These days, if someone mentions the importance of vacations, they might get a sigh or a shrug. With the economic downturn and the roller-coaster state of our wallets, it seems hardly appropriate to talk about vacations. But, regardless of the expense, vacations are important.
Why?
Importance of Vacations: Justifications
The number one reason is health. For those who are skeptical, most health magazines and journals report that research has repeatedly proven vacations are beneficial for both physical and mental health. Let’s be more specific:
- Stress – We’ve tried breathing techniques, meditation, and visualization to ward off stress—great ways to de-stress. But it might do us even more good if we took a break at least once a year. We’re not advocating a global tour. Sometimes, just leaving home and going to a place where nothing reminds you of daily life can make a huge difference. Sure, home is where the heart is, but once a year, we need to take care of that heart. By breaking our routine, meeting new people, doing different activities, and enjoying new surroundings, we put stress on the backburner—even for just a week or two. When we return, we’re better equipped to handle stress with renewed energy. Fact: Stress is directly related to heart disease. A Newsweek feature story, *The New Sciences of Mind and Body*, reviewed by Teresa Goldin in 2004, stated that “There is evidence that stress is correlated with heart disease (among many medical problems) and that reduced or managed stress can boost one’s immune system and help control diabetes. According to Newsweek, experts claim that 60-90 percent of doctor visits are stress-related.”
- New Behavior – Engaging in new activities is like wearing a new dress. When we go on vacation, we stimulate all five senses and do things that aren’t part of our daily routine. If we choose a vacation where physical activity is encouraged (like popular Club Med vacation packages), we use muscles and reflexes we wouldn’t otherwise engage. We knew someone who was a workaholic. She loved her job and argued that work was pure pleasure. The idea of going on vacation seemed like hard work to her. However, at her family’s insistence, she reluctantly joined a backpacking tour. When she returned after two weeks, she was a changed person. She had previously thought mountains only offered rocks and vegetation, but she ended up loving every minute of those mountain walks and panoramic views. The experience brought color back to her cheeks and life. She signed up for the next year’s tour.
- Solitude – It may sound contradictory, but solitude can restore our faith in humanity. If your job involves constant interaction—whether talking to people on the phone, pitching to clients, or attending meetings—taking time for yourself is crucial. You may experience burnout because you don’t have the time to think inwardly. Taking a vacation to a remote island, where you can enjoy your own company, offers a chance to reflect on how fortunate you are to be surrounded by friends and strangers every day. But sometimes, you need to get away from them to truly appreciate their presence!
- Compensation for Hard Work – Enjoying the rewards of your hard work is essential. Our work defines us, but we need to differentiate between work and play. You’ve heard the adage: all work and no play makes a person dull. Let the money you’ve earned work for you this time—splurge and pamper yourself. Knowing you have the financial means to take a break feels empowering. Thousands of people would gladly trade places with you to experience that feeling.
- Broadened Horizons – Even the cheapest and least exotic vacations can broaden your mind and open your soul. There is always something new to learn, wonder about, and admire. Visiting places you’ve never been allows your mind to absorb new knowledge, making you more interesting and connected to those around you when you share your experiences.
- Renewal of Ties and Bonds – Our hectic lives can cause us to forget the importance of renewing relationships with family and friends. Stepping back from daily routines reminds us that there are people who deserve and need our attention. By visiting family at least once a year, we acknowledge that they’re there for us when needed. Taking your children on vacation allows you to connect with them one-on-one, something that’s hard to do with distractions like a flat tire, a broken water heater, unpaid bills, and PTA meetings at home.
Importance of Vacations: Going on a Shoestring Budget
If you can’t afford a global tour or a Caribbean cruise, don’t worry—it’s not the end of the world. You don’t need to postpone your vacation due to budget concerns. There are inexpensive ways to take a much-needed break. Here are a few suggestions:
- Farm Visits – A wonderful thing about North America is that a short drive can take you to a rustic village or vast open lands. You can take your family to a vegetable or animal farm and live the agricultural life for a week or two. Not only will this give you a break from city life, but you’ll also enjoy fresh produce straight from the earth, improving your diet.
- Back Roads and B&Bs – No matter where you live, there are neighboring towns accessible by old, forgotten back roads. You might discover a charming bed and breakfast that your family will love. Take a map and jot down a few places you can visit, then plan a journey across your area. The beauty of this is that you may find hidden gems—quaint villages, old taverns serving delicious homemade soups, and sizzling steaks. For example, if you live in Vermont, you could travel to Quebec, New York, or New Hampshire. If you live in Fredericton, New Brunswick, you can explore Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, or head to Edmunston (NB), Maine, or Prince Edward Island.
Ivern Ball: “A family vacation is one where you arrive with five bags, four kids, and seven ‘I-thought-you-packed-its’”.”
