Seldom A Dull Moment - A simple phrase with roots and many branches!

Big News from Seldom A Dull Moment: We’re Growing (and So Are Your Vacation Possibilities!)

Having retired almost 2 years ago, and reflecting on all that has happened in those two years. I have a lot to be thankful for and a lot to reflect on. Almost 26 years ago, Seldom A Dull Moment was a funny phrase that Don and I used when we talked about our new life together. Raising two daughters and both of us teaching, brought even more meaning to Seldom A Dull Moment. Then we started traveling as a family and our blog was born. 

Our first blog post (June, 2010): Seldom A Dull Moment - What Does That Mean?

Our family travel blog, Seldom A Dull Moment, was a way to capture our travels and vacations. A way to remember and reflect on all of the fun adventures we had and some not so fun adventures. That blog drew a following as I live blogged from Hawaii, Belize, Wyoming, Alaska and many of our other travels. We still enjoy going back to those posts from 2010 and remember our first BIG trip together, to Hawaii. And I will be live blogging again soon!

Stay tuned for Seldom A Dull Moment goes to Africa!!

Through the years Seldom A Dull Moment became our family mantra, when we were stressed or trying to find the joy in our busy lives, we would say, “Seldom A Dull Moment,” aloud and it would ground us in the reality that this was our life and we were loving every busy minute of it. Those around us knew Seldom A Dull Moment was the Rahn way of living.

When I retired, and was looking for my next chapter, the Travel Coach Network appeared and I couldn’t wait to be a Family Travel Coach. I was ready to start my business and the next family conversation was what would this business be called. Unanimously, we decided that our “family” business would be Seldom A Dull Moment. The business license was applied for, the name was registered with the state of Virginia and the next version of Seldom A Dull Moment became a reality. 

As the days and months moved forward, we realized that Seldom A Dull Moment continues to be the mantra for our lives. 

A simple phrase with roots and many branches!

Today another branch is being revealed! Seldom A Dull Moment, Luxury Travel Coach.

We love traveling, and I love finding the deals, the perks, the discounts and all of the things that go along with our incredible vacations. This partnership with Boutique Travel Advisors that I was offered was a no-brainer! 

• No fees for my “clients”

• Just sign up, and start browsing for vacation locations

• Find a hotel that meets what you are looking for

• Identify the perks that are included, and book that vacation!

You may think that you are not a luxury traveler. I thought that too, until I realized that we had already visited 3 of the hotels that are in the BTA curated collection and I wish I had booked through my Luxury Travel Club and gotten the VIP perks!  

Luxury travel does not have an identity attached to it, luxury travel is spending time with those that you love in a destination that is relaxing, that allows you to recharge with less stress, and offers you opportunities you might not get elsewhere. I want to share that with my friends, families/couples that are looking for that vacation experience!

***Read on to find out more about my partnership with Boutique Travel Advisors and join my Luxury Travel Club to start dreaming about that next great vacation!!

Which Type of Travel Planner Are You? Meet Louise, Violet, Denny, and Peter

 

Planning a vacation sounds fun... until the Google tabs multiply, your group chat spirals, and someone says, “Let’s just wing it.” Sound familiar?

Whether you are someone who loves the thrill of planning or secretly wishes someone else would just handle it, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to getting a trip off the ground. 

Some people thrive on spontaneity. Others won’t sleep until every museum ticket is pre-booked. Some dive headfirst into the dream destination, while others just want the when and where.

The truth is: how you approach vacation planning says a lot about you. Are you decisive and take-charge? A go-with-the-flow team player? A spreadsheet lover? A big-picture dreamer? All are valid. All are valuable.

This has been adapted from the Center For Leadership and Educational Equity, Compass Points: North, South, East, and West - An Exercise in Understanding Preferences in Group Work. The Illustrations were designed and drawn by my wonderful husband, Don Rahn.

Here’s the best part—once you understand your personal travel planning style, you can actually make the process more enjoyable, less stressful, and totally tailored to how you work best. As you identify the planning styles of those traveling with you, the DREAMING, DESIGNING, and DEPARTING process becomes a time for sharing, listening, collaborating and fun! Everyone is able to contribute in their own unique way.

So before your next getaway, let’s find out: Which type of travel planner are you?

Meet the four fabulous personalities that just might sound a little (or a lot) like you…

Let’s Go Louise

Are you the one in the group chat typing “Just book it!” while everyone else is still thinking? Do you have your eye on the goal and a calendar reminder set for 6 AM flight check-in?

You might be a Let’s Go Louise if:

• You thrive on action and making decisions fast
  
  

• You’re assertive, confident, and task-oriented
  
  

• You love a good itinerary and don’t mind taking charge
  
  

Louise is our leader—decisive, goal-centered, and always ready to roll. If there’s a problem, Louise has already solved it, packed a snack, and scheduled the Uber.

Visionary Violet

Your head’s in the clouds—but in the best way. You dream big, you think outside the box, and you’re always cooking up the next creative travel idea.

You might be a Visionary Violet if:

• You’re full of enthusiasm and spontaneity
  
  

• You value flexibility and freedom
  
  

• You get more excited about possibilities than reservations
  
  

Violet may not have booked the hotel yet—but she’s got a Pinterest board full of dreamy spots and a camera roll of screenshots that could inspire ten amazing trips.

Detailed Denny

If you're the one with the color-coded spreadsheet, multiple tabs open, and a backup plan for your backup plan—welcome to Team Denny.

You might be a Detailed Denny if:

• You crave structure, logic, and precision
  
  

• You’re focused, analytical, and organized to the core
  
  

• You take pride in researching all the options
  
  

Denny finds joy in the planning itself—and usually ends up saving the day with that crucial piece of info no one else remembers.

Patient Peter

You’re all about the journey and the people on it. You take your time, listen carefully, and want everyone to feel included.

You might be a Patient Peter if:

• You’re supportive, calm, and generous with your time
  
  

• You don’t love confrontation and prefer going with the flow
  
  

• You value the process more than the destination
  
  

Peter is the glue that holds the group together. While others are stressing over logistics, Peter is making sure everyone feels heard and no one gets left behind.

So, which one are you?

Or maybe you’re a mix! A little Violet sparkle with a Denny checklist? A Louise go-getter with Peter’s steady hand? No matter your style, knowing your strengths helps you plan (and enjoy) a vacation that feels just right for you—and your travel crew.

Because here’s the thing: every planner type has something essential to offer.

• Louise helps the family depart—keeping things moving, on time, and confidently headed out the door.
  
  

• Violet keeps the dreaming alive, inspiring fresh ideas and unexpected adventures you’ll be talking about for years.
  
  

• Denny makes sure the design phase is rock solid—organized, thorough, and full of well-researched choices.
  
  

• Peter ensures everyone feels included, heard, and cared for—making the entire process feel less like a task and more like a team effort.
  
  

In the Seldom A Dull Moment world, we believe planning a trip should be a family adventure in itself. When you honor the strengths of every style—whether you’re dreaming, designing, or departing—you set yourself up for a vacation that’s not just memorable, but meaningful.

Take the quiz to find out your travel planner type, then share your results and tag your travel buddies. Who’s your Louise? Who’s your Violet? And who’s in charge of snacks?

Let’s Dream, Design, and Depart—your way.

At Seldom A Dull Moment, we believe every vacation starts with a dream—and ends with a story worth telling. Let’s figure out how you plan, so your next trip is less stressful and more spectacular.

Ready to Dream, Design, and Depart? Let’s go.

Countdown to Fun: 4 Creative Ways to Get the Whole Family Excited for Vacation

We all know the trip itself is magical—but what if I told you the fun can start long before you even pack your bags? One of the best parts of family travel is the anticipation. That giddy countdown, those shared conversations, and those “I can’t wait!” moments build connection before the car even leaves the driveway.

Here at Seldom A Dull Moment, we believe in making the entire vacation experience meaningful—from the first spark of dreaming to the final toast at your destination. So let’s talk about how to make the countdown just as memorable as the trip itself.

Here are four playful, connection-building activities your family will love in the days and weeks before departure.

1. Create a Countdown Chain

A vacation countdown chain is a classic—and for good reason! It’s visual, interactive, and gives the whole family something to look forward to each day.

Start with 100 days if you're feeling ambitious, or 30 days if your trip is just around the corner. Tear off a link each day as you get closer to go-time. Make it even more fun by writing prompts on each link like:

• “Share your favorite vacation memory.”
  
  

• “Guess what the weather will be like.”
  
  

• “Name one thing you're excited to eat!”
  
  

This daily ritual keeps everyone engaged and makes that final day feel like crossing the finish line.

2. Make a Vacation Bingo Card

Turn your itinerary into a game! A Vacation Bingo Card is a fun way to keep everyone engaged during the trip—but the real fun starts in the countdown phase, when you make it together.

Include a mix of activities, places, and silly goals like:

• Eat ice cream in a new town

• Spot a wild animal

• Take a silly family photo

• Try something new

• Visit a local market

• Wildcard! (For those spontaneous surprises that always end up being the best part)

Print it out, stick it on the fridge, and pack it in your day bag when you leave. There’s nothing more satisfying than shouting “Bingo!” in the middle of an adventure.

3. Build a Family Trip Playlist

Let the soundtrack to your adventure begin before the first mile is traveled. A trip playlist sets the tone and gets everyone in the mood.

Here’s how to make it a family project:

• Each family member picks a few favorite songs

• Add music that matches your destination—tropical beats, road trip anthems, acoustic adventure vibes

• Create themed sections like “Departure Day Hype,” “Chill Time,” and “Singalong Hits”

Name your playlist something fun like “Rahn Mountain Mix” or “Road Trip Rhythms 2025.” Play it while you pack, in the car, or even at your pre-trip dinner. Bonus: It’ll become the soundtrack of your memories.

4. Hold a “Before We Go” Family Meeting

Before the suitcases are zipped and the car is packed, take a few minutes to gather the crew for a Vacation Kickoff Meeting. It doesn’t need to be formal—just fun, light, and a little bit exciting.

Here’s how to make it meaningful and memorable:

• Revisit your “why.” Remind everyone why this trip matters—connection, adventure, relaxation, or all of the above.

• Walk through the itinerary and highlight a few can’t-miss adventures.

• Share feelings. Have each person say one thing they’re excited about and one thing they’re feeling a little nervous or unsure about. It helps everyone feel heard and supported.

• Chat about screen time, downtime, and what a “good day” might look like for everyone.

• Drop a surprise! Tease one wildcard activity to keep them guessing (mystery adds magic).

• Celebrate together—sparkling lemonade, mocktails, or even ice cream floats make the perfect sendoff treat.

It’s a great way to start your vacation with open communication, shared purpose, and a whole lot of team spirit.

The Countdown Is the Adventure

Vacations aren’t just about where you go—they’re about how you get there, together. These countdown activities bring joy, build connection, and turn the waiting into part of the memory-making.

So whether you’re heading to the mountains, the beach, or a dream destination across the globe—don’t just count the days. Make the days count.

Let’s Dream, Design, and Depart—together.

Need help planning a vacation that your whole family will be excited to count down to? Reach out to book a discovery call with me. I’d love to help you start the adventure early.

 Which countdown idea will your family try first? Share it in the comments or tag me on Instagram @laurarahn_travelcoach