1. The Bucket List
Everyone has one, right? Those places you know you just have to go before you die. We don't have one written out (at least not yet!), but we do keep a running one in our heads. These trips tend to be longer, more exotic, and more expensive. Ireland was definitely one of these trips for us. Some others on the list: Greece, Argentina, New Zealand, Scotland. Think about those places that just call to you and make sure it is in your future plans to get yourself there!
Slea Head, Dingle Peninsula, Ireland
2. Based on interests
We love wine, so a lot of our adult travel is based on where we can find the best wineries and tastings. Napa, for example, as well as the Finger Lakes in NY and the Yadkin Valley in NC. I love to run, so I am always intrigued by places I can enjoy great ones. What do you like to do on vacation - paddle board, hike, ski, immerse yourself in local pub life?
Mountain Terraces Vineyard, Sonoma, CA
Porter Family Vineyards, Napa, CA
3. Based on geography
This is our most common inspiration for short or weekend trips, obviously because things that are close to your home are easier to get to. We LOVE to explore the area around us and we know how lucky we are that the Carolinas boast such a varied geography. We can spend time in the mountains near Boone or Brevard, or we can hit the beach in Charleston or Hilton Head! Most people don't take nearly enough advantage of their own cities and states. What awesome sights are near you? How quickly can you get there?
High Falls, Cedar Mountain, NC
The Beach at Hilton Head Island, SC
4. Based on family
Obviously, as adults with children and family living out of town, some of our travel has to be based on going to see them. We love exploring my husband's home town, but also often take the opportunity to stop along the way. We have planned a stop in Bryson City, NC for the past two years to take a ride on the Polar Express right before Christmas and have also stopped in Atlanta on our way home to visit friends. Looking for an easy trip away? Plan some time to go see the family, especially those you haven't seen in a long time!
Great Smokey Mountain Railroad, Bryson City, NC
5. Recommended by family and friends
One of my favorite ways to plan travel with children - ask those who have done it before! And not just for locations, but for activities once you are there. This way you can avoid pricy museums that aren't worth the cost but can find those little known gems you would have otherwise skipped over. Grill your favorite people about restaurants, side trips, hotels, etc and you'll find some excellent ideas. Do keep in mind that peoples' habits while traveling differ, so listen closely to why they recommend things - you may want to take it as a clue to stay away! Also, keep good notes about your travel experiences so you can share them with friends!
We've recommended Grandfather Mountain in Linville, NC over and over to friends!
6. Pinterest!
I love Pinterest for two things when planning travel. Number one is the original destination inspiration, often touched off by a single gorgeous picture (I'm a sucker for excellent photography). This leads to a lot of bucket list places! Number two is the wealth of information I can find about a place once we make the decision to go there. Our trip to Savannah this year comes to mind - I would have never known about the Ellis Square "spray ground" or the restaurants on Tybee Island without reading articles and blog posts I found on Pinterest. Gotta love the internet!
Oatland Island Wildlife Center, Savannah, GA
