Not Going on Vacation this Year? Plan and Research Now

Thoughts for today and fun Friday pictures  

 

Is it cool to darn socks?

Holes in Your Socks?

Now how many people actually know how to darn socks?  Do you take the time to mend them,  simply throw them out, or maybe you give them to good will?  Why not learn how to darn now?

In the business world and news, the current topic is around the recession - economy and jobs.  What does this really mean to you?  Will you be affected with this?  Will you go on a personal vacation?

Think of traveling like darning your socks this year.  You will need to find a way to stretch your dollars to do what you want to do.

If you are searching for work, I do understand the challenging times you may face. Many people don't think about this as their friends may go through the situation.  They don't know what your actual situation may entail - and, this is sometimes unfortunate that they include you in things to do without thinking about your personal struggles, expecting you to keep up with them.  Even though you have an abundance of time, are you really even thinking about a vacation for yourself right now?

You should. Even if you may not be able to afford the trip right now, why not escape from the work search everyday and go to the library to do research on where you really want to go once you get the job?  Many libraries even have tapes and videos of international languages and customs for low cost or free instruction that you may practice.

Personal vacations are time to get away, clear your mind, relax, and have some fun.  You can even have fun exploring the attractions close to home - places you never seem to have the time while working. Its less crowded and a chance to get away from your busy thoughts.

Remember to be alert and plan carefully. Some things you may do now:

1.  Start to plan your future vacations in advance rotating periodically – example is planning a vacation every six months.  This will be one of your daily goals.  If you are working or once you find work, set aside a few dollars everyday for your adventure.  Now you have that schedule ready when you return to work.

2.  Travel to a local region or within USA.  Don't forget places like Glacier National Park and Alaska are always changing environments - take the time to see now.  They may not be as expensive as other regions.

3.  Solo travel is fun, yet not for everyone.  What group do you hang out with?  Fuel surcharges and hotel rooms may be expensive. Traveling with a group helps by splitting expenses between your friends.  These may be people in your book groups, knitting groups, lawn bowling group, facebook group, family group – what groups are you active with?  Find out who might go with you and set aside dates now.

4.  Since you have the time to research right now, make a list of places locally in the region like deli’s restaurants for meals, grocery stores, events.  Picnics are fun and not to expensive and you will enjoy the scenery.  Prepare for souvenirs now - assembling your digital images, buy charms and make your own earrings, bracelets, and key chains.  They make great gifts - even send local region souvenirs to your family and friends in other regions.  If you want to travel internationally, remember to save now and pay cash as much as you can.  Don't charge credit cards.

This gives you another reason to accelerate your job search (or to keep that job you have now).


Research your ideas now.  And remember to stretch those dollars you do have.   

Darning socks can be cool! Don't let one hole in your sock get you down right now.  

Make a Goal like: Switzerland Shopping

 
 Schedule that vacation into your life plan ~ The Fun Tour Guru

(By the way, the above story comes from listening to many of the unemployed and underemployed stories still active around us. I hope to give them tips to help out.)
Sock image - courtesy of Microsoft Clipart

Round-About (Literally) in Santa Cruz, CA

Are we in London, England?  

Check out this new change locally, Round-About in Santa Cruz, on your way to the Beach Boardwalk and Wharf.  Sometimes we aren't privy to the local why's when they do things. You can tell there is significant traffic.  Does it help? Or do you get dizzy? Have you seen this? 

What about large tour motor-coaches? 

Welcome comments! 

There are lots of improvements just completed this summer - slow down, be careful, and enjoy! 

 

Keeping abreast the new changes in Northern California ~ The Fun Tour Guru

Sailing in San Francisco on the Adventure Cat, Catamaran

I seem to be isolated here in the San Francisco bay region without many trips afar this year.  I appreciate that many people are coming inbound to see our local area.  I am grateful to be in a region like this – surrounded with so many things to do with all the beauty around us and pleasant weather.  

Returning to San Francisco this week, I share one my favorite things to do.   I know this sounds like a Julie Andrews' Sound of Music cliche, it is fun to focus on some of my own favorites occasionally.

A not-so-secret fun activity in San Francisco is sailing on the bay.  I have done several types - normal sightseeing cruises, yachts, canoes, and even had a chance to go on a private sailboat on the bay.  Try this escapade on board a Catamaran. 

I found the Adventure Cat Sailing Charters (800) 498-4228, an excellent, inexpensive, up-close experience. You will go on board one of two catarmarans and enjoy your escape from the real world for one and a half hours.  Without the crowds, you will glide across the bay and see familiar sights in a much different way.  Fort Baker, Alcatraz and Angel Islands, views of the city, and activities on the bay.  And, the crew loves kids on board.

I enjoy the fact there are no lines to stand in before getting on board. Advance reservations are necessary, when you arrive, just walk around behind Pier 39, past the other long bay cruise lines, to the Adventure Cat gate where you will be met by one of the personable, friendly crew.

Additional fun details may be found in my Adventure Cat Suite101.com article I wrote last year – and adult ticket prices $35 (day) and $50 (evening sail) - children tickets are less. 

Call me, if you want to go ~ I am always up for an Adventure Cat sail!

Where would YOU like to go? ~ The Fun Tour Guru

Yep, all pictures are property of The Fun Tour Guru (D West)

Word Cloud Tools to Use With Our Blogs

What is the word theme throughout our blog? Share comments with us below or on facebook.

 

I indulged in this fabulous way to add some spice to blogs and websites. This word cloud was created by tagxedo.com tool.  I found by reading this Small Business Trends article, A Creative Way to Reach Out to Bloggers.  

What do YOU think?