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Summertime when the living is easy and the weather is warm. Rest is essential to the human spirit. Even Jesus took time to rest! With COVID fatigue hovering in the rearview mirror, folks are ready to get out and away. The new challenge is inflation.
The average cost of a domestic round-trip flight is $354; an international round-trip flight @ $861. The average cost of a one-week vacation in the U.S. for one person is $1,558; for two people $3,116. Still, 63% of Americans plan to get away this summer. A recent survey showed that 74% will vacation within the U.S. (most popular are beaches in Maryland, Florida and South Carolina), while 26% will vacation abroad (most popular are Canada, The Caribbean & Mexico).
Taking a long weekend vacation is one way of mitigating the costs vs. the traditional 5 to 7 day or longer extended periods. Another cost cutting trend is ditching the hotel room in favor of an Airbnb or Vrbo. And, the increasingly popular stay-vacation is always an option, providing the opportunity to discover surrounding treasures – museums, parks, restaurants – and perhaps the joy of lounging in your own back yard.
Gasoline prices considered, 36% percent of road travelers will choose destinations that are closer to home; while 26% of them will cut back on recreation and entertainment. Just the basics, please!
Yet, some choose to maximize their rest & relaxation potential by planning a vacation with a purpose. • Wellness/Spa Vacations – local, regional, national • Organizational Retreats – where people of like-mind come together • Music Festivals – i.e. Newport (RI), Capital (DC) Monterrey (CA), Montreal (Canada), Montreux (Switzerland), etc.However and wherever you decide to vacation, you have earned it.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.” Psalm 23:1-3 ESV
In all you do…B. Lifted!
Gwen Franklin
