7 Vacation Destinations for When You Can't Take One

I don't know about you, but there are some days that I could really use a vacation.  Unfortunately, our busy lives don't always allow us to take leave. 

First off, let us vehemently stress that we're the first ones to advocate going on vacation anyway; life's way too short and work will be there next week.  But if a vacation is really out of the question, might we recommend at least taking a break from your same old routine.

It's easy to fall into a rut.  After all, we have schedules to manage and tasks to juggle.  Keeping to a routine helps us to get a lot done in an efficient manner.  Unfortunately, following the same routine day in and day out gets boring fast.  When you are focused on your mile long to-do list, you might not even notice.  But if you really think about it, we're taking bets that you could probably use a little pizzazz in your summer right about now.

So if you can't sneak away for a week (or at least a long weekend) we're giving you a week's worth of tips to at least allow for a break from your dull, tedious, repetitive, habitual, standard routine (have we made our point)?

Vacation Day 1-Be a Kid Again:  Who says that just because you're an adult you can no longer play with toys?  We couldn't disagree more, and summer is the perfect time to put our theory to the test.  Fly a kite, play a game of hopscotch, throw the Frisbee, build a sand castle, or create a work of art on the driveway with sidewalk chalk.  Lose yourself in the activity and feel your stress melt away.  The experts call this Play Therapy and you will pay $75.00 per hour or more to play in the confines of their offices.  Playing at home with your own toys: Priceless!

Vacation Day 2-Mix up your Morning:  Do you wake up to the same radio station or alarm tone every morning.  Talk about a routine!  Mix it up by bringing your iPod and docking station or speakers into the bedroom and start your day off with something a little more spirited and unexpected.  Use your favorite upbeat tune or may we recommend the William Tell Overture!  Honest, it starts your day off with a smile!  Get ready to take on the day!

Vacation Day 3-Spice Things Up:  Something a little out of the ordinary is all it takes to transport you from everyday life.  Revving up your pedicure with a flashy fuchsia polish or experimenting with a new shade of lipstick might be all it takes to transport you to a different place and time. 

Vacation Day 4-Get Back to Nature: When was the last time you walked in the rain without regard for flat hair or running mascara?  How about lying on the dewy grass gazing at the star-filled sky?  Whether you take a hike or visit the beach, getting in touch with nature has an amazing and almost instant healing effect. Taking a 5 minutes break to just listen to chirping birds or a babbling brook will instantly take you away.  Go ahead; try it right now.

Vacation Day 5-Relive the Memories: Think of a time when you felt limitless and carefree.  What was it that inspired that feeling?  Maybe you must regress way back to your childhood and time spent pursuing a favorite hobby.  Perhaps it was just the experience of reading a romance novel on the beach. Would it only take hearing an old song or smelling a specific scent to take you back to that time?  Whether it's an old 80's tune or the smell of Love's Baby Soft, make an effort to make it happen.  Sometimes it's the trips back in time that are the best.

Vacation Day 6-Plan an Adventure:  So you can't jet to Paris for a week; what's stopping you from experiencing an adventure closer to home (or even in your own backyard)?  Plan a mystery trip to a local destination you've always wanted to visit but just never have.  Or pitch a tent in the yard and light a bonfire at dusk.  Tell stories and roast marshmallows; as darkness falls you will find yourself transported to the most remote of campsites without stepping foot past your property line!

Vacation Day 7-Expand Your Mind to New Ways of Thinking: Take a community ed or online course and learn something new.  Or read a book on a topic you've always been interested in.  You might just stumble upon an new talent and a virtual destination that can help you "get away from it all" on a more regular basis!

The Soul Sisters

Soulspring of the Week:
"More than just yearly rituals in which we connect with friends and family, vacations are also exercises in self-definition. In affording time away from the demands of everyday life, vacations disclose what people choose to do rather than are required to do." ~Cindy Sondik Aron

Your Summer Bucket List

The 4th of July holiday tends to mark the half-way point of the summer season.  We don’t know about you, but we’re wondering where the first half of the summer went?  Time sure does fly, doesn’t it?

Don’t let the few remaining weeks of summertime get away from you.  Make the most of the sunshine and warm weather by creating a special "bucket list" specifically for summer!  Need some inspiration?  We’ve compiled a list of a few of our favorite summertime activities and we know you’ve probably got a few ideas of your own.  Create a list of things you want to be sure to do and experience before the days get shorter (and the snow flies)!

1. Get up before the crack of dawn and savor the sunrise.
2. Buy yourself a hula-hoop and give it a whirl.
3. Wait for a warm rain (no hail, wind, or lightning please) and dance in it.
4. Find the most perfect picnic location, pack up your favorite foods in a basket, and have a picnic.
5. Go fly a kite up where the air is clear.
6. Here’s a real adventure if you’re feeling a little risqué? Go skinny dipping!
7. Get in touch with your inner child and blow some bubbles.
8. Be a do-gooder and volunteer for a day.
9. Be an astrologer for a night and lay out under the stars.
10. Try all 31 Baskin Robbins flavors.
11. Act like a kid again and instigate a water fight.
12. Combine the perfect shade tree with a perfect book for an afternoon of reading.
13. Make memories with the outdoors as your backdrop.  Schedule a family photo session with a photographer.
14. Connect with nature. Go on a nature hike with a camera and see how many species of flower you can capture on “film”.
15. Dream up some fantastic architecture and build a sand castle.
16. Show your team spirit and attend a Minor League baseball game.
17. Enjoy all-natural produce by visiting (and purchase from) a local farmer’s market.
18. Capture light by catching fire flies in a jar (but be kind and release them again).
19. Get creative with your grill – think pizzas, quesadillas, salads, and desserts!
20. Create a summer playlist. Pull together your favorite tunes for the season.
21. Head north and view the Northern Lights.
22. Take a day off work and surprise your kids by playing outside games all day!
23. Plan a mystery day trip for you and your group of besties!
24. Enjoy “the arts” in the great outdoors!  Attend an outdoor concert or live production in the park.
25. Find an outdoor eating establishment in your area and enjoy dining al fresco.
26. Toss out the maps – just pick a direction and drive for a day.  See what amazing things you can discover.
27. Forget about the PGA. Play a round at a miniature golf course.
28. Indulge in homemade lemonade on a hot day.
29. Make homemade ice cream. No maker – no worries.  Try this!
30. Spread some love. Pick flowers and leave them on someone’s desk, doorstep, windshield, etc.
31. See something on a HUGE screen. Attend a movie in a local park or go back in time at a drive-in theater.

Yes, don't forget to have some fun this summer.  We would love to hear about your experiences so please report back with a comment below!

The Soul Sisters

Soulspiration of the Week:
"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." ~C. S. Lewis