Free and Fun: Travel Needn’t Always Be Pricey

Lately, we’ve all heard a lot about StayCations, those trips close to home that allow us to re-charge our batteries but don’t eat up our wallet at the same time. Often it’s the simple things in life that have the most kick, years later when reminiscing about “the good ole days.” I recall trips to Cambra, PA, to my Aunt Avis’ house to “burn leaves” — yes, a chore for the family — but fun for me and my cuz Pam who enjoyed romping and basically destroying the mountains of leaves as much as raking them. So it is with vacations. Many times, you remember the romp in the surf with your siblings, the stop along the road for viewing wildlife or a trip to the airport to watch planes take off. Travel isn’t always about pricey trips to exotic locales. It isn’t simply about planned vacations with every detail arranged. It’s about spontaneity, being with people you love, and enjoying the simpler — and often surprising – things in life that are fun and fanciful. It’s about learning, exploring, and going beyond yourself. It’s about seeing new sights and meeting new people. And about getting out of your comfort zone to feel a part of something bigger in the world. So this week head for the beach, the mall, the local state park, the museum with a free evening entry, or a fun festival. Eat more ice cream. See more sights. Dream more dreams. And smile at the wonders of life, often simple things that don’t have a price.