Jun 29 2006
Two Weeks Off – Seeking Input!
I was talking to a friend a while back and realized that in 20 years as a professional, I’ve never taken more than a week off at any one time. Part of the reason is my profession, the Information Technology field. It moves fast and is full of deadlines. And I’ve always been a hands on kind of guy. Now that I’m a director, the day to day is less dependent on me.
So, what would a two week vacation look like? No kids… Sorry guys, but the week trips to NYC and riding bikes from Yuma to San Diego are not what I’m after for this. A good description of a vacation for me would be “a long period of time where I don’t have to make decisions.”
Some ideas that have come up so far:
Take a cruise. I did this a few years ago, to Alaska. It was actually very nice. I think I’m resisting it now because I’ve done it before. Also, a cruise is just FULL of calories… 🙂
Ride my bike on some long trip. This one has some attractiveness in the fitness area, and getting out on my own. I just keep thinking about how dependent I was on Elaine on the Ride Across California though, and wonder if I could pull this off alone.
Fly off to Europe. Could have lots of family obligations…
A cabin in the woods. I tried this in Idlywilde once, but I got in late and it was closed. The whole town. Ended up driving from 60 degree weather to 110 weather in Palm Springs.
Palm Springs. This is actually a lot my speed. You really can’t go outside much, so there’s an easy excuse to sit in a hotel or cafe and read science fiction books. Also, I just finished “Generation X” by Coupland, which details a group of people who dropped out in their 30s and got McJobs there. I think I’m kinda old for that now, tho. Another place I’ve already “done.”
Vegas. For two weeks tho? I’d lose the house… 🙂
So, blogosphere, where should I go? What should I do?
I can imagine some of the questions…
Q: What do you want to accomplish?
A: Nothing more specific than to be relaxed and rejuvenated at the end of it.
Q: What’s your budget?
A: Hmm, that’s a toughie… I’d pay a lot to relax at this point. I guess some day I have to pay for college for the kids, and retirement. Lets leave this open at the moment. Dare to dream.
Q: Do you want to travel alone?
A: Yes and no. I do get lonely, but I also need some alone time. I love seeing my family and friends, but I don’t want that to set the agenda. Getting off an resetting is the goal.
Take two weeks off and work on barcamp san diego. 🙂
Start by reading “The Unbearable Lightness of Being”. Your obligations and stress make you a rich man. My grandparents swear the years with kids at home are the best. They’re almost over, so take them along or just enjoy them!
If you are set on an “all about me” trip try Victoria or Vancouver BC. Just wander around. You better take E! I’ve always wanted to go to New Zealand and Iceland.
Okay Declan I am going to give this some thought and get back you. Sounds like
you need a place to go alone, but also a place where eventually maybe Elaine
could hook up with you or you could meet in between.
I will get back with you in a bit. I have to do some travel research!!!!
One thing I think you should look into is a spa for men.
Last thing you want is advice from your mother-in-law, right? But the best trips I’ve taken involve a place where the climate/scenery is completely different from what I have at home. I also like a combination of planned activities and downtown, with emphasis on the lack of rigid schedule. I liked crusing because it combined those things (you don’t have to eat the food just because it’s there) and I love going to the mountains (living in the flat Midwest as I do). Foreign travel is also great if you limit the sight seeing to the few ‘must see’ items and give yourself a chance to mingle with the locals. If you include Elaine (and, of course, I think you should for at least part of the trip), I can kid-sit as long as you’re going in August or later. I’m travelling myself in July but I have lots of air miles just burning a hole in my pocket.
Dude ranch, Dude!
Or, better yet, Catalina! There’s plenty of biking, picture taking, kayaking, eating, resting, spas,
snorkeling, sun, sand, etc. 🙂
See our America.
Take a trip going across America via. a route and stopping at sites along the way.
The Northern route: Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Ohio, Pennsylvania,
Washington DC, Virginia, etc. You get the idea. You don’t have to visit the popular sites, but if you
haven’t seen them….. Just make the trip to see what the rest of our country looks like, meet the people.
If you haven’t, you should visit our National Parks and sites, especially in the DC & Virginia areas.
This is not an off-the-top-of-my-head idea. My sister & brother-in-law (retired) have done that
and report it was an eye opener and made them appreciate what America has to offer.
I would like to get some information regarding the bike trip from Yuma to San Diego. I am looking at taking a scout troop on that trip and would like to talk to you, or the organizer regarding camping sites, etc.
I’m way late on this here post but I think you should come visit my beautiful state of Oregon.
Benefits? You get to see me, Mt Hood, the Oregon Coast, Oregon wine country, Mt St Helens, me…
Drawbacks? You have to see me…