I
haven’t taken a vacation in a very long time. When my daughter was a child, each
year we used to go to Rhode Island for a week during the summer and stay in the
same condo across from the beach. We all looked forward to it, my daughter especially.
But once she turned sixteen, not so much. To her, a week away from her friends seemed
like an eternity, and when she was given the chance to travel to a Mexican
jungle with a group from school, it didn’t take her long to make her choice.
Mexico it was. Our tradition was broken. And we haven’t been back since.
She’s
become quite the world traveler, though, seizing every opportunity presented to
visit a different country or a state here in the U.S. Most have been through
school or church groups. And all have been for humanitarian purposes. I’m glad
she’s discovered her passion for helping others and at the same time has been
able to see places she never would have otherwise.
Right
now she’s down South, working with Habitat for Humanity, and we’ve decided it’s
finally time for us to take another vacation. Of course, visiting her was the
key factor, but it’s a vacation nonetheless. Originally, we’d planned to go in May,
but when a tornado wiped out most of the town she’s stationed in, and she was
called to be part of the relief team, we thought it best to cancel.
We’ve
rescheduled for later this month. September’s not the time of year I’d normally
choose for a vacation, perhaps due to memories of summers at the beach, but it
works well for all of us, and after researching various places to visit in
Mississippi and Louisiana—New Orleans being at the top of my list—I’m beginning
to think September might be perfect. Day temperatures won't be too hot for walking, and the nights should require just a light sweater. We’ll be staying at bed-and-breakfasts and have found the rates at
most to be better than they were in May. Also, we won’t have to fight the
crowds we would have had we gone at a different time.
I’m
really looking forward to this trip, and I’m wondering if we might start a new
tradition—fall vacations.
What
are your thoughts on fall vacations? Have you taken one?
Raine
English writes small-town sweet contemporary romances. Visit her website for
updates on her books. http://www.RaineEnglish.com
Raine, you'll love a September vacation. I've taken a vacation during every month of the year. Some places are better at different times of the year.
ReplyDeleteFall vacations sound good to me!
ReplyDeleteRaine, sounds like it will be a gorgeous time. Am in awe of your intrepid daughter, too! Amazing.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to go back east to see the leaves change. We only get a few trees around here with decent color.
ReplyDelete