How I did it: First, get yourself a teenager.  Then, have the teenager sign up for a big regional youth organization.  Then, follow your teenager around to all the events and meetings as a driver, advisor, and/or chaperone.  When you go, leave early, so you have time to visit things in your destination city.  Voila!  You are taking day trips!

Lessons & tips: Make sure the group goes to places you want to see.  Mine goes to monthly events in large cities and metropolitan areas in the Mid-Atlantic region, which is perfect for my interests in museums, book stores, ethnic food stores, and urban farmers markets.  My teenager got elected to a steering committee, so we will be taking day trips for three years.  It also helps that the large group of youth and their families can make good recommendations about places to visit.

Downside:  This got a lot cheaper this year after gas prices went down.  As they go back up again, I will be looking for people to ride along and contribute gas money.

Jan 28, 2009, 05:25PM PST | 0 comments | 1 cheer