I think my topic was supposed to be libraries, but with Labor Day and the end of summer on my mind, I decided to blog about vacations instead.
The longer I study history, the
more blessed I feel to be living during this age. After electricity, air
conditioning, and the telephone, I’d rank summer vacations at the top of those
blessings.
There’s nothing new about taking
a trip for fun and relaxation—for the wealthy. Anyone who reads Regencies knows
the nobility frequently traveled to Bath and other resorts. In the past
anyone with a lot of money could travel to exotic places, and the visits ran
into weeks or months. But vacations for the common man didn’t happen until the
last half of the twentieth century.
Before the Industrial Revolution
of the 1800s, most people lived on the farm and wouldn’t think of leaving their
crops during the summer. Then as factories grew, demanding laborers who worked
regular hours for regular wages, attitudes changed. But it’s unlikely factory
owners would have given their workers time off without the unions demanding it.
Unions did happen though, and they made demands.
Two other things had to happen
before the family vacation became commonplace. Cars became economical and an
interstate highway system was completed. With the booming economy of the 1950s
and time off, people packed the kids in the car and hit the road. The summer
vacation as we know it began.
Here are my four top picks for a
family vacation from great to greatest. These are the vacation destinations of
choice for the typical American family, which makes me average, I guess.
4. State and National Parks.
These were the vacations of my childhood. If you like camping, this is the way
to go. I personally don’t like camping, so my visits to parks involve renting a
high-priced cottage with all the modern amenities. I love state and national parks though, because they can’t
be beat for scenery and natural beauty.
3. Mountains. – Most people prefer
to visit the mountains during the fall, but I like to walk a cool mountain
trail during the summer. Since I’m the tourist type, Pigeon Forge in Tennessee
is my favorite. The comedy, country, and blue-grass music shows are the best.
2.
Theme Parks. I was there at the opening of Disney World in 1971 and every other
year for the next thirty-six years. It’s a Small World is still my favorite
ride, but the Teacups is a close second. Thank you, Mr. Disney for all those
wonderful vacations, though I’d probably be a millionaire if I hadn’t spent all
that money.
Disney
World had at least 18,588,000 visitors in 2013, and I think all of them were
standing in line for the Space Mountain ride the last time I was there. Here’s
another tidbit about Disney World. It’s the largest single site employer in the
United States, employing over 66,000 workers called cast members. I wonder
where they go for vacation.
1. Beaches. This is my absolute
favorite vacation because I have nothing to do for the whole week. Every day in
my surf chair, listening to beach music and reading a good book. I don’t even
worry that the tide will reach my chair because it’s already in the water.
Since I live in the Southeast,
the Florida gulf and Myrtle Beach in South Carolina are my favorite beach
vacations.
Now it’s your turn. What is your
favorite summer vacation destination? Where did you go this year?
