When Was Your Last Vacation

 When Was Your Last Vacation

One of the pleasures of retirement is going on vacation - assuming you saved your pennies. I lived in California and now Las Vegas. Living in Philadelphia and then spending one year, one month and five days in Rochester New York (over 100 inches of snow), California and Vegas are vacation spots. However, going to someplace new for a few weeks improves my happiness.

I don't go to beaches because I've had enough of that in California. I don't go to places just for the sun because I have enough of that in Vegas. I go to cities, with my honey, to see the architecture, the people, the culture, the art and the food. Laying on a beach and getting burnt is not our kind of fun.

Those of you that are still working, it's important to get away. Your body needs a break. Your spouse needs a break. Believe it or not, even your kids need a break. Take it from me, taking your kids on vacation is not a vacation. I've been there and done that. Speaking to some of you - not all, going on vacation with relatives sucks the big one. It won't give you the happiness you deserve.

Where you go is not important. Your body and brain need something different even if it's only for a week or two. If you're working, you won't have a lot of vacation time. Soooo, pick someplace that you're sure will make you happy. Pick someplace that when you see the pictures of your trip, you'll have a big smile on your face.

Saying: "I love where I live so I don't have a desire to go someplace else" is just wrong. Saying: "I'm afraid to travel" is wrong for so many reasons. Saying: "I'm too busy to take a vacation" is so wrong and will negatively affect your body and mind.

Some don't have the health to take a vacation. Some don't have the financial means to take a vacation. I say: "get in the car or have a friend or family member take you to the next state and stay in a less expensive motel." Going from Philadelphia to Baltimore is a vacation. The people are different. The food is different. The culture is different. Most everything is different from the life you have now.

Do it because you need a break. Do it because your body and mind need it. Do it because you'll have something new to say to your friends and family. Do it because you'll have fond memories. Do it because it will make you happy. 

Most Of All, Do It Because You Deserve It