I come from a very big family, and while I am fortunate to live very close to my parents and sisters, there are so many other people that I'd love to see more often! My extended family lives mostly in Western North Carolina, and I usually make it up there once a year to visit with them during our annual family reunion. I didn't make that trip this year due to my being in the middle of a divorce - which is really when I want to see my family the most. Sure, we have Facebook and texting, we see each other's lives on Instagram...but no amount of social media, Skype or Facetime makes up for that face to face connection.
There's something about seeing your family, hugging your cousins that have been your best friends ever since you could remember...sitting down and catching up, laughing, crying, whatever - you know how it is when you spend time with people you haven't seen all year!
Since I wasn't able to attend our family reunion, I am trying to plan a trip to North Carolina to visit with my cousins and aunt in the fall. Before the temperatures drop and it's too cold for this Florida girl to run around in the mountains. Fortunately, there are plenty of affordable lodging options by Choice Hotels in Asheville and Bryson City, which are near where my aunt and most of my cousins live.
These are my PEOPLE. My oldest and dearest friends, the ones who I don't speak to every day, but when we do, it's like no time has passed at all. There's something about family that just feels like, home, you know?
As much as I love to travel all over the world - I've traveled from Curacao to San Francisco this year - it's not just about seeing new places. Sometimes a simple trip back home is just as powerful an experience as traveling to the most exotic location. It's a chance to make that face to face connection with the people who are important to you - to walking up to a family member or a friend (or a significant other) and wrapping your arms around their neck in a long-overdue hug.
You can't hug via Skype, folks.
About Choice Hotels
You may hear the name "Choice Hotels" and think that you've never heard of them before - but you have! The Choice Hotels portfolio includes 11 brands of hotels with more than 5,000 locations across the country for every type of travel need. Whether it's a business trip, a family vacation, or you simply need a simple room during a road trip across the country, there is a Choice hotel option that is perfect for you and your budget!
- Comfort Inn and Comfort Suites
- Sleep Inn
- Quality and Clarion
- MainStay Suites and Suburban
- EconoLodge and Rodeway Inn
- Cambria hotel and suites and Ascend Hotel Collection
Booking your stay in a Choice Hotels property is super easy with ChoiceHotels.com and the Choice Hotels mobile app! Whether you only travel a little or a lot, for business or for pleasure, I recommend signing up for a Choice Privileges Rewards membership so that you earn rewards for all of your stays! Choice Privileges allows you to earn points for stays around the world, with perks like express reservation and check-in and access to some of the most rewarding promotions in the industry!
I am still in the planning stages for my trip to North Carolina, but I am already getting so excited to see my family! Is there someone special that you'd like a little face time with?
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This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Choice Hotels. The opinions and text are all mine.
