Making Plans

Not long now before my Americas Heart & Soul holiday (see previous post) but my thoughts are currently looking further ahead.

Cirumstances have dictated that I've not got anything else planned for the future and this is unusual, its very rare for me not to have another trip to look forward to when i return from holiday.

First thing that comes to mind is the Christmas/New Year period and i just haven't a clue what i want to do. I've actually done something for the last 3 years, abroad twice and in the UK once and enjoyed them all. Maybe i should just stick a pin in the brochure and get something booked.

Looking further ahead i was hoping to do a couple of things with a friend but that looks unlikely so need to start planning ahead. I've really enjoyed my American Touring holidays with Just You and have no doubt the one coming up will be any different so had a quick ook at whats on offer next year.

Managed to find 3 tours that I think I'd like so need to start deciding which to go for :-

Big Texan Adventure
Yosemite, Grand Canyon and classic California
America's Historic Trail.

Maybe if the lottery comes up i'll do all three.

Also been looking at European City Breaks (4/5 nights) using my Avios points (like i did Barcelona last year), plenty of good options, be interesting to chat with anyone else that has Avios maybe we could travel together, more fun than been totally solo. Not that I mind if its somewhere i want to see, i'll go.

Talking of other solo travellers its been something I've been thinking about awhile now that its a good idea to get people together with the same interests and maybe a small group of 3/4/5 book the same trip. Don't get me wrong group holidays are fantastic and I've made many good friends but if a small group really fancy something and are experienced travellers not really needing a tour manager it does make financial sense to organise your own.
Its something I've done for groups of friends in the past and its not a big problem to do Be interested in others opinions on this (my email is at top of this blog or leave a comment).

One trip I've fancied and been pricing up is Chicago for the Blues Festival weekend in June, its something i want to go to anyway as a Blues fan. Its actually the largest Free festival in the world and lasts 3 days.

Its a City I like and of course offers far more, lots of things to see and do so it would suit others not just the music fans although i'm convinced they would be converted.
I was thinking of maybe something between a 7 to 10 day trip and as of today it could be done at a reasonable costs (costs vary all the time so this is a guide) :-

Priced up a 7 night trip in June including the festival weekend (hopefully costs will come down, always reckon January is best time to book) :-
Flight/Hotel (own room) - less than £1500 (direct flights and decent city centre hotel)
Transport - would use subways and buses which a 7 day pass is $28 that includes transfers from airport so would spend around £30 if did 10 days.
City Pass - $100 (£70) gets into 5 of the main attractions so sorts out most daytime activities although is other options.
So for around £1600 you have a good 7 night (9 day as the hol companies advertise) although i'll add it doesn't include meals.
Its no more than the price you get charged for a 3 night city break over there.

Obviously there are other optional costs like night time entertainment (music clubs often have a cover charge around $10) and maybe other daytime activities such as Lake or River Cruises.

Anyone else fancy same trip ?