How I did it: Mother at age 50 penciled in a map of the US to make sure she hit all 48 contiguous states when I was 13. She'd already visited Alaska at least twice that I know of. For our silver wedding anniversary we cruised to Alaska, my 49th visited state during their 49th anniversary, and it's the 49th state. Then in 2009 we flew to my 50th visited state during their 50th anniversary and Hawaii is the 50th state. We stayed two weeks in Waikiki on a spring special with Orbitz for $1400 total.

Lessons & tips: Planning is essential. Always have a goal and a dream.

Resources: We found the Orbitz special on the Internet, where else?

Jun 19, 2009, 09:48AM PDT | 0 comments | 4 cheers