I came across some interesting comments on this article. "Common Excuses Why People Don't Travel". One of the comments noted how 'travelers' sound so preachy about how fulfilled their lives are with the extended travel and budget hosteling adventures. That along with some pretty condescending sounding comments about having lived in umpteen countries on $5 a month with 7 kids (exaggerating a little ) inspired a light bulb moment. Why does there have to be such a distinction and disdain for people who really don't want to go completely against the grain on leisure travel?
When I leave my home behind I want to vacation, to escape and relax. I'm pretty satisfied with my life and have no desire to sell everything and move to Thailand for the cultural experience. It's on my list of things to do, but it will definitely be a vacation getaway not a semi-perm arrangement.
That does not mean taking a 'vacation' is any less valuable. Some seem to think that going on a cruise or to an all-inclusive resort means hiding behind the walls and never experiencing the real culture of the destination. That couldn't be further from the truth! (However if you want to do that it's perfectly fine too!) There are endless choices of excursions from the ship, plenty of day trips to take from your resort and you still have your luxurious suite to retire to at the end of the day.
I hear from plenty of moms that are not too thrilled with simply picking up our chores and moving them to another locale, no matter how cool it sounds to the adventurer in the household. Beach bed gets a bigger gasp than kitchen from most. Just because you do dream of lounging at the water's edge sipping cocktails does not mean you're doomed to a life of cultural ignorance. Newsflash 'travelers' and holier than thou backpackers. We still actually talk to the people around us on our getaways. I haven't seen many Americans working on cruise ships. Even all-inclusives attract guests from all over the world, in addition to the staff. They aren't just mannequins. On ships so many of the crew are glad to talk about home and their cultures since they may have been away for months.
Even if you decide to be a vacationer your kids will still interact with lots of people from different cultures. Maybe teaching them that people from different economic strata are just as worthy of respect is equally as important as feeling cooler than those stuck at home not living like nomads. (I can't stand people who talk down to crew/staff while boring everyone in earshot about their travel. Ick, apparently civility isn't a requisite skill for extended travel)
Want to feel a little less guilty about your indulgent vacation?
Ask for resorts that are environmentally responsible. (El Dorado Spa Resorts Greenhouse)
Hacienda Tres Rios & other Green Globe certified resorts
Patronize companies that do give back to their communities. (Sandals Foundation)
Maybe someday I'll feel more bohemian and wax poetic about the superiority of shopping for groceries in another country rather than gourmet meals in restaurants , for right now I want someone else to do the cooking, mixing (drinks, no I'm not into baking), cleaning and everything else I hate to do at home when I'm on vacation!
We're proud to be vacationing Americans WITH passports that still love to come back home. Long live the getaway!
