With summer quickly approaching, many of us think of putting on our traveling shoes. Just thinking about going somewhere new or different, or maybe even to a favorite vacation spot, can leave us itching to get started.
I think for a lot of people, a big part of the excitement is getting away from it all. Some folks also choose to leave their laptops and cell phones at home so they’re totally free from outside distractions, which I think is great!
One of our favorite spots to travel is the beach (as you’ve probably guessed!) but we have other favorites, as well.
And sometimes, you can even slip on your traveling shoes and not have to travel very far at all. Because of the economy currently, a lot of people are choosing to seek shorter destinations or simple day trips.
When our children were little and money was tight, we’d often plan adventures to the park, zoo, nature center, or town library. Sometimes, we’d simply grab a couple of sandwiches and throw a blanket in the back yard for an impromptu picnic. We were creative and believed that a respite could be found just about anywhere.
Today, I realize that “traveling” can be a state of mind. As writers, that’s what we often do when we busily tap away at the keyboard and visit our characters’ hometowns. Through words, we’re transported to their homes, the states in which they live, the places they may visit, and even where they work. (Sometimes through our research, we can almost imagine we’re right there with them!)
In the series that I’m creating, the setting is a quaint, little town nestled deep within the Ozarks where folks are friendly and life moves at a much slower pace. Some may put on their traveling shoes for a time, but they usually find there’s no place like home.
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A question for you to think about…When you slip on your traveling shoes, where would be the most likely spot you’d be found?
Comments 8
One of our favorite family destination is Destin, FL. My husband and I actually were married on the beach there. 🙂 It’s very family friendly, has gorgeous beaches, lots of good shopping (outlet malls) and good food. But if I could go anywhere, it would be Ireland or Germany. Since I’m German/Irish, I’d love to visit the lands of my heritage.
Author
I’ve heard Destin is lovely, Tanya! And our son went to Ireland several years ago, and it’s every bit as lush and green as you can imagine. And my grandmother was of German descent, as well, so I’d like to visit Germany, too.
I’m a Dorothy and firmly believe “there’s no place like home.” I love where I live and feel no need to vacate. That said, homebody me will be in New York City in June when I attend RWA® Nationals and St. Louis in September when I attend the American Christian Fiction Writers conference. As I like to say, writing is taking my places. 🙂
Author
Ohhh, I’m a homebody, too, Keli! But I’m learning to adjust, as well. Kinda hard to anticipate doing a booksigning from my kitchen table-ha! (Of course, I haven’t had THAT call yet, but I’m preparing.) I pray I’m able to go to the ACFW conference, also!
Time to wander usually finds us visiting family in West Virginia, or on a family vacation to Orlando, Fla. But if just the two of us get to slip away for a weekend, we usually head south to Elizabeth City, or beautiful Edenton, North Carolina; both a much slower pace of life, near water.
Author
You know, Patti, my husband has promised to one day “retire” me on the water! In a good way, of course! : ) I do so LOVE the water!
We generally like to stay home and time off for me often means time to loll around in my pajamas writing and fiddling around the house. When we do go somewhere, it’s often nearby–Abingdon, VA; Charleston, SC. OR it’s to see family in SC or WV. That’s where travels take me most often!
Author
Love “lolling” in my P.J.’s, Sarah! I enjoy traveling, but it’s always nice to come home, too.