Mostly, the bottom half of Americans don’t vacation at all, or maybe once or twice.
The only vacation I took my kids on when they were young was a trip to visit relatives in another state. We once managed an overnight to Chicago and another to St. Louis.
When I remarried, we took them to Europe to visit my husband’s Dutch family, but that was after my daughter had graduated from high school.
I really wanted to give them real vacations but it was impossible.
Throughout my life, my father complained viciously about his childhood summer vacations, which were taken by paneled station wagon, five children in tow. He always said it was because the family was so poor.* I’ve just realized, thanks to your inclusion of the Rockwell, that summer station wagon adventures were probably my grandmother’s idea of true wealth. My dad was born in 1948 and my grandmother absolutely ADORED Rockwell. She even wore a headscarf like the mom on the painting! Thanks for the lovely reframe of my family history. :)
*My grandfather was the director of the Chicago Arboretum, hence my skeptical tone.
Apropos exchange from Modern Family: Phil (husband) proposes they turn a trip with extended family to Hawaii into the honeymoon they never had. Claire (wife) replies: “ Sweetie, I’m a mom with kids. For me, this isn’t a vacation, it’s a business trip.” Loved your observations, as always!
Yes, your essay was very good. Here's a better post from the "friend" (who may or not be myself). As for the poorer vacations depending on where you can find a couch to sleep on or which hotel comes with breakfast, see this perfect example:
"I am back in Cape Cod for the working class vacation because my wife’s brother’s girlfriend’s family has a house in Bourne."
A wonderful article! This is why I think staycations are something that should be normalized…especially for those of us who can’t afford “summering” or a big vacation every year (even if we would be joining in with other family members). I think staycations can be quietly luxurious…for example, staying at a hotel in town that you’ve always said is “just for tourists” or finally trying that restaurant you’ve been saving for a special occasion!!
Mostly, the bottom half of Americans don’t vacation at all, or maybe once or twice.
The only vacation I took my kids on when they were young was a trip to visit relatives in another state. We once managed an overnight to Chicago and another to St. Louis.
When I remarried, we took them to Europe to visit my husband’s Dutch family, but that was after my daughter had graduated from high school.
I really wanted to give them real vacations but it was impossible.
yes, the family trip to relatives! Also it’s no wonder that staycations have become a thing
Throughout my life, my father complained viciously about his childhood summer vacations, which were taken by paneled station wagon, five children in tow. He always said it was because the family was so poor.* I’ve just realized, thanks to your inclusion of the Rockwell, that summer station wagon adventures were probably my grandmother’s idea of true wealth. My dad was born in 1948 and my grandmother absolutely ADORED Rockwell. She even wore a headscarf like the mom on the painting! Thanks for the lovely reframe of my family history. :)
*My grandfather was the director of the Chicago Arboretum, hence my skeptical tone.
I love that for your grandmother, with her headscarf and her wagon!
Apropos exchange from Modern Family: Phil (husband) proposes they turn a trip with extended family to Hawaii into the honeymoon they never had. Claire (wife) replies: “ Sweetie, I’m a mom with kids. For me, this isn’t a vacation, it’s a business trip.” Loved your observations, as always!
yes! exactly! I forgot that exchange, it’s perfect.
Nice piece - looking forward to the book.
Thanks!
What a fabulous bringing together of different traditions and the theme of your Substack!
Thank you for being such a great reader and supporter of the Substack!
This is wonderful. I would love to share this similar writing by a "friend" https://substack.com/home/post/p-203074842
Thanks for sharing!
Yes, your essay was very good. Here's a better post from the "friend" (who may or not be myself). As for the poorer vacations depending on where you can find a couch to sleep on or which hotel comes with breakfast, see this perfect example:
"I am back in Cape Cod for the working class vacation because my wife’s brother’s girlfriend’s family has a house in Bourne."
https://substack.com/home/post/p-202829263
A wonderful article! This is why I think staycations are something that should be normalized…especially for those of us who can’t afford “summering” or a big vacation every year (even if we would be joining in with other family members). I think staycations can be quietly luxurious…for example, staying at a hotel in town that you’ve always said is “just for tourists” or finally trying that restaurant you’ve been saving for a special occasion!!