What Makes a Great Trip Even Better?

Olympic National Park

What makes a great trip even better?  This is a question that almost  anyone who is planning a trip considers.  How do I make this holiday even more fantastic?  There are so many factors to consider.  For me, anything and everything about vacation is exciting.  Even the not so “fun” parts.  I actually loathe when people tell me my vacation is “only (x) amount of days after you take out the flying/driving time”…because when I travel, it’s ALL part of the vacation experience…even the airport with all its hustle and bustle. 

Something I never really “got” before and wasn't part of my vacation experience was how other people and can impact my vacation.   I have read countless magazine articles that talk about the people of a place.  And, while I have been to many places and always enjoy hanging with the locals, I never felt or, truthfully, really believed that people could make my travel experience better.  Heck, if anything, people usually only entered my equation when I had a negative experience while traveling. That is until my recent trip…and now I know exactly how people can make a trip of a lifetime that much better. 

Recently, my husband (and dedicated travel compadre) Nick, along with my parents, journeyed to the Pacific Northwest.  We spent time in Washington (Seattle and Port Angeles) and British Columbia (all over Vancouver Island and Vancouver).  Amazing doesn’t even begin to describe it.  I could go on and on and on about the places we visited.  What I would rather describe are the people we encountered…in retrospect, people were awesome pretty much from the get-go.  Friendly, kind, warm, all great adjectives to describe those we met.    About three days into our adventure, we started reminiscing about the previous day’s events and it was then we realized wonderful individuals were entwined with each of the experiences.

Blooming flowers everywhere.

Like Ruth who we met at dinner the first night in Port Angeles.  By local recommendation, we found our way to Wildfire.  After a long day of travel, we were ready to sit back and relax with a good, local meal. Sure enough, we found that, but what we also found was a kind-hearted and helpful server.  That was Ruth.  She was entirely welcoming and when she couldn't answer a question, she happily went to find out.  She told us of her young son and her experiences since she moved to the PA area.  We entered as strangers but left feeling like family.  

Or Lee who gave us a tour of the Milner House at the Gardens in Qualicum Beach.  A volunteer who donates countless hours to a place he loves.  Willingly spending his days recounting histories of times that had passed and in doing so, helped to keep them alive.   

After spending a wonderful day horseback riding with a simple but completely fulfilled lady named Kay we stopped for a bite and found a funny, energetic, warm soul.  She was proud of the local foods his restaurant served and was very willing to share them, and a few laughs, with us.   

Then there was our zodiac captain/trained naturalist, Mike, who took us for an unbelievable experience from Painters Lodge.  Exuding from him was an absolute love for the wild places he ventured everyday.  He was a steward, so professional, yet you could still feel from him his boy-like awe for the wonder around him.  I can still hear his joyous "aaahhh-haaaa!" when the dorsals of two large orcas pierced the water's surface. 

Orcas at Campbell River, BC

There were so, so many others.  From the Bed and Breakfast owners in Vancouver who told stories of their native Hungary... to the personal tasting we received from the actual wine maker at a winery where his mistress was surely the grapes that led to his most prized creations ... to the guy working for the Ministry of Fisheries who educated us on the salmon ladders and helped us to find a better perch in which to view the salmon as they fought their seemingly futile battle upstream and then he yelled it excitement with us as one would make it up the falls ... to the young bartender who made us an Old Fashioned with his favorite Whiskey and at the pure joy of discussing the intricacies of the liquor made his eye twinkle ... to the people walking down the street and at the stores and in the restaurants ... it was the people.

At some point, we began to wonder what it was that made these people so happy.  Why were they this happy and friendly?  We all had theories ranging from one of the spectrum to another.  No matter what the reason, I can honestly say it was the people that made an incredible trip that much more rewarding, that much more memorable.  Not just the people I was able to spend so much quality time with--my parents and my husband--but all the strangers too.  It is the people that will keep us coming back to this wonderful part of our world.  

Totems in Vancouver's Stanley Park

Travel Review

Jessica's Best -  There are so many but I was most blissed-out horseback riding in the prairies at the foot of Mt. Arrowsmith.  

Nick's Best -  The zodiac wildlife tour -- wild nature at its finest -- from the orcas to the stellar sea lions to watching as the tide overtook the current.  

Least Favorite - I know I am stating the obvious here but...the wetness.  After a while you just don't want to be damp and water-logged.  

Food -  So, if you are a fan of cold water fish (salmon, halibut, rainbow trout) and enjoy locally sourced veggies, this will basically be your nirvana.  It.Was.Amazing. 

A Few Tips -  Please, if you go, properly gear yourself with appropriate rain gear.  It is not a frivalious expense; you will use it.  It will make your time WAY more enjoyable if you have it.  I was so glad we took the time to acquire good rain gear.  

Everything is far away so if you are looking for a 15 minute drive to 10 different activities, this is not that.  But, with proper planning and patience, you will find truly rewarding experiences around almost every corner.  

Use Canadian money while in Canada; Visa or MasterCard is more widely accepted than AMEX or Discover.  

I'll be posting full reviews at Trip Advisor.