In the Planning

Robert Frost once penned about the road less travelled. It was all about choices. Recently I've joined several Facebook groups concerned with vacations to national parks and other scenic places. These sites get lots of questions from those planning trips. People want to know about those experienced with lodging, eateries, side trips, hikes, and best time of year, etc. They get lots of answers in addition to many fantastic photo posts. Many of these travelers I agree with; some not so much.

Today I read a query submitted by a family planning a trip from an eastern state to some of the parks out west. They had 16 days for the entire trek. Over the years I have planned many such pilgrimages of varying lengths. I took time to share my preferences. In my opinion there are several general ways to form the itinerary for such an occasion. None is right or wrong. They are just what's best for preferences of those going.

The first is to visit as many places of interest going and coming and spend a few days at your main special destination. The second is to get to the favorite spot as quickly as possible and spend as many days there as you can, returning home speedily. Of course an alternative would be to go one way expeditiously and the other way stopping frequently to smell the roses. I have followed all three of those advisory timelines in my planning over the decades. 

My wife and I have managed to see every one of the 50 states and have so far visited about 50 of the 62 national parks including my favorite Yellowstone. I've been there 18 times.

Contemplating the sunset on Kauai

So what gem of wisdom did I offer to the Facebook questioner? I quoted a line from an old pop song Kokomo by the Beach Boys: "Get there fast and then...take it slow." The planning options are many; choices will vary depending upon the traveler's Bucket List. I believe much of the pleasure in any vacation is in the planning!