I flew back east on July 29th (with a one-way ticket).
I had declared this season the “Hot Woman Summer,” when I would ask myself “Why the hell not?” when faced with attractive travel, adventure, and social options.
Returning to Arizona on August 29th, I immediately booked a staycation for Labor Day weekend. Those of us with Bleisure Living travel fever simply can’t stay in one place for too long.
Over the 30 days, I worked and played (the definition of Bleisure Living), staying in five different hotels and multiple areas — from a bougie beach community to a planned suburban development.
Lessons learned along the way that you can apply to your own travel:
- Budget well so that you can afford more trips when you return. If you are staying in a hotel with free breakfast and in-room fridge, take full advantage so you don’t need to eat at a restaurant every meal.
- Use your points — even if it means staying in a less-than-perfect hotel.
- Don’t overpack. I have learned this lesson multiple times. My cubes are great, but I must learn to use the smaller ones and not stuff them to capacity. Be sure to pack a stain stick and even traveler’s packets of Woolite. One of my hotels had an in-house washer/dryer, so I was able to refresh my wardrobe when things started getting funky.
- Learn from the locals! I discovered so many new places in towns I’ve previously visited. I even treated myself to a Broadway musical—something I rarely did when I actually lived in NY.
- Catch up with as many friends and family members as possible, but pace yourself. Keep your phone out of reach (unless you’re capturing a memorable photo) so you can enjoy real-life moments.
- Time block so you’re allowing sufficient time for work.
- Get enough sleep. That’s often tough in unknown places with mushy pillows and noisy AC. But make it a priority so you have enough energy to enjoy your travels.
We’ve talked about the post-travel blues here. The tips are especially relevant when you’ve been on the road for a while!
So, where did I go?
- The Nyack Hotel, where I hosted a small gathering for my NY friends.
- White Plains. I discovered this Hyatt hotel (right up the block from Wegman’s). It’ll be my new place to rest my head while visiting friends in Westchester (my old ‘hood). Points!!
- East Hampton is always a blast—beaches, great food, and interesting people (plus my family!!!).
- New York City is great to visit in the summer when so many people are away for the weekend. As I mentioned, I caught a Broadway show, ate at this cool little gem, and stayed at my favorite new UWS hotel, the Arthouse.
- Maryland (where both my daughters live). The Microtel is five minutes from my younger daughter and grandbaby and within walking distance of a giant shopping center with a movie theater and every fast-casual restaurant you’ve ever heard of.
- I stayed at the airport Crowne Plaza before I flew back (again, using points).
Where to next?
I’m back in AZ for now, catching up on my work and writing (like this article). Heading to Vegas in a little more than a week. Check back for more Bleisure Living tips from the Strip!
