My "Thanksgiving" Weekend Away

You've read the title and are thinking that I went a short trip outside of my hometown for a wee break. You'd be mostly right, I did go away for a wee break, three days to be exact. But my trip was anything but short.

I travelled with my mother and father to Orlando, Florida. Right now you're probably thinking I'm crazy to go to such a place for just the weekend and maybe I am.

You're not the only one who would think that. I would know, I've witnessed people's disbelief first hand. The thing that most people don't understand is why would I go just for the weekend.

The answer is why not?! I'm not bragging in anyway when I say this but if you were offered an all expenses paid trip abroad you'd be silly not to jump at the chance.

I enjoy the simple things in life don't get me wrong. But is it really so wrong to enjoy the luxuries too? 

The main reason for my trip was for a break from college. Just for the weekend I wasn't dreading the work and assignments that are soon approaching. I lost myself in the moment, by doing an activity I love most. Shopping. 

I'm the first to admit that I'm a shopaholic but knowing that I wil be visiting the USA every four months. I am refraining from shopping in the UK for thing that I can get cheaper over there.

Again your thinking that paying for a flight andaccommodation etc. is expensive so it doesn't make a difference. But I disagree, if you shop SMART you can get make up the difference. And by that I mean finding some mega bargains at outlet malls. Orlando has quite the selection to pick from.

However, timing is everything when it comes to shopping in the states. The best time to hit the outlets is when there are national holidays. For instance, Fourth of July weekend, labour day weekend and the best of all Black Friday (thanksgiving weekend).

To help you out I will spill my secrets on how to prepare yourself for a shopping trip. 

Number one: have a good rest before you set out on your hunt.

2) Create a list of places where you know you specifically want to visit.

3) Research places to go, address and distance to and back from your base camp.

4) Go early to a avoid the rush hour, you will have ample time to scour the rails/ shelves for what you want.

5) Be patient and courteous to the people around you, we are civilised beings. 

6) Take note of where bathrooms are, when you have the opportunity to go, go. 

And lastly a word of advice to save yourself money. 

Don't get carried away. 

Don't buy for the sake of buying.

Read the small print on promotions, if you're unsure price check. 

Try before you buy as in most stores the sizes of clothing can vary.

If you can't picture yourself wearing/using what your wanting to buy in your mind then put it back. It's not worth your hard earned cash. That doesn't mean you can't treat yourself now and then.

Information overload for your brain but my main message is to enjoy yourself just try not to get too carried away and put yourself off shopping forever.

It's a way of life and until there's a zombie apocalypse or something else that stops civilisation in it's tracks, it's not likely to change. 

Until next time,

Lisa