How To Train For Your Next Vacation

My husband and I just got back from a week long trip with our granddaughter and her parents to Disney. I think it's safe to say there are some things we can't do as we get older, like we could before! So, here are my tips for training for your next amusement park vacation.

Be realistic. You will be walking, chances are it will be hot and you will be waiting in lines. Lots of lines. In order to endure all of this, you have to train for at least 3 months. Seriously.

1. Start walking everyday. Park the car at the farthest point in a parking lot where ever you go, walk at lunch, walk the dog more. Just walk. Walking is the number one activity you will do. We figured our average day included 15 miles of walking.

2. Prepare for the heat. You will not have the luxury of air conditioning in most instances, so, your body will need to be acclimated to heat and humidity. If you think our summers are hot and sticky, try Florida's! Keep your home temperatures a little higher. Don't use the air in the car. Learn to deal with sweating. You get it.

3. Learn to use sun screen daily. We don't have much need for it here, but you will on vacation. I found that out by forgetting to put sunscreen on my legs, wearing capris and getting sun poisoning. Lesson learned.

4. Immerse yourself in slow paces. We are in a rush 24/7 in the Southern Tier. On vacation, you will be waiting in lines with many people who are just as ticked off about waiting as you are. But you will still have to wait. Go to a senior center, a mall, anywhere where you can't move at your own pace. Do this a few days a week for several weeks.You may only learn a little patience, but it's better than none.

5. Save money for impulse buys. Yes, you will be breaki9ng your budget.

6. Finally, remember to have fun and enjoy it. You may have to talk to yourself a few times a day, but try!

Enjoy!