There can be a lot of things to remember this time of year: Gift buying, holiday travel plans, school schedules, and more.
KNKX travel expert Matthew Brumley says it's also important to remember to book any post-holiday travel you plan on taking.
Even Brumley forgets sometimes.
"Holy smokes," he said during a recent taping of Going Places. "Here I am, the travel guy, and I haven't even booked anything for myself this winter."
After he was done tapping out a reminder to himself on his phone, he offered this advice:
1. Look nearby. Inexpensive, local things to do are plentiful. Brumley likes the town of Plain, Wash., which is just north of Leavenworth.
"It's really sleepy, and there are some little lodges there, and they're a fraction of the price," he said. "We're talking about a four-hour drive, just getting a book, and lighting a fire."
Brumley also likes Leavenworth, by the way -- beer, cider, beautiful lights, and more.
2. "Suit up." That means booking something now to give you and the family something to look forward to for the next few weeks.
"Do it soon, and don't procrastinate, or you'll never do it," Brumley said.
And pay attention to cancelation policies, in case something comes up.
3. Keep it simple. You don't have to go to Hawaii, or spend thousands of dollars even locally. Go watch winter storms along the coast. Spend some quiet time in the mountains.
"Just step away, just to get away from the daily chores of your life," Brumley said. "We all need it. You'll come back refreshed, recharged, and perhaps even more productive than you were when you left."
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"Going Places" is 88.5's weekly exploration of travel. Our travel expert, Matthew Brumley, is co-founder of Earthbound Expeditions on Bainbridge Island, which provides small group travel to clients including KNKX. Never miss an episode again. Subscribe to Going Places with iTunes, Google Play or Stitcher.
