Friends and Family vs Your Travel Goals

Have you ever been in a situation where you had a destination you planned on going to but the need to travel for other events forced you to postpone those plans?
I have a friend who planned on going to Hawaii in 2011 and due to birthday parties, weddings and graduations that all require travel she will have to try to go another year.

Personally for me I’d have to miss a wedding or birthday party.

What would you do?
Are you currently dealing with this same dilemma?

2011 Travel Plans

As I discussed in my last post, I am making my travel plans for the new year. Now, with one of my best friends getting engaged I think my planning is complete.
For now my plans include: Vancouver, Atlanta, Chicago, NYC, and Philadelphia.

My poor passport isn't going to get much use in the new year it appears but I'm still in the early planning phase.
Where are you going in 2011?

Vacation Days

Did you use all of your vacation days this year and are currently planning your trips for next year? OR, are you someone who has well over a week that you're forced to take and spend it at home bored?

More and more people do not use their vacation days, and if you are one of those people I suggest you make the new years resolution to take a great trip for 2011!

Here is some information to get you started.
http://gopackandtravel.blogspot.com/2010/09/travel-websites.html

Travel Websites

I’ve used Tripadvisor, Kayak/Sidestep, Expedia, Priceline and Travelocity.
My favorites:
#1) – Tripadvisor (my username is Oaklay18 if you want to see my reviews)
I will NOT go to a hotel or a city without first going to Tripadvisor. I LOVE the candid photos more than anything. Why? Because hotels use highlight the best features of their lobby, rooms etc. My concern is, does the room look the same in a picture when taken with a digital camera?
Also hotels tend to post pictures of their suites which can be more modern, larger and in general nicer than a standard room.

#2) Kayak/Sidestep
Its quick, it’s easy and you know you’ve found the best price for a flight.

#3) Priceline
I love the name your price feature. I typically use this for rental cars and have gotten the best rental car deals through this site.

What are your favorite sites?

Fun Travel Finds

One of the things I love to use when packing for a trip is my TravelPrep.pad.

Why? It reminds me of the little things I may forget like winter accessories if I'm traveling somewhere cold and coming from somewhere warm. Things like phone charger, medication, socks and underwear are all things that I would need for a trip and not want to spend anytime trying to find on vacation.

If you don't have a packing list this is something you may want to look into. Check www.getbuttonedup.com.

If you have another method what is is?

Oaklay

Planning: Maine and Boston

Do to some last minute change and plans, I am currently re-booking and replanning my trip to Maine and Boston.

Any suggestions?