Gretchen Betts lives in Bridgend, South Wales (in the UK). She is MD at Magenta Financial Planning and a financial planner and financial coach.
Do you travel alone? Are you comfortable doing this?
Yes I do, but not always. I like travelling alone, it makes everything very simple and you can be completely selfish and do everything you want to do! Generally I feel safe when travelling alone, but I do ensure I take precautions and stay in good, reputable areas where its reported to be safe at night – and I also don’t tend to stay out really late, preferring to drink at the hotel bar if I fancy a later night tipple!
Are you a frequent traveller? How many times do you travel in a year?
Yes, I’d say I go away about three times a year. Like for everyone else the Pandemic stopped this for a few years, but I’ve now been away a few times already this year.
Where was your recent trip?
To the USA, in the “Deep South”. I travelled to five US states: Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and Georgia on a fly-drive trip. This time I wasn’t on my own but with family. We visited some great cities like New Orleans, Memphis, Nashville and Atlanta.
How long did you go for?
Two-and-a-half weeks. I would have loved to have stayed longer.
Why did you choose that part of America?
I’m a massive country music fan and also fancied seeing New Orleans as my parents have always reminisced about it and it sounded wonderful.
Is this your first trip to America?
Not my first trip. My godmother lives in the USA and, over the years, has moved around quite a lot, so I’ve been to visit her in homes in Maine and Texas. Also, five years ago I drove Route 66, which covers eight states, 2,400 miles and three times zones!
What were the highlights of your trip?
Definitely seeing a show at the Grand Ole Opry, a swamp tour just outside New Orleans and Graceland in Memphis.
How was the food?
The food is always massive! Larger portions as starters than we would eat as a main meal. But the fish and seafood was lovely in Florida. Southern breakfasts are a little odd, with gravy and biscuits (like a savoury scone), and their big fans of grits – which I’m not convinced about. To be honest I don’t find the USA to be a great foodie place, especially if you don’t eat lots of meat, but I did manage to find some nice, higher end (not fast food) places, but like here, you have to book in advance.
Do you have a capsule wardrobe when you pack? What did you take and wear?
I tend to stick with plain vest tops and denim shorts for day wear, but this year I also took several pairs of cotton mix culottes which were really comfy for driving so far. Also, some shirts to go over a vest as cover ups, because the air con can get very cold in restaurants and museums. USA isn’t a dressing up place, but I always like to change for dinner, so I took casual dresses and trousers for the evening. I took three pairs of shoes (no heels) but to be honest I lived in my Birkenstocks for the whole trip! Also wore my heart-shaped sunglasses all the time and loved having something different than everyone else.
How was the weather?
On average hot (and humid) at between 28-35 degrees.
How did you travel (to get there and to travel around)?
Flew from Gatwick to Tampa, Florida and back from Atlanta to Heathrow. Hired a car for the entire trip.
Did you arrange the holiday yourself of did you use an agent?
I used an agent, Audley Travel. I’ve used them for three trips now (USA, Route 66 and a trip to Japan).
I always use a travel agent for big trips, I don’t think it adds more cost wise and you know they have been to the hotels / area and can guide you with their expertise.
Was there something about the trip that surprised you?
Graceland was loads more moving than I expected – I thought it would be super tacky, but I didn’t feel that way when I was there.
Would you return to the same area?
Unsure, as there are lots of places I’d like to see elsewhere in the world! But I did love Nashville and I’d love to go with a group of friends and embrace the craziness of the bar nightlife.
Where’s next on your travel bucket list?
Canada, Italy and Antigua.
If you could give one piece of advice to anyone travelling in that area, what would it be?
Take a sat nav, with you or buy one there (world compatible) or else be prepared to pay lots for data for your iphone for maps. Stop at the tourist information centres as you cross each state and pick up a map or local flyers about stuff to see and do.
I really enjoyed learning more about the USA Civil War history on my travels and specifically the site at the Battle of Franklin outside Nashville is well worth a visit – but remember that when travelling in this area of the south your often dip in and out of different times zones, so lose or gain and hour. Planning your driving day may mean leaving earlier than you expect, or arriving later than you thought – so be aware of this for museum tours, which usually end at 3-4pm.
…
Read more about Gretchen and her business…
Gretchen’s business, Magenta, was featured in the summer 2022 issue of Vale Life magazine. Planning With Passion, on page 42.
Leave A Reply