Do you remember that disagreement Jason and I were having about where to go on a trip during Christmas break this year? After much argument (yay holiday travel and trying to make everyone happy), too many ideas, and finally realizing we had one more week of university break to work with than we originally thought, we have arrived at a decision. It’s not the northern lights Jason was hoping for or an island-hopping campaign like I was hoping for, or even during the actual holiday season, but get this – it’s free!
Let me elaborate.
Last December and January at the very start of this blogging journey, you may recall that we took two trips to Mexico. One, to spend a week with Jason’s parents and grandparents in Cabo, and the second, a short trip to Akumal for Jason’s cousin’s wedding. Both were fabulous trips but that resort in Akumal, that’s all I’ve been able to think about since we got back when I imagine a beach somewhere. It was completely amazing, and we were spoiled rotten. Much to my dismay, when we tossed around the idea of going back for Christmas, well, the price…it’s insane. Like, my entire travel budget for the year type of insane, and since it would only be January…that’s a no. My how things have changed in a year. Yay inflation.
After spending two days staring at their brand website (for which we, unfortunately, have very minimal points), adjusting our dates, looking at other resorts in the collection (at this point, we just want to get away and don’t care where), considering JUNE (ha – jk, kinda), and checking for the best deals on plane tickets, I gave up. It’s just not in the cards this year. Christmas and the New Year are one of THE most expensive times of the year to travel and it just so happens, that’s when most people have the availability to do so. So unfair. No wonder so many people are missing out on the opportunity for an education in world culture. Sad.
So, I had a pity party and thoughts of just driving to the mountains and hiding in a cabin or at my uncle’s for a week. Truth be told, this option is still highly appealing to me. Snow softly falling, soaking in a hot tub, by a fire, reading my book. Mmmmm yes. We’ll revisit that.
Wait. Points…
Lightbulb moment – I’ve been hoarding Hilton points for two years and jumping on every promotion they advertised. Is there anything I can work with there? Enter the Hilton Resorts Collection – lo and behold an all-inclusive gem is discovered in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico! And guess what – we’re going for free! Cue the fiesta! Major bonus, I even have half of my points left over! Hello Spring Break week! Ok, probably not but a person can dream.
But, there are rules for this trip. No computers, no searching for wi-fi, no prepping for classes, no answering emails, no filling orders, no ordering inventory, no scheduling social media, no blog writing, no taking on new jobs…do you think we can do it? I have my doubts. We haven’t taken a day off since starting our third business 2 years ago. Owning your own business is a wild ride, never mind two or three. My vision for this trip is of beachside massages, ocean kayaking, strolls through the village, eating entirely too much, and ordering room service to accommodate a lazy morning after said activities…for free. Ok the massages aren’t free, but just let me have this one.
So now, we return to our annual argument about where we are spending Christmas and playing catchup from a life on the road this past year. We’ve truly enjoyed sharing our experiences with you and are preparing for another year of the same. But first, my tub needs to be scrubbed, I should probably do something about cleaning up the garden, I need to power wash the boutique rugs after months of heavy show traffic (yay!), make a store run to replace inventory from Black Friday and get the oil changed in my truck. Today. Endless…
Watch for a review of our highly anticipated (by me) Puerto Vallarta trip in February and Happy Holidays. We are truly thankful for you and love having someone to share our experiences with!
Cheers!
