Recharging Batteries
Europeans may be smarter than Americans. They pick out a four week period every summer and leave town. Stores and factories shut down and no one works. As civilized as this sounds, most Americans would start to get a little anxious after two weeks on the beach. People are creatures of habit, and as much as we enjoy a break in routine, most of us enjoy our routines and wouldn’t want too much vacation. Plus, our employers would likely hire someone to replace us.
Still, everyone needs to stop and think about life. Everyone needs a little stimulation that comes from things like finding new shops and sleeping on the other side of the bed. That is what vacations are for. This can happen in China or Hawaii but it can also happen at a campground ten miles from home. The trick is to change your environment just enough to make your brain adjust. Watch the stars instead of television. Listen to crickets instead of MP3 players. Eat ice cream in the morning and learn how to whittle in the afternoon.
Some folks want to hike and swim and throw horse shoes while others prefer a hammock and a good book. It doesn’t really matter what you do so long as you do what you like and break your normal routine.
The Budget Doctor’s Advice on Vacations
1. Plan to take at least one vacation a year. Planning gives you the pleasure of anticipation and makes the experience even better. The longer the vacation, the more time you should spend planning it.
2. Leave your home for your vacation. Go to a resort or a campground or visit grandma, but sleep outside your home. Do things you don’t do at home. Play different games, eat different foods and make memories.
3. Only spend what you saved for your vacation. If you plan for one year and save $10 each week, you’ll have $520 to spend. If you’re going to spend $100 a day, you can go for five days.
4. Enjoy your vacation. Yes, it can be annoying to wait to take a shower at a campground and eight hours of “when are we going to be there” can be aggravating, but that is the stuff of memories. Plan for ways to pass the time and to enjoy the company of others.
5. Consider the time for your vacation. Spring break, Thanksgiving, Christmas and the summer months are usually the busiest times to travel. If you have young children, or no children, consider September. Prices and traffic are both reduced. Ski areas are usually very reasonable in the summer months and beaches are less expensive in the winter.
6. Look for special deals. Last minute deals on cruises and resorts are very attractive right now. Some flights cost half of what they cost last year. When you make a reservation anywhere, call and ask for better rates than advertised. You might find an RV for rent in the classified ads that will be cheaper than motels. Car rentals might be cheaper (and safer) than trying to take Old Betsy on a 500 mile trip. Trains and buses might be even cheaper than driving.
Travel is a luxury and no one should take a trip they can’t afford. Vacations are a necessity and everyone should plan a few days each year with a different routine. If you can’t afford any costs, try to trade homes with someone who lives at least a few miles away. And if you can’t take enough time off work to get at least a four day weekend, start planning for a better employment situation.