Wednesday, August 20, 2014

When Travelers Need a ‘No-Brainer’ Vacation ~

Sometimes even die-hard travelers like us - who find the months of research prior to a trip as much fun as the trip -- need a no-brainer vacation. That’s what we decided a few weeks ago.
You’ve probably sought the same kind of get-away at one time or another.
The kind of vacation that requires little planning.
A kick-back, “I don’t care about anything” kind of trip.

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Beach - Lanai, Hawaii
Those of you who follow our travels know we traveled to Greece this summer to buy a home. It was a high octane trip. We didn’t go with the intention of having a restful, relaxing time and our expectations were on target. (Of course, we did plan to buy a house and we didn’t – but that’s an old story now. . .)

So back in the Pacific Northwest, The Scout and I decided to wrap up the summer’s chores, put Greece on the backburner for a bit and head out in the early fall on an R and R vacation. . .

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Celebrity Solstice - South Pacific 2013
Step One:  The Scout embarked on what he does best ~ conducted a quick search for deals and destinations.

He found a cruise which sailed from Seattle. The plus: no flight and 30 minutes to the ship. And there is certainly a no more carefree way to travel than walking aboard, unpacking, being entertained, fed regularly and traveling to some exotic ports of call. The minus: a lengthy flight back . . .a maybe a bit too much travel?

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Istanbul Scenes - 2010
He found good airfare to Istanbul – a delightful city, to our way of thinking. The fare wasn’t quite as great as the $608 round-trip one I told you about last spring, but good.  That would mean another series of long flights as it takes nearly a 24-hour day to fly that far from Seattle when one considers connections and wait times.  We nixed that idea as well – far too much ‘seat time’.

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Scenes from Central Washington State
We considered close to home road trips, but that required us to think up a route we wanted to take and figure out where we wanted to stay along the way. . .too much thought required for that one.


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Maui, Hawaii
Long-time readers know of our love affair with Hawaii, so you’ve probably already guessed the destination we’ve chosen. . .

. . . a place that in terms of flight time from Seattle is less than six hours. . .

. . .where sitting on a beach requires little effort. . .

. . .sipping Mai Tai’s at sunset requires even less effort. . .

. . .and packing a few tee-shirts and shorts – a snap. . .

. . .eating poke and plate lunches a bit of fresh fruit ~ heavenly. . .

The Scout found us a steal of a deal on accommodations. We are using an Alaska Airlines companion fare ($99 ticket anywhere Alaska flies, issued once a year to Alaska Airline credit card holders) which bring the airfare to a ‘reasonable’ one. 



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Lana'i Island and island scenes

What’s even better is that we are returning to a place that we’ve not been to for 25 years.  A trip down memory lane is on the itinerary. Where are we headed? Well, stay tuned. . .I’ll let you know when we get there! And I’ve still have plenty of Greek places to tell you about in coming weeks as well.

A big welcome – and Aloha -- to our new followers and subscribers – how nice it is to have you join us on our travels! And thanks to all of you who've traveled with us for some time now! 

If you have the time to add a comment tell us where you would go for a  ‘kick-back’ R and R destination?

Linking up this week:
Travel Photo Thursday – Budget Travelers Sandbox
Weekend Travel Inspirations – Reflections En Route
Mosaic Monday – Lavender Cottage Gardening

52 comments:

  1. Exciting! I know exactly what you mean about needing a 'no-brainer' vacation. My choice for that is always Nice, in France - just a couple of hours' flight, beautiful weather (most of the time), and I've been three times before, so I know exactly where I'm going and where to stay etc! Looking forward to reading about your vacation:)

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  2. Molly, We are so envious of those of you in Europe who can get to so many places - wonderful places - in just a few hours!! Loved Nice the two times we were there - I can see why it is your 'go to' place. Thanks for the visit!

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  3. I'm so happy you found such a relaxing spot to go. :-) I'm flat broke at the moment, but last weekend I took a 3-day vacation at home by turning off my computer and phone and vegging my little heart out. :-) It was sheer bliss! I read three whole books, watched movies, took naps. Loved it. :-)

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    1. That schedule is exactly what I hope to have in Hawaii. All we''ve done since our return was home fix up projects - some planned and others not - and seasonal chores like canning. I need a break! Have a great week~

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  4. Hawaii...hmmm. I was there over 30 years ago, and have always wanted to go back. It's actually a quick flight from Korea, and not that bad an airfare (of course that depends, and for me it seems that good airfares are often hard to find, since I travel when the Koreans travel). Enjoy your holiday! You photos of Istanbul are awesome!

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    1. You should come over sometime Nancie and would could have another rendezvous - this one in the middle of the Pacific Ocean! Glad you liked the Istanbul photos - hard to take 'bad' photos in that amazing place.

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  5. Somehow I never seem to get a no brainer vacation. My husband is always go go go...

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    1. Joel bought a guidebook and asked if I had read it yet - I told him my destination would be a beach and the activity, reading a book. I don't need to read what can be experienced on the island! Thanks for stopping by Rebecca!

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  6. I have never been to Hawaii, but you and Joel are obviously almost honourable citizens of the place! Enjoy your 'no brainer', Jackie, but don't forget to take notes!!

    xx
    Poppy

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    1. Oh I will always have my notebook and camera nearby. . .I would feel naked without them! Have a great weekend. . .hugs, Jackie

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  7. This should be another exciting trip for you guys. I know what you mean about a no brainer vacation and for us, it gets a bit complicated with kids in tow. Hawaii is our go-to place too. It's a short enough flight to paradise. Aloha!

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    1. Well, we just started the no-brainer; slept 10 hours last night and are talking about taking a nap! Thanks for your visit - it is always good to hear from you, Mary!

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  8. I know that feeling of just needing a chance to rest and recover! Hope you have an amazing time in Hawaii, sounds like it is just what you need!

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    1. We've just arrived. . .I do believe it will be the no-brainer of my dreams!

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  9. I do like travels that don't require loads of planning, and if it's spontaneous, all the better. Not been in Hawaii yet, sounds amazing.

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    1. This is a great place to simply sit and watch the waves or the palm fronds sway - no brainer for sure! Thanks for stopping by Sophie.

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  10. My hubby and I enjoyed a honeymoon in Hawaii and next year for our 25th anniversary I would love to go back to Hawaii.. It is one of my all time places to visit.. Great post, thanks for sharing. Happy Sunday!

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    1. Oh Eileen I will keep my fingers crossed that you spend your honeymoon here. And I hope you'll write about it if you do! It really is quite spectacular! Have a great week.

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  11. Your trips all sound amazing! I can't wait to look at more of your blog...what wonderful photos you take! We have a home in Florida, 2 hours from Canaveral National Seashore. That's our favorite place to vacation when we really want to relax! Hugs, Diane

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    1. Hi Diane, Hope you'll be a regular armchair traveler with us at TravelnWrite. We've been to Florida a few times and your part of the world is so lovely I can see why you'd do a 'kick-back' vacation at the Canaveral Seashore! Thanks much for the visit.

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  12. Great shots. Your blessed. Thanks for sharing. I think the saffron in the market was my favorite. That was a really cool shot.

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    1. We ARE blessed and I count them every day!! Thanks for stopping by and glad you enjoyed the photos!!

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  13. I suppose with all the travelling you two do, a 'no brainer' is nice for a change. As I read down the comments, I see you've already arrived so kick back and relax!
    Thanks for linking to MM.

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    1. Oh yes, Judith -- we have kicked back and relaxed. I think Polynesian Paralysis might be a good phrase right now Thanks again for your kind hosting of this wonderful meeting ground!

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  14. It must be so fun to travel all over the globe and see so many beautiful places in our world. Wonderful photos and mosaics. Thanks for visiting. Pam

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    1. Pam - it is fun to travel and we figure that we might as well do it while we can! Glad you enjoyed the photos. I am loving meeting you all via the link up!

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  15. Sounds and looks like you have had some great trips. Thanks for sharing them with us.

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    1. Yes, we have had some amazing opportunities to travel and it would be hard to pick a favorite, but Hawaii sure is nice. . .Thanks much for your visit!

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  16. Your mosaics are lovely; it looks like you've had some great trips over the years. If I could have a no-brainer, kick back vacation right now, I'd head to Oak Island with my hubby for an easy travel trip and the best place to relax.

    Thanks for your visit to my blog -- hope you have a wonderful week. :)

    Denise

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    1. Oh Denise, someday you must tell me how to get to Oak Island. . .if it is the place of kick-back vacations, I should add it to our list! Thanks much for your visit - see you next week!

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  17. That is very well thought of travel. Nice one.

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    1. Rajesh, thanks so much for your visit and for taking the time to comment! Hope you'll return next week!

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  18. Our 'no brainer' holiday is to hop on our boat and cruise around the islands of the Hauraki Gulf - no passports or 12 hour flights involved!
    Enjoy your break!

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    1. Oh, so please tell me sometime where Hauraki Gulf is found. It has a wonderful name -- love that 'no passports or planes'!! Thanks much for the visit. See you soon~

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  19. Hello Jackie and Joel,

    We definitely think that holidays which are very much on the spur of the moment often turn out to be more enjoyable and satisfying than those which have been months in preparation. Perhaps one's expectations are so much lower and, hence, the reality lives up to them far better.

    Whatever, we are sure that you will have a good time and, no doubt, revisiting places that you have not seen for a quarter of a century will certainly rekindle memories. Have fun and safe travelling!

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    1. Hello Jan and Lane. . .you are so correct about the spur of the moment trips, of which this one falls into the category. So far we've had nothing planned, and yet have enjoyed every minute! Thanks so much for your visit!!!

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  20. It sounds like you landed on just the right idea to satisfy your easy travel need. I've been stalling out on a destination for a fall trip!

    Karen

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    1. Karen, Hope once you decide on a destination that you will tell us all about it with plenty of photos as well. Thanks so much for your visit!! See you next week~

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  21. Very nice photo sets in this post, Jackie. That flight deal is certainly a bargain. Hope you're having a great time.

    My first thought for a relaxed do nothing special getaway would be beaches and the Barrier Reef in Queensland, Australia -- but then again, there are just so many places to go...

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    1. I know what you mean Andrew. . .so many terrific place to go back to and so many out there just waiting for a first-time visit. (And yes, the coupon does help on the cost of the airfares!!) Thanks for visiting - as always, it is appreciated!

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  22. Hi Jackie, we all need a no-brainer trip sometime. I'm glad you found a perfect one. Hawaii is always good for mind and soul. I look foward to hear about your trip down memory lane.
    Keith and I are supposed to leave for Kenya this weekend for our anniversary trip. We cancelled it due to strings of recent unrests and scheduled a bigger adventure later in the year. For our anniversary, we're going for a no-brainer trip ourselves - a long weekend in upstate New York, in a moutain cottage by the lake, no TV, no wi fi, just us and nature:)

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    1. Happy Anniversary and here's to many more anniversary travels!! Your little 'no-brainer' sounds fabulously romantic (take candles and wine!!) and I can hardly wait to tag along on your bigger adventure later this year!!! Happy Day to you and many more~

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  23. Best kind of trip is the one you can relax and kick back!!

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    1. Sometimes we do just want to go places and 'do nothing' but enjoy the surroundings. . .it is fun to kick back - you are so correct, Donna!

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  24. Sounds like a great trip! Cruises are a very relaxing way to travel. I love the at sea days - they are the best for kicking back!

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    1. We love repositioning cruises for that very reason, Beth. Those kick-back days at sea that can last for nearly a week at a time. . .are absolutely the best! Thanks for your visit today!!!

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  25. Yes, I could see how you need a vacation like that. We love Hawaii! Haven't been in about 20 years, though! It's such a long flight from NJ. Thank you so much for visiting my blog this week! I'm fascinated by your lifestyle, and I love to travel, so I'm signing up to follow you!

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  26. I love a relaxing trip. Seems like we rush too much on our trips. Enjoy.

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  27. Never been to Hawaii....it seems everyone has. But here in So California there are beaches galore, and no 4+ hr trip to get there! However, the idea of a restful vacation is appealing. Enjoy the sunsets and have a great time :)

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  28. My dream journey would be to the Tuscany region of Italy...my lifelong dream. HOWEVER...I can no longer fly, as my ears burst every time, and very painful. I do not think any cruise I could take, would give me the luxury of enough time there for a few days and so...I continue to dream of it in beautiful print of every sort that I can find~

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