Every year, with or without children, we are faced with the dreaded summer vacation. With children it’s 2 ½ months of “turn off that game, and go outside,” and without children it’s 1 maybe 2 weeks of, “I can’t believe I have to go back to work in 7 days; 6 days; 5 days…” Though we are faced with this crisis every year, we’re rarely prepared. Those that are prepared, that have their vacation plans set in stone, often do the same thing year after year. Well, like it or not, summer’s on the way. If you haven’t done it already, it’s time to planning!
Kids.
- Summer camp is still a thing. Really, it is! There is probably one in your city, if not state. Or, better yet, find one out of state. This would offer your child the opportunity to see an environment and ecosystem that is different and further than their own backyard. It can provide an invaluable opportunity to meet children other than the ones they see, live near, and grow up with; see that there is life outside their zip code; and, forge friendships that are based on something other than proximity.
- Most cities have history, of some sort, that surrounds and abounds. Let them explore local history and they may not even know they’re learning. Because, who wants to do that over summer break?
- Lastly, consider something that would teach a skill that they are already involved in, have expressed interest in, or that is totally disparate from their current interests. They get sports in school, so maybe something different like a child’s cooking class; gardening/agriculture to gain a healthier appreciation of where their food comes from; or, learning to fish which would teach them skill and get them outdoors.
No Kids.
- There is always the staycation. While it may be local, you can get away from being plugged into your usual routine. It’s economical because you cut out travel expenses. You just need to plan to and actually do all of things you have been “planning” to do but haven’t found time for.
- Take a food tour. There are a wealth of shows that highlight new, creative restaurants that you know you’re dying to try. Why not make the food be your compass as you pick a starting and end spot and explore the region through the exciting world of different cuisines? I mean, when you know the menu, backward and forward, and order the same thing at the same restaurant…it’s time to branch out!
- Ever thought about riding the rails? Not as a hobo, but…kinda sorta. There are economy train routes that allow passengers to, economically see the world; even if your world is a couple hundred miles there and back. Trips between major cities, within your own state, are just a few dollars especially in comparison to traveling by plane. But, even if your wanderlust carries you further, God forbid, it’s still a pretty neat way to travel. You get the scenery, without having to drive; no traffic; and, you can even get where you need to go without bothering with hotels because there are sleeper cars!
Point of the story, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over, expecting different results. Read that somewhere, pretty sure it wasn’t a dictionary. Nonetheless, if summer ends and you’re singing the same old tune about how boring summer was or that your vacation was blah, you have only yourself to blame. A fun filled vacation is only as far as your imagination…and this article!
