Americans work so hard. That's a good thing, but somewhere along the way we may have taken it too far. It's become a strange badge of honor to work extra hours, go to work sick, and accumulate a pile of unused vacation days. We've lost our balance - our work-life balance. There are many articles about why and how this happened in our culture but, whatever the reason, we need to make time for self-care. One way to do that is to use some of those vacation days to get out of town.
Traveling on a Budget
Travel doesn't have to be extravagant to impact your well-being. Look for places within a 1 - 4 hour drive of where you live, either a day trip or a weekend excursion. Just getting out of town and away from the everyday is a mental vacation. Turning up the radio and putting on your favorite playlist or podcast is a signal to your brain to switch gears and chill. Let the drive be a chance to start decompressing from the stress of daily life.
I recently spent a couple of days in a beach town about 3 hours from my home. My hotel wasn't at the ocean, but it was a very short drive from public beach access. It was easy to spend the day by the sea, reading, walking, listening to all the sounds, and just relaxing. Since I didn't stay on the beach, the price of my hotel was much less expensive. I was able to spend even less by using my hotel rewards points. Saving money on accommodations can make the trip affordable, or it can allow you to purchase some extra experiences (or margaritas) while you're there.
Camping
If you're looking for more solitude, camping is a great option. It's family-friendly and also great for singles and couples. For camping newbies, there are some great deals to be had on second-hand equipment by checking places like Facebook Marketplace or eBay, or you can rent pretty much anything you need. You may even have friends or family who would let you borrow what you need. No matter where you live, there is likely to be a camping area within driving distance. Googling your state parks is a great place to start. Also, Campendium is a resource for finding free camping in every state.
Day Trips
Maybe you want the benefits of getting away, but you don't want or simply can't stay overnight. No worries, a day trip is a great option! Like I mentioned earlier, the drive itself can be self-care, and just getting out of town for a few hours helps you do a mental reset. Take a drive to a state park and hike some trails. Drive to the mountains, stop at the overlooks and take some deep breaths. Or drive to a town you've never visited and spend the afternoon shopping in new stores and eating at a new restaurant. Take the kids to an amusement park or a museum in a nearby town. There's just something about getting away from your everyday sights and routine that just feels good.
Just Go!
Whether you take an extended vacation to another country or just a quick trip to a neighboring town, it's important to take the time for yourself. Spending time with friends and family or just enjoying the solitude is all self-care. Stop thinking of travel as a luxury you can't afford and start thinking of it as a necessity you can't afford not to do.
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