Search Results for 'staycations'

Because there is hurricane remains blowing into upstate New York where I’m vacationing, there is a constant breeze.  It’s a fabulously beautiful morning.  I got straight out of bed and went outside and went for a walk around my mother-in-law’s property.  (Even before coffee…I must be delirious).  She lives on top of a hill so you can see green, rolling hillsides everywhere you look.  It’s like looking at a 360 degree postcard.  Again, the trees are there whispering with their branches.  Just walking around this property is better than being at the Four Seasons Spa.  You just don’t get this stuff in the city.  But maybe that’s just me because I’m a small town girl who grew up in southern Ohio.  I don’t think so though.  As an executive coach, I see so many of my clients in overwhelm because they just can’t seem to make themselves take a break and slow down a bit.  If they could, they’d be better off.  In fact, if I could bring them here, to my mother-in-law’s house, they likely wouldn’t need me anymore (hmmm…reengineering myself out of a job again…I have a reputation for that.  Here we go again.).  But I digress.  There is so much research on the link between taking a break and improved creativity and the things that have been invented, created, written, all kinds of greatness due to sabbaticals, career changes, vacations that I’m always amazed at how many people don’t take advantage of them.  If you are feeling stuck, then you must think seriously about this.  The power of the personal reboot is magnificent.  I think I’ve recommended this book before but it’s so good I’m going to mention it again.  It’s older but still worth a look.  Check out Six Months Off:  The Sabbatical Book for some ideas about a Reboot.  Just read it ok?  There’s no harm in reading.  It might even spark your creativity about how you can affect a reboot while still working.

Some of you readers might remember from my Staycation post that I’m not a fan of staying home for summer vacation, so now I’ve embarked on quite the opposite, an 18 day marathon trip.  I’ll do my best to bring you along if you’re interested.  My posts will likely be more personal in nature over the next three weeks so that’s what you’re in for if you’re planning to play along.

This summer,  the ubiquitous “staycation” is all the rage.  Staycationing is choosing to stay at home and enjoy your local community versus traveling for vacation.  I’m all for saving money and for touring my hometown, the fine city of San Diego.  However, I’m not sure I could actually stop working long enough to enjoy the time off.  I know, I know, this is a matter of self-discipline but let’s be realistic.  LIke other working mothers, I’ve got more to do than I have time.  But that’s not my primary concern.  Reduction in creativity and the overall reboot factor is.  It’s been proven repeatedly that some of the greatest inventions, life makeovers and second chance success results when people take a pause.  Type A personality folks like you aren’t really well equipped to do this at all; but especially not in the confines of your own surroundings.  It’s just too distracting.  Here’s what Frommer’s has to say about the staycation.  I have to say I agree with them.  So, if you have to stay in town this season because your budget is too tight, at least spring for a few nights away from home at the best hotel you can afford and have mimosas for breakfast .  (I’ve stayed in a 5 star hotel in downtown Atlanta using Priceline for $85.  Who can pass that up?).  You can also get creative by using those frequent flyer points you’ve been saving for a rainy day or stay with friends as recommended by The Huffington Post (they coined it the Moochcation).  Bottom line, get out of your routine.  Afterall, isn’t that what vacations are all about?  By the way, if you want just the opposite of a staycation and you are planning to travel, the picture above is of Whithaven Beach in The Whitsunday Islands of Australia.  It’s in my top five list of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen.  If you go there, make sure to hike in, there’s nothing like hiking under huge bats and then the surprise when you crest the mountain and see this beach.  Truly breathtaking.  The other reason I mention this?  You staycationers might need it for your imagination!  Have any great staycation examples?  Leave a comment!