Going old school
Traveling since the onset of the pandemic has been…unpredictable to say the least! The halt on international travel eventually gave boost to domestic travel, which completely changed both attitudes and behaviors around family vacations – in a good way! The best way! In a sense, it brought us to a familiar time where families packed the car and drove for hours to visit places we were excited to see!
But the drive…was anything but relaxing (for the parents especially). The kids would be fighting. There was never enough room. Words like "are we there, yet" and "I'm bored" or "I'm hungry” filled any quiet space you were lucky enough to have. Today, it's a little different. The vehicles are roomier, there are screens near the roof and in each hand, there is a plethora of fast food to choose from in every town, speed limits are faster, and Waze lets you know where the construction is – as well as those speed traps! Each person can hear their very own music, and if you are sleepy, you can recline! Road trips, (for many of us) are easy. You don't even have to talk to each other!
But…if that puts a kink in your chain and part of you misses roadtripping with the family, I have some good news! There's actually nothing wrong with packing AirPods, iPads, laptops, video, games, and phones, but for those staring down, (and not out the window)…well…you might be missing out!
There are so many things to see once you get closer to the Brainerd Lakes area! Depending on which road you're taking, you may see giant fishing bobbers, a suspended snowmobile in a tree, a spaceship, or even Paul Bunyan himself! Who says the trip starts once you've arrived? No no, no. You can start your trip the second you leave your driveway! There's so many places to go along the way. There's mini golf, go-karts, shopping, even bike trails. There are so many lakes to stop and stretch your legs at and several great breweries too (in case your adult passengers can't go one more mile!). Drivers and kids will enjoy many restaurants, ice cream, shops, or bakeries. A kids’ favorite might include a really awesome candy shop in Nisswa, which is its own event! There are even theaters too.
Who says vacation starts when you get there? I say it starts as soon as you let it. So the next time you start planning a road trip (ahem, like the one to Nisswa Hideaway) allow time for fun along the way! Experiences start the second you decide to have them! Happy travels!
Your host,
Shannon
Hideaway Properties LLC