How to make vacation season more affordable
Great summertime leisure activities
Must-have items for summer entertaining in the backyard
Saint Barnabas Parish Festival
June 16 to 18
East Main Rd., Portsmouth
Bristol 4th of July Celebration
June 23 to July 4
State St., Bristol
4th of July Carnival
June 30 to July 4
Richmond St., Providence
St. Mary’s Feast
July 12 to 16
Phenix Ave., Cranston
Holy Trinity Parish Festival
August 2 to 5
Park Square, Woonsocket
Charlestown Seafood Festival
August 4 to 6
Ninigret Park, Charlestown
Washington County Fair
August 16 to 20
Route 112, Richmond
St. Rocco Parish Carnival
August 17 to 20
Atwood Ave., Johnston
Our Lady of Grace Parish Feast
September 7 to 10
LaFayette St., Johnston
MBA FallFest
September 15 to 17
Misquamicut Beach, Westerly
Unique family vacation ideas
Did you know? — Travel in 2023
Keep summer days fun and busy when camp ends
8 tips to make for a fun day at the water park
Must-have items for summer entertaining in the backyard
Did you know? — Outdoor renovations
Turn a backyard into your own relaxing respite
How to make outdoor living spaces more comfortable
What to know about installing a pool at home
How to make summer travel more affordable
Make the most of a day at the lake
How to make a staycation feel more like a getaway
How to maximize weekend getaways
Great summertime leisure activities
Tame stress when traveling by air
Summer is the unofficial season of vacations, especially for families. School is not in session in summer, and kids’ often busy schedules may grind to a halt in summer, when sports leagues, dance classes and other activities go on hiatus.
School closures and a largely empty obligation schedule makes summer a great time for families to go on vacation. Traditional vacation hotspots like adventure parks and resorts merit consideration, but the following are some unique family vacation ideas that can help parents and their children make lasting memories.
• Ballpark tour: For families that love baseball, a summer ballpark tour can be a truly unique experience. Whether families prefer Major League Baseball and its large ballparks or the more intimate settings at minor league stadiums, there’s no shortage of options on a ballpark tour. Both MLB and minor league stadiums tend to be located in large or mid-size cities, which means there’s plenty to do in between games as well.
• Camper/RV trip: A family vacation in a camper or RV is a cozy way for families to bond as they vacation at their own pace. National parks across the United States and Canada make for ideal places to visit when touring each country in a camper or RV. But there’s really no limit to the experiences families can enjoy on self-driving trips when their beds are on board for the ride.
• History road trip: Historical landmarks dot the North American landscape, making a history road trip a fun way to hit the road and learn a little something along the way. American history buffs have no shortage of historic sites to see
regardless of which region of the country they plan to visit or which period of history most intrigues them, from the Revolutionary War to the California Gold Rush to the American Civil War and more. Canadian history buffs can go all the way back to the days of the dinosaurs at the Dinosaur Provincial Park in Alberta or visit Nova Scotia to see the eighteenth century economic and military hub the Fortress of Louisbourg, which is the largest historical reconstruction in North America.
• Urban tours: One of the joys of visiting Europe is the chance to travel from city to city without spending too much time in the car or on the train between stops. Though North America might be more spread out, families can still tour various urban locales in a single vacation. Parents can pick a region of the country (such as the northeastern United States) and then plan road trips that enable them to visit different cities in that area over the course of a week to two weeks. Make an effort to try the foods each city is known for and visit a local landmark, making sure to leave time to walk around so everyone can get a feel for what a day in each city is like.
Family vacations can be as unique as the individuals taking them.
Despite global financial uncertainty, many people are still planning to spend on travel in 2023. A recent survey from Booking.com found that 73 percent of respondents were more optimistic about travel than they were in 2022. The survey also studied why people are looking to travel, and the most popular type of vacation was a nostalgic getaway, which 88 percent of travelers planned to take in 2023. That’s likely due to people looking back to the days before the COVID-19 pandemic with a strong sense of appreciation. Individuals also seem to see travel through a somewhat therapeutic lens, as 42 percent of survey respondents indicated they want a break that focuses on their mental and physical health.
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Week 5: Aug 7-11 @ Town Beach, North Kingstown
Many adults have fond memories of attending summer camp when they were children. The American Camp Association reports that each year more than 14 million children and adults take advantage of the camp experience. Summer camp is a place for kids to learn new skills, make new friends, experience being away from home for extended periods of time, and explore new locales.
Summer camp program lengths vary. Some children attend local camps that may last a week or two, while others attend sleep-away camps that last a little longer. Since summer vacation typically lasts between eight to 10 weeks, parents may discover there still is plenty of downtime after summer camp ends. Here are some ways to fill the gap between the end of camp and the start of a new school year.
Each
Schedule a vacation
What better way to keep the magic of summer going than by rolling summer camp right into a family vacation? Give kids time to enjoy a few days to relax at home, but then buckle up for the next adventure. This can be a trip away from home, or a series of day trips or activities guided by all members of the family.
Organize a sleepover exchange
Parents of school-aged children can coordinate with one another to fill up a week or more with sleepovers. Each family can take a night or two, and the kids can jump from house to house extending the fun with one another. Sleepovers can occur inside the home or under tents in the yard.
Recreate favorite camp activities at home
Why not take what makes camp entertaining and try it at home? Copy the camp’s itinerary and engage in similar activities, such as canoeing or nature hikes. On nights when the weather cooperates, everyone can gather around a fire pit to roast marshmallows.
Enroll in a recreational program
Some towns offer free or low-fee activities to residents through their parks and recreation departments. If budgeting does not allow for a camp experience, there are likely town-wide activities that can fill the gaps until it’s time for children to go back to school. Some even may offer after-hours childcare options for parents who have scheduling conflicts with work.
When
year more than 14 million children and adults take advantage of the camp experience.
summer camp ends, parents have different options they can explore to keep children engaged and supervised until a new school year begins.
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When summertime temperatures are hot and climbing, people look for ways to cool off. Trips to the beach or a pool often top the list of ideas, but water parks also make for great places to spend a hot summer day. Water parks may be stand-alone facilities in town or components of larger amusement parks. They often feature a combination of wading pools, slides, lazy rivers, and splash zones to cater to visitors of all ages. Water parks can be great family fun for those who do their homework and prepare for visits accordingly. Certain tips can make the experience that much more enjoyable.
1. Pack light. Belongings can be tricky when it comes to water parks because most items cannot get wet. Leaving them beside rides also leaves you vulnerable to theft. Bring only the essentials and plan to stash car keys, mobile phones and minimal cash in lockers. Lockers in many modern facilities are paid for with your credit card and work by entering a self-generated code. This way there are no keys or locks to worry about.
2. Bring three bags. Bring a backpack or a tote bag that is filled with a change of clothes. Unless you dry off for the last hour by walking around the park, you likely will not want to get in your vehicle in your swimsuit. Leave the clothes in the aforementioned locker. Stash a plastic shopping bag or garbage bag inside the backpack, as it can hold wet swimsuits and other damp items after you’ve changed. Bring a mesh or breathable shoulder bag that can hold a few essentials, like towels and water bottles. The mesh will enable air flow so that you don’t end up with a sopping, mildew-riddled towel by the end of the day.
3. Wear comfortable swim gear. It’s hard to get out of the sun at a water park, so covering up is key. A rash guard or swim shirt can be paired with swim trunks or one- or two-piece swimsuits. Avoid any swimsuits that have flimsy straps, as they’re more likely to come undone while crashing through waves or during high speed water slide excursions.
4. Plan locker trips strategically. Aim to visit your locker at least two or three times if you’re spending a full day at the water park. This gives you chances to reapply sunscreen (which you should always wear at the park) and grab a few dollars for snacks and beverages. Remember to stay hydrated while out in the sun, even if you are in the water most of the time.
5. Utilize water shoes. Water park pavement can get hot and slippery. Water shoes are ideal so that you do not injure your feet. Many rides prohibit flip flops, but secured water shoes are allowed.
6. Arrive early. Try to get to the water park shortly after it opens. Crowds will be sizable on hot days. You don’t want to waste all of your time waiting in line for rides. Plus, the earlier in the day you arrive, the less steamy and the greater chance you will find parking near the entrance.
7. If budget allows, rent a cabana. Some parks rent cabanas. A cabana can be a family’s home base and a place to cool off and relax. For an extra cost, some cabanas come with food service.
8. Have extra adults on hand. When the kids outnumber the adults, it can be tricky keeping eyes on everyone, especially in larger attractions like wave pools. Plus, there’s bound to be some kids who are more adventurous than others. An extra adult or two can wait with children who do not want to go on particular slides or other rides. Water parks are entertaining ways to cool off on hot days. Following certain tips can make visits even more fun.
Summer entertaining season provides ample opportunities to soak up some sun and have some fun with family and friends. Backyard barbecues and other get-togethers at home are even more fun when hosts ensure they have certain must-have items for summer soirees.
• Fire features: The days when summer hosts only needed a few extra lawn chairs and some burgers and hot dogs on the grill for a backyard barbecue are long gone. Though those items still have a place at backyard barbecues, summer parties have taken a step up. Fire features, whether it’s a standalone fire pit, one built into a patio or a gas-powered fire table, are now wildly popular. Fire features provide a welcome place to relax and converse with guests after the sun goes down. And much to kids’ delight, a fire feature also paves the way for some post-meal s’mores.
• Insulated wine cooler: Coolers are great places to store water, soda, beer, seltzers, and other popular beverages. But what about wine? An insulated wine cooler ensures wine stays properly cooled but doesn’t get too cold, which can happen when wine is stored in a more traditional cooler filled with ice. Bottles are simply placed in the insulated cooler (much like canned beverages slide easily into can koozies), and the bottle can be kept on the table much like you would for formal dinners indoors. Hosts can go the extra mile by pairing insulated wine tumblers with their wine cooler.
• Games: Summer entertaining season might be all about relaxation, but games can up the fun factor at backyard gatherings. Cornhole is a wildly popular game, and customized cornhole boards can help hosts come across as party professionals. Ladder toss, bocce and wiffle ball are some additional games that can make the festivities more fun. Hosts who don’t have a pool also can invest in an inflatable pool big enough to fit all the kids who will be coming to the party.
• Outdoor storage cabinet: Hosts can save themselves the stress and effort of walking in and out for dinnerware and other table accessories by investing in a sturdy outdoor storage cabinet. As meal time draws near, hosts will appreciate that all the plates, napkins, utensils, and placemats are already outside. The top of the storage cabinet can double as a small but convenient buffet station
for sides that aren’t being cooked over an open flame.
• Projector and screen: A projector and screen can really up the ante on summer entertaining, turning a backyard barbecue into a great place to watch a game or cuddle up after dinner for a movie night under the stars. Projectors and screens won’t bust the budget, but those who have more to spend may want to consider an outdoor television. Outdoor televisions are built to handle the glare of the summer sun, but a retractable awning may be a good safety net for hosts who plan to spend many a weekend afternoon outside watching games or movies with family and friends.
These are just a handful of items that can up the ante on traditional backyard barbecues. Homeowners should know that there’s no limit to the number of items that can make summer entertaining season more special.
A recent survey of home renovation industry professionals conducted by Fixr.com found that creating indoor spaces outdoors was homeowners’ biggest priority regarding renovations in 2022. Sixty-two percent of renovation-minded homeowners surveyed indicated outdoor dining areas are their most sought-after living space. In addition, 41 percent of respondents felt outdoor kitchens were their biggest priority. The survey found that certain outdoor living space features were especially popular, none more so than comfortable outdoor furniture. Firepits, outdoor fireplaces, swimming pools, hot tubs, and outdoor connectivity were some additional popular features among homeowners focused on their outdoor living spaces.
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Backyards have long been places to unwind and enjoy some peace and quiet surrounded by nature.
Thanks in part to financial instability brought on by rising inflation and measures to tame it, homeowners may decide to forgo traditional vacations in favor of staying home this season. There’s no better time to invest in a home, particularly outdoor spaces, to make them welcoming respites. The following are some ways to accomplish that goal.
The sound of trickling or bubbling water can make surroundings more serene. A low-maintenance water feature can help to create a calming ambiance. A fountain that does not require a collection pond will reduce the chance it becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Locating the fountain out of the sun can keep algae growth at a minimum.
Outdoor lighting options include professionally installed, hardwired lights on the home itself or accent lighting that draws attention to trees or architectural structures on the property. It also may include twinkling lights, which some consider a must-have for any outdoor retreat. Lights come in all types and price points. Hang them on porches, pergolas or cement posts inside decorative planters and then string lights between the posts. This way the lighting can be moved around as desired.
A comfortable outdoor loveseat or chairs may be a focal point of the yard, but build in some additional cozy spots specifically for lounging around. Nestle a hammock in a quiet corner of the yard, or enhance a chaise lounge with throw pillows and a large umbrella for napping poolside.
Plants can transform any space. Use a combination of planted varieties around the yard, then enhance certain areas with potted plants as needed. Plants can make an area more warm and inviting, plus they give butterflies, bees and hummingbirds places to stop by and visit. Consider the help of a professional landscaper to bring a vision of a lush, plant-filled retreat to life.
With some unique landscape architecture, the pool or hot tub can be built right into the landscape, making it a cohesive part of the design. This can make the yard seem even more like an oasis, especially when the pool is flanked by a waterfall or bubbling fountain.
Thanks to wireless speakers that rely on Bluetooth technology, it’s easy to have music piped right into the backyard. Set up a wireless speaker in an inconspicuous spot, such as inside a planter or in the rafters of a gazebo.
Turning a backyard into an oasis can provide the respite many people look for on their properties.
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American homeowners spent 14 hours outside every week in 2021, which was 3 hours more than prior to the pandemic.
Private backyards are now go-to spaces for recreation and entertainment and great places to recharge the body and mind. One ripple effect of the COVID19 pandemic was more time spent outdoors, even if it was predominantly on one’s own property. OnePoll, in conjunction with the lawn care company TruGreen, surveyed 2,000 American homeowners and found participants spent 14 hours outside every week in 2021, which was three hours more than prior to the pandemic. In addition, respondents admitted that time spent outdoors was therapeutic.
A separate survey conducted for the International Casual Furnishings Association found that people now spend more time relaxing, gardening, exercising, dining, and entertaining outside than in years past. Though COVID-19 may no longer dominate headlines, the desire to enjoy outdoor spaces has not waned. While enjoying outdoor living areas, homeowners can do all they can to make these spaces comfortable and welcoming. The following are some good starting points.
Outdoor spaces can be enjoyed no matter the hour when there is ample lighting. That could be why the International Casual Furnishings Association reports those who plan to renovate their outdoor spaces list outdoor lighting as a priority. Outdoor lighting not only sheds light on entertaining spaces, but also makes spaces safer and more secure.
No matter how friendly homeowners are with their neighbors, there comes a time when privacy is paramount. Fencing, whether it is wood or vinyl, or even a natural fence made from closely planted hedges, can ensure residents feel comfortable venturing outdoors to swim, take a cat nap or even star gaze in private.
Homeowners should note the direction their backyard faces and the typical daily conditions of the space. For example, a yard that faces southwest may get plenty of strong
sun during the day, requiring the addition of shade trees, covered patios or arbors to cut down on the glare and heat. If the yard is often hit by winds, trees or bushes planted strategically as windbreaks can help.
High-quality comfortable seating increases the liklihood that homeowners will want to stay awhile in their outdoor spaces. A deep seating set complete with plush chairs, outdoor sofa or love seat and chaise lounge chairs gives people more opportunity to sit and stay awhile.
A pool can be the perfect gathering spot on a warm day, while a spa/ hot tub can bridge the gap to cooler weather. According to the Family Handyman, soaking in hot tubs can relax tired muscles after a long day, loosen up stiff joints, improve cardiovascular health, and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep.
Homeowners may want to consider using a professional exterminator to get rid of ticks, mosquitoes and other nuisance insects from outdoor spaces.
As people spend more time enjoying their properties, they can consider the many ways to make outdoor living spaces more comfortable.
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Summer is a season of relaxation when school is not in session, vacation season is in full swing and people everywhere are getting outside and soaking up the summer sun. It’s hard to imagine how that can get any better. But it can for people thinking of installing a pool in their backyard.
Pools definitely have a wow factor that’s hard to replicate. Homeowners considering pool installation can take note of these factors as they try to decide if a pool is right for them.
The cost to install a pool depends on a host of factors, including which type of pool homeowners are considering and where they live. According to the online home improvement resource Angi (formerly Angie’s list), the average cost to install an above ground pool in the United States in 2022 was $3,322, while the average inground pool installation in the same year was $55,000. That’s quite a disparity in price, and homeowners should know that the average cost of each project is higher in certain regions and under certain circumstances. Potential ancillary costs, such as excavation and plumbing relocation, will add to the final cost of the project. The erection of fencing around the pool if no fencing currently surrounds the area where the pool will be located also will add to the final cost.
As noted, above ground pools, on average, require a considerably smaller financial investment than inground pools. This is an important consideration, but which option may ultimately prove the better investment is worth researching. Homeowners can speak with a local real estate professional to determine if an inground pool or
above ground might yield a significantly higher return at resale. If an inground pool is likely to increase property value by a substantial amount, it could be well worth the extra upfront costs.
Pools are undeniably fun, but they still require maintenance. The experts at Better Homes & Gardens note that vinyl liners in pools last approximately six to 10 years, while painted concrete may require a fresh coat of paint every five years. Plaster finishes may last as long as 15 years, while cement-coated products can last a lifetime. Pools also need periodic cleaning, and chemicals to keep the pool operating safely and cleanly will require an additional, if somewhat minimal, financial investment. Homeowners investing in a new pool should be aware of the maintenance required to keep the pool clean and be willing to do that maintenance. And though homeowners typically can open and close pools on their own, it’s also possible to hire someone to do it for a relatively small fee each season.
Location
A survey of the land in a yard can reveal how smoothly a pool installation may or may not go. Though it’s possible to install a pool in just about any yard, some spaces might require greater preparation and pre-installation effort than others. Sloped backyards, for example, may require the services of a landscape architect to prepare the space, which can extend the time it takes to complete the project and add the overall cost.
These are just some of the factors that merit consideration when mulling a pool installation. A homeowners’ best resource might be a local pool company who can visit a home, provide an estimate and point out any challenges that may arise during the install.
Summer is peak travel season. Whether vacationers plan to travel internationally or domestically, they can expect to pay top dollar as they head off for parts unknown.
Much has been made of inflation over the last year-plus, as the cost of seemingly everything has risen considerably since early 2022. And the cost of travel has seemingly increased by an even greater percentage than the cost of groceries. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index indicates the cost of airfare increased by more than 25 percent between January 2022 and January 2023. Though travel has never been inexpensive, the rising costs noted in the Consumer Price Index have scared many consumers into staying home, However, consumers who want to travel but don’t want to break the bank can try various strategies as they seek to get out of the house this summer.
• Travel domestically. With airfare costs skyrocketing, now might not be the most budget-friendly time to travel overseas. Thankfully, would-be vacationers can still get away. Average gas prices in early spring 2023 hovered around $3.43 per gallon, which is nearly $1 less per gallon than the year prior. By driving to their destinations, vacationers can save substantial sums of money and also maintain greater control of their trips, something that isn’t always so easy in an era marked by routine flight delays and cancellations.
• Change your timeline. If a faraway dream destination beckons, travelers might still be able to make it work if they have the flexibility
THE COST OF AIRFARE INCREASED BY MORE THAN 25% between January 2022 and January 2023.
to alter their timelines. Rather than taking a Monday through Friday off from work, consider starting and ending a vacation in mid-week. It’s generally less expensive, and sometimes significantly so, to fly mid-week compared to flying FridayMonday.
• Cash in your credit card points. Another way to ensure summer travel doesn’t put a big dent in your savings is to utilize cash back rewards or airline miles linked to your credit card account. If you have a lot of cash and/or miles saved up, the coming summer of expensive travel could be the ideal time to use them.
• Consider a homestay over a hotel. Homestays, which includes bookings through sites such as Airbnb and VRBO, are typically much less expensive to book than hotel rooms. But homestays also save travelers money on food, as many listings feature fully operational kitchens that can help travelers avoid dining out three times per day over the duration of their trips.
Travel is a significant expense as consumers continue to confront sharp increases in prices on various goods and services. However, it’s still possible to vacation without breaking the bank.
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Water becomes the center of attention when the temperature climbs because of the cooling relief it can provide. Making a day of splashing through sprinklers, swimming laps in a pool or horsing around with friends at a waterpark is part of the summertime experience.
Even though most people equate summer fun with ocean escapes, those who do not live close to the coast often turn to other bodies of water to cool off and chill out. Lakes can be great places to spend summer afternoons and evenings. Discover how to make time at the lake even more fun with these ideas.
Cast your line right into the lake and take a shot at catching some fish. Bass, trout, perch, and pike may be interested in the bait hanging off of your hook. Be sure to check local fish and game ordinances to see if you need a license for fishing for the season, as well as the recreational size limits, possession limits and fishing seasons if you plan on keeping your catch.
Water sports and lakes often go hand-inhand. Certain water activities are easier on the calm waters of a lake than in the waves and swells of an ocean — particularly for
beginners. Canoes and kayaks are one- or two-passenger vessels that can be launched from just about anywhere. They make areas of the lake explorable that may not be accessible to large boats. Plus they require no fuel other than the power of rowing. If you prefer more speed, personal water craft like jet skis may be used on lakes in certain areas. Waterskiing or wakeboarding behind powerboats are some additional options for thrill-seekers.
Although tubing is often enjoyed on rivers where the rapids carry people along from a starting point to the end, those who desire a more relaxing day may opt for tubing on a lake. Tie several tubes together and create a fleet of friends or family floating leisurely under the sun. With the addition of a floating cooler full of drinks and snacks, you can stay out on the lake for hours.
If you’re lucky to have a lodge or restaurant dockside, you can enjoy a delicious meal overlooking a sunset on the lake. Time in or on the water can build up an appetite, which can be satiated by a meal while you listen to the water lap against the shoreline. Days at the lake can be memorable ways to spend summer vacations.
Come vacation season, individuals and families are fixated on finding something fun to do while they are off from school or work. Immediate thoughts of vacationing probably call to mind hopping a plane to some far-away destination, but vacationing also can take place right at home. The popularity of the staycation reached new heights when people were grounded close to home during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the stay-at-home vacation isn’t showing any signs of disappearing just yet — especially with inflation and financial instability sparking concern among consumers. Many people are continuing to keep their passports stashed away for another year and looking for adventures closer to home.
Just because people are not traveling great distances doesn’t mean they can’t experience the perks of a full-fledged vacation. The following are some ways to make a staycation feel like a true getaway.
Part of what makes vacationing so fun is getting a break from kitchen duty for a few days. Even if you’re staycationing, you can still let someone else be responsible for your meals. Purchase bulk items that hotel breakfast bars typically stock and set them up buffet-style at home. As family members awake, they can help themselves to the offerings. Set aside a reasonable budget for takeout or restaurant dining. Pick one night of the staycation when you splurge on a more elaborate meal at a restaurant you always wanted to try.
It’s easy to overlook nearby sights and attractions when you live in a particular area. But part of vacationing is taking in the local points of interests. Find sights that make your town or city unique and then enjoy a day or two as a tourist.
Book an activity you’ve never tried before, such as an afternoon at a driving range or a skydiving simulation center. Excursions often are part of vacations, so simulate those experiences while on staycation.
Beachside trips are quite popular for vacations, and they can be the same for those on a staycation. Find out if a beach club offers day passes or perhaps you can utilize a guest pass from a club member and while away the hours enjoying the sand and surf.
Staycations can take a page from traditional vacations, offering the same enjoyment only closer to home.
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Extended summer vacations may get all of the glory, but individuals and families needn’t feel pressured to go away on week-long trips to get the rest and relaxation they deserve. There is plenty to be said for weekend getaways as well.
Working oneself ragged is no way to enjoy life. In fact, a person could be doing harm to his or her health by working too much, which may lead to lost productivity and burnout in the long run. Experts agree that getting away could be good for mental health. According to psychotherapist Jonathan Alpert, who is the author of “Be Fearless: Change Your Life in 28 Days,” a weekend trip can boost mental and emotional health. Alpert says smaller vacations even “pack a bigger punch” than longer ones. Neuroscientists have found that getaways can evoke feelings of calm, banish stress and enable the mind to heal. Furthermore, according to a Gallup study, those who make time for regular trips score higher on the Gallup-Well-Being Index. Weekend getaways simply may be easier to schedule than longer vacations.
The following are some ways to make the most of weekend getaways and why these getaways are so beneficial.
• Plan ahead. Weekend getaways generally do not need extensive
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planning. The logistics are much easier when there are only one or two nights involved in an overnight stay. Sometimes weekend getaways are only day trips, which makes them even easier to set up.
• Bring pets along. Short stays may mean it is easier to bring pets. Quite often hotel chains and even homestay accommodations allow pets with the inclusion of a pet cleaning fee. This saves on having to find a pet sitter or a boarder to watch pets while you are away.
• Book a different locale a few times a month. Weekend getaways are more affordable than lengthier trips, which means you can see various sights without a big investment. Unlike longer vacations that tie travelers to a specific destination for the duration of the trip, weekend jaunts are short stops at different spots. Try various cities and towns on for size.
• Avoid boredom. Anyone who has booked an extended trip away has at times had some boredom set in when the initial wow factor of the resort or trip wears off. In some instances, it may seem as if you’ve exhausted the list of things to do. Weekend getaways are anything but boring because you’re packing so many things to do into a short amount of time.
• Keep a to-go bag packed. When the mood hits you, you can dart off to a weekend escape. Keep a packed bag with some essentials at the ready so there’s no overthinking the vacation process.
• Become a loyalty member. Investigate the loyalty programs of various hotel chains. This way if you find a chain you like and book stays regularly you can earn rewards points. These points may be redeemed for upgrades or even free rooms over time.
Weekend getaways are great ways to rest and recharge without the commitment of time and planning required of longer excursions.
Smaller vacations “pack a bigger punch” than longer ones.— Jonathan Alpert author of “Be Fearless: Change Your Life in 28 Days,”
Awarm breeze on a summer day embodies the spirit of this beloved season for millions of people. Seen by many as a season to relax and recharge, summer, not coincidentally, goes hand in hand with leisure.
With more time on their hands due to vacations from school and work and less hectic activity schedules, particularly for families that include school-aged children, individuals often find summer affords more time for leisure. With that in mind, people from all walks of life can consider these summertime leisure activities.
• Relax by the water: Whether it’s a pool, lake or even the ocean, the water beckons each summer. Simply sitting on a beach or beside a lake or pool is a great way to pass the time without much stress. Nothing needs to be scheduled when relaxing poolside, lakeside or on a beach; simply enjoy some time to relax by the water.
• Paddleboarding: Paddleboarding is another leisurely way to spend a summer day. Paddleboarding requires physical exertion, so this might not be the ideal activity for those looking to relax without lifting a finger. However, paddleboarders typically take to the water when it’s at its most calm, making this a great activity for those who want to capitalize on peaceful, serene summer vibes.
• Fishing: Few activities may be more relaxing than fishing. Though there are many different ways to fish, some of which require considerable physical effort, casting a line and waiting for a fish to bite is a relaxing way to spend a day in nature. That might not seem like much to novices, but spending time in nature has been found to reduce stress and lower heart rates, which the U.S. Forest Service notes are both risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
• Read: Books make for great companions on warm summer afternoons. Reading is such a popular summer pastime that many bookstores set up displays featuring books that make for great beach reads, providing inspiration for individuals who aren’t sure which book or books to dive into this summer. And much like other summertime leisure activities, reading has been linked to reducing stress. A 2009 study from researchers at the University of Sussex in England found that reading can reduce stress by as much as 68 percent.
• Visit a museum: On summer afternoons when it’s raining or too hot outside or individuals simply want to spend some time indoors, a museum makes for the perfect place to visit. Museums do not typically draw crowds in summer, making this an ideal season to visit. Many offer discounted prices to individuals like seniors and students, so this is a great way to relax without breaking the bank.
Summer is a season of leisure, and there are many activities that align with that spirit of relaxation.
The excitement of an upcoming vacation can be eclipsed by the frustration and stress that sometimes results from air travel. While vacations are often intended to alleviate stress, the sheer task of getting to a destination can compromise that goal.
Traveling by air can be an ordeal for a variety of reasons. Busy airports can be challenging to navigate, especially when pressed for time. There’s also the possibility of lost luggage and the anxiety that comes with going through TSA and potentially customs if you are flying internationally. Of course, some people are simply nervous about flying as well.
The good news for reluctant air travelers is that there are many ways to cut down on the stress surrounding flying.
• Enroll in TSA PreCheck. Individuals in the United States who are citizens, lawful permanent residents and U.S. nationals may be able to avoid the long lines at TSA by becoming members of PreCheck. For a fee that covers five years and after a background check, approval, fingerprinting and interview, PreCheck enables members to skip the removal of shoes and jackets as well as other TSA protocol. It is valid for domestic and international flights from more than 200 U.S.based airports. Similarly, there is a Global Entry program to expedite the customs process.
• Weigh before you go. Paying extra for luggage is no fun. Measure luggage and put it on a scale before heading to the airport to make sure it does not exceed size and weight
limits. Account for any souvenirs or items that you may bring home as well.
• Get a travel perks credit card. Certain credit cards enable you to earn not only points toward travel miles and discounted flights, but also some additional benefits. For example, you may be able to enjoy priority boarding if you are a cardholder or gain access to special member lounges while you wait for flights. These perks can go a long way toward making flying more comfortable.
• Skip the bag check. Pack light and only bring a carry-on bag to save time when the flight lands.
• Download the airline app. There’s much to be said about technology, especially when it can streamline travel. Airline apps can be used to purchase tickets and have boarding passes available to be scanned at check-in. In addition, airline apps can keep you apprised of flight delays and boarding gates. These are a few of the ways to reduce the stress of air travel.
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