I don't know if the influx of wedding invitations I received a byproduct of the many celebrations that were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic or a rite of passage for anyone approaching their late twenties.
Regardless, the last few years have filled my calendar—and the outside of my refrigerator—with numerous invitations and save the date. Many of these invitations also required me to travel.
To maximize expensive flights, I took advantage of weddings to explore places like West Palm BeachCleveland and even my own city. Here's how I created the perfect marriage of wedding and personal travel.
I remain open and flexible to spontaneous experiences.
While in Ohio for my cousin's wedding, I stopped by the house from “A Christmas Story.” Anna Staropoli
Sandusky, Ohio doesn't exactly rhyme with “getaway,” but for my cousin's wedding, my boyfriend and I embarked on a road trip through the Midwest.
While driving, I discovered two things: “A Christmas Story” was filmed in Cleveland, and my boyfriend had never tried it Waffle house.
Before we even arrived at our hotel, we had planned our return, making sure to hit the iconic filming location and famous chain restaurants on the way back. I loved that being at the wedding gave us the opportunity to explore the area and try new things.
Once in Sandusky, I kept that enthusiasm going by visiting Lake Erie, try Culver's custard and exploring the Marblehead Lighthouse.
To manage expectations, I've learned to treat each wedding trip as an introduction to a venue.
A few years ago I planned my first post-wedding trip to miami after a friend's ceremony in West Palm Beach.
Although I enjoyed Miami, I was kicking myself for all the things I missed in Palm Beach. Aside from visiting the Norton Museum of Art, I didn't see much of West Palm.
Since then, I've adjusted my expectations. I don't have the time or energy to do everything, so I view honeymoons as city introductions rather than the pinnacle of travel.
This mindset has minimized the pressure I put on my vacations and inspired me for future trips.
Even when weddings are held close to home, I embrace the art of the staycation.
I'm glad I decided to get a hotel room when I attended a wedding on Canandaigua Lake. Anna Staropoli
Last summer, I attended a wedding at Canandaigua Lake, just an hour from my apartment in Rochester, New York. I could have driven there, but the venue had been on my radar since moving upstate, so I booked a room.
It was well worth the hotel price; I jumped in the lake countless times, reunited with college friends, and sipped Riesling: the Finger Lakes' claim to fame.
This wedding also sparked my interest in the other Finger Lakes and refreshed my perspective on my surroundings.
I try not to overload my schedule once the wedding festivities are over.
I have a wedding planned for me at the Chicago Botanic Gardens soon. Although I had originally planned to spend an extra day in the city, I realized that my hotel was actually an hour away from downtown.
In order to conserve my energy, I have since adapted my trip to visit Chicago's North Shore and the much closer, upscale suburb of Lake Forest, Illinois.
But beyond those activities, I leave the rest of my day free. After a weekend of weddings, I'll probably feel exhausted and ready to recharge. While weddings are structured down to the hour, honeymoons can balance out the frenzy of a weekend of celebrations.