Momma Told Me: dream vacations

Momma Told Me: Family and dreams are what make life worth living.

I'm not really one for vacations; sometimes they seem like more work than relaxation; especially when you factor in plane flights and connections. Journey too far from home and culture shock will surely get you. As someone who tends to have a Type A personality, the logistics of getting myself, let alone a family, anywhere on time is terrifying. Let's face it, I take my home responsibilities just as serious as my work ones, and I have a hard time 'letting go' upon arrival. Last year we ventured from California to Philadelphia for a week long excursion to spend some time with Momma (located in Ohio). I won't sugar coat it, and most of you know, right out of the gate it was a disaster. The two hotel rooms I had booked at a 4 star Sheraton, and prepaid months in advance, were not available. Even though the chain refused to make the situation right in any way, and we relocated to a nearby hotel infested with wasps in the middle of June Philly heat, I was determined to make the best of it. No matter the unexpected obstacles, memories were made that will be cherished for a lifetime.

Atop my mantle, which is more of a display ledge than anything, Jeremy and I have matching banks. We use 'piggy' banks a lot in our household, actually; it's safe to say I squirrel money away like a, well, squirrel. Odds are I'll be going on a vacation long before Jay (love you), as I tend to be more disciplined in budgeting, but these pots remain none the less. Current saving funds include tattoo fund, rainy day fund, and vacation fund. Now, I'm NOT your average gal; I grew up and was raised minutes from the beach here in Southern California, and have no desire to venture towards warmer climates or white sand beaches. While Hawaii and Mexico remain popular destinations for friends and family I have always gravitated towards equally colorful, colder, destinations. In high school my best friend got to take an academic related trip to Europe for 5 days and I about turned green with envy. Just drooling over the lush landscapes and listening to her stories of culture and history, I became determined then and there to visit Ireland (#1) someday. If one can get past airfare (I'd have to cross the country before departing overseas), the week long tour group packages are quite inclusive. I always imagined I'd go on honeymoon to see romantic castles and stay at rustic inns.

If you think Europe will be cold and dreary, then you'll not likely be jumping on my second dream vacation; a trip to Peninsula de Valdes, Atlantic Patagonia, to literally Walk With Penguins (#2). You'd be surprised just how many travel agencies have packages that involve walking with penguins; though, understandably, there truly are only 2 destinations this is done. Most excursions I've seen involve a lovely plane flight down to the tip (Cape) of South America, then another short charter flight to the Antartic environment where visitors get a few hours to walk among and dine with these black and white beauties in their natural environment.

Finally, the vacation I am sure will happen next, for me, a cruise. I was supposed to accompany Momma and Stepdad on a Caribbean cruise my senior year (as a graduation gift) but parental politics (divorce issues) got in the way and I was left at home. Ever since I have been determined to get my but on a boat at all costs. But I'm not headed to Pina Coladas and Coconut Milk, no way- I've got an Alaskan Cruise (#3) on my mind. This, for me, is the most achievable Bucket List vacation. The two of us can drive up the coast to Alaska, where we would leave port for 4-5 days to view the Aurora Borealis and maybe even set foot on ice during a day tour. Decent level packages average $400/person; and I've already got that in my vacation bank! The problem with an Alaskan Cruise is that there simply are so many cruise lines and voyages to pick from. It's almost overwhelming, especially for a first time cruise patron; this will take plenty of planning, but be well worth it!

What Daughter Says: What dream vacations do you hope to make real someday?