There's More to Vacation than . . . Well, Vacation!

Did you take a vacation this year? I hope so whether it was to an exotic island, across the country or several day trips with the kids. Doesn't matter if it was a camping trip or a cruise. The point of a vacation is to relax . . . and a few other things. :)

Here's a few things I came up with that I think are important in a vacation:

• Relaxation. Okay, I know this should be obvious, but a lot of people don't get it. Once at their arrival stop, and even on the way, they fill their agenda so full, it's like a mad race to the finish line, which, of course is the day they arrive home. Exhausted. Frustrated. Don't do that. Plan ahead. Decide ahead. What to do. When to do it. Take time out to sit and talk, play games, whatever. RELAX!

• Learn. Take time to explore. Ruins. Museums. The beach. Rocks. Mountains. If you take kids with you, be sure to take time to walk the beach at night and wonder at the stars, or as we enjoyed this year, hot air balloons and chinese lanterns. Discover wildlife, the wonder of an odd plant or a new creature (to them). Find a mermaid. Pretend to be a pirate. Lie under a tree and watch the leaves shift and wave. Dig your toes in the sand. Show them how to prepare a meal over an open fire. 

• Enjoy the simple things. Prepare meals together. We have a twelve year old grandson who's just recently started cooking. His breakfast of scrambled eggs with chopped ham (or whatever is available) and cheese is really good--and I'm not a scrambled egg fan. :) At our recent trip to the beach, we divided different expenses and one person chose the meals for the two weeks (not counting the nights designated for eating out. It was nice to have homecooked meals that were nutricious and less expensive than eating out every night. 

It doesn't take a lot to have fun together. Watch the stars, play some cornhole games, ride bikes, build castles in the sand. Just realize you don't have to do something "great" to have a great vacation.

• Study. One of the greatest things is allowing children get acquainted with animals and other creatures they ordinarily have no opportunity to do. Our three-year-old grandson met goats and was able to feed them and pet one exceptionally friendly one. 

He always enjoyed the ducks and geese, the turtles, crabs, etc. All super experiences in learning. Shell hunting for that special treasure, and learning about a few of the tiny creatures that live in some of them are fascinating.

Most of all, decide early on that YOU WILL come back relaxed and in a happy frame of mind. 

Happy Reading!

About Carole:

Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons? 

Connect with her here:

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/browncarole212

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

Don't forget to check out this week's Giveaway! My WWII Spy Romantic Suspense book: With Music in Their Hearts. Comment and let me know where YOUR favorite place is to vacation!