6 Weeks off.

A trip of a life time. Moments of joy and unforgettable memories.

Modes of transport

Car — Plane — Train

DISTANCE Driven

3818mi / 6144km

How did you get 6 weeks off from work?

My company offers a one month sabbatical as a service reward every 4 years with the company. I was lucky enough to be able to add 2 weeks of vacation that I had banked onto the trip.

Where did you go?

All over!

  • Chicago, Illinois USA
  • Seattle, Washington USA
  • Banff, Alberta CA
  • Calgary, Alberta CA
  • Minneapolis, Minnesota USA
  • Many theme parks across the USA and Canada
How was it?

It was EPIC. It was an amazing experience and I feel so lucky that I was able to go to so many places and meet up with such good friends. This trip will stand out for a while with a lot of amazing memories to look back on!

What theme parks did you go to?

I made it to 9 theme parks on the final weeks of my trip. A few were a first time visits a few were old favorites. The were all a blast. I tried to ride every costar at them and found a few new gems I can’t wait to ride again!

  • Six Flags Great America – IL
  • Kings Island – OH
  • Cedar Point – OH
  • Canada Wonderland – ON
  • Six Flags Great Escape – NY
  • Dorney Park – PA
  • Six Flags America – MD
  • Kings Dominion – VA
  • Carowinds – NC/SC
Did you drive all 3818 miles of your road trip in an EV?!

I did! Me and my trusty Chevy Bolt EV traveled every mile together. We didn’t have any difficulties making it to where we wanted to go and had no charging issues along the way. Shout out to all the hotels with EV chargers that I stayed at along the way!

What was your favorite stop?

Picture this: majestic mountains, turquoise lakes, dinosaurs and the thrill of adventure. That’s right, my favorite stop during my Six Weeks Off was Banff and Calgary in Alberta! Not only did I soak in epic views, but I also met a long-lost friend in person for the first time. With him as my local guide he showed all the hidden gems, making it an unforgettable part of trip. While it was only three days I cant wait to go back!

Were there any hiccups along the way?

I’m cruising through my Six Weeks Off, living my best life. Suddenly, BAM! COVID hits me like a plot twist in a thriller novel. Quarantine in a Minnesota airport hotel? Not exactly the river trip with friends I had in mind! But hey, every cloud has a silver lining, right? So there I am, sipping my ginger ale, binge-watching shows, and turning lemons into…well, not lemonade, but maybe a quirky travel memoir.

What’s the secret sauce behind your travel planning?

I’m juggling a rough idea, a dash of spontaneity, and a whole lot of last-minute panic planning! My Six Weeks Off? More like Six Weeks On-the-Fly! Whether it’s chasing sunsets or stumbling upon hidden gems, my goal was to do everything that ‘seamed cool’ and make new memories!

What to Pack for Six Weeks Off?

Preparing for a six-week trip felt like packing for a cosmic journey. I over packed—my suitcases were stuffed to the brim! Most of the knickknacks and gear stayed untouched, and hotels became my laundromats. But the one thing I forgot? A swimsuit! Lesson learned: Always pack light, embrace laundry, and remember a swimsuit—even if you don’t think you’ll use it! Let me tell you the water slides at the hotels were calling my name!

Postcards?

Oh, absolutely! I was like a postcard ninja! I sent more postcards than a caffeinated puppy on a mission!

What was the most historical site you visited?

I was lucky enough to visit Independence Hall in Philadelphia PA. The birth place of the America!