Road Trip Wrap Up

Trip Favorites . . .

Colin . . . Maine . . . shrimp he ate it every night we were in the state!

Heidi . . . too many to pick . . . I loved exploring a new part of our country . . . all 7 states!

After trips I always say, "I wish we would have . . " so here are a few lessons I learned on our Road Trip . . .

1.  Map. Always take a map . . . don't rely on GPS or phones.  A good printed map or atlas is a must.  We usually stop at the Welcome Center when we cross into a new state.  This trip our timing was off or maybe I missed the exit.

2.  Local driving habits.   The driving on the right hand shoulder or as they called it in Massachusetts 'the breakdown lane' was just odd to me and unsafe at times.

3.  Always pack for the elements. I packed those clear, plastic, disposable rain coats. I swear I have been packing these things for years but you never know when you will need them.  Luckily we did not use them this trip either.  And throw in a sweatshirt or sweater . . . we had to buy one in Bar Harbor, Maine so now Colin and I have matching sweatshirts.  I know how dorky.

4.  I learned my lesson this trip because things do get lost . . . pack more than one camera!  I usually do.

5.  Be bold and do something out of the ordinary. Colin ate lobster roll, and I agreed to swim outside in the heated pool when it was only 55 degrees.  Both were fun and shocking . . . and we still talk about them both!

6.  Take time to relax . . . seems simple but so many trips we are in a hurry to go and see everything we possibly can.  I have grown more laid back . . . well, at least I hope those who travel with me think so because I do not seem to plan as many activities each day!

Trip Stats
miles driven:  1,335 miles over 7 days
train miles:  229 miles
airplane miles:  2,951 miles
states visited:  7 . . . all seven were first time visits
different hotels for overnight sleep:  10 . . . that is a lot of movement for a 2 week trip!

Can't wait to do it again . . . different region of course!