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May 3rd, 2005, 11:56 AM
#1
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Join Date: May 2005
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Glad I found this site. I recently took early retirement after many years of huge responsibilities. Now there is just me and I am finally going to start traveling. On May 15, I will take a sort "tester" trip to Wilmington NC. (alone)
Any thoughts out there on how to make the trip as enjoyable as possible? I am on a fairly tight budget.
Any thoughts out there on how to make the trip as enjoyable as possible? I am on a fairly tight budget.
May 3rd, 2005, 04:30 PM
#2
If you're driving, buy or check out a book-on-tape from the library to listen to in the car.
Take along a paperback novel and/or magazines you've be wanting to read, for entertainment besides TV in your hotel room in the evenings.
Look for specific things that interest you ahead of time by researching Wilmington (could be bookstores, fabrics, antiques, local flea market, town history or museums, farmers market, specialty foods, arts or crafts, live music, book reading, etc.).
If there is a tourist bureau or chamber of commerce ask for a calendar of special events going on while you're there. I've had great times at church bazaars, firemen's fund-raising BBQ's, school pagents and the like.
Take along a paperback novel and/or magazines you've be wanting to read, for entertainment besides TV in your hotel room in the evenings.
Look for specific things that interest you ahead of time by researching Wilmington (could be bookstores, fabrics, antiques, local flea market, town history or museums, farmers market, specialty foods, arts or crafts, live music, book reading, etc.).
If there is a tourist bureau or chamber of commerce ask for a calendar of special events going on while you're there. I've had great times at church bazaars, firemen's fund-raising BBQ's, school pagents and the like.
May 3rd, 2005, 04:31 PM
#3
Join Date: Nov 2004
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Congrats on the early retirement. To better answer your question, here are a few questions for you.
How long is your trip?
What made you choose Wilmington? This way we can get an idea of the activities you are interested in while there.
One enjoyable budget idea--visit interesting (maybe outdoor) markets and stock up on your favorites or local delicacies to enjoy for meals/snacks in your room.
I bring tin foil and ziplocks to reinforce any doggy bags brought back to the room from restaurants. If there is no fridge, the ice bucket works well to preserve non-meat items for consumption later.
Let the "testing" begin!
How long is your trip?
What made you choose Wilmington? This way we can get an idea of the activities you are interested in while there.
One enjoyable budget idea--visit interesting (maybe outdoor) markets and stock up on your favorites or local delicacies to enjoy for meals/snacks in your room.
I bring tin foil and ziplocks to reinforce any doggy bags brought back to the room from restaurants. If there is no fridge, the ice bucket works well to preserve non-meat items for consumption later.
Let the "testing" begin!
May 3rd, 2005, 04:34 PM
#4
Join Date: Jan 2003
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Hi Sammie, I know nothing at all about Wilmington so I can't give you any specific advice. Some of the things that I do to feel less alone on a trip: join a guided walking tour (check with the local library - they often organize them): when eating out, try eating at the bar if possible - you can chat with the bar tender: bring a journal with you so you feel a little less conspicuous.
Enjoy your trip and let us know how it works out!
Enjoy your trip and let us know how it works out!
May 4th, 2005, 12:15 PM
#6
What fun! I like the large ziplock w/ ice bucket idea for a mini-frig. I'll definitely put that one to use.
Because I'm single all the time, not just a solo traveler... I have loads of ways I've discovered for enjoyably coping as a single person, they just happen to be especially handy when on-the-road!!
Because I'm single all the time, not just a solo traveler... I have loads of ways I've discovered for enjoyably coping as a single person, they just happen to be especially handy when on-the-road!!
