I have often said, “Planning for a trip is at least as fun as taking the trip itself.” That is what I have been doing the last few days for our two week driving trip to Minnesota.
2017 is the 100 year celebration for our family. Dad will be 100 years old in November and he is really excited. He was hoping he could celebrate it with Mom but she passed on three years ago and will be celebrating in spirit with him and the family.
I am planning to visit Dad four times this year year if all goes well and the trip I am planning is a 14 day round trip from California to Minnesota. Just got back two weeks ago from a four day turn around fly in visit to Dad with my son Jeff. It was a great trip and even “enjoyed” the snow in May. Dang that global warming.
Now about the planning for this trip. Read an article about traveling in this year. They recommended Europe as a good place as the dollar buys much more there than in the past. Part of that reason is the ISIS terrorists are expected to be hitting Europe this year hard especially in tourist hotspots. Americans will be staying home for vacation.
My planning, especially in hotels/motels, sure are showing that is true. Our last driving trip cross country, October 2015, down highway 10 to New Orleans, had the cost of hotel rooms around $90 including tax per night for 2-3 star rooms. This trip? $120 per night. At least a 25% increase. I expect a 35% increase in the cost of food on the road as well. The only thing that is less expensive will be gas. Once you leave California, gas will be less than it was two years ago. Plus, my gas powered Honda CRV gets and average of 35 MPG.
Getting my CRV oil changed and tires rotated next week. Getting excited about this trip.
Traveling Retired 