Disconnect & Relax
A True Vacation Means Experiencing Travel Fully Unplugged
Los Angeles, CA – March 28, 2005 – When was the last time you took a vacation? This means a REAL vacation, where you were not mixing business, family obligations or fitness activities into the trip. This is not a trick question, but certainly one that most of us have a hard time answering, according to the experts at ALL-TRAVEL.com, the leading provider of full-service personalized travel management with offices serving Los Angeles, Santa Clarita Valley and the South Bay.
“The truth is, when people travel we like to multi-task. We rest assured in the knowledge that the option to check messages, emails and stay connected to real life is available,” explained Eric Maryanov, president of ALL-TRAVEL.com who also founded the popular travel firm 21 years ago. “Whether we exercise this freedom is the difference between a working vacation and a true holiday, in the old-fashioned sense.”
Possibly what is needed is an updated definition of the word “vacation.” According to Webster, the dictionary says vacation is a noun that means the freedom from any activity, an intermission and a period of rest from work, study, etc., time of recreation. But actually doing this depends on the person.
What about using vacation instead as a verb, implying “to vacation” as something we actively do that is different from our daily lives. Vacation is a change in routine that takes us to interesting new places, trying unique things and seeing the world. And, leaving our electronic devices at home where they belong.
“Don’t get me wrong, I am fully connected when I travel, and seek out the ability to log on, access, dial and connect,” said Maryanov. “When I’m on a cruise, I like having the choice of choosing connectivity, or not. As the ship nears each port, I’ve got my phone out eagerly awaiting the dial tone to come on. I also enjoy keeping up with my email inbox, so my return to the office is not as stressful.”
Thanks to the increasing popularity of on-board Internet “cafes,” this too is possible. Ships have developed a new meeting hot-spot that is way beyond yesterday’s business center with a word processor, photo copier and fax machine. No longer located in the dark underbelly of the cruise ship, these 24/7 Internet-accessible rooms boast lovely views, large windows and some 30 workstations just perfect for logging on and catching up on a few hours of work. Many ships even offer wireless capabilities poolside so we can type and tan simultaneously – just fantastic for the seasoned multi-tasker.
As technology keeps advancing, providing us with smaller portable devices to stay ahead of our game while supposedly vacationing, we get more hooked on communication. This makes it harder to unplug and enjoy the freedom of experiencing travel. We also have the pressure to meet expectations of immediate response from our clients and family. Since there is the ability to answer and stay connected, people grow to expect that as the norm. Thanks to Blackberry, Palm Pilot and the others, this is a vicious cycle.
“As a traveler, I speak for all of us when I say we need to take back our power to disconnect, and feel good about the decision,” Maryanov emphasized. “Determining in advance what type of vacation you plan to take is advisable. If it really is a “working” holiday, then go with it; but if it’s your annual family trip or a romantic getaway with your sweetie, fight the urge to rely on cyber space.”
Vacation is a good thing, not some four-letter word implying getting behind with work or family obligations. On your next vacation, apply the time and energy previously spent online or on the phone, and fully tap into the present and the travel experience unfolding before you.
The world is ours to see. We work hard, so let’s play equally as much. Take a REAL vacation, then return relaxed and motivated to deal with the pressures of regular life.
For more information
contact Nicole Stinson, Public Relations
(310) 312-336
