Vacation Road Trip! Just in time for a foliage show!

Obviously, this summer we haven’t gotten out a whole lot. As you may recall from a post I wrote in March we had just reached a point where it was a bit easier to go on slightly longer trips with or without the whole family. My husband could take time off easier, and we were, well, at least a little more comfortable financially. Our girls are all older, and easier to “manage” if you will.

A trip for each of us

I feel fairly confident with various combinations of leaving them home alone too. The only one I wouldn’t be quite ready for is Youngest being alone overnight. Eldest is 18 so that takes that one out of my hands completely since if she felt the need, she could live by herself. She’ll finally be taking a trip she had planned for April in October. She’s pretty excited about that. (I am too but don’t tell her.)

New Territory as a Parent!

The rest of us have a road trip coming up. I honestly had no ideas on what we would do for a family vacation this summer at all until Middle girl asked if there was any way she could actually meet a friend she made online. Yes, we’ve confirmed this is a real teenaged girl. This even seems to be a pretty healthy friendship, and the girl only lives a few hours away. So that was the inspiration on where to go. It only works because it’s in a “safe” county. Otherwise the hubby would have to quarantine before going back to work!

My husband generally drives when we travel together and this one’s relatively close, so road trip it is. I found the place to stay through a vacation rental site. It’s a shared building, but it’s own apartment, with lakefront. We will have access to a dock on the lake, a big swing, and a nice outdoor firepit next to the lake with seating.

Splurge with a splash of frugal

We’ll also have our own kitchen. I’ve mentioned before my frugalness combines interestingly with my enjoyment of nice things. When I’m in charge of finding lodging I always look for a usable kitchen. No, we don’t eat in for every meal on vacation, but we save money on at least a meal or two. Saving on those things allows a bigger budget for the dinners or lunches we do have out. It also allows us to keep our leftovers- nothing makes me sadder than not being able to finish a really good meal and having to see it go to waste.

Honestly for the most part I don’t really feel the need to plan any big activities while we are there. In my opinion the lake and a campfire will be the entertainment! I may try to locate a skate park for Youngest. There’s no pavement around our house. So far all of her practice skateboarding has been on the local basketball court. It might be fun for her to branch out a bit. Obviously, Middle girl will be spending her time with her friend. I’m sure we’ll do some shopping too, and there’s one historic monument I’d like the girls to see on the way home. (If it’s open)

Fun and R&R Here We Come!

All in all most of the actual activity will likely take place on our way to and from home. The purpose for this trip (for youngest, Hubby, and I will be a weekend of r&r with a change of scenery. I’ve been thinking it’s interesting that vacations don’t always have the same purpose. Sometimes I want to get out and do SOMETHING, others I just want to sit by a lake with a cold (or warm) beverage and enjoy the view. This one is a vacation where I just want to enjoy the change in scenery. (Oh, I’m taking my camera!) That said- I hope hubby is in the same mode… Only time will tell!