Is it weird to fly down to St. George, Los Angeles, or Las Vegas just for In-N-Out ? I guess the answer to this question really depends on who I ask the question to. If someone were to ask me such a question I would grab my purse and ask when the flight left? But it’s no secret to anyone I am addicted to animal fries and a cheeseburger protein style. However, because we have the ability to travel whenever wherever- I ask my husband what he wants to do for his birthday this weekend and he states he would like In-N-Out and doesn’t care if we do anything else.

I do have to note an exciting rumor that I recently was made aware of that In-N-Out will be soon joining us in the Salt Lake valley. A bitter sweet feeling really. In-N-Out is more than just a fast food place to me, as it will be seen here. It’s nostalgic from growing up in California and working there to pay for my college. It’s something that I don’t get that often that when I do- I appreciate it more. But oh well- I love In-N-Out that much that I just don’t care. Welcome to Utah!

So sometimes when I am really bored and nothing else is on- I turn to the Travel Channel and watch some of their shows. I must admit- most of the times I am really disappointed. I feel like the channel tries to appeal to a specific demographic (that may or may not exist) when they could do a ton to extend their reach. I find the shows on really exotic destinations to be cool but unpractical- how about a travel show where they don’t stay in luxury hotels, they don’t go to remote locations, and they don’t eat at five star restaurants. How about showing the average traveler how to travel on an average budget and still have a fantastic time?

How about appealing to college students and teaching them how to travel abroad while utilizing hostels and tour groups. How about shows that teach how to search for the best deals and use social networks for travel purposes. I mean let’s get a little creative, and actually air shows that are useful to the general public! People love reality shows so how about a reality show on what it’s like to work on a cruise ship, or working at huge resort in a remote location. And let’s find hosts for shows who are normal people and not the most annoying person on the planet (I won’t name any names but it’s a woman who drives me nuts!).

Don’t get me wrong there are things about the Travel Channel I really enjoy but let’s be honest for the most part- half of the locations I will never visit in my life (Antigua), so while it’s cool to showcase those places- lets add some places I am likely to travel to. Take a hint from Rachel Ray’s Tasty Travels or $40 a day. It may seem a little crazy but I bet it just might change your channel around- I have many more ideas so Travel Channel- I will be waiting your call!

This is my favorite time of year at work. I love it not only because of the parties, time off and the awesome gift baskets of treats that come, but mostly because this is the time of year that most of our public relations initiatives revolve around giving to others. I love that heart warming feeling that comes when you realize you have done some good in the world.

I came across this article on CNN about volunteer vacations and I think they are a great idea. The article mentions that while third world country living conditions aren’t everyone’s thing, you can still go on a luxury vacation and implement volunteering and doing humanitarian work into a small portion of your trip. A lot of tour companies are now offering that as part of their packages. Check out the article for specific examples.

This probably isn’t something that would be of interest to everyone, as most vacations are about relaxing and forgetting your problems. But if you are going on a two week vacation why not sacrifice two days and do something good. Most likely it will make your vacation even more memorable and meaningful anyways. Not to mention the bonding that will happen between you and your fellow travelers. Keep an open mind you might be surprised by the outcome!

Last weekend I had the pleasure of spending the weekend with family in Greenville, North Carolina. I spent the best part of Halloween sitting on an airplane watching episodes of the office and eating candy I had scored from my office. Even though we didn’t end up arriving to my sister in law’s apt until well after midnight, I still got to enjoy parts of the Halloween experience vicariously through thousands of scantily dressed college students (my sis in law works at ECU). It was fun- we stayed up until all hours of the night and then woke up early to attend my cute niece’s soccer game.

Although it is called North Carolina it is still very much apart of the south. Accents are rich and plentiful, although while I am out there, I am often told I am the one with the accent. Every time I venture east I am always surprised by the trees- mainly the quantity of. When we landed in Raleigh I thought we were landing in the forest. It was a beautiful time to visit though because the trees were turning colors and losing leaves.

I wish I could give you recommendations on what to do and where to eat, but this trip really was about spending quality time with family. Something that is more meaningful to me, when you don’t get to see those you love that often. Someday we will go out there and go to the beaches, see the lighthouses and the plantations. This was a quick trip and I was just as happy blowing raspberries on my 2 year old niece’s tummy and playing school with my five your old niece then venturing out and exploring the town. We did go to a place about twenty miles outside of Greenville called Deadwood, a little family fun place that had a train, a small roller coaster, a mini golf area, and other fun things. It was really cute- and for the most part the kids enjoyed it (they were a little young for mini golf) as well as the adults.