I am on a few days of vacation. If one more person tells me I need to relax, I’m going to scream.
Every summer the media is filled with the latest research indicating Americans utilize less and less of their available time off than any other nation. The analysis indicates we are so connected through email, voice mail, PDA, and Internet, when we do take time off, we remain at work.
Personally, I have always believed these statistics to be propaganda and subliminal meshing from the travel and hotel industry. If the vacation industry seriously didn’t want us to remain connected, there would be far fewer popups and email for vacation specials, travel discounts, and car rental bonus point plans. It’s the connectivity equivalent to ordering a hot fudge sundae with a diet cola.
My idea of a perfect vacation is to work for a few hours in the morning; then, take the afternoon off at the pool. While some people prefer to connect with nature by hiking or climbing mont blanc, I enjoy balancing a bit of productivity with plenty of relaxation. This trip is tour d’family. First stop, Atlanta, and then to Clearwater. While that sounds like a basic itinerary, between the rentals, bonus points, companion tickets, weather delays, and security, it is anything but restful. I didn’t even mention trying to figure out what we will be eating for dinner tomorrow while ordering breakfast today.
When I travel for work, it is somewhat lonely; but, the decisions are mine. Work fills most of the day. Usually there are a few hours for working out, movie, or reading. On vacation, there are others to worry about, accommodations to make, funds to manage, and those upcoming meals which need to be scheduled.
Summer travel in an era of discounted fares, point plans and security alerts is vastly different from those trips mom and dad would take us on. Pack a bag, get in the car, follow the AAA trip tic and you were off. Hotels or motels always had space and the pool made for great afternoon diversion. Each city was different. Aside from Stukey’s (Yum. Stukey’s log rolls), it was rare to find the same restaurants from one region of the country to the next. Regional accents compounded with local specialities made each stop on the drive an adventure. Hugh pitched children’s cries from “move to your side of the seat,” or “make him leave me alone!” could be heard along with a mix of radio static between cities, car games mom would create, and singing. There was always a seemingly endless supply of games, books, and toys packed away to keep us occupied while dad drove.
I passed a car yesterday with six people in the van. Each passenger was listening to their iPod, texting on their PDA, or watching a movie on the built in screen and earphones. I bet you could hear a pin drop in that van.
I’ll be right back. Boarding the plane and I need to game the system in order to get my carry on bag in the overhead.
Back.
My backpack contains my laptop, tablet, two reports for work, cell, a bag of cords and electric gadgets, and a diet cola. I am ready for the flight. In a few hours, it will be the beach and sun. I have a waterproof bag for my cell and iPad (can’t run a risk of getting them wet) when hitting the beach. Sunscreen to protect myself from skin cancer risk, credit card to get snacks at the Palm Pavilion. My camera is charged and cords ready to upload to my MacBook and Facebook so that I can show all my friends what a good time I am having.
One more break. My cousin is texting to see what we want to do for dinner when we land (it’s 8:50 am).
Back.
Four days of vacation are ahead. I am so excited for the opportunity to sit back, get some sun, float in the water, and forget the pressures and challenges of life. I promise to relax and enjoy each moment with my family. I’ll check email once or twice a day and hopefully finish the reports on the plane. All electronics are charged and I am ready to go.
One last thing to do before the doors close on the plane. Pizza sounds great for dinner on Thursday.
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