A beautiful thing about blogging is that (provided I wrote about it) I can look back at when I did what. As a result, I am now planning on taking a long overdue trip to see family. Time passes by so quickly it is hard to believe it has now been over a year since I last saw my elderly father. With him now being 90, I feel these visits are more important than ever. Additionally, I had a new grandchild born earlier this year whom I have also yet to see.
For me, taking a trip anywhere involves more than just money. It requires coordinating schedules and waiting for decent (not Winter!) weather. I need Hubs home to take care of our two geriatric dogs, need to make sure everyone I want/need to see are available, and also need to make arrangements for my jobs.
Hubs will take time off from work, and I have arranged for two extra days off from my office job. I will combine those days with the weekend and fourth of July holiday. I plan to leave after work on Friday, drive for five hours, and check into a hotel. I’ll drive the remaining three hours on Saturday morning. I have booked a hotel for the two nights I’ll be in town visiting my son and his family. Unfortunately, they can’t currently accommodate me as they are doing some major renovations to their home and are staying with my DIL’s family.
On Monday I’ll be driving another three hours to visit with my father and other family members. I also plan on meeting with the social worker involved in my father’s care. Thankfully no more hotel expenses as I can stay at my brother’s house.
The trip home from my father’s area is 9-10 hours. Given I’ll be traveling on the holiday, I know there will likely be more traffic. At least I should be able to get a decent start so I’ll be able to make it home at a reasonable time.
I will lose out on some pay from taking care of the preemie, but for the rest, Hubs and I both have vacation pay. Hotels, gas and a few meals out will cost me, but again, this is a much-needed trip. The extra hours I’ve been working should hopefully cover most of this. It doesn’t help the snowball, at least we won’t go further into debt with this small trip.
While my trip is still a month away, I am getting excited! I am looking forward to seeing my old stomping grounds and family again. How about you? Do you have any travel plans for this Summer?
Some people love travel. I just . . . don’t. But it sounds like you are super excited. I’ll say a prayer for a safe and nice trip, and i hope you enjoy meeting your grandbaby!
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I’m with you on the not liking to travel…hence it has been over a year since I have! I’m excited to be there!
Time does go by quick, doesn’t it? I really should get back “home” to see my mom and DD and the office but I too really don’t like to travel. Plus, with the home building going on, makes it hard to get away for the 7 hour drive. That will be great you get to see your new grandchild.
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There always seems to be something in the way, doesn’t there? I wouldn’t want to be away with a home build going on either.
I LOVE to travel – we had a road trip all set up for this summer but with dd’s boyfriend passing away, we cancelled it because we didn’t want to leave her alone that long. We are in the midst of debt payoff anyways, so with the 110+ days here during the summer the ONLY time I’ll be leaving the house is to go jump in the pool!!!
Have a WONDERFUL trip – how exciting to see a brand new grandbaby!!!!
I don’t think I’d leave the pool with 110+ degree days! Way too hot for me!
You have lots of great reasons for this trip. Family is wonderful. We are going to see our Oldest Daughter towards the end of July. I can’t wait. It is difficult while you are trying to pay off debt. Just keep your costs as low as possible. Bring food with you so that you don’t need to eat out. Have a wonderful time.
Thank you! Bringing food is one thing I do plan on doing to keep my expenses a bit lower. I’m also going to figure out a budget for what I will spend when I’m away. Enjoy your trip to see your daughter!