The goal of my recent getaway vacation was very different from what I usually do, and recommend to others. I had no plans to see the historic, cultural or other sites at my intended destination or visit museums. I skipped well-known white tablecloth restaurants, entertainment lounges and other places designed to provide diversions and distractions.
Instead, I was seeking a do-nothing holiday. I longed for hours of inactivity. I sought to give both my body and my mind a respite from the usual stress and strains that are part of everyday life.
Whatever your work — be it physically challenging or mentally demanding, or the setting where you live – urban, suburban or rural – the day-to-day challenges that arise create their share of up and downs, highs and lows. I sought to relax and rejuvenate in an environment that requires few decisions, without computer or cell phone, deadlines or drudgery.
The Choice of Do-Nothing Vacation Places Is Virtually Endless
Depending upon personal preferences, the time of year and other factors, the choice of where to go and what to do – or not do – can be as broad as your imagination. How about a getaway to Hawaii or a Caribbean island? Maybe a winter retreat at a snowed-in cabin with a roaring fire and good books to read.
Wherever the will to escape the grind of daily life leads you, the important thing is to identify anxiety-producing activities and leave them behind. Exchange “What needs to be done” and “When is my deadline” for “How long should I lounge on the beach” and “Can I get a little umbrella in my beverage?”
Instead of the challenge of planning a lengthy itinerary, trying to coordinate preferences with travel companions and scanning the Internet for suggestions about restaurants, take a deep breath, exhale and let your body, and mind, relax.
My do-nothing vacation – more accurately, do very little – took me to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. It occupies a site along the Atlantic coastline which was inhabited by Native American tribes when the first Europeans arrived in the 17th century.
Hanging Out with the Bidens
Construction of a boardwalk in 1873 led to the village becoming a tourist destination. Today, it attracts sun-seekers from nearby states and Washington, DC, including members of Congress, other government officials and President and First Lady Joe and Jill Biden, who own a beach house nearby.
Figuring that if it’s good enough for Joe and Jill it should meet my standards, I loaded up my car and set off to experience and enjoy my do-nothing retreat. When I reached Rehoboth Beach, my first impression was not comforting.
Throngs of flip-flop-clad people crowded the boardwalk lined with amusement arcades, T-shirt shops and fast-food eateries. Screams of delight and fright rang out from a water park and Go Kart speedway. I immediately realized what the challenge for my R&R plan would be, and proceeded to execute it.
First, it was time for a snack. I sauntered up to one of the ubiquitous Thrasher’s French Fries take-outs, placed my order and strolled to a nearby bench to enjoy it.
Next door was one of numerous T-shirt shops located along the boardwalk so I took time to read messages displayed on items in the window. “If a man says he will fix it, he will, so there’s no need to remind him every six months.” “Exercise? I thought you said extra fries.”
Watching the World Pass By
As I continued to munch the best fries I’ve enjoyed anywhere, I began to observe the endless stream of passers-by and make up stories about those who caught my attention. That distinguished-looking man may be a Wall Street millionaire. The lovely lady? Perhaps a model. A slim, towering youth? No doubt a basketball player.
Next on my agenda was to unwind on the sand. Lolling beneath an umbrella, beverage in hand, I took turns glancing at my beach read book, watching people of all ages venture into the surf and chuckling at the seagulls circling low in the sky as they searched for morsels of fallen food, their shrieks and cries vying for attention with the sound of the surf.
As the sun dipped toward the horizon, my thoughts turned to dinner. Taking the short walk back to my beach-front hotel, I paused to relax for a while on a comfortable chair set up on the porch overlooking the ocean. After a shower and change of clothes, I headed for one of the many casual beach bars to get dinner. No fancy fine-dining meal for me. I chose Zogg’s Raw Bar & Grill which serves fresh-from-the-sea food at budget-stretching prices.
Mission Accomplished
As I headed home at the end of my refreshing mini-trip, I said to myself: Mission accomplished. The only choices I had faced were how best to revitalize my mind and body, which book to read, where to have meals and what to order. I had taken advantage of the time and space I had given myself for a mental reset.
I returned reinvigorated and ready and willing to face a stack of bills to be paid, emails and phone calls to be returned and travel stories to be written. This is the first one I wanted to share, with its message of rest, relaxation and recuperation.
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