Help me plan...

[mae0111]

I have analysis paralysis and I need some help.

I'm absolutely fried.  It's been a tough couple of weeks with the kids, DD1 is acting out.  DH went to visit his mom and brother a couple of weeks ago, and is going back again in a couple of weeks.  It's a nice recharge for him, and I'm desperately needing the same.  So I told DH that I'm leaving for 2 days midweek, I gave him the dates, and I told him to figure it out.

But I haven't planned anything.  And the dates are coming up.  I'd prefer not to fly or even drive out of state, as the kids' school is still scrutinizing travel.

A few options I've considered...

1.  There is a beautiful boutique hotel and spa about an hour away.  I'm not comfortable with spa treatments, so I would literally just be there chilling in a hotel room.  There's not much to do there.  I could drive to the ocean, or walk around the property, but otherwise if you're not at the spa, there's nothing.

2. There is an OK hotel right near shopping and nice restaurants - I could walk there - all within the same complex.  And about 15 mins away by car are some great outlets for shopping.  I need stuff, the kids need stuff, and I hate going there on weekends because of the crowds.

3.  I could drive about 90 mins and stay at a nice hotel near the beach.  I could pray for good weather and just walk and walk and walk and have a few nice meals and sleep.

Or maybe something I haven't thought of?

So... if you had about 24 hours, and you were comfortable staying in a hotel, what would you do?

[waverly]

Probably shopping or beach. If you don’t want to go to the spa I might get bored at the spa hotel.

The weather here right now is hit or miss but when it is nice we also like to see natural attractions and go hiking, so I might also look around for local or state parks and do a little exploring of the area like sitting outside at a brewery.

[sdlaura]

If both 2 and 3 have good cancellation policies, you could book both and wait and see what the weather looks like. If weather looks good, cancel shopping hotel, and if weather looks less good, cancel beach hotel.

Also - good for you!!

[mustardseed2007]

Just for me I wouldn't over estimate how much you really need to do to relax and unwind. Sitting on a beach and drinking some canned wine while reading or listening to a podcast sounds like heaven. If you could find a nice hotel with netflix and a super comfy bed near a beach and shopping -- that would be awesome. Good TV is essential though.

[mommyatty]

I would check into a hotel with a good room service menu, load up my Kindle and iPad with books and movies/tv shows, and not leave the room for 36-48 hours. Honestly. I need some alone time. Maybe I would go out to get food. Maybe.

[mustardseed2007]

Mar 31, 2021 16:34:09 GMT -5 mommyatty said:

I would check into a hotel with a good room service menu, load up my Kindle and iPad with books and movies/tv shows, and not leave the room for 36-48 hours. Honestly. I need some alone time. Maybe I would go out to get food. Maybe.

Room service while traveling alone is the BEST

[statgirl]

I would do 1 or 3. I’m an online shopper though—but if shopping is your thing, 2 would be fine.

I would just be lazy in a place with good beds, good TV, and maybe good food (or get take out from a fancy place and bring it to me).

[supertrooper1]

I've had 2 massages in the last 2 months and felt safe at both of them. The spa would be my pick, but if you don't feel comfortable, I would hide out in a hotel room. That sounds like a dream, to just lay in bed all day, watch tv and have room service. It sounds selfish, but if you're shopping for the kids, that doesn't sound like downtime for you.

[librarychica]

Mar 31, 2021 16:34:09 GMT -5 mommyatty said:

I would check into a hotel with a good room service menu, load up my Kindle and iPad with books and movies/tv shows, and not leave the room for 36-48 hours. Honestly. I need some alone time. Maybe I would go out to get food. Maybe.

This. Preferably a room with a bathtub. All alone! I would be so alone! If there is a beach or hiking nearby with nice scenery, that’d be nice.

[sdlaura]

I love how we're all dying to be alone

[k3am]

I would 100% go to a high end spa. Mine actually seems to be taking covid about a million times more seriously than anywhere else I’ve gone before, including the MRI area and waiting room at the hospital. So if covid is why you wouldn’t want to (or maybe you’re just not a spa person, I couldn’t tell!), I wouldn’t pass on the spa and go shopping or out to eat, because I think shopping/restaurants are generally riskier.

But beach is more my jam for a get away. Vitamin Sea, a good book, and wine is all I need.

[rere]

I would 100% do the beach if the average temp is high enough where you are. I've never been able to just chill and read on the beach. Unless you had mountains near. On the porch of a nice chalet with a firepit is also my happy place as long as there was good food somewhere I didn't have to cook.

[186momx]

Beach is my vote but that is my R&R love.
I would give just about anything for just a few hours of alone time so I'm very envious of your 48 hours of alone time. I suggest you turn your phone off and make sure everyone knows your phone will be off. An hour away is way too close. I would totally get called home for this or that or just random questions.

[sandandsea]

I’d go to the spa and ocean. I haven’t been yet but from what Ive heard it seems the spas here are doing a really good job of you only seeing your therapist and they wear masks etc.

[mae0111]

I love the beach, but it won’t be sunbathing weather here in New England. I’m going in a couple of weeks. If this was July, no question I would be on the beach somewhere all alone with a book and a beverage.

I love the beach all the time. This time of year might be more parka-type weather than swimsuit type weather.

[k3am]

I love cold (CA cold anyways) weather beaches almost as much as hot. More in some ways. As long as it’s not raining.

[xctsclrx]

I would do the spa. I love the beach during swim season, not a huge cold beach fan. I don't like shopping especially by myself. Have fun! I am taking my get away in May.

[twinmomma]

I would go with whichever one has the fanciest room. For me, that includes the bathroom. I want a fancy shower if I'm at a fancy hotel, not a normal tub/shower combo that feels like I'm at home.

Otherwise, I would have zero plans beyond reading, eating alone, and relaxing. I think if I had a couple days like that I'd just want to relax and not feel pressured to do any activities.

[mustardseed2007]

Oh yeah I'd make sure I have a bath tub so I can lay in it and listen to podcasts.

[shakinros]

Apr 1, 2021 7:30:44 GMT -5 twinmomma said:

I would go with whichever one has the fanciest room. For me, that includes the bathroom. I want a fancy shower if I'm at a fancy hotel, not a normal tub/shower combo that feels like I'm at home.

Otherwise, I would have zero plans beyond reading, eating alone, and relaxing. I think if I had a couple days like that I'd just want to relax and not feel pressured to do any activities.

This. The one with the fanciest room I could afford!

[waverly]

I wanted to add- I am not a shopping person. The mood has to really hit me which only happens once a year, but if I strike while it’s hot then it can be fun/ successful. If you aren’t in the mood then definitely the other options.