So, I started thinking about the two weeks we spent away in Minnesota, Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina and everything we did. From my visit to General Mills to our stay on a beach in Charlotte, we saw and experienced so much. I thought I’d just do a series of posts. FYI, some of the posts will include reviews and experiences with companies and products. But I thought that this would be a fun and interesting way to incorporate both!
We had our one (and only) family vacation about a week ago. Two of the four hotels we stayed in were Holiday Inns. But this wasn’t the first time we’ve stayed at a Holiday Inn. In fact, my husband stays there so frequently as a business traveler, that he is Priority Club member. If you can believe it, one of the Holiday Inns we stayed at was right on the beach in Charleston, South Carolina. But you don’t have to travel out of state to find a Holiday Inn (I’m sure you knew that already).
This picture was shot right outside our hotel…
Staycation. It’s a relatively new term (to me at least). The basic premise is that rather than taking a vacation far from home (which involves planning, time, money, etc.), you travel locally or take day trips. We live in a very unsettling economy. My husband and I are already feeling the effects. Fortunately, we have family that was very generous this past vacation. But for most of us, taking a big family vacation is not financially feasible at this time.
My husband and I are very blessed to live in a state with so much to do. We can visit the beach or the mountains easily. San Diego and Los Angeles are within an hour of us. Further up north is the magnificent city of San Francisco. We have options. Many, many options for a “state-cation” that wouldn’t require a plane trip (which by the way is really difficult when you’ve got a toddler and you’re 5 1/2 months pregnant). And driving can definitely be cheaper than taking a plane. We have a two year old who is no longer a lap child. We were charged for each piece of luggage. And food (when available) was overpriced and unappealing. A “state-cation” sounds more and more appealing by the moment!
If you’re looking to go away, but you don’t want the cost or hassle of booking a trip far away from home, why not consider something closer. Plus, if you stay at one of the many, many (over 2500) Holiday Inns across the country, you’ll enjoy amenities such as free high speed internet access, complimentary breakfast (at select Express hotels), signature bedding with “soft” or “firm” pillows, and power showers.
My husband and I love going to San Diego. There is a Holiday Inn Express in Old Town we really like staying in. It’s in a great location and it’s affordable, clean, and family-friendly. Plus, even though San Diego is only an hour away, it feels like we’re far away. If you’re looking for an affordable vacation, I can tell you from experience that you won’t be disappointed with Holiday Inn.
I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Holiday Inn. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.
- Discover Luxury at Sonesta Irvine: Your Ideal Staycation - August 8, 2024
- CHOC Walk Returns to the Disneyland Resort – Special Events and Ways to Support - June 28, 2023
- Beastly Ball Returns to the Los Angeles Zoo - May 8, 2023
So, did you like the Holiday Inn in Charleston? I live in SC and haven’t been there yet. How sad is that? I would love to go sometime.
Great picture of y’all enjoying the beach!
Sounds like you had lots of fun this summer… busy, but fun! Nancy is right, that is a terrific picture of you. You look so good for being 5 1/2 months pregnant, I was big as a house! I love staying at Holiday Inns, they are always clean, and I do love the free breakfasts, plus you can find them quite easily. They usually also offer either a AAA or AARP discount.