Summer! I love summer…actually, I really don’t care if it’s technically summer or winter, as long as I can be outside, enjoying the heat and sunshine. I am definitely happier in the summer and when on vacation to warm places in the winter. A lot of people take beach vacations in the summer. Therefore, I thought it would be fun to write about why it would be helpful to have a Costco nearby on a summer vacation.
Obviously people take winter vacations. In fact, my family used to ski most weekends. While fun at the time, it now sounds like torture…freezing cold temperatures, uncomfortable boots, bulky outerwear, heavy skis to carry, waiting on chairlift lines (with the very real potential of impending embarrassment from falling while trying to get on), riding the lift, and then finally getting to ski for a few minutes (maybe trying to avoid overly confident skiiers chaotically flying past). I know, I know, what a grump I am.
Anyway, here are the first five of 10 reasons a nearby Costco would help on vacation.
1. Quick snack or meal
I have written about the Costco food court multiple times ((No more food court for non-members!) (Food court nutrition: Info you may not want to know) (Healthier food court items?) Costco food courts around the country and the world) (On a Road Trip? Stop at Costco! Out for lunch…at Costco?) I don’t eat there but for those who do, it would be a quick way to get a quick meal or snack on the way to another activity, the airport, etc. I suppose the more frugal approach would be to make a meal of samples but then you are depending on the selection that day and could end up with quite the “varied menu”.
2. Bathroom stop
Are Costco bathrooms the fanciest, cleanest facilities? No. Are they adequate? Absolutely. They contain multiple stalls, are large enough to enable adults to stay with children, are clean enough, prevent distracted wandering/buying because they are always at the front of the store, and can prevent the frantic rushing in and out of stores looking for a restroom only to find that the one store that allows you to use their bathroom is full (come on, I can’t be the only one who has been in that situation…).
3. Snacks/quick meals/water for daily consumption
Many people view eating out for most meals as a highlight of vacations. Growing up(so even before I kept kosher, limiting the options), my family always went out for dinner. However, unless we traveled to a place known for its food (oh Italy…yum…), we did not put too much emphasis on the meals. It was often easier to go to a known, reliable place.
Ok…back to the point. ..in addition to the chains, we generally tried a few local places but the main focus was not the food. We definitely did not waste time on breakfasts or lunch as our days tended to be packed (I am glad that we did so much on each trip but wow, those vacations made me need vacations!). Anyway, we often bought snacks or small meal items for the room (e.g., juice, cereal, peanut butter, and my favorite hotel treat…peanuts, M and Ms, pretzels, and coca cola or to carry around (oh yes, fanny packs!) Costco certainly has lots of options including cereal, fruit, chips, and bottled water.
4. Exercise in a cool environment
Vacations to warm places can make it difficult to exercise when it is too hot to walk or run outside. I don’t advise going for a run in Costco, (or any store) but, because it is a big store with wide aisles, it could be a good place for a walk.
5. Purchase forgotten items
Has anyone gotten through a lifetimes worth of vacations without forgetting anything? Costco can be a great place to buy forgotten items for a decent price. They generally have sweatshirts, raincoats, socks, underwear, pajamas, even sandals or flip flops. No, I wouldn’t want to spend time shopping but if you need something, it is nice to know that you can likely find what you need.
Have you used a nearby Costco to help you on vacation for any of these reasons? 5 more coming soon…
Cruising Costco 