by Sunny
follow me on Twitter @Sunnylooksleaps
Packed and ready to go!
You know that as serial nonrevs our motto is that “getting there is half the fun.” I would say that we also live for the anticipation of an upcoming trip. As adults, anticipating a trip is like a kid waiting for Christmas – it sometimes seems like it takes forever and will never get here, but when it does, oh boy, was the waiting ever worth it! Here are some ways to get you – and your kids – hyped up for upcoming travel.
The Countdown – Who doesn’t love to count down the days until your next trip? At home, hang a mini chalkboard and have the kids keep track of the days until you leave. Download the app Countdown! on your smartphone to keep track of the remaining days, hours, and minutes until your next trip. There’s nothing better on a rainy, cold Monday morning than receiving a text from your traveling companion of the number of days left until vacation. It always puts me in a better state of mind!
How many more days? Check the countdown!
The Follow – Follow your upcoming travel destination on social media. Most hotels, cities, and national parks have social media accounts. Not only will you get some great info and pictures, but every time you see a post from your next travel destination, you are bound to get a little bit excited! I love my daily dose of Rockhouse Hotel on Twitter. In fact, I will probably continue to follow them even after I return to keep my vacation high alive.
The Research – I love to research a new city online or talk with friends about their favorite activities. My friend, Vicki, was an awesome resource when we visited Seattle in April. Not only did she give me tons of helpful information, she would also text me random Seattle pictures psyching me up for our trip. Browsing restaurant and hotel reviews on Trip Advisor is a great way to get recommendations, just don’t dwell too much on the negative reviews! I also love to use blogs for research such as Travel Fashion Girl and Johnny Jet. These blogs are fun and inspiring.
The Disney – I have to devote a whole section just for Disney anticipation as I feel it is an exclusive type of anticipation! First of all, you are more than likely traveling with kids (although I will not judge you if you’re not. You are looking at a couple who went 3 times before having a kid). Secondly, Disney is practically a rite of passage in American culture. It is so iconic and memorable, that everything surrounding a Disney trip, including the weeks prior, have become an event. Just search “We’re going to Disney” on YouTube and you will see what I mean. Telling the kids you are going to Disney is a video-camera worthy moment. At first thought, it seems like a good idea to just wake the kids up the morning of the trip and surprise them with the park tickets. You don’t have to deal with all of the “when are we going/how many more days?!” questions. But I would argue that at least a little bit of anticipation will only heighten the excitement. Doing a fun countdown calendar, playing Disney trivia games, or watching a Disney movie each night before the trip is a great way to get everyone in the “Disney Zone” before the big trip. My daughter likes to pack her own bag, too. That way I don’t get in trouble for packing the Cinderella dress when she really felt like being Ariel this trip.
Quiz your family or just brush up on your Disney trivia with a book like this.
What are your favorite ways to gear up for travel? Tell me in the comments section!