Wednesday, May 28th, 2008...4:11 am
Vacate Your Car This Vacation
I posted last week about this notion of “locavacation,” vacationing locally as a way of saving money on gas. Building off of that idea, another way for you to be able to enjoy a vacation this summer without burning your budget with fuel costs is to figure out an all-inclusive-like trip. This way, once you arrive at your destination, you never (or rarely will) need your car again.
For people who live near big cities with extensive public transit systems, maybe this summer you could choose to vacation like a city mouse instead of a country mouse. For example, if you were to travel to Chicago or New York City, you could park your car at regional train station, take the train into the city, and then rely on walking and public transit to get around.
Should your plans take you to somewhere like Walt Disney World, you could have a similar experience. With a little bit of patience and some extra time budgeted into your day, you never have to get in your car if you’re staying within the park. Disney has a number of ways of getting its passengers from resort lodge to theme park to Downtown Disney. They last time we were there and stayed at the Wilderness Lodge, we took a boat to the monorail, and sometimes took a bus back. We only used our rental car to get to and from the airport.
Two summers ago we vacationed at Smugglers’ Notch in northern Vermont, best known as a ski resort but also an awesome place to spend a week in summer. Though our condo was up the mountain a bit, we walked down to the center of Smugglers’ Notch so my daughter’s could attend camp, we could go swimming or if we wanted to eat in one of the restaurants. Smuggler’s also has a free shuttle that guests can take around the grounds, and, for a fee, you can catch a ride via Segway. How cool is that? Many guests choose to get around by bicycle, too. Not only can you have a “green” vacation in a place like Smuggs (that’s its nickname) but you’ll also get mighty fit as well.
What are some ways that you can create an all-inclusive vacation for yourself, whether it be at a bona fide all inclusive or a locavacation that you plan on your own? I look forward to hearing your ideas and suggestions.
Since we live in the Rocky Mountains, where many people come to vacation, we have very close access (1-10 miles) to some really great recreation opportunities. Every little outing feels like a getaway. Sure, we might drive to a good trail, but that’s WAY better than the budgetary and environmental impact of flying somewhere. This year (and for many years prior) home is where the fun is for us.
I’ve been suggesting to people who visit the Jersey shore to really get to know the town they’re visiting instead of driving from spot to spot. Whenever I go to Cape May, I park the car and leave it for the weekend. Where I can’t walk, I can easily bike, and I know my mom bikes from shore town to shore town (she also bikes from Philadelphia to the shore every year, so it’s a breeze for her). Who knows? You might find something you never knew was in town before!
We’ve done that in Chicago. Taking the train is a stress reliever, too. Parking in Chicago is expensive and difficult!