Did It, Loved It, Doing It Again

Looking back over my summer photos, there were no trips to coastal beaches, no theme parks, and no cottage rentals on a lake.

All options would have been lovely, but this summer we kept things (relatively) low key and did our vacation travel to some of our favorite cities (all less than a day’s drive).  Not quite a staycation, but not an overly expensive glamorous holiday either.  We simply took time together as a family, connected with friends, and it was magnificent!

Our last holiday of the summer took us to Saskatchewan’s capital, Regina, where we lived for 8 years and where our oldest child was born.

I love going back to visit our friends, though I love having our own hotel room when we’re there so we can recharge at the end of a busy day and have our own space.  We chose the Best Western 7 Oaks as our home for three nights because their poolside rooms are perfect for the kids (and newly renovated too with laminate flooring instead of the commercial carpet they used to have, hooray!)

We shopped (the new Target store was my destination within an hour of arriving in the city to pick up snacks and essentials), visited (my first visit to La Bodega won’t be my last!) and played the role of tourist when we visited the RCMP Heritage Museum.

Our hotel booking was courtesy of Travelocity.ca, a site that I’ve been using for almost a year now to book flights and hotel with ease.  I like being able to compare my choices all in one spot! Of course, the exclusive deals for Travelocity customers is a huge draw for me as well.

This summer was busy, and feels like it flew by far more fast than it should have, but I’m thankful for the opportunities we had to get away, first to Edmonton, Alberta and then to Regina here in Saskatchewan to go seize the summer on the Canadian prairies.

You certainly don’t have to wait for the summer to enjoy a holiday with the family.  I like choosing  a destination that we can reach in less than a day’s drive, but is far enough away that we feel we’re truly away.  It doesn’t have to cost a lot (especially if you can take advantage of booking specials) and the events involved don’t have to be extravagant (children totally love hotel pools and that in itself is what makes vacation for them!)

The point, of course, is to seize the moment with your family and have some time to recharge and reconnect with those you care about.  We’re planning a family trip to Edmonton’s World Waterpark again this winter – I can’t wait to enjoy the 28 degree heat in the park in February!  And, when we visit Regina again, the pool at the 7 Oaks and the Moose at the RCMP Heritage Center will always be waiting.