail along.

Always bring earplugs, headphones and entertainment of your choice.

I like to keep books, movies and some music on my kindle.  That way, if I happen to be situated too close to a loud party or noisy neighbors, I can still maintain my quiet environment.

There are several places onboard that offer respite from the maddening crowds.  The library and internet cafes are particularly quiet.  If you want to sit on deck just find an area away from the pool and you can soak up the sun, read or just relax.  Most ships have a walking track on the upper deck, so you can go for a walk while looking out at the ocean.  Also, the spa is a fantastic place to unwind and be guaranteed peace and serenity.

I love being able choose whatever I want to do whenever I feel like doing it.  No deadlines or commitments.  I don't have to worry about scheduling anything unless there is something I want to do.  If it appeals, I simply show up and enjoy. 

Most cruises have relaxed their dress code so dining is casual to dressy with only a few cruise lines requesting formal attire on certain evenings.

Even with that, I've found a cocktail dress to be more than adequate and if it doesn't suit you simply go to one of the other restaurants.  Sometimes, putting on my bathrobe and ordering in is the perfect evening.

Have I mentioned how much I love room service?  Some ships still offer in-room dining free of charge, others have a small service charge, which has long time cruisers very upset.  For me, paying less than I would tip someone to bring my meal is a charge I'm happy to pay.  To sit on my balcony and have my breakfast delivered is a true luxury.

Part of the fun of cruising is being able to visit different destinations without having to change accommodation.  I generally don't book shore excursions through the cruise line.  I prefer to hire a taxi or some other local transport, so I can explore the area on my own.  Two things to keep in mind when going by yourself - first and foremost be safe and give yourself plenty of time to return to the ship.  If you are late getting back, they will sail without you.

That's the advantage of booking with the ship, they will make sure you get back in time and will likely not leave if you are delayed.  

You have many resources to assist you and they are wonderful about keeping you informed.

Each evening you will receive a full listing of information for the following day.  Activities, port and safety information, weather etc.  Also, there will be various television programs and announcements with more detailed information. 

A personal cabin steward that will make up and turn down your room each day and is also a great source of information about the ship and many of the ports you will visit.  Also, guest services are very friendly and happy to help in any way they can.

I now understand why so many people love cruising.  It is by far the most relaxing way to travel and I can't wait for my next adventure on the sea!

Have you ever taken a cruise?  Was it alone or with a group?  Do you prefer more activities or quiet time?  Share your stories and join the conversation.

Published on Sixty and Me

Planning the Perfect Short Getaway in Florida

Sometimes you need a break but don’t have the time or budget for a big trip.  Short little getaways can be the perfect solution.  For me, the combination of sun and sand can really set me right in a short amount of time.  Making me feel like I’ve stepped into a tropical paradise even though I may only be a couple of hours from home.  All my stress seems to vanish when I’m sitting on the beach, eating fresh seafood and watching the world go by.  

I always look for specials and let that help determine where I will go.  I also travel off or shoulder season as much as possible, which helps to avoid the crowds and is less expensive.  I was pleasantly surprised to find that certain areas in Florida have low season during the summer.  Unless you are going to a major tourist attraction or large city a lot of the smaller towns have great deals when the “snowbirds” have gone back home.

This trip I decided on Fort Myers, Florida, a small town on the Gulf of Mexico.  I had heard good things about the area but had never been, so I decided it was time for a visit.  

I love going somewhere new, it always refreshes my love for travel and everything feels like an adventure. 

I check airfare and hotels at the same time to make sure that both will be in line with my schedule and budget.  Sometimes, I can find a great package that will provide both at a discounted price.  There are so many different resources on the internet that you can get lost in the maze, so I stick with one or two major travel sites like Expedia or Travelocity.  After making my selection I check online reviews for the area and hotel to make sure it will be to my liking.

The hotel I chose was very affordable, situated just 10 minutes from the beach and they had kitchen units, so I could cook my own food while I was there.  I like to go out occasionally when I travel but I don’t want it to be a requirement, so this was perfect.

I flew in late Thursday and was instantly charmed by the small, very friendly town.  

Getting to the hotel was very easy with 24-hour taxi service right outside the door.  I rarely rent a car when I’m out of town and much prefer to take public transportation whenever possible.  Also, talking to the driver you will get a lot of great local information.  They’ll tell you about things to see and do that you might not have found on your own.  The same goes for the hotel, they are a wealth of information about the area and are a fantastic resource.

Between the taxi ride and checking in at the hotel I found that not only was there a great place to buy fresh food right down the block but there were several places to eat and a shuttle that would take me directly to the beach. 

I had only been gone a few hours, but I felt like I was a world away. 

Anxious to get started, I woke early the next day and went downstairs for breakfast before heading out on my grand adventure.  I always like to take a little walk around where I am staying and familiarize myself with the area.  Also, I have made some fantastic discoveries, like a great little bakery right around the block.  So, I’m always eager to see what I might find.

Now it was time to find the bus stop for the beach shuttle.  Which was just as advertised, very close to the hotel and a full day schedule to and from so I could stay as long as I wanted.  The bus driver was happy to give me some great pointers on where the best stops were along the way.  Something that I found after so many years of traveling is not to plan too much.  You want to give yourself the time and luxury of letting things evolve. 

I got off at the stop recommended by the driver and was thrilled.  It was a beautiful little park at the edge of the water with almost no one there.  The gorgeous white sand beach was like powder with lots of beautiful seashells everywhere.  I walked down the beach to the pier and stopped by a waterfront café for lunch before heading back to the hotel.  

What a wonderful time I was having, and it was just the first day. 

This was exactly what I needed, something so relaxing and away from my daily routine and it was so easy to do.  Sometimes I forget just how great a short little getaway can really be.

Do you like short or longer trips?  Are you a planner or more spontaneous with your travel?  What type of environment is the most fun or relaxing for you?  Join the conversation and share your stories.

Happy Travels!

Published on Sixty and Me