I’m burned, broke and back after my first long vacation in six years. Long, as in 10,000 miles roundtrip.

My wife and I went to Hawaii (my 46th state) via layovers in Los Angeles (outbound) and Seattle (inbound.) All I knew of Hawaii was from Elvis Presley movies. Turns out Hawaii is twice my expectations.

I saw Pearl Harbor, which like most major historical sites is much smaller than expected. Waikiki Beach was beautiful. We sailed via Norwegian Cruise Lines to three other islands, each unique in its own beauty. The locals were great and my first taste of Mahi Mahi was addictive. Every day was 83 degrees and I never saw rain (even Seattle) in 13 days away.

I know it’s a long ways from the East Coast at least. But, it’s definitely worth the distance and expensive.

Now, on to Nebraska, Iowa, Vermont and Alaska.