Wednesday, September 22, 2010

The Nature of Vacations

We humans need vacations. Whether it is a long trip abroad or just a weekend escape, we need a respite from work, a break from the routine, a chance to rest the mind and recharge the soul. Thanks to the complexities of modern travel, not all vacations prove to be as relaxing as we might hope but, in the end, most are worth the effort.

Nevertheless, vacations come with a price. Time away from our daily obligations allows them to accumulate in our absence. We return from our excursion to face an avalanche of bills, phone messages and emails. Some choose to stay in touch during their travels to put a dent in this billowing mass of correspondence; but, alas, this sacrifice yields only an illusion of progress.

In the end, it's best to respect the importance of down time, however brief it may be. Our physical and mental health depends on both the opportunity and the willingness to escape the stress of daily life. Adventure and tranquility beckon; mundane obligations can (and do) wait.