It's a little different this time...

As I mentioned a few months ago, my friend Becky & I are going to Greece on vacation in June. We have finally started planning (I held off as long as possible, but it was inevitable) - and I'm struck by how different it is to plan your own vacation as opposed to work trips! Here are some things to note:

-that plane fare is a lot bigger deal when you pay for it yourself

-it's not about proximity from hotel to the office, it's about proximity from hotel to the beach!

-I don't have to pack 'culturally appropriate' clothing. meaning that my shoulders and knees will be open air.

-I won't be carting thousands of dollars of equipment - not even a computer

-it's time - I have to learn how to drive stick shift. When I travel for work, we always have wonderful drivers... not so on the isle of Crete.

-we have time to DO things - like tour, relax, walk around, see the sites - rather than work work work.

-we don't get a per diem this trip? what!?

But, of course, some things are exactly the same:

-if you have someone on the ground, things are a whole lot easier. We are using a travel guide, recommended by a friend. He is incredibly helpful in finding good deals and getting us to where we need to be.

-planes, trains, automobiles & ferries - the bottom line is always transportation.

-get those frequent flyer miles.... any way you can!

-jet lag - Greece is 7 hours ahead of DC, so I guess Becky and I will have a couple days of haziness.

-closed airports, volcanic ash, and oh yes- the riots. Natural disasters still have no respect for vacationers, workers, or people headed home-sweet-home.

my expectations? simple. blue water, white buildings, adventures on the islands, a few days of touring the ancient land that I studied for so many years, and huge amounts of sunshine & sleep.