As the school year winds down and the days grow longer, summer break beckons with its promise of relaxation and adventure. Even if you’re working full-time, summer just has a different vibe—fewer cars on the road, colleagues taking time off, and a general sense of ease in the air.
Before our son was born, my husband and I were enthusiastic travelers. As teachers with summers off, we seized every opportunity to explore the world. One summer, we spent six weeks in Australia and New Zealand, to the point where our friends wondered if we’d ever return! It’s always amusing when locals ask how we managed so much time off and then suggest we move there to teach. True story! We might have considered it, had we not just bought our forever home.
As summer approaches, the inevitable question arises: “What are your plans? Any travel on the horizon?” Honestly, the pandemic and parenthood have temporarily grounded our globetrotting. We have plenty of dream destinations, but this year, a major home renovation project has put our travel plans on pause. At least for now. It’s exciting, but it means staying put until we have a clear schedule.
This brings us to the joy of savoring the moments right here. We’re diving into local adventures, exploring our area more thoroughly. Maybe we’ll find a kid-friendly Airbnb for a change of scenery, or just embark on fun day trips. Who says summer plans need to be extravagant? Just today, I took our son to a nearby farm, and he had an absolute blast! We’re lucky to live in an area brimming with amazing experiences.
Who knows what this summer holds? We might go on our first camping trip, hit the beach, or discover new parks and playgrounds. I’ve realized it’s perfectly fine not to have grand summer travel plans. We’ll get back to that eventually. For now, it’s all about appreciating the here and now.
“Life is a journey, not a destination.”
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Your summer plans don’t have to be extravagant. What can you do to enjoy where you are right now?