1. Posted by Ricardo C on Mon, May 07, 2007, 8:25 am PDT

Very true about the reminder that a vacation time away from home can give us. Our daily routines can rust away an appreciation for our wonderful lives, but when we step out there into the rest of the world, we are reminded of how fortunate we truly are. I have been as far as Vietnam, and the differences in culture that I experienced there, refreshed my appreciation for those things that I was already taking for granted here in the US. Yes, vacations usually entail some trouble, but the rewards are very well worth it.

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2. Posted by ricecakecoaster on Mon, May 07, 2007, 8:40 am PDT

I personally won't travel anywhere but in the United States while we are at war. It may be safe to travel elsewhere but I'm not going to bother finding out if it's not either. I'm just going to support the American economy and all things American while I vacation. I went on vacation about a month and half ago. I enjoyed taking a nice trip to the beach. It was still a bit cold when I went. Since it's something I don't get to do very often, I still had a really great time doing it. I don't know when I'll get to vacation next since I just did that. It's still very fresh in my mind though like it was yesterday.

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3. Posted by been there on Mon, May 07, 2007, 11:16 am PDT

Having limited funds for travel, I only made three round trips in as many years. However, my carry-on has been searched five times and me, three times. Nothing was ever wrong and I planning to go be train or by bus next time. Along with the wait times, long lines, and costs, travel isn't so much fun anymore.

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4. Posted by princess on Mon, May 07, 2007, 12:54 pm PDT

#2--Amen, don't blame you for that. It's sad though, that people have to be weary of going to places such as Asia, or the Middle East, especially when alot of us have family there. I'm supposed to be getting my travel arrangements in the next few weeks, to plan a trip for June; think I'll stay in the US for this one.

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5. Posted by Ree C on Mon, May 07, 2007, 3:12 pm PDT

Glad you had the opportunity to go on vacation or shall I say "holiday"?! ****Peace to ya.

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6. Posted by Catnap on Mon, May 07, 2007, 5:23 pm PDT

I always feel like I have to pay for my time off w/ many extra hours worked if I'm taking more than a few days off. And catching up when I get back can require extra time too. ...I'm going on a trip in a few weeks and just the thought of having to pack gets me overwhelmed.

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7. Posted by fred13red on Tue, May 08, 2007, 1:18 am PDT

Ahhh yes, vacation! I think it's going to be rock climbing in Yosemite, and I will be taking this vacation!.. A few years ago vacation was July fourth atop Half Dome in the Yosemite valley. At the top of Half Dome there is a slab of rock that juts out at about the 4600 foot level with a clear view of the valley, called the diving board. When you walk out to the edge you walk into a zone of absolute beauty, it was one of the most beautiful natural sights I've ever seen and experienced. I remember that I thought that, just this one view of Yosemite valley from this spot made all the effort worth while. Usually after a long hike we carry in a special treat or do something special... After this Sundays French presidential election of Nicolas Sarkozy and his message to America that we can "count on France as a friend" I may allow myself a long avoided treat, I might just take some French cheeze and a Perrier water on vacation with me to Yosemite.

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8. Posted by chasbuckley on Tue, May 08, 2007, 12:52 pm PDT

I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO TAKING A VACATION THIS SUMMER, BUT I AM AFRAID THAT THE HIGH COST OF GAS IS GOING TO SET MY PLANS BACK. HOW IS THE BEST WAY TO GET AROUND THIS PROBLEM?

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9. Posted by fred13red on Tue, May 08, 2007, 6:30 pm PDT

#8 Cut out starbucks and movies? Vote for lower taxes? Put more air pressue in your tires? sell something for a profit? Invite someone else along to split the cost? Last and probably least desired... take a vacation closer to home.

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10. Posted by whirlingwhitewind on Tue, May 08, 2007, 6:48 pm PDT

Hmmm... the last trip I went on was to Pine Ridge, SD. It wasn't really a vacation, but the point is, it sure made me think, and be real grateful for all I have. The last vacation I went on was... well, I guess it depends on what your definition of vacation is! LOL! Does a weekend at a cottage count? If not then I guess it would have been... just over 10 years ago.

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11. Posted by boxmastertall on Tue, May 08, 2007, 10:18 pm PDT

To answer your question,in my opinion,the economic constraints leave a taunt purse string maintaining every day living reducing available funds for holiday planning.In other words,NO MONEY.

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12. Posted by fred13red on Tue, May 08, 2007, 10:43 pm PDT

#10-W.W.W.--A weekend?At a cottage? No phone, no one knows where you are and no one expects a call, information or answer from you for the weekend?. The days are yours? .... Yeaah, that could definitely be a vacation.

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13. Posted by fred13red on Wed, May 09, 2007, 8:07 am PDT

Come to think of it. I've taken some two and a half day vacations that I had more fun on and remember better than some of my two week vacations.

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14. Posted by whirlingwhitewind on Wed, May 09, 2007, 11:59 am PDT

12 hi Fred! Yes, very rustic: electricity but no TV, VCR, Computer, no phone (well, there were a couple of cellphones, but not ME) Actually it's very civilized compared to last time I had been there as there was now hot water and an outdoor shower! Previously it had been after-dark baths in the lake ;-) Fireworks off the dock. Canoeing. Oh, and fishing, of course! Smallmouth bass mostly, some perch. And far enough away if people DID know where to find us, they wouldn't bother! LOL 5 hour drive! But you're right, THAT kind of weekend is the best, especially when someone else is hosting.

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15. Posted by msaddicted2everything on Thu, May 10, 2007, 8:43 am PDT

Take it from someone who knows how to live on a very strapped budget, you can still take a vacation. I know it doesn't sound as fun as some would like but two of my very best vacations cost the least money. One year I simply unplugged the phone and got reaquainted with myself all without leaving the comforts of my home. I learned to see my sacred space in a whole new way and to learn to enjoy the quiet moments within my four walls. The second was a simple camping trip, I know this isn't possible for all but I am very fortune to live in the Sierra Nevada Mountain's and have "gods country" in my very back yard. If you can get yourself back into the beauty of nature I suggest that you do it. I know it isn't for everyone but even for those that insist on showers and other emenities there are many campgrounds that offer these features now-a-days. I suggest if you are a bit brave you leave behind the comforts of home and learn to "rough" it for a week or so. My guess is you will appreciate yourself and your life much more once you make it thru. These are both sheerly suggestions. Do whatever makes you happy and fullfilled. If you have the money travel to other countries and learn the ways that they influenced our own. Here's wish you all a beautiful day!

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