Fast 5 Travel Follies of 2015

Ry and I were reminiscing about the travel adventures from this year. Here are a couple of our best laughs.

1. We were splashing around in the shallow edge of the ocean and Ry starts yelling 'shark!' I hope he didn't frighten the cheery little dolphins that were playing nearby. City boy!

2. Ry and I were heading into the Montreal Canadiens game and a scalper was calling out "anyone have tickets? Anyone need tickets" and Ry walking by responds. "Sorry, I don't speak any English." In English.

3. Getting on a plane, I noticed a man in my seat. I politely noted that 5A was my seat. He snarled at me and told me it was his. I whipped out my ticket to reveal "5A." He barks... I can count... "1, 2, 3, 4.....uh 1, 2, 3, 4, ok."  I offered to switch with him since 4A was comfort class and came with free booze. He declined and moved out of my seat and up a row to his.

4. We were out golfing at Newport Beach and were paired up with a senior couple to make a foursome for the round. The man challenged Ry to his little made up game. "Levels the playing field," he said. "I call it "oingo, bongo, bango." Not knowing what to say, Ry agreed. The senior kept score. 2 points for hitting first. 3 points for 2 putting the green and on it went in a very abstract way that neither Ry or I could decipher. At the end of the round he tallied the score and Ry "won" by two. That's when the guy stormed off in a huff.  Nothing we could do but LOL.

5. We were in Jamaica at the towel hut where you pick up your free towels on the way to the pool. The attendant remarked that my husband's drink would taste pretty good about now. Since it was yet untouched, hubs turned over the rum and coke as a friendly gesture. All sly the attendant leans in and goes for the bro handshake saying "thank you mon. You good mon. You need any towels, you come see me. I hook you up." For the next 2 days I mocked my husband for hooking us up with free towels at the free towel stand.

Fast 5: Spontaneous Adventures of 2015

You have today. Tomorrow is promised to no one. So I urge you to act now!

If you love someone... tell them.
If you want to ski...ski.
If you want learn to draw...take a class.
If you want to teach your children...participate.

I have an urge to live life and make memories. I am not a "someday" person. I'm a... "Sounds great! Let's do that" person.

With this in mind, I share my favourite 5 spontaneous adventures of 2015: 
(In no particular order)

1. The great camel ride of Palm Springs, California. My son and I were at the Living Desert Zoo and $5 camel rides were being offered. I asked my 9 year old son if he wanted to go. "No thanks, we'll do it another time" he said.  And that's when I erupted into my speech... "Are you kidding? In my 40 years on this earth, no one has ever offered me a camel ride. And frankly I'm not taking you to Egypt any time soon. And when you're 29, and I'm 60 are you getting on a camel with me? No? Now get on the camel!" 

We had a blast on the short camel ride and smiled the whole time! And when he got home to his school friends, you know he told everyone about his favourite part of the trip...the camel ride.

2. Our city's NHL hockey team made the playoffs for the first time in nearly 20 years. The city went wild! Tickets were impossible to get at home. So I decided to round up a group of friends and see the team on the road! Bought tickets in Anaheim California, caught a plane to Palm Springs at 6AM, drove 2 hours to Anaheim, partied all afternoon, then went to the game. Home the next day. One of the surprise highlights of that spontaneous trip was running into high school friends (who now reside in California) at the game. Simply awesome!

3. My hairdresser of 8 years lamented the fact she'd never been to Las Vegas. So I surprised her with a trip to Vegas that next week. We had a blast. Check that off her to-do list.

4. Halloween looked like it was going to be pretty quiet around my house this year. Thinking it might be the last year for my son to trick or treat, I proposed a spontaneous road trip 4.5 hours west to visit our cousins. A few quick texts and a stop at the costume store and we were on our way! We had a fantastic time with family and it certainly earned the honour of Best Halloween ever!

5. Skating at Clear Lake Manitoba was never on my radar until the Winnipeg Free Press posted photos of unbelievable ice, clear as glass. It was simply a weather phenomenon brought on by calm waters, cold nights and a lack of snow. Never in my life had I seen such a thing. And since a snowstorm was pending in about 48 hours, I checked my son out school for the day and raced up to the lake. We skated and played hockey all afternoon. Freezing rain and a storm started about 10 hours after we were safely home from our adventure. Photos of our adventures appeared on the Manitoba Tourism twitter feed and also on Winnipeg's CTV news.

Fast 5 Travel Tips: 5 Canadian Travel Lies

1. About Canadian Prairie Winters - "It's not that bad, it's a dry cold" we say. And yet we actually just slide around on our icy roads all winter, going from Tim Hortons to Tim Hortons, sipping hot chocolate to keep the blood from freezing in our veins.

2. Your money is worth more here! - But just wait until we add 15% tax to everything!

3. You only need a few days to see Canada - Are you kidding? Our landmass is vast and our transportation expensive. Don't think you can see Quebec and Alberta in the same week.

4. We're not all lumberjacks and hockey players.  But we DO all dress like lumberjacks and hockey players every winter! From coast to coast you'll see flannel plaid shirts and hockey jerseys on young and old. It's like our unofficial patriotic uniform.

5. Salmon jerky and ice wine are Canadian delicacies. Trust me, you should pass on the Salmon Jerky. It's not even good after a whole bottle of ice wine.  I don't even think it would be good with maple syrup on it. And don't even get me started on screech and prairie oysters (Buffalo/Bison  testicles)! Our regional food is.... funny, in a "I can't believe you actually ate that" kind of way.

But don't trust just my opinion. You should come up and see it for yourself. You might like it, eh?!!

What's your path? Your perfect trip?

Are you a trail blazer? 

A patio princess? 

A cafe Cathie? 

A super sports fan?

A water baby? 

You can be them all! Travel is an amazing gift to give yourself.  Find you inner strength, your curiosity and sense of fulfillment.  Choose your own ADVENTURE!

If you are waiting for someone else to give you permission to live your life....here it is. 

You are worthy. You are wonderful and you are CAPABLE. You got this! Now go for it. 

Fast 5 Travel Tips: Pack like a mom

I travel light. I've even taken my family to Hawaii for 8 days without ever checking a bag. And you'll never find me on a suitcase shaming site trying to shove an oversized bag into the overhead bin.

While I don't know everything, and I'll never claim to,  I can sure help the travel newbie.

5 things to pack for EVERY trip:

1. Basic family first aid kit. Make sure to bring any medication you need. Make sure everything is in its original packaging and properly labeled.

2. Snacks. Even if you are travelling to an all inclusive resort, I always make sure to pack granola bars, almonds and trail mix for the flight, the airport delays and the 'hunger crankies' that plague kids on the sometimes exhausting travel days.  The M & M's are for me.  I could never pay $3 at the airport kiosk for my fix!  Snacks can take up very little room. This is one Ziploc sandwich bag.

3.  Distractions.  Batteries die and even kids get bored with their video games. So I always pack a deck of cards (think Go Fish or War) and a tactile puzzle. (See the little wire puzzle.) You can pick up one of these mind bender puzzles at any toy store for about $9. They are deceptively simple and sometimes frustrating, both are awesome qualities and challenge you and the kids in ways you will enjoy. Road trips or airport lounges, these wire puzzles get passed around and around. Everyone loves them and asks me where to get them or even if they can buy it from me. Hours of old school fun!

4. Pack something that makes you feel fashionable and fun. It's YOUR vacation too. And don't forget the hat and sunscreen. You need to model good sun habits for your kids. 

5. Pack a camera. Any camera! And have it with you at all times. Some of the impromptu experiences and sudden joys will be what makes the trip most memorable.  And please print photos when you get home. At least a few! Because we have all heard the stories of broken phones, lost cameras and stolen memories. Don't lose yours. 

I love scenes and signs. Brings back great vacation memories! 

So much more that JUST Calgary!

It still makes me cringe when I hear people say,  "I don't want to fly to Calgary. What good is Westjet if there's only one flight a day and it only goes to Calgary?"

OMG NO! Westjet does not ONLY fly to Calgary. Calgary (YYC) is a hub. A hub!! Like Denver is to United Airlines and Minneapolis is to Delta.  Their flight system feeds into their hub and from there you can connect to the world!

From our little airport in Brandon, Manitoba (YBR) you can currently fly (Leaving at 1:15pm) and get to your fabulous holiday destination same day. That list includes Honolulu, Maui, Palm Springs, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Vancouver, Nanimo, Comox, Edmonton, Los Angeles and more!

However, there are additional routes (Like SNA, SFO) that require an overnight stay in Calgary (YYC) but, as on January 15th, 2016 Westjet will double the number of flights out of Brandon, with strategic timing so that you can widen your choice of same-day destinations even more.  This is wonderful news!  It definitely has cost savings for the bargain traveller.  When you eliminate the hotel stay in YYC you are saving at least $150.

Let's look at this Las Vegas example:   Look at the flight options in September and January.  Pretty great eh? More vacation for your money. And realistically, back at home at 11:20pm after arriving at YBR. Sure beats that 2 hour & 20 minute trek from YWG!

The future of travel looks bright and includes our YBR. Where do you want to go next?

Fast 5 Travel Tips: Why you should buy the professional photo

1. Because this is what it looks like when a family member takes a photo of me, in paradise.

2. Because the photo is missing you when you are always behind the camera. 

3. Because this is what it looks like when you try to take a selfie. Not a lot of paradise in that photo. But the giant shoulder shot is great. Ugh. And nobody's teen wants to be in a selfie with their mom. 

4. Because equipment failure can ruin a once in a lifetime pic. 

5. Because it's a small price to pay (usually $10-20) for a print of resort or cruise photo that is ready for you to frame. No on-line ordering, no picking up at the mall AND, perhaps most importantly you are helping contribute to someone's employment and their family all while you & your family get to enjoy a vacation together. 

Fast 5 Travel Tips: Mom, get in that photo!

5 Reasons to let go of your anxiety and jump in that photo.

1. Do it for your kids.  Let them have photos of their mother. They love you whether your hair is 'done' or not.

2. Stop feeling like a caretaker and more like a participant! It's your vacation too. Being included in the photo helps you feel included in the fun. Anything else is alienating.

3. Drop the excuses and be authentic. You wouldn't tell your best friend that she's too fat to get in a photo.... so why would you do this to yourself?

4. You will never be younger than you are today. (Even if you feel tired, ugly or grumpy, you will still never ever be younger!) Just smile!

5. Do it for your kids. Yes, I know this was the #1 reason, but honestly, it bears repeating. If you constantly tell your kids that they should go without you or that you don't NEED to be in the photo, or you don't want to JOIN the family, they might start automatically excluding you, or worse yet, they grow up and model the same behaviour thinking they, themselves, are not WORTHY of inclusion.

Fast 5 Travel Tips: Don't jump off a bridge

5 Reasons why it's better to plan a vacation rather than jump off a bridge.

1. There are no cool souvenirs to collect if you jump off a bridge. But there are lots of postcards, cheesy t-shirts, shot glasses and keychains to collect on vacations.

2. You can only jump off a bridge once. You can plan several vacations. Go on vacations as often as you need to.

3. People try to talk you out of jumping off a bridge. No one ever tries to talk you out of going to Disneyland or the Caribbean.

4. Jumping off a bridge is a very public and messy thing. Vacations can be as beautiful and discreet as you want them to be.

5. Your family will hate it if you jump off a bridge whereas, your family will cheer and overwhelm you with hugs when you tell them you're taking them on vacation.

Bridge 0.....Vacation 5

#Vacation for the win!

Tickets to Countryfest

You don't have to hop on a plane to catch some great entertainment. A short drive away, in Dauphin Manitoba, is an annual country music festival that boasts some of the biggest names in the industry.  Tickets are sold, and sold out 6 months in advance.  BUT, you can still grab a day pass (or even a VIP meet and greet) by cashing in your Air Miles.  A day pass is just 1400 Air Miles!

Need a few more Air Miles? You can always stop by the MLCC and pick up a few as you grab your favourite beverage.

Fast Five: Things I've learnt recently

Every time you travel you learn something about your destination, and also yourself.

1. Art and beauty is everywhere. You just have to open your eyes and slow down. Oh yeah, and put your damn phone away.

2. There is no substitute for a good quality pair of shoes. Shoes can start a conversation. Shoes can put a bounce in your step and take you on adventures. Uncomfortable shoes can ruin your day and change the way you feel.

3. I'm not an Asian size 5. It's a funny story from a street market in Hawaii that was selling sundresses. The vendor, who spoke broken english, asked me what size I wear. I said 'size 5'. From that point forward she was screeching at me "you NO size 5! You maybe size 7. You NO size 5!"  Just imagine my shock as I stood in the street. She whipped out a measuring tape and lassoed my waist. Shaking her head, she muttered about a size 7 or a size 10.  I forced a smile and walked away. She hollered after me, for all to hear.... "why you No buy from me, big hips?"  In my defence, the shorts I was wearing that day were a size 5. But she's probably right, not a made-in-china size 5 or a size 5 from any of the mismatched seconds that were for sale on the cart.  My big hips saved me a few dollars that day. LOL

4. I like a weekend in the big city. (Like Denver) But, a weekend is probably enough. I'm really more a vacation-on-the-beach kind of person.

5. I can't assume everyone wants a bargain holiday or wants to travel as much as I do. Some people want to indulge and live life fully and are quite willing and able to pay handsomely. I respect that. I'm just not there.

Blushing with pride.

So I sit down next to my son, as he is talking to a friend between games at their hockey tournament, and I overhear my son saying, "my mom plans the best trips. We went to Florida and didn't even go to Disney World and it was still the best time. She knows how to find all the coolest hotels (Hyatt Grand Cypress Orlando) and usually pretty cheap."

Turns out he was offering my services and singing my praises!

Wow! That was a pretty neat feeling to hear my son giving me such a good reference. It has been and continues to be, one of my life's ambitions to design exciting life experiences for my family, through travel.

Later, I pressed my 9 year old son for a little bit more information. He says that we do a lot of great things together that other people (that he knows) just don't seem to do. (Like touching a space shuttle at the NASA museum in Houston.) And he thought his friend might like to do something similar, and we moms should talk.

I knows he sees me at the computer and hastily writing things into a notebook. (Yes, I use good old fashioned pencil and paper when hunting for a deal. I make myself a list of searches & prices in a notebook.) And I know he understands it's a process, but he was recognizing my efforts and that made me feel like a gold medalist.

One of my favourite things to do is to travel separately with my kids. It gives me the chance to see them as individuals and focus on their interests and their pace rather than trying to negotiate between 2 or more strong willed travellers. For example, the Disney Cruise to the Caribbean was more enjoyable for my younger son because he didn't have his older sibling teasing him and criticizing his choice of activities. The younger son got to fully enjoy his Disney experience, and therefore I was more relaxed and more satisfied with the outcome and value of the vacation.

Whereas the next trip, with the older boy, was a planes and trains adventure where we raced across the country with just our backpacks. Since he is very capable at leading, I let him take the reins. He really showed me what a logical thinker and a mature person he is becoming. Two totally different vacations, but perfectly suited to each and enjoyable.

I look forward to the day when perhaps, one of the boys will invite me on a vacation that they've researched and designed.  Until then, I will continue on researching and reading and planning adventures, knowing that I am leaving a lasting impression, and making some pretty cool memories with my kids.

Vegas AND MORE, from Brandon

For as little as $391 taxes included, you can fly from Brandon's little airport and be in Vegas that night.

There are still very few travel search sites that acknowledge the Brandon airport code of YBR. One of the few is www.redtag.ca which is shown here.  The great thing about Red Tag is that they also give you a lowest price calendar (as shown above). This means you can see at a glance which dates are cheapest. If it doesn't really matter to you whether you fly on a Tuesday or a Thursday, sometimes it can mean a $300 difference or more.

Red Tag does have its shortcomings though. You can't search all destinations. For example, you may not know that you can fly from YBR to Los Angeles (LAX) or Palm Springs (PSP) on a same-day trip as well.

The trick I have found is that you search the cheapest Vegas trip out, then go to the Westjet Vacations site, and plug in those same dates, but use the destination of your choice. (Like LAX, PSP, YVR, PHX) and then search. Logically, you should be then getting the best price for those trips as well, because 50% of your flight is identical. (the Brandon to Calgary part never changes)

See how CHEAP & convenient it is? 

The other way to go, is to use one of the big travel sites to search out the cheapest current vacations from Calgary (but only provided by Westjet) and then use those same dates, but plug in the YBR code when you get back to the Westjet Vacations site. Often the "Calgary package" but converted to a Brandon airport origin adds just $100 or less. This is much better than booking yourself a cheap Calgary package and then a separate flight to/from Brandon. This is the best and most effective way I have found to find a package to Hawaii. There are "a million" flights from Calgary and Vancouver heading to all the Hawaiian islands.

So, in closing. Yes, you can almost always find a cheap getaway from home to Las Vegas, but your world is bigger than Vegas, if you just know how to search it out.

If you like this tip, or are looking for a particular vacation, do let me know in the comments!

Travel tips to get some REST!

My vacation checklist always includes REST.  Literally, but also as an acronym.

Recharge: Have a nap. Get some fresh air. Locate the nearest hammock! Relax. You deserve a break.

Explore: Time to put on those walking shoes and see the sights.

Savour: Eat local food. Try the house specialty. Ask the locals for recommendations and try something new.

Treat: Splurge on a better brand of wine. Have dessert or treat yourself to a cognac. Get the suite instead of just a room. Indulge just a little. Whatever it is that makes you feel special and the vacation affordably more memorable.

Fast Five Travel Tips: Travel More!

I think we can all agree, vacation feels good. And, in my opinion, the more vacations the better. For me, a vacation does not have to be a 5 star resort on the beach, it can be a weekend in the city, three days in the desert, two nights on a friends' couch in Calgary or even a night in a hotel in your own city. The thing that makes it a holiday from life, is the absence of dishes, chores, and the burdens of your own work routine.

So here they are, my tips for getting more of that vacation feeling in your life.

1. Don't wait for an occasion.  It doesn't have to be your anniversary to have a couples' getaway.

2. Don't wait for the whole gang to get their act together. You'd love to have a girls' getaway but two of your friends have a hard time committing or finding the money. Don't stress or start resenting them. If the timing isn't right for them, that's OKAY. Don't let it spoil your fun. Plan and go!

3. Let the budget pick the destination.  Rather than feeling blue that you don't have $5000 for your dream vacation, rejoice in the fact you have $800 and see where that will take you.  ($800 will take a couple to Vegas on Allegiant Air and still leave you with a little money for dinner and fun.) Actually, I could think of a dozen trips for $800 and I often list the bargains here on this site.

4. Use your points. You hear me say it all the time.... collect points. Something. Anything! Use Avion, Aeroplan, Air Miles, etc to subsidize your travel.

5. Travel solo. Or if going alone scares you, declare your interest in travelling and let your friends, co-workers and family members know you are up for travel with them should a business trip or other opportunity come up. You will be surprised how many invitations come your way when your social circle knows you are interested in travelling and can pay your own way or share expenses.

Fast Five Travel Tips: Should I book?

You will hesitate. You will second guess yourself. You will rationalize and stress....but you really want to book that vacation. Here are 5 tips that may help your decision process along.

Whether you are worried about a particular destination, or a hotel or a luxury expense, ask yourself these.

1. Do I need to change my perspective/recharge/de-stress?  A vacation, any vacation, will do that.

2. Will it take away anything from my life or cause hardship?  No? Then why not go.

3. Will I be safe? Am I in good health and insured?  You should live before life takes a plot twist.

4. If not now, then when? Years pass in a blink of an eye. You know this. Work will wait.

5. Price drop guarantee or not.... will $25 change my life or potential to enjoy this vacation?

If you are wondering which destination to choose? Rationalize it down to 2 choices. Then flip a coin. While the coin is in the air...... your heart will tell you where you really want to go.  Ignore the coin. Listen to your heart.

Need a Romantic Getaway right NOW?

I've never seen any Sandals Resort so cheap. This is Sandals St. Lucia. OMG. Typically, a week at either of the Sandals here are $2500 plus taxes, per person.

It is a luxury 5 star vacation, with dining, beverages, tours and water sports included.

If you've never had a honeymoon, or simply put it off, this might be the perfect opportunity to surprise the Mrs. with an island getaway. Be spontaneous! Take her away THIS weekend.

Book at Air Canada, or with your favourite travel agent.

Don't forget to read the reviews and decide for yourself which resort is the best fit.

If you collect aeroplan points, you can redeem in multiples of 12,000 for $100 off these packages.

If you'd rather wait two weeks, and go on Thanksgiving instead, October 11th-18th, plan to spend and ADDITIONAL $1500 or more per couple for the exact same vacation.  Or if you'd prefer Christmas (December 20-27th, plan to pay $3800 more, or double.)

Same vacation, different dates, half the price.... well, that's a bargain worth writing about.

Sandals St. Lucia - Dreamy!

You've seen the ads on TV. The romantic Sandals Resorts.... couples having fun, big discounts - up to 65%. Doesn't it look amazing?

Regardless of the "deals" Sandals Resorts (which are throughout the Caribbean) typically charge around $3000 per person. Prices will fluctuate based on time of year, destination, resort amenities etc.

These are all-inclusive vacations in some incredible destinations. St. Lucia is a very popular honeymoon location. Very trendy in 2014.

Westjet currently has their package price at under $5000 taxes included per couple. This is an excellent price. If you want to treat your sweetheart to a pre-Christmas getaway, you may wish to jump on this deal. It's December 11th - 18th, flying out of Winnipeg. (YWG)

A bargain doesn't have to be cheap. A bargain is a great vacation, with greater VALUE than expense. But a bargain is never a destination you hate or accommodations where you don't feel comfortable and safe. Vacations are as personal as shoes. You NEED to find the right fit!

$25 To go from "are we there yet" to AMAZING

The only difference between another ho-hum road trip, and your own personal amazing adventure is about $25, a little research and some enthusiasm.

Seriously, $25 or less!

To turn my budget road trip into the "best trip ever" I bought:

1. Decorative paper and a sharpie marker  ($5 at Staples)
2. A $15 gift card as a prize (I chose iTunes, but anything will do)
3. A small IQ puzzle from a toy store. ($5)

To plan the trip, I studied the TV show The Amazing Race Canada.  I then copied their style of presenting instructions, challenges, roadblocks and awards in envelopes.

I decorated some basic envelopes with my own pattern and title. I numbered them 1-10. Several envelopes I prepared in advance of the trip, but some were done "on the fly" during the trip.

The first envelope my son received was from a friend of mine who works at Starbucks. I had given her the envelope in advance and requested that she hand it to my son with his drink when I returned with him later in the day. Upon receipt of this surprise envelope, our adventure began. The first envelope enclosure said, "you have one hour to pack.  Bring your sneakers and plan for 5 days. You are heading east. Your own amazing race adventure starts NOW!"

Instantly that message got his blood flowing and put this trip on the FUN map. My son instantly wanted to take a road trip with me. A road trip with no known agenda or destination!

Subsequent envelopes would reveal flight numbers, and landmarks to search for. The IQ puzzle, as mentioned above (and pictured at left) was used as a time waster on the plane. But it could easily be used the same way in a car. It's a tactile puzzle that's frustrating, yet straightforward. It gets the child to put their electronic device away and put their mind to use in another way.  When Ry solved the puzzle and separated the rings, he received a gift card as a reward.

Other envelopes contained trivia questions related to the destination. This could work for ANY destination. Even if the destination was simply Grandma's house.  You could even hand your child a tourist brochure and have them find the answer that way. Disguised learning!

Trivia questions and checkpoint envelopes are essentially free for the making but they are priceless in building anticipation and enthusiasm for your destination. How you deliver the envelopes is up to you. Be creative. Pace them, and place them as you see fit. (I would put one on the night stand to be found first thing in the morning. It would hold the day's destination or challenge.)

Engage others in delivering your envelopes or adding their own challenges. Like leave the envelope with the hotel front desk and have it sent up with your room service or extra towels. This little bit of extra planning can go a long way in making the child feel they are in their own reality TV show. So don't forget to take lots of pictures.

With a little planning and a bit of creativity, rather than hearing a pained "are we there yet?" you'll be receiving accolades and hugs for the best trip ever!

Fast Five: Things I learnt travelling with a pre-teen

I recently took my son on an adventure across three Canadian provinces in four days. We took a plane, a train and an automobile! We also walked at least 20 kms seeing the city sights.

I didn't yell once.

Things I learnt on this amazing adventure.

1. He does listen in school. There were Canadian facts about war and politics (grade 6 history stuff) that he brought up in conversation when we were in Ottawa. Wow.

2. He's well mannered.  He can charm a front desk clerk and make friends with a concierge. I think he's more of a preferred guest than I am! LOL

3. He understands the value and place of a gratuity. "Mom, do you have a $5? It's ok, I do. I'll get this one." (Tips hotel shuttle driver.)

4. He's not big on taking photos. Making memories... yes. Actually taking the photo? No. Taking a photo of mom out in public? Heck no. Ok, maybe one. But it's going to be quick and blurry and I'm definitely not waiting for you to smile or put your purse down.  I think this is why selfies came to be.

5. Feed him regularly! Again, I fall back on my best travel advice... have a fruit bar or granola bar in your purse. They come in handy on every vacation & keep the good times rolling.

Would I take him on a solo trip again? YES!!! Again and again and again. I had such a great time and had the chance to appreciate what a capable human he is. Made me feel like a capable parent too. I must be doing something right.

Picture of me on vacation. Taken by you-know-who.

And back to the selfies. LOL