Oh The Paces You'll Go... 2009 Recap & 2010 Trip Planning

Slightly shamed that this was originally titled "2009 Trip Planning".  But using the idea anyway to seed ideas for a 2010 post!

When I started considering 2009 travel here's what I was looking at:   

• Cabo San Lucas - extending a business trip by a few days - brilliant!
• Barcelona - turning three days off from work into a 5 day trip.
• Disney - Polynesian Concierge. I could hardly wait!
• New Orleans (of course) - back to the big easy once more.
• And on my Fall wish list: London/Paris

2009 Reflections

I actually got to everywhere I’d pre-planned in 2009 except NOLA. Not bad.  Cabo and Barcelona were heavenly.  The Disney trip ended up also including a few nights on the Animal Kingdom Lodge Concierge (reviews are coming).  I took 4 Fall trips to Walt Disney World (blog posts about fan events and festivals are coming)!  I spent a long weekend enjoying a town just north of Sacramento and plugging into some seriously healthy living. 

Most importantly I got amazing discounts and actually afforded all this jet setting by keeping plugged into destination fan sites and hotel/airline special offers.  And I planned a Labor Day weekend trip & my New Year’s trip (the week of) using only points and free night vouchers (I love Starwood & Southwest)!

I consider 2009 a winner – except for the part where I was so busy travelling I forgot to write about it!

For 2010 I’m already moving fast and furious.  Mardi Gras, a fan event & a 5K are already under my belt. Destination weddings, girls’ weekends, and many, many Disney trips are planned. Oh and the Mommy and I are going to Jamaica to see family.

But I’m really, really missing Europe.  I have no idea how I’m going to work it in since I’m certain I have no vacation time but I’m going to try. Oh and I really want to see Captain EO at Disneyland.

Wondering if all these plans are impossible or Kim-Possible. What do you think? Is there such a thing as too much travel?

My “TripTip”

A few of my trips last year utilized my new favorite luxury travel saver - cost sharing. Airfare for my Cabo trip and one of my Disney trips were covered by my company – I simply extended the trips for a few personal days on my own dime.  If someone else can help pay for your travel (and it's reasonable/legal/responsible) let them!

Blogging from 30k feet...

So I'm sitting here on a flight and I had a thought for my blog. Yes, the blog that I've been horrible at updating but really love. I promise I have 3 or 4 half written posts on my computers. They just get stuck there. And never, never move.

I've decided to figure out how to get back on track for the 2 of you who actually read this. (Thanks Mom! Just kidding - Mommy doesn't actually read the blog. But she would. If I ever remembered to mention it. Cuz she's the coolest retired mom on the planet... and now I'm getting back on topic.)

First step is a bit of diversity. I've started painting myself into a corner topic wise (fab and frugal tips) and couldn't get out. Remembered just now that it's my blog and I can write about anything I want to. So I will. ;)

Anyway on to my travel thought for today - how do you choose your next adventure? I've shared before that every year I start with a rough idea of where I may want to go or have to go. My destinations may be inspired by a magazine or newspaper article I've read or by my friends and family. I also typically have 2 trips already on the calendar before the year begins. And I'm finding that a significant number of the trips I've taken in the last 6 months have been inspired by fan activity/meetup events. But that's another blog post. (Hey Disney peeps!)

The book I'm reading on this flight, though, reminded me of a goal I set for myself last summer - to visit all the states in the union by the time I'm 40. I think I'd like to visit every continent on the planet except Antarctica before I'm 70, too.

And this has made me super curious about what goes into the plans of others - how do YOU choose your next adventure?

So, new take on the blog content/format and new travel goal. Super excited. The air up here is doing wonders for my state of mind.

My “TripTip”:
Inspiration for travel can come from anywhere! Open your horizons and get inspired! I wish you safe travels.

Disney for VIP’s on a non VIP Budget

No secret to anyone who knows me that I am obsessed with Disney, especially the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, FL. Also no secret to anyone who’s visited WDW that it is one of the most expensive domestic trips you’ll ever take. I’d give you the average trip cost, but if I thought about it too much I would never go.

Last Disney Trip (2006)

Well this year we ARE going back, so I have tell you about a gem on WDW’s property – the Swan and Dolphin Resort.

Here’s what I love about the Swan/Dolphin:

First and foremost…

PRICE: OMG, I’ve never spent more than $200/night at this resort thanks to an ongoing nurse/teacher discount program, corporate discounts, holiday discounts, group discounts… you get the idea. In comparison, all of the other EPCOT hotels are classified Deluxe (read: expensive) and I’ve rarely seen Epcot’s rooms advertised for less than $315/night to the general public. Now you could stay at the Boardwalk or the Yacht/Beach Club, but the money you’d save by staying at the Swan/Dolphin instead almost covers the cost of tickets and meals over a weeklong trip. Trust me I’ve stayed at the Beach Club and while I LOVED it, I’d trade those Mickey soaps and towel animals on my bed for $$$ any day.

BFF's @ another Deluxe Resort (Grand Floridian) on our way to Afternoon Tea

Location, Location, Location: Again, the Swan/Dolphin is in the Epcot Resort Area, which means you can walk to Epcot or to MGM if you wanted to from your hotel. You can take your mid-day rest or decompress after a long day in the parks and not have to always wait on bus/boat lines with the masses. And you have great restaurants like Il Mulino & Shula’s at your hotel and loads more restaurants, entertainment, and shopping within very close walking distance.

Disney Resort Benefits: You get VIP perks like free transportation to the parks from your hotel, purchases made in the parks delivered to the front desk, and Extra Magic Hours (extra hours in the park on for Disney Resort Guests). The only thing you don’t get is Magical Express (free transport to/from airport) and charging privileges in the parks to your room. The resort also has things like character breakfasts so you don’t miss out just cuz you’re not at a “deluxe” resort.

Great Brand: These hotels are actually Westin properties – that’s right hotel fans, HEAVENLY BED here we come! Also, they’re not as aggressively themed as Disney hotels, which may appeal to some. And, you can use your Starwood points to stay here.

Last day & the BFF can't leave the HEAVENLY Bed!

This will be our 3^rd or 4^th time at the Swan/Dolphin. And while I’ve stayed at both hotels on the resort and they’re both nice, the Swan is always my 1^st choice as it’s a little smaller and more intimate than the Dolphin.

My "TripTip" -

If you have an obsession (like me) always scope books, discussion forums, websites, etc for discounts. Disney lovers have it easy with the huge number of quality publications, podcasts, blogs and user groups out there. I’ve learned so much about having fun and saving $$$ while enjoying VIP perks from sites like the DIS and MouseSavers, podcasts like WDW Today and travel guides like the Unofficial Guide to WDW.

Also, don’t forget to use points for travel! I’m using a free Starwood night for this trip.

2008 Already? Let's Get It Started!

So I’ve been reading a few blogs recently and have decided to be more diligent about my travel blogging in 2008.

It’s the beginning of the year and the perfect time to begin planning my VIP and non VIP trips, except who am I kidding – I plan trips incessantly throughout the year. Sometime because I really need to travel for work, personal, etc. But mostly just for fun.

What’s in store for 2008? Well, a trip to London in the fall (hopefully) with the BFF and our respective mummy’s and, of course, Essence 2008 in NOLA. I also MUST go back to Disney this year (I’ve already paid for a night) possibly for my BD or Mom’s 65th. And I have two free nights in a suite in downtown Chicago that I have to use before June.

I really want to get out to LA this spring to visit my cousins. I’ve had a good time for the last two summers with different groups of them and I want to finally get over to their coast. Plus I have groups of friends going to New Orleans for Jazz Fest, Oregon and Montreal for their Jazz Fest.

Where to start?

I’ve decided my 1st personal trip of the year will be to an old favorite… South Beach.

Yes, I know it’s pretentious and expensive (I swear you tip EVERYONE) but I LUV Miami. I especially love it in the winter. Mostly cuz’ anywhere I can wear sandals or flip flops in the winter rates high on my list of choice destinations. Plus, the ticket is under $200 and we got a great rate for our hotel – which is my favorite in South Beach – the Ritz of course! Seriously, I had the most amazing time there the last time I visited. The pool scene is brilliant (poolside Pellegrino, anyone?) the vibe so cool. And after all these years of visitng Miami I have all these special things I love doing – like brunch in Coconut Grove and shopping on Lincoln Road. Now, their service – let’s just say my last visit which was almost free due to their issues.

My “TripTip”-
Start planning early! Even if you can’t commit the funds just yet – lay out our year travelwise. Then, if your schedule will allow it, plan your trips to maximize deals. The Caribbean is relatively inexpensive in January. So are a lot of other spots as most people have spent a rack on gifts and travel for the holidays. Also, I love sites like Farecast for help deciding when to buy a ticket and Hotwire’s Trip Starter for deciding when to plan a trip. Trip Starter is also good international trip planning.