This reminds me of one of my favorite movies: ROMAN HOLIDAY. In it, Audrey Hepburn played a princess on a state visit to various European countries, whose days are so crammed with activities that she nearly goes mad!
The last vacation I took was September of 2004. My husband & I drove down to visit his mother. Our older daughter was not quite 2 and I was pregnant with our younger girl. We ended up driving right into hurricane Ivan. We stayed with my husband’s sister (because his mother didn’t want us staying with her) and she let her younger daughter (just a year older than our girl) ransack our stuff. They complained when we said we wanted to go somewhere local for dinner; they wanted to go to a chain place that we have here at home. It wasn’t a great vacation.
My last vacation was six years ago. I spent 35 days in Ashkelon, Israel. I was living steps away from the Mediterranean Sea. A cup of coffee in the morning, a folding chair and my feet in the water. That was relaxation.
Way back in the early ’50’s we stayed at a small motel that was fascinating, in the Pennsylvania foothills. Whenever I see “It happened one night” I always remember it – it was just the same. Except for the blanket.
My family learned a big lesson a few years ago: There is a BIG difference between a “Trip” and a “Vacation.”
On a “Trip,” you visit, you plan, you do. It’s when you visit family, go to Disney, see NYC, etc. You are making memories and bombarding loved ones. There is a purpose to it, and it’s enjoyable, but it’s hectic and usually expensive.
On a “Vacation,” you rest, specifically getting away from doing things. IF you plan anything, it’s low-key, like an easy walk around the town where you’re staying or a stroll to smell out where you want to eat dinner. Most of your time is spent relaxing: either by a pool/beach, the scenic balcony in your room, out in nature, and ideally spending lots of quality time with your loved one(s). My favorite is getting a lakeside cabin in the mountains and alternating between board games, napping, and gentle walks in the woods.
In any case, it looks like John wants a “Vacation,” but he’s on a “Trip”
We went to the Jersey shore every year. For my Dad, it was five days of golf. For my Mom, it was five days at the beach. And they and the family we went with played bridge every night.
If you are visiting family, it’s not really a vacation, and I say that with the best of feelings! All that baggage gets heavy after a while (Ain’t talkin about suitcases either) ! ;-)
THIS is why I refuse to go on vacation and visit people.
My great aunt is habitual in planning a long list of things to do. If I wanted to go and DO stuff, I’d go on my own, or not visit people. I want to visit you aunty, not travel the city, after I travelled to see you!
Been on a few of those, I don’t want to be entertained or do the entertaining. Just a hammock in the sun and a margarita by my side and I’ll be just fine.
The_Great_Black President 3 months ago
John would not be stopping if he was driving down the highway then a beautiful blonde in a red Ferrari drove alongside him.
snsurone76 3 months ago
This reminds me of one of my favorite movies: ROMAN HOLIDAY. In it, Audrey Hepburn played a princess on a state visit to various European countries, whose days are so crammed with activities that she nearly goes mad!
Lucy Rudy 3 months ago
If they have never been to Vancouver before, it doesn’t take much energy to sightsee everywhere around there.
Argythree 3 months ago
Maybe now John might have a little more sympathy for Liz…
onionbuns 3 months ago
They’re visiting my neck of the woods (Vancouver).
BlitzMcD 3 months ago
Routine is a comfort zone. Vacations (aka holidays) can get us out of our comfort zones. And that’s not comfortable.
Wren Fahel 3 months ago
The last vacation I took was September of 2004. My husband & I drove down to visit his mother. Our older daughter was not quite 2 and I was pregnant with our younger girl. We ended up driving right into hurricane Ivan. We stayed with my husband’s sister (because his mother didn’t want us staying with her) and she let her younger daughter (just a year older than our girl) ransack our stuff. They complained when we said we wanted to go somewhere local for dinner; they wanted to go to a chain place that we have here at home. It wasn’t a great vacation.
TMMILLER Premium Member 3 months ago
My last vacation was six years ago. I spent 35 days in Ashkelon, Israel. I was living steps away from the Mediterranean Sea. A cup of coffee in the morning, a folding chair and my feet in the water. That was relaxation.
GirlGeek Premium Member 3 months ago
I have to be honest, it’s your fault for visiting both sets of grandparents. You didn’t have to be that or you didn’t have to do it at the same time.
BJDucer 3 months ago
The last panel…some mothers never stop being a mommy.
mrsdonaldson 3 months ago
They should stop at a hotel in between to have a day or two to just lie by the pool.
KageKat 3 months ago
In my experience, a good vacation has time for activities AND relaxation, but I think that also depends on if you have family in the area or not.
smokysilver.so Premium Member 3 months ago
Way back in the early ’50’s we stayed at a small motel that was fascinating, in the Pennsylvania foothills. Whenever I see “It happened one night” I always remember it – it was just the same. Except for the blanket.
Irish53 3 months ago
How old is Ellie? Her parents look like they’re about 100.
LightWarriorK 3 months ago
My family learned a big lesson a few years ago: There is a BIG difference between a “Trip” and a “Vacation.”
On a “Trip,” you visit, you plan, you do. It’s when you visit family, go to Disney, see NYC, etc. You are making memories and bombarding loved ones. There is a purpose to it, and it’s enjoyable, but it’s hectic and usually expensive.
On a “Vacation,” you rest, specifically getting away from doing things. IF you plan anything, it’s low-key, like an easy walk around the town where you’re staying or a stroll to smell out where you want to eat dinner. Most of your time is spent relaxing: either by a pool/beach, the scenic balcony in your room, out in nature, and ideally spending lots of quality time with your loved one(s). My favorite is getting a lakeside cabin in the mountains and alternating between board games, napping, and gentle walks in the woods.
In any case, it looks like John wants a “Vacation,” but he’s on a “Trip”
mindjob 3 months ago
Being retired, everyday is a vacation
rshive 3 months ago
We went to the Jersey shore every year. For my Dad, it was five days of golf. For my Mom, it was five days at the beach. And they and the family we went with played bridge every night.
Snolep 3 months ago
My last vacation was a week in the Berkshires, an hour and a half’s drive from home. No planes or trains anymore, thank you.
Billys mom2022 3 months ago
John sounds like me, I am so ready to go home after a few days away.
ladykat 3 months ago
John and Ellie are tired. Do something with Liz and April and let them relax for a day or so.
NeedaChuckle Premium Member 3 months ago
I have to fly out to a wedding, not overly thrilled about it. Not too far but airports are such a pain.
John Jorgensen 3 months ago
The strain of traveling seems to have caught up with him all at once. Or maybe he just has more time for his family than he has for his in-laws.
Either way, this is the second day in a row where he needs alcohol to feel normal. Should we start worrying?
lnrokr55 3 months ago
If you are visiting family, it’s not really a vacation, and I say that with the best of feelings! All that baggage gets heavy after a while (Ain’t talkin about suitcases either) ! ;-)
car2ner 3 months ago
We like taking our motorhome to visit. That way everyone gets some time apart when needed.
Strawberry King 3 months ago
Don’t remind them.
lisaegray 3 months ago
“Vacation” means so many different things to so many different people! (And I’m with him…)
Allan CB Premium Member 3 months ago
THIS is why I refuse to go on vacation and visit people.
My great aunt is habitual in planning a long list of things to do. If I wanted to go and DO stuff, I’d go on my own, or not visit people. I want to visit you aunty, not travel the city, after I travelled to see you!
ILoveHistory 3 months ago
Is it for better or for worse?
sincavage05 3 months ago
Been on a few of those, I don’t want to be entertained or do the entertaining. Just a hammock in the sun and a margarita by my side and I’ll be just fine.
[Unnamed Reader - 14b4ce] 3 months ago
The longer the vacation,the more you need a vacation FROM the vacation
kittygatos 3 months ago
Ever think about telling people you’re going on a vacation, then actually staying at home?