Its a Rough Gig....Really

So, as you already know, my job involves an extensive amount of travel, mostly in the fall, but a bit in the spring too. While it is hard being away from home for extended periods of time, especially in the fall when you've been traveling for literally 13 weeks straight, there are some definite perks to the gig. Usually when I travel, I shack up in a Hampton Inn, near to whatever schools I'll be visiting on the trip. Hamptons are great. In the past few years they've really done a lot to upscale the brand, and I have yet to be disappointed with a hotel. The breakfasts are great, the beds are super comfy, and the staff are always really friendly.

Every once and awhile though, I get a trip that makes the beds at the Hampton Inn look like the wrong side of the tracks in a big city. When I found out that New Jersey was part of my territory, for example, I wasn't terribly excited about it, (although it was still a billion times better than hearing I had Connecticut...no offense Nancy), but when I found out that my week in Jersey included a stay in Atlantic City, all of a sudden Jersey was the hot destination of the fall.

Before I really jump in, I feel the need to offer a disclaimer, in light of the lovely economic state we all find ourselves in. When we stay at these nice places, we get a killer rate. Often times its even cheaper than a night at the Hampton.

Ok, disclaimer over. So, in November, for my second to last week of travel, I was off to Atlantic City. I'd never been before, and really didn't expect it to be much excitement at all. But when I drove into the city and saw all of the casinos, and outlet shopping, I knew I'd found the Vegas of the east coast. To make matters even better, when I checked in at the Bally's Hotel and Casino, the nice man behind the counter informed me that they had sold out of the room I reserved, so I got a free upgrade. And by upgrade I mean a room overlooking the city and the ocean, with a full granite bathroom with a deep tub, stand alone shower, and very plush king size bed. I looked it up online. My $130 room would have cost me $450 on any other day.

This week was my second "I love my job and the places it sends me" experience. Every year, guidance counselors from around the state of Maine convene at the Samoset Resort in Rockport. My pictures don't do it justice, and I'm sure this place is absolutely incredible in the summertime. Set on a golf course, it overlooks the ocean, and has a 7/8ths of a mile breakwater with a lighthouse on the end, that you can walk out too. The food was amazing, my bed was unreal, and I am in the process of begging my husband to take me back for our anniversary this summer.



Next week I'm off to Boston. The host hotel for the event this time is the Seaport Hotel. Have I mentioned I love my job????

I'll be sure to post pictures. :)