How to Plan a FREE Vacation in 24 Hours
I’m so excited, I can’t compose myself!!!
I’ve been wanting to go on another trip in August but couldn’t decide where. I’ve had several discussions with multiple girlfriends and these were our options:
One girlfriend and I were talking about a cruise. I was a “little” hesitant though. For one, I have severe motion sickness so I’d definitely need an inside cabin. Two, being my first time on a cruise ship, I would have to limit the cruise to 2-3 days just in case I get sick. Three, with my girlfriend’s budget and all other things considered, our options were limited to lower quality cruise lines. Boo! I’m a vacation snob and I believe you get what you pay for. This idea wasn’t a total dud, but it was my least preferred.
Another girlfriend, who works in the travel industry, was combining a work related trip with a leisure trip and asked if I wanted to tag along. The destination: Aruba. For the most part, I’d only have to pay for airfare and personal expenses. Not a bad deal at all. However, the last day of travel conflicted with the day I planned to pick up BabyGirl from grandma’s house, which required a workaround that involved relying on other people. Not my preference but it was worth the inconvenience for a trip to Aruba.
But then, ANOTHER girlfriend and I were talking about an all inclusive resort. We hadn’t decided on a location, but we were firm about the dates, airline, and maximum budget. This budget had a little more flex room than the cruise budget because we wanted to keep our options open. And the dates were more flexible and convenient because it wasn’t a work-combined-leisure trip. So I registered my email with a travel site and kept an eye out for deals. After a few weeks of looking for the right opportunity, we narrowed down the location to Mexico or Jamaica. There seemed to be SEVERAL brand new all inclusive resorts in those countries and they were ALL offering specials and HUGE discounts. So it was just a matter of finding the right one. We said we would wait until we saw a resort that made us say WOW, then make reservations at the last minute. This idea was more exciting than the first and second, but it wasn’t finalized yet.
So I was talking to Mr. Eye Candy last night about my need for another vacay before summer ended and BabyGirl returned home. I was also telling him about my girlfriends and all of our ideas. I assumed he was half listening because he was also working, but then he made a smart remark to the effect of “you always ripping and running with your GIRLFRIENDS.” Emphasis on the last word. So in typical Single Ma fashion, I returned a quick retort “because time waits on NO MAN!” Emphasis on the last word. LOL
Side Note: He’s always working. I mean, ALWAYS!! I didn’t mind when we worked TOGETHER because he was working as an independent consultant for ME. That’s selfish huh? LOL No seriously. I admire his vision and his goals. In fact, his business savvy and dedication is what attracted me to him. Hell, I thought it was swexy. But now, I hate it. We rarely see each other! So I get in where I fit in, but I don’t sit at home and twiddle my thumbs waiting for a little quality time.
Then he goes, all matter of fact-like, “WE’RE going on vacation next month.” I’m thinking he’s BS’in so I said “Ok, take me to…(had to think of a good place)…Hawaii!” HA HA He paused and gave me a blank look, but he didn’t say anything, so I didn’t think anymore of it. He went back to working on his report and I proceeded to yap on the phone with my girlfriends. Typical scene, lately, in the Single Ma queendom.
When he called me today, he said it again. But this time, it was more definitive. “We’re going to Hawaii next month.” At first, I was like “Yea, ok. Boy, stop playing.” Then he referred to me by my government name, which he NEVER uses, and said “xxx, we’re leaving for Hawaii on August 19th. I already reserved our suite using my timeshare points. I just need to find our flight.”
All I could say was “OH SHYT!! ARE YOU FOR REAL?!?!?!” It took a few minutes before I realized that he wasn’t teasing me. Then it registered…with only a click of a few buttons, he took heed to my retort AND called my bluff at the same time. Damn, that was easy! LOL
Y’ALL I’M GOING TO HAWAII NEXT MONTH!! AND WE’RE STAYING ON WAIKIKI BEACH!!
OH SHYT!! *faint*
~*~*~*~*~*~Work to achieve, not to acquire.
And always, BE FABULOUS!
This blog is the story of my life...a single mom who worked her way from nothing to financial freedom. Subscribe here and follow the rest of my journey.
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OMG!! i’m hella jealous cuz Hawaii is my HOME…born & raised!!!! and i f’in miss it like crazy!! can’t believe i moved to the middle of a damn desert they call sin city (for family reasons blah). enjoy it single ma!! if i were still there i’d totally be your chauffer lol ;)…show you all that the islands have to offer! just remember to minimize your stay at the touristy things…those places aren’t good for your wallet. if you want any inside tips from a locals perspective just let me know! hope you and mr. eye candy have a great time :D!
Please tell me all there is to know. Unfortunately, we’re staying on the beach walk (??), right slap dead in the middle of all the touristy stuff. I’m so excited though! [-SM]
Can I borrow him ?? I could use a vacation too. I have September open..lol
I bet it feels really good having someone take care of you for once…..ENJOY !!!!!
I lived in Honolulu for four years in grad school, so I only know the cheap places to go to on Oahu…but I agree, definitely live it up. Waikiki will be HELLA crowded in August.
Check out Lanikai Beach on the eastern side of the island instead–it’s where they do all the model photo shoots (ie extra beautiful) AND the tourists don’t really flock there. I just visited Lanikai during my trip to HI at the end of June/early July and it was practically deserted, while waikiki was covered by towels and tourists. Waimanalo is pretty locals-only, too–it’s actually my fave beach on Oahu. You’ll need a car to get to those places, though…which actually i’d recommend, because the rest of the island is even more beautiful than waikiki.
I’m sure Mr Eye Candy did his homework and the place you are staying has a hotel-guests only beach with lounge chairs and drink service, though. hopefully with drink service for yummy mai tais. (if you go to the yardhouse try the mai tini–it’s even yummier!!)
have fun!!
p.s. try haleiwa joes at haiku gardens (it’s about a half hour from lanikai, actually) for a very romantic meal.
You are going to have a great time. There is no such thing as a bad day on Oahu. Enjoy him, all the loverly sites and squeeze in a luau (tres touristy) if you can. You’ll love it. Oh, and I’m jealous, too, because I haven’t been back in a couple of years. But I’m excited for you gurl.
I love the title . . . How to Plan A FREE Vacation in 24 hours . . . and the story line . . . time waits on No Man ! You worked it Single Ma!
I must say that you never cease to amaze me. How cool is that? You give us other single mamas hope that there are some good men out there. You exemplify the ability to create a win-win situation for yourself and mr. eye candy. You make the most of your limited time together since he likes to work a lot and he makes the most of the time you spend together by doing cool stuff like taking to you Hawaii.
It’s a beautiful place to visit and since you like to shop you will love it!!!!!! They have a street in Wakiki Beach that’s nothing but high-end stores with tester items. So if you find a cool purse in Coach, Burberry, Louie, or Gucci you might be the only one with it when you get back home. Also, if you get a chance go check out the flea market…it’s a great place to get souveniors. And if you like touristie things…the Poloynesian( I know that’s probably spelled work) Cultural Center is great.
Enjoy!!!!!!
Reminds me of that scene in SATC when Carrie asks, “Can we afford it?” and Big says, “I got this.”
Nothing like a man who can call a bluff and back it up. Enjoy your vacation…and the wine.LOL
Yes, I finally have a reason to taste the santa margherita pinot grigio. I might be a day late and dollar short, but fabulous gifts from fabulous friends always come in handy. *wink* [-SM]
Have fun and pack lightly…….
Those last two words made me laugh. Only someone who has traveled with me would understand. [-SM]
Here are some of my favorite things to do when I head home :)…
- Hit up the North Shore. You have your choices of many great beaches such as Sunset Beach, Banzai Pipeline (the famous surf spot), and Waimea Bay. Waimea is a great mix of locals and tourists and of course, you MUST jump off the rock :D! and if there is one tourist thing you have to do, definitely hit up the Polynesian Cultural Center. There is an admissions cost, but imo, what you get out of it will be worth it, plus the proceeds go to benefit the students that work there (there’s a BYU campus about 5 minutes away). You’ll spend your time learning about the history of the Hawaiian islands as well as other Polynesian cultures.
- Drive around the island. I usually start from the North Shore and end in Waianae (on the west side of the island). It’s a great way to see the island and there’s a lot of little shops along the road. If you see a shrimp truck alongside the road (especially in the Kahuku area) , stop by and grab a plate. They’re a little expensive in my opinion, but I think the food is great, especially if you love sea food like I do lol. There’s also a lot of fruit stands too, so it’s a great way to enjoy local food without breaking your wallet.
- Go for a hike. I like going to Mokuleia. Since it’ll be your first time on Oahu, I suggest going to Diamond Head Crater. I’d rate it as a beginner/moderate hike. If I remember correctly, there’s a staircase that has over 100 steps. But the view is worth it! I believe they only charge for parking. Another great hike for first time visitors is the Makapuu Lighthouse on the south side of the island. Amazing views!
- Eat some shave ice. It’s like a snow cone, but the ice is thinner. A great way to cool off on a hot day. Matsumoto’s in Haleiwa is really popular with the tourist, but the lines are hella long :P. You can usually get it at other places, just look for the shave ice sign on the window.
- For night life, I like Mai Tai’s in the Ala Moana Shopping Center. It’s more of a locals joint, but it’s in Ala Moana, so tourists drop in too. Great drinks, great music, great fun :). For a more lounge setting, I hear Rumfire at the Sheraton Waikiki is good…their speciality is…rum lol.
That’s all that I can think of right now…..I’m sure no matter what you do, you’ll have a great time!!
I like him already ! have fun girl ! and take some pics !
I love this part;;;
OH SHYT!! *faint*
Have fun SM!
We will be there in September. I can’t wait to read your review of the place!
Have fun!!
wow!! that’s so wonderful, enjoy!!!!
North Shore and Pearl Harbor were my favorite.
There’s lots of places to go out of the Waikiki area (actually, recommend it) and pretty good bus service if you just want to get out of the main tourist area (if you are ok taking the bus to non-touristy parts of Honolulu).
If you think you will get unduly tempted to shop, definitely avoid all the drag right there on Waikiki, wow talk about shopping temptation!!
BWAHAHAHA! Mr. Eye Candy is funny!
Oh have a great and WONDERFUL time. And please bring back a souvenir - a picture of one of their pretty sunsets!
Oh Oh you know what he wantsin return. LOL
Single Ma give out the goodies!!!