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The Secret to a Relaxing Vacation: Meticulous, Detailed Plans: I enjoyed reading this article in New York magazine. I know that planning things in advance drives some people crazy, but there really is a purpose. I hate waiting in lines, so if there’s any way to eliminate those I’m all for it. I love how the author says to even schedule your plan to do nothing.
AA Eliminates $75 Close-in Award Booking Fee: Via View From the Wing, American Airlines quietly removed the $75 award booking fee for flights booked less than 21 days in advance. I think this is good news, but as Gary points out, you’ll likely pay a much higher price in miles for that last-minute ticket.
Bank Account Bonus Results 2019: I was fascinated to read Mark’s bank account bonus totals for 2019. He made $2600! I have never bothered with bank account bonuses, but maybe it’s time I do. Readers, do you pay attention to bank account bonuses?
Unusual Wish List for 2020: I enjoyed reading this 2020 wish list on Skift. I especially love the wish for more overnight trains.
Travel Tips from Samantha Brown: I love Samantha Brown! Check out her travel tips in this CNN article. I completely agree with waiting to board the plane with kids (unless of course it’s Southwest and you need to get seats).
Enjoy your weekend!
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Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
@Nancy some people think I’m crazy for having a well planned day at Disney. Laugh all you want. Our first day (of two) at Magic Kingdom during Thanksgiving week (one of the busiest of the year) We did the following with a 9:00am opening:
-Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
-Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
-Dumbo
-Barnstormer
-Voyage of the Little Mermaid
-Teacups
-Enjoyed a leisurely lunch
-Tomorrowland Speedway
-Haunted Mansion
-Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
-Splash Mountain
-Pirates of the Caribbean
-Stopped for several photos, afternoon ice cream, and approximately 37 bathroom breaks.
…and were leaving the park around 4:00pm, headed for Disney Springs. How? A good plan! People hear this, then want to know how on earth that’s possible, but don’t want to put in the effort. But then whine about how much they hate waiting in huge lines. -facepalm-
@projectx That’s a great accomplishment for a busy park day. I don’t think you’re crazy at all!
Yes! Detailed planning is key!
I plan our trips out very carefully to maximize our time. We don’t waste time waiting for dinner, how to get from point a to point b, realizing we didn’t have time for XYZ activity, etc. Besides the obvious reasons for doing this, it allows us built in time to just chill, or pick from a list of “anytime” activities to fill in the gaps should we choose to do so.
The best example, crazy as it sounds: Disney. Disney is a prime case of how a good plan can save you an unbelievable amount of time, hitting all the major attractions while spending little time in line.
@projectx Yes, Disney is a great example!