READY TO GO!

When I was in college, my sorority hosted a fund-raiser called, “Two Tickets to Paradise.” The idea was you packed a bag, went to a tropical themed party and bought lots of raffle tickets (and lots of fruity adult beverages with little umbrellas). At the end of the night, the prize-winning raffle ticket was drawn. Then, just like that, the winner jumped in a cab and headed to the airport. Destination: Someplace hot and sunny and cheap. I never won the two tickets to paradise, but I have often dreamed of just packing a bag and heading to the airport. Every time I hear that song (which is every other day. Thank you, 70’s on 7), I think, “Yes, Eddie Money, let’s pack a bag and leave tonight!”

Every mom knows that point in the middle of the night when you are walking the floor with a colicky baby and you run out of baby appropriate songs to sing. And then you start just singing the first song that pops in your head. I have a brain full of disco and pop-rock. So, my kids were rocked to sleep with Barry White and Donna Summer and yes, Eddie Money. I remember a night actually singing “Two Tickets to Paradise” as a lullaby. I have a very clear memory of crying in my exhaustion, “Waited so long. Waited so long…” (I am very dramatic when I am over-tired.) When I was in that post-partum haze, it was hard to think that one day my screaming baby would be a college student. I just kept singing and hoping that someday I would actually be able to live out the song’s lyrics.

Well, it is someday, and I haven’t done it yet. Truth be told, the idea of just taking off kind of terrifies me. I always wanted to be one of those people who could just drop everything and travel at a moment’s notice, but I am the first to admit I am not a very spontaneous person. Planners rarely are. But then I thought: What if I planned to be spontaneous? With a little preparation, I can do this. (That’s right. I am planning spontaneity.)

I say “I” can do this, because my hard-working husband, Mike, still has to go to the office and can’t just take off on a whim. But we can both travel in the off-season when crowds are smaller and costs are less. We can take advantage of last minute travel deals and unexpected opportunities. We don’t need to wait for spring break or summer vacation. We don’t have to consider if our destination is kid-friendly. Together, we have flexibility to travel when and where we want. And by myself, I can just go. That is a freedom that makes me a little giddy.

So, here is the place where I will share my travel adventures. This is where I will show you how to plan, to pack and to be READY TO GO!

#carryon