Did you ever think to yourself or look over at the person you are with and say, "We just need to get away for a couple of days." If you are like me you say this all the time, especially when you are stressed or just tired from the day in and day out of basic life things. Of course thinking about getting away and actually doing it are two different things. First there is where to go, then there is when to go, and finally, how much is this going to cost, and what in the devil am I going to do when I get there. Now, at this point you are either plopped down in the chair from shear exhaustion, or have decided to just beat your head against the wall until you bring yourself back to come type of normalcy, and resign yourself to settling for the travel channel, or a new episode of Survivor. (If I can't be be there I might as well watch insane people fight to get out of there.) RIGHT? Why should I be the only one who suffers. Take no prisoners, that's what I say!

Cut to black; it is 10:30 am on Friday, I have already dribbled a Starbucks Mocha down my shirt and into my crotch. It seems like I have answered a thousand emails, twittered something totally incoherent like, "I saw your dog," or "my hair is on fire". I have been late for every meeting and can't for the life of me remember why I am rushing around and multitasking the mouse on my laptop from browsers to email and getting nowhere. About this time, the can't brothers enter my brain and begin the litany of reasons I should not, or cannot travel anywhere, even to lunch. No time, no place, no one, no way and NO MONEY. The last one always reminds me of my Starbucks crotch and if I were anywhere but here I would just strip, slide my shades up, slide up to the bar and order the biggest, meanest anything with an umbrella they had. But alas, that will not happen. First, everything on my body looks like silly putty and second, nothing is sadder than a middle aged naked drunk falling off a bar stool. But still, why can't I just get out of here, and then I remember I can, I am supposed to be an expert right? And on top of that, I work for one of the coolest extended stay hotels in the City, not to mention the country. I just need another Starbucks, take a deep breath, and change pants of course. Here is what we are going to do, and its not twitter how I just wrote something senseless.

Step away from the mouse! I know what you are doing half way through this blog, surfing the net for an out of reach place like New York City and last minute Broadway tickets, or a pool side cabana with pretty people killing brain cells or, if you are some of my friends, a wild tractor pull with an all-night buffet. So I run in a wide circle, keeps my life interesting. So here is what I recommend and it is tried and true. Look at a place or town in a two hour radius of where you live.. I know, I know, there is nothing there right? WRONG! No matter where you live, there is something cool to find in your own backyard. The reason most people give up going away at the last minute, is they chose a place that takes them an entire day to get there, and then an entire day to get home. So you end up tired, cranky, and looking for a mallet to bash your head in. So real it in, and once you have narrowed this down, you can now go on-line and find a place to stay. Try an extended stay and look for the last minute travel deals. Call the local Chamber of Commerce, and find out if there is a festival, hiking trail, cool restaurant, spa or anything that might tickle your fancy. Remember you are not going to hide in a hotel and order room service, if you want that, then rent a movie and lock your door, and order some card board.

Next, pack a pair of jeans, couple t-shirts and your personal necessary items, go to the grocery and get a few items and you are off. When you get there, go to a local restaurant or store and ask them what is interesting..Believe me, people are always happy to give you their opinions, so listen and don't be a gloppy grouch. You are on a search, and you will not believe what you will find. I do this all the time and some of the most wonderful hide-aways and people I have stumbled upon live just next door. AND you will come back happy, refreshed and still a little cash in your pocket. I use this in Asheville all the time, I have found little clubs with great local talent, small waterfalls that nobody know about. Small diners that give you a huge portion and big smile and best of all I find myself. Not that I lose myself that often but, I have been known to become one of the pod people. So here are the tips for the last minute traveler to find yourself, or someone else for that matter.

1. Look in a two hour radius of your home.

2. Surf the net for a last minute travel deal at an extended stay with a kitchen. (Remember, you can always change the hotel if you do not like it, once there you will find what you need.)

3. Give up the amenities! You are there to get out of the hotel, be adventurous!

4. Call the Chamber of Commerce or ask locals.

5. Take only what you need clothing wise.

6. Try things you would not normally do!

7. Laugh a lot.

So what have we spent on this little overnight outing? Very little, about the amount you would spend on a fancy restaurant for two and a nice bottle of wine. So get out there and let me know what find and I will write about it. and if you get stumped then email me and I will plan the trip for you with a budget. You can't ask for more than that, and next time we will give the extended stay traveler an overhaul.

Catch you on the next flight!