Now is the time to start planning for that vacation that you probably can take…in 2010. That said, there are many travel opportunities that can be arranged on shorter notice. Many of us are postponing the out-of-town vacation we had hoped for in 2009 and opting for checking out local flavors and sites. There are wonderful home-based vacations in almost every community. Some research and a little creativity can turn lean times into really happy memories. But make sure to think about your 2010 plans… looking forward to next year will seem all the more special.
“Looking forward” is one of the most positive practices in your quest for success in aging. My maternal Grandfather, who had been executive vice-president of a very large life insurance company, told me the secret to his aging success. After 20 years of retirement, with another decade left to live, he said, “Di, I always make a list before I go to bed at night of at least three things that I want to get done tomorrow. If I have something to look forward to, I know I’ll wake up.” My Granddad lived past his 95th birthday!
So decide what you want to look forward to and start making the plan. Saving for a long-awaited vacation gives a sense of purpose to the exercise. Foregoing small extras now as we save for that trip increases the value of our vacation. Researching our destinations and the local restaurants, shopping and daytrips gives us something to do while we are foregoing those small extras. Just like planning a spring garden when sitting at home in a snowstorm, searching websites and collecting catalogs will help you plan a really great vacation, pass the time and give you options as you look forward to future fun!
Another insight to remember as you continue working, saving and planning is the emotional, mental and physical positive side-effects of a vacation. The word “recreation” is really “re-creation”. By taking time off the daily grind of our lives, we are re-creating our psyche by relaxing our physical self. Much like an engine that needs a regular tune-up, we actually need to “blow out the pipes” of our internal structure: our minds need a rest; our hearts need to find joy and relief. Our eyes need new vistas; our ears need different music. Surprise and delight must refresh our weary emotions.
Many times, this requires a total “de-teching”. The electronic devices that keep us running during our working weeks can also “run us into the ground” with emotional stress. More families are declaring “e-free zones” during family times and vacations these days. So if you must take your laptop along, bring a paper-version book (no booting-up required!) you have been looking forward to reading and give your mind a vacation, too. We all need “down time” in order to be our best for the rest of our work year.
You might try a new physical sport: snorkeling with the sea turtles in Hawaii, parasailing behind a speedboat in the Pacific, bungee-jumping off a cliff or bridge, learning to scuba dive somewhere you’ve never been, getting a golf lesson or two from a pro at an historic golf club, taking an ice-skating lesson or learning archery at an Olympic training facility, group hiking in the mountains or solitary bike riding along a beach.
There are plenty of cost-effective ways to prepare to enjoy these experiences while you are still at home. Your local city parks and recreation departments offer both sports and educational types of classes several times a year at nominal cost. Most counties provide travelogue videos at public libraries. State-funded community colleges and universities offer free computer rooms and libraries to do your research in. Here’s a list of some great options for travel with a few of my recommendations:
Cruises
- Family Travel: Cruising is just a great way to travel for families! The all-inclusive prices are great for budgeting, because most of the costs are covered up front. Souvenirs and adult drinks are the exceptions, as soft-drink packages can even be purchased prior to or during the cruise. There are child and teen programs that allow parents to have “just us” time. Lots of family activities— like rock-climbing, pool parties, golf driving range off the back of the ship, board game contests, video games, and family movies and live shows—are offered throughout the day and evening. Depending on the ports, daytrips can be pre-planned and paid in the cruise package. Even special occasion packages for birthdays, wedding anniversaries and other celebrations can be pre-planned and pre-paid. Most information can be obtained on the cruise liner’s website, and calling the customer service department with your list of questions can fill-in the details. Giving the younger people in your family the special adventure of “sailing the ocean blue” is a vacation they will never forget!
- Reunions and Special Events at Sea: More and more organizations are utilizing cruises as the preferred site of conferences, reunions, and educational experiences. Let’s face it, both the planning committee and the attendees look forward to such a fun and easy solution to mixing business and pleasure! As noted above, cruising is budget-friendly,
- Extended Cruising for Seniors
- Find great cruise packages at CruiseDirect.com
Bed and Breakfasts
The easiest way to find B&B’s in at BedandBreakfast.com and check out my tips here: http://www.agewise.tv/?p=204
Planes, Trains, and Triple A?
- Expedia.com vs. Priceline.com: Helpful Hints to use both to your advantage
- Amtrak as an option: Leisurely Travel through America
- Auto Club (AAA.COM) services to members: more than just maps!
Destination Vacations: Golf Resorts
- Callaway Fitting Factory, La Costa CA
- Golf Hall of Fame, St. Augustine, FL
- Golf Museum, Scottsdale, AZ
(Read my tips on Golf equipment here: http://www.agewise.tv/?p=209)
Vacations with all the comforts of home: Stay home, See Local Sights and Eat Out!
- Entertainment Books: Local Restaurant and Travel Coupons
- Online Video Nights: Best YouTube Finds and Pizza Night
- Computer-to-Television Cable and www.hulu.com: It really is incredible how much we can find on the computer these days. I have friends who watch all their regular TV shows but they don’t even have a TV! They watch everything they want to watch online. Or, if you have a TV but no cable, then you can buy a Computer-to-Television cable so you can watch on your TV what is playing on your computer. (Note: discount computer-to-TV cables are available at BetterCables.com!)
Non-Traditional Vacations: the New Alternatives
- ElderHostel.org, for life-long learning and adventure
- House Trading, as featured in the movie The Holiday which shows how a couple used HomeExchange.com to trade houses and rekindle their relationship (its a cute picture!)
- CouchSurfing.com — Come on… you’ve gotta love the name!
ducation-based Vacations
- Enroll in Community College! Amazing travel deals for Students
- Elder Hostel; AARP Packages — Visit site
- Vacations with Purpose: Volunteering in Foreign Climes
Helpful Products
Wraparound Sunglasses, Comfortable Walking Shoes, Lightweight and Easy Packing Clothes, Luggage: wheeled luggage a must! (Guard your backs, necks and knees!), Vitamins and Supplements, RXs and sunscreen; and always take a bathing suit! Rubber-soled sandals for the shower and the beach, Family photo in a lightweight frame, a few travel-worthy snacks: unsalted nuts (travel usually makes us swell, so no salt!), crackers, dried fruit……the things that you would need if:
- you get stuck in an airport and you have to stay near the gate for an extended time
- you get an upset stomach and need to calm it down
- your travel plans get “readjusted” and you have to “stave off starvation”
- you feel like staying in your stateroom while you get your “sea legs”
- or you want to go “adventuring” and need some trail mix!
