I LOVE to travel! I set out years ago to visit ALL 50 states. It all started with a desire to have my son visit ALL 50 states before he graduated from high school to show him that there were no limits on where he could visit or live. Obviously, that didn’t happen but we did get about half accomplished prior to his high school graduation. We probably could have gotten a few more in but we made a return trip to Florida every year when he was younger because I LOVED Disney. (Obviously, I was the only one in the family that was thrilled to go back every year and plan a day full of activities every day. They eventually told me enough was enough 😊 ) One of the more memorable trips with our son was a visit to New York, he actually has a picture in front of the Twin Towers before they were destroyed. In thinking back to the exposure our son had to traveling, I’m reminded of the time one of his middle school teachers said he asked what star hotel they were staying in for their camping trip. I didn’t know what to say 😊.
Since the beginning of my 50-state quest, I have visited 33 states. My plan was to get in all 50 by my 50th birthday (December) but that is now not going to happen, especially because of COVID 19. I had the remaining states all mapped out. The plan was to visit a few states at a time, since most that are left are clustered, but now it’s just not going to be possible this year.
Some people count the state if they drove through it or stopped for gas, I only count the state if I actually spend the night and visit something significant to the area. I mean technically I’ve been to Denver, Colorado but I only spent the night in the airport because I missed my connecting flight, so I didn’t count it.
I’ve been very fortunate in being able to visit so many states. I ALWAYS make sure the trips are budgeted for and budget friendly. I have a specific budget line item and account for travel! (Grab a copy of my budget template.) Sometimes we drive and sometimes we fly. Driving allows us to get out and see other things we aren’t able to see by flying. Sometimes we pack a picnic lunch and find a nice place to pull over, eat and take in the sights. I’ve gotten to quite a few states because of a professional group that I am a member of. When I travel for them, I just extend my hotel stay since the airfare is covered. I am all about saving where I can! Too, I accumulate a lot of miles and hotel points which helps on the cost as well. Back when Priceline was new, we would get GREAT deals. There deals now aren’t as good as they used to be.
If I had to pick my favorite state so far, I’m not sure I would be able to because they all have something unique about them. I will say I do love the warmer weather states more though. In some instances, I have been to states multiple times visiting different cities. I always try and experience local cuisine and a historic site.
As soon as it’s safe to travel again I’m looking forward to the 17 states that I have left:
WEST COAST- Idaho, Montana, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma⠀
EAST COAST- Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Delaware⠀
Alaska, Hawaii⠀
If you live in any of these states, what do you recommend I see and where should I eat?
Do you love to travel? If so, what has been your favorite place.