Poll of the Day > I have so much vacation time built up but nothing to go do with it.

(+) Yeah! (+)

I dont really understand travel and am content with my current social life and amount of time I get for hobbies. I dont really want to sell it, but idk how Id use it. I did go to Hawaii last year and it was fun, but also kinda a hassle and I missed my cat a lot.

My girlfriend isnt really into travel. I do like going back to see family, but going 1-3 times a year is really enough for me.

And it feels bad just taking the time off to play video games, like I shouldve worked and got the money. But I dont want to sell my days.

But really, travel? Does anyone else find it more hassle than its really worth in time/effort?

Depends where you go and what you do. Family vacations are good for the family...but usually not for me. Relaxing getaways with the wife and me are great, though. We've recently learned that when you go to an all-inclusive in Mexico you don't actually have to go on excursions and see things: it's OK to simply be lazy for several days.

My dog is great, but she can go a few days without me.

Suggestion: don't do anything big. Just drive to a hotel in a town halfway nearby (up to a 8-10ish hour drive, say) that you've never been to and don't plan to do a whole lot other than eating at new restaurants/walking around. Just breaking up the routine is half of the fun. The planning part can suck, so don't plan to do a lot if you don't want to.

I drove from Minnesota to St Louis a couple years ago. Minus the arch and the BBQ it's more or less the same as the Twin Cities, but it was a good time anyways. And non-stressful.

Or if you have the funds a trip down to a Mexican all-inclusive is a lot cheaper than Hawaii and easier (i.e. the all-inclusive part). An adults-only Iberostar - or something - is nice (after you get past the questionable transportation/check-in processes, anyways).

wpot posted...

We've recently learned that when you go to an all-inclusive in Mexico you don't actually have to go on excursions and see things: it's OK to simply be lazy for several days.

By that point, one has to wonder, what is the point of going to an all-inclusive far away (long travelling time) instead of one closer by?

Travel for some good, good food then

blu posted...

But really, travel? Does anyone else find it more hassle than its really worth in time/effort?

I have never traveled to a new location for a trip I planned and felt it wasn't worth the time, effort or expense.

A Caribbean beach is a rather different than hanging out in Minnesota. And I'm not aware of true all-inclusive resorts in the US that are both good and halfway affordable. The Caribbean ones have their issues, but they are also a different experience. And a direct flight from MN is only 4 hours; not bad at all (probably shorter than driving to a notable "nearby" city.

But that was my other point: there's nothing wrong with choosing to hang out at a hotel somewhere you haven't been. (But to be perfectly honest the cost might not be much different than Mexico depending on when you go, food/etc included)

Travel is a lot of fun. I avoid the busy highways and go see the countryside. A lot of cool places where you can just drive for like 15 minutes at a time and not see another single soul if you get real far out there. Plenty of nice spots to pull over and enjoy the nature, I've found some good trails that way. Even just cruising around on backroads is enjoyable and you can sometimes find neat abandoned architecture or some good places to eat, etc; Of course, if you already live in a rural area, I can see how that would not be anything new or interesting.

Taking time off just to play games can have just as much value as a roadtrip, all just up to you and what you value.

Spoilers: you don't have to go anywhere with vacation time. It's getting paid to do nothing.

blu posted...

And it feels bad just taking the time off to play video games, like I shouldve worked and got the money.

You already worked and earned the time off. There's no reason to feel bad about making use of it however you want.

Getting paid to lay around and play vidya gaems is the feckin' dream