Sunday, May 25, 2008

The Do's and Don't's of going on a Trip

DO pick a fun location with attractions.
DON'T pick a location that has rapid forest fires where people have had to evacuate their homes.
(We went to Santa Cruz, which had forest fires, just not in the area we visited. When I told someone where we went, she asked if I had brought something to BBQ and some marshmallows! Not a bad idea.)
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DO get a motel with two separate bedrooms.
DON'T try out a new sleeping arrangement with your youngest thinking that it will magically work for one night. Just say for example, putting your 3 kids in one room for the first time and hoping that they would go to sleep quickly or even within a normal time frame.

DO pack your things first.
DON'T leave yourself to the end. You will probably leave something home that is a necessity. For example, something like contact solution.

DO buy contact solution.
DON'T try to shop when you can't see. You may think you are buying apples for .79 a pound, when in fact, you have grab several different types of apples and paid 3.00 a pound for them.

DO bring a map of the city.
DON'T drive around trying to find your way. You may find you are driving in circles.

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DO plan on visiting something fun for all ages.
DON'T go in a group with people who are "real" tourists. They may take pictures in every combination and location possible, keeping the group from continuing onward because they are waiting for the "real" tourists to finish. And they will probably be in every picture like the guy in the yellow.
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DO give yourself some space when with a group in a confined area.
DON'T leave yourself out and vulnerable because someone could stand right on top of you(and I mean it literally)during the presentation and incidentally they are not wearing deodorant and just happen to be with the guy in the yellow.
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DO plan on spending some money you normally wouldn't, because hey, you're on vacation.
DON'T take out a small loan.
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We went to the wharf and looked at some sea lions-FREE
Played in the sand and watched a volleyball tournament-FREE
Walked on the boardwalk-FREE
Road some rides-NOT FREE
Ate some burritos and quesadillas-Definately NOT FREE
Made some new memories-PRICELESS

9 comments:

Andy Porter said...

Very funny post. I think the guy in yellow needs to be in all your family photos from now on.
~Andy

Valerie said...

I think you are absolutely right. It will be our trademark. Thanks for the idea!

Abby Marie said...

hahaha that guy in the yellow cracks me up!!!

Kathy said...

I LOVE that yellow guy. Great vacation info. We are coming out on July 28 for a few days. I'll go thru your do's and dont's again then.Is staying with your kids in a 2 bedroom apartment, making the total number of people NINE, a do or a don't?

Valerie said...

When visiting Ben and Val:
DO stay with them no matter how small their apartment is and no matter how big the number of people.
DON'T stay in a motel because how can you enjoy my wonderful breakfast burritos from so far away?

P.S. We've invited the guy in the yellow to stay with us too!

Andy Porter said...

It looks like you guys could have used a V8 for the vacation.

Russell said...

so was he actually in any of the photos for real?

Unknown said...

Russ,
The picture of the kids and I standing outside the cabin is the original. We're telling the truth about him being in every picture during the Mystery Spot tour. So many, that I have scrapbooked a page just for him. OK, that last part is a lie. I don't scrapbook.

Joe/Andy,
Do you know something about V8 that I don't?

Ben Porter said...

Joe, I explained the v8 thing to Valerie.