Next week at Sensible Harmony, I’ll be posting a series of articles containing vacation tips and overviews of helpful vacation products.  We’re calling it our “Vacation Week” here at Sensible Harmony.  Before we get into the vacation tips, I want to discuss some of the thoughts, reasons, theories, and general musings about vacations (or “holidays” as the case may be).  First, I’ll answer a series of vacation-related questions, and then I’ll finish up with a few other vacation musings.

A Few Vacation Questions:

1. Why do we take vacations?  Everyone deserves a break, and there are many, many, stressed out and overworked people in this world.  Whether it’s because of a fast-paced lifestyle that technology encourages, or it’s because everyone is just struggling to get ahead, many people simply need some time off.  However, there are many reasons why we take vacations besides just having time off.  We take vacations because we want to relax, get away from friends and family for a while, have a change of scenery, go on a grand adventure, learn about new places and things, and much more.  There are as many reasons for taking a vacation as there are people to take them.  Because of that, it is no wonder that vacations are popular and many people want to take them.
2. Who should take vacations?  After answering the first question above, the answer to this second question may seem obvious.  Everyone should take a vacation (or at least take a break) every now and then.  We need to recharge our batteries, so to speak, so that we don’t completely wear out our bodies.  Whether you make a lot of money or just a little, don’t neglect to take some time off if at all possible.  A good employer should allow its employees some time off.  And remember, if you can’t afford to travel on your vacation, you can always have fun at home around your town.  Give yourself a break.
3. What style of vacations do you like?  Once you have some time off (or, preferably, a little while before), you should consider what type of vacation you want to have.  Do you want to lounge around at home and simply relax?  Do you want to go on an adventure through caves, forests, natural wonders, and cities of the world?  Do you want a prepackaged deal that includes preplanned activities and a stay at a resort?  Vacations come in many types to fit many personalities, time schedules, and budgets.  Figure out your desired vacation style as a starting point before even deciding where to go.
4. Does a vacation have to be expensive?  No, a vacation does not have to be expensive.  However, expense is really dependent upon what type of vacation and length of vacation you want.  A camping vacation taken for a few nights within 100 miles of home might cost as little as $100 (U.S.), but hotels, glitzy resorts, shows, and amusement parks all cost significantly more money.  Next week, I’ll discuss numerous ways to save money while on vacation.  For now, suffice it to say that vacations are very variable in cost, but generally you will need to save up some extra money before taking a vacation.
5. Does a vacation have to be far away from my home?  Your idea of a vacation may be different than mine, and my idea of a vacation may be different than many other people’s ideas.  The fact is, you can call anything a vacation if it feels like one to you.  Many people overlook vacation opportunities that are nearby simply because they think you have to travel a long distance to make a vacation actually be a vacation.  If you’re on a tight budget, look for fun opportunities in your area before looking further outward.
6. Should I attempt a “working vacation”?  Some people enjoy their work enough to bring it with them on vacation.  Others bring work with them even when they hate the work.  Either way, a vacation should really be more about having fun than working.  However, if a great “working vacation” opportunity comes along, it may be better than not taking a vacation at all.  You’ll have to make your own judgement call on this one, but I’d say that working through a vacation would, in general, make the vacation a bit less fun.
7. Should I bring my cell phone/laptop/PDA/pager on vacation?  If you intend to bring those items for work, then I’d really wonder if you’re taking a vacation at all.  However, if the electronics actually enhance your vacation or make it more enjoyable in some way, then I don’t see why not to bring them.  Some people would argue that all technology should be left behind, but others would argue that technology makes vacations more fun.  It really depends on your personality and level of comfort using technology.

A Few Other Vacation Notes:

1. Mini vacations and local vacations.  Even when you don’t have the time to take a full week or two off for a vacation, consider spending a weekend on a mini vacation.  These trips tend to be nearer to home and less costly than standard vacations because of the shorter time involved.  Look around in your city or area to find interesting places you’ve never been.  There may be a fun bed and breakfast inn only miles away from home that would be worth checking into for a night or two.  Experience new things in your own state, town, or city by taking mini vacations.  It’s really fun and usually very affordable.
2. “Edutainment” vacations.  Sometimes it’s fun to learn while being entertained.  Sometimes you can even be entertained while learning something necessary for school or work.  Places like national parks, caves, museums (history, science, art, and more), IMAX, capital cities, and historical places offer educational opportunities mixed with fun.  In fact, I find edutainment vacationing to be one of my favorite types, along with adventure vacations.  Edutainment and adventure go hand-in-hand because you’re often learning and exploring at the same time.
3. Vacations with friends and extended family.  Should your personal vacation just be limited to yourself, significant other, and/or children?  Should you open up this experience to others, including extended family and friends?  That is a very personal choice that mustn’t be made lightly, because you’ll be spending many days in sometimes cramped quarters with those people.  You’ll also have to share your agenda and decision making with others in your group.  When everyone’s money, relaxation, and time are on the line, situations can become tense.  The last thing you want on a vacation is for added stress and tension to develop.  Consider carefully your choices of who to invite or not invite when embarking upon a vacation.

There’s More to Come!
Since you’ve made it this far into my vacation article, I’ll assume that you’re interested in the topic of vacations.  Next week, come back to Sensible Harmony for ten more articles (two per day, Monday through Friday) covering helpful vacation tips and tricks as well as vacation products.  I hope to hear from you in the comments section!  What types of vacations are most fun for you?