Oh Miriam, my husband had his first two week paid vacation these past two weeks and it was the first one since 1986! We had forgotten what a real vacation was.
Basically I have a piggy bank that we pilfer when things like this come up because otherwise we would never leave the house. LOL It is a good excuse. So far I have only driven one hour away for a sewing machine but I will gladly combine an overnight trip with a purchase.
Yeah the gas part is kinda tuff because I have a 4X4 Tundra gas hog. The hotel is better because of hubby's work. We get points. Haven't used them yet but I sure would like to give it a go.