My Top 10 Favorite Getaways

Two of the biggest perks of being self-employed for the past 15 years are flexibility in my schedule, and traveling for my clients.  When you combine the two, it results in wonderful opportunities to extend business travel into leisure.  And, we’ve taken advantage of this opportunity quite often over the years.  Most of my business travel is within North America, but it’s a big place, and there are still several states I’ve not yet visited!

I’ve also had opportunities to experience getaways with a variety of people … my husband, my mom, my best friends, my favorite clients, or just by myself.  Each experience has left me with amazing memories, many of which I reminisce about lately as my clients have experienced severe travel cutbacks.

But, next time you find yourself traveling on business, think about staying a bit longer and enjoying wherever you are!  Here are some of my favorite places I fortuitously found myself enjoying…

1. Colorado – I had to work at one of my client’s conferences in Colorado Springs, and I asked my best friend to assist me.  When the conference was over, my husband flew out and met us.  We drove all around Colorado, including to the Royal Gorge, we visited wineries, and drove up, and consequently down Pike’s Peak (where I cried all the way up and down the harrowing “road”).  It’s an exhilarating place to spend a few days.
2. Las Vegas – Believe it or not, I have traveled to Vegas for work – no lie, and it didn’t involve a convention!  On one memorable trip, my client and I worked all day, and partied all night, leaving just enough time to get back to our hotel rooms to pack and get to the airport for our morning flight home.  Our favorite stop that evening … Red Square at Mandalay Bay.
3. New York City – One winter, I decided to take my mom with me to NYC while I was there on business.  During the day, while I worked, my mom shopped and walked Fifth Avenue by herself.  It was her first-ever trip to the Big Apple, and she didn’t care that it was cold and snowing.  Together, we had dinner at the Rainbow Room (closed now), afternoon tea in the Palm Court at The Plaza, a walk through FAO Schwarz so she could pick up souvenirs for her grandsons, and a Broadway play.  It was one of the most memorable few days my mom and I have ever spent together, and we’ve spent many.
4. Cape Cod – Just a couple of months ago, my husband and I were in Boston on business together.  Before flying back home, we drove out to Cape Cod where we honeymooned 24 years ago.  The resort was boarded up for the season, but it was a beautiful fall day, warm and sunny, and a trip down memory lane for both of us.
   

   Me on Cape Cod

5. Sarasota – On a trip to Orlando for business, my husband and I spent a weekend in Sarasota, staying on Longboat Key and shopping at St. Armands Circle.
6. San Francisco & California Wine Country – I’ve been out to this part of the country on numerous occasions, and have always stayed an extra day or two to experience the region.  Our favorite place to stay … The Claremont Resort in Berkeley, where Robin Williams filmed part of Birdcage.
7. Scottsdale – Another place you’ve heard me talk about before.  After a very long day of working, standing, and presenting, my dear friend Barb and I (the same one who accompanied me to Montreal, Colorado, and San Diego) strictly follow a post-work detox ritual:   Nap, massage at the Phoenician spa, followed by dinner at the Phoenician restaurant.
8. Montreal – Have been there several times for work, and long to return again.  An amazing European city in Canada.  My French is really rusty, but I held my own ordering the most amazing croissants and pastries I’ve ever seen or tasted.
   

   Montreal Bakery

9. San Diego & Coronado Island – One of the most relaxing getaways ever, especially the beach on Coronado Island and the historic Hotel Del Coronado.  Our favorite thing to do there is to have martinis on the Hotel Del’s outdoor patio, overlooking the beach, watching Navy Seals jog by and Warthogs fly overhead.  Then head over to our favorite Thai restaurant for dinner.
   

   The "Hotel Del"

10. Philadelphia – This is one of those cities that I never would have chosen to visit for a getaway, but have found myself going there on numerous occasions this past year.  It’s a rough city, not for the faint of heart, which is why I like it so much.  Growing up in Cleveland, I like cities with a personality and some toughness.  Underneath its rough exterior, it’s a beautiful city, with lots of history, great restaurants, and warm people.  Our favorite place to stay is in the Old City District, where we’re within walking distance of our two favorite restaurants … Armada for authentic tapas, and Morimoto for sushi.