How I’m Going to Use ChatGPT to Plan the Perfect Vacation: Hidden Gems, Itineraries & More

Last week, I took a really cool course on how to use ChatGPT for business and WOW my mind is blown! One of the biggest surprises, is how it can help me personally with trip planning. I’m already excited to put my new skills to work for our next vacation – a return trip to the Sedona area. We visited once before for a four-day weekend, but this time we will be staying longer.

Since we’ve already seen some of the more common sights, I’m planning to use ChatGPT to uncover any must-see places we may have missed last time. It’s like having your very own AI travel agent – minus the commission fees and awkward small talk.

Here’s how I’m planning to use ChatGPT to make this trip even better for our family:

1. Finding New Must-See Spots:
We already explored some of the popular tourist spots on our last trip, so I’ll ask ChatGPT for hidden gems and lesser-known experiences in the Phoenix and Sedona areas. I’m hoping to find some cool trails, unique local eateries, and interesting shops that we didn’t have time for before. I can even give it our preferences (like secondhand shopping) and budget, to make sure that the suggestions align with our needs.

2. Building an Itinerary:
Once I gather some ideas, I’ll ask ChatGPT for a sample itinerary that helps us maximize our extra time. Whether it’s scenic drives, family friendly hikes, or casual breakfast spots, the AI can put the time in to figure out what makes the most sense, so I don’t have to draw out my own maps and check Google Maps a dozen times for expected driving times. I can even ask it to choose activities based on user reviews and list sources, such as the best place to rent an e-bike based on 5 star reviews.

3. Updating my Packing List:
If you don’t already have a packing list, you can ask ChatGPT to create a list based on your number of days, activities and family members. However, I already have previous packing lists I’ve used for trips. So, I can upload a previous list (or a few lists) into ChatGPT and ask it to create an excel spreadsheet updating my packing lists for our number of days and activities for this trip. Isn’t that INSANE?! It can even make you a shopping list for travel sized items that you can just print out and take to the store with you.

I absolutely LOVED taking the course on ChatGPT and find it absolutely fascinating on how I can use AI to make my life a little easier. Let me know if you’re interested in me writing more about what I’ve learned in my class!

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That Time Our iPhone Got Stolen (and What I Wish I Knew Before It Happened)

Have you ever had an iPhone stolen? Or at least thought it was stolen? Well, buckle up, because I learned a few things the hard way when my son lost his phone a couple weekends ago.

We took a trip out to Frederick for a nice meal and stopped in a few nearby shops, but somewhere along the way, Jack’s iPhone slipped out of his pocket. As soon as he realized it, we retraced our steps, asking in every store and the restaurant where we had dinner. One of those stops was a Goodwill, so just imagine me going down EVERY SINGLE AISLE looking for a generic black iPhone on the floor or on a shelf where it shouldn’t be. Sigh.

I figured it wouldn’t be a big deal, since we all have Life360 installed… except, someone had turned off the phone and the location wouldn’t update.

I then thought to use Find My iPhone instead, but we had never activated it, trusting that Life360 was all we needed. Yeah, rookie move. And here’s the kicker… when I was trying to activate Find My iPhone (because Jack is under “family” on my iPhone account), it kept sending a confirmation code TO HIS PHONE. Which we didn’t have.

At this point, we had given up on finding it that evening and headed home. So while Travis was driving, I tried everything to get Find My iPhone activated, and finally it worked. And that’s what I saw it – the phone was moving AWAY from where we lost it.

And yes, I was big mad. But I took it as a lesson that there are crappy people in the world who will steal a phone, rather than just turning it in at the closest restaurant or shop where they found it.

Luckily, Jack’s phone has an access code, and I have parental controls set up where he has to request permission for any downloads (so nobody could spend any money on new apps). I went in and locked down all the screentime options, just in case his code was hacked. I then added a “Contact me at my phone number” message through Find My iPhone. I also submitted a claim through our phone insurance that evening.

Fast forward to the next afternoon, and surprise! I received a call from my son’s phone. Turns out, a woman had found it on the ground where he dropped it… and then TOOK IT WITH HER TO WORK, 15 minutes away. Her daughter ended up calling me the next day, and we finally got the phone back.

Moral of the story? Install Find My iPhone now, not after you need it. And maybe remind your kids to check their pockets more often!

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Secondhand Shopping Tips: What I Look for in Sweaters

Thrifting and secondhand shopping are my favorite ways to find high-quality, unique clothing while saving money and reducing waste. And when it comes to sweaters, secondhand shopping is even better – you get a sneak peek of how the fabric has held up over time.

Spring is a great time to look for sweaters because the seasons are about to change, and fewer people are searching for them as they anticipate warmer weather. That means you’ll often find great deals and a wider selection.

Here’s what I look for when hunting for the perfect secondhand sweater:

1. Look for Natural Fibers

The first thing I check? The fabric tag. Lately, I have been prioritizing natural fibers like cotton, linen and cashmere. Not only do they tend to be more breathable and longer-lasting than synthetic blends, they also are less likely to pill quickly, lose shape, or feel scratchy.

2. A Classic Shape and Neckline

Trendy pieces can be fun, but when it comes to sweaters, I like to stick to timeless shapes that look ageless. A good sweater shouldn’t tell you the exact year it was purchased, it should be versatile and easy to wear for years to come.

3. Inspect for Loose Threads and Pilling

A little pilling is normal, but excessive fuzziness or deep pilling can be a sign of poor fabric quality. A good fabric shaver can solve most of your pilling problems (Pro Tip: Buy a Sweater Shaver!), but if it looks overly worn, I usually pass.

4. Feel the Fabric—And Think Ahead

Softness is key, but I don’t just go by how it feels in the moment. I ask myself: Will this still feel cozy after a few washes, or will it turn dry, crispy, or scratchy? Some fabrics (especially cheap blends) feel nice at first but become stiff over time. If I’m unsure, I give the sweater a little stretch test—if it immediately loses shape, that’s a red flag.

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