Explore and play: vacationing with wiggle room

This is a sponsored post on behalf of Let’s Play, but all opinions are my own.

As a Let’s Play Ambassador I like to play. Having said that, I’ve always liked to play and have a very curious spirit. When I was single and travelling I enjoyed getting lost and have always liked being out of my element. Our family travel or vacations do not have the same vibe, but I still manage to discover side trips or activities that are not the main reason for why we’re going there.

This could be the truly tacky rest stop that your family always frequents on a road trip. The utterly unique and possibly pointless road side attraction like the 3-story rocking chair, the gas, food and neon capital that is South of The Border or something else that is needed to break up the drive.

For our family a great example of side trips is exit 98 on I-16. If you’re traveling south toward Savannah take that exit and you’ll discover a massive petting zoo. Our kids have always loved animals and this Chevron station serves as a chance to get gas, stretch the legs and have the kids get some of their sillies out.

As our kids get older we’ll stop off at more unique places on our trips. It won’t delay our ultimate arrival too much, but I want them to be able to enjoy spontaneous travel as much as possible. I think this helps them keep an open mind and will allow them to better handle life’s hiccups as they become adults.

Our trip through Vidalia is en route to Hilton Head Island, S.C., but for the sake of conversation it could be anywhere. Once there I’ll chat with the local tourist people, those folks in the tiki shack stands that pass out brochures to local places. I know that in some cases they’re trying to sell something, but they also need to talk to people. Ask them for free-local’s type things and they’ll more than likely oblige.

Our family has a loose schedule when we vacation. That way if we happen to discover something cool or interesting we can likely squeeze it into a day. That flexibility is one thing that I’ve managed to successfully bring over from my earlier days of travel.

Check out my post on LetsPlay.com for more summer play ideas!