Take a vacation already!

“The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” Saint Augustine

I came across this article awhile ago: Why Americans need to take more vacation time, and it got me to thinking …

Immediately this stream of words came floating into mind. I so agree. Americans need to take more vacation time and travel more. And not only travel more abroad but also in their own state, region and country. It discourages me that people don’t make time for vacation. I immediately logged into my blog and started to write about how people need to take a vacation and see and learn something new. And I mean a real vacation. A trip where you actually go out and see and do things and learn something new. Then, I stopped writing. I started worrying that I might offend people. Maybe they’ll say they can’t get away. They have too many commitments, not enough time or not enough money. But then I started to think again. One doesn’t have to spend a lot of money to travel. Sometimes all you need are a couple tanks of gas and a drive to learn, explore and see something new. I’ll never forget the time Tim and I drove out to Western Nebraska to see Chimney Rock, Scotts Bluff National Monument and Carhenge. It was great! I thought I was in another state. I had no idea the western part of my state was so beautiful!

As for time, there never is a good time to take a vacation. If one waits, they’ll never take it. You just need to set a date and do it!

And then, I started to thinking even more about traveling. I think it is our duty as Americans to at least try to visit all 50 of this country’s magnificent states! Every time I visit another one I gain a better appreciation for the state I live in and its people. But yet I also gain an understanding of other people, places and states. I think it helps us to understand one another and understand this country.

So, some of you know this, but I have made it a goal of mine to visit all 50 states before I turn 40. I have 37 so far, and five more years to visit the rest. I also am starting a new project that you can read about in this blog. Starting soon, I am going to start on my 50 blog posts about all 50 states. I am excited to write about each one and hope you’ll at least read along.

“To travel is to take a journey into yourself.” Danny Kaye

So, in conclusion — take a vacation! Whether you travel abroad, around the United States or spend a week (or two) exploring your own city or just staying at home spending quality time with yourself and/or your family, you owe it to yourself to have some time off. Just do it!