What’s the purpose of vacations?
I would never have asked myself this question in my twenties. I would have thought it was obvious: you go on vacation to relax. Period. But as I’ve gotten older, and particularly since having a kid, I’ve realized there can be multiple motivations for vacationing. I’ve also learned that everyone on the same trip doesn’t necessarily have the same reasons for going. And if those reasons aren’t aligned, someone is going to wish she’d never left home.
This question feels important to me, because it’s August, we only have a couple of chances left for short trips before the start of the school year, and I want them to fulfill the needs of everyone in our family.
Top Ten Reasons To Go On Vacation
1. R&R. While I haven’t found vacations very relaxing since having a child, I recognize that for most people, it’s a top priority. I also know that this time in my life is brief, and I’ll be able to rest more as Edwin gets older.
2. Break routine. Taking a trip is the only way I know to escape ordinary life for a short time without consequences. (Well, that and alcohol. But you’ll remember the trip better.)
3. Experience someplace new. For someone who draws comfort from familiar spaces, I’m remarkably excited by new travel locations. My favorite trips to date are either the first or only time I’ve been somewhere. I love repeating vacations, too (Amish Country in PA, the Adirondacks, and the Outer Banks are favorites) but they don’t capture the same level of excitement.
4. Spend quality time with family. But make sure everyone has a little space, too!
5. Reconnect with yourself. Whenever I’m at the beach or the lake, I take a little time to walk the shore by myself. I always come back refreshed. (On a recent trip to Schroon Lake, I also found a yoga class that really helped me reconnect; I’m dying to take the class again on our next trip.)
6. Create memories. I love being able to take a vacation “in my head” every time I remember a happy time away from home.
7. Cross something off your bucket list. It’s not just a vacation, it’s an accomplishment!
8. Try new things. In my case, that usually involves food. But I did take my first airplane tour in Juneau, AK, and punted on the Thames in Oxford, England.
9. Shelve responsibilities for awhile. Even in corporate America, if you say you’re on vacation, fewer people bother you.
10. Indulge. Excessive alcohol, rich food, sleeping, reading- anything goes if you can say, “Hey, I’m on vacation.”
Do you have a vacation planned? Why are you going? Why are your fellow travelers going?