With everything in life getting faster and more advanced, from technology to food to the many ways of communication, there is a segment of the population looking to slow things down. They want to unplug and unwind, and many are finding that they are able to do so in a "throwback" or retro-style vacation.
"Throwback" vacations are the ones most people "of a certain age" (say over 40) remember from their childhood. These holidays involved car rides, probably with the windows down, lots of outdoor time, and nothing that needed plugs, chargers, or batteries.
Today, vacationers are seeking out these tech-free vacations n a variety of ways. Here are three "throwback" vacations that can keep an entire 21st century family happy while making sure things stay simple and stress free.
Dude Ranch
The term "dude ranch" usually brings to mind images of cowboys and cattle drives, and for good reason. They are all about chaps and spurs, but many are now including wellness experiences.
The Dude Ranchers' Association has accredited more than 100 ranches in the United States (and two in Canada). Many offer a variety of rejuvenating activities and services in a lush oasis environment. Their goal is to give visitors a whole body relief from the stress of modern life.
Dude Ranches will have plenty of horseback riding, but there may also be a yoga class with the desert sunset in the background, or maybe a spa escape complete with an untouched Rocky Mountain backdrop.
Camping
For many Americans, family vacations growing up had nothing to do with hotels, buffet breakfasts, or free wifi. They just needed a plot of land, some sleeping bags and maybe a tent. Today though, people can enjoy the great benefits of camping without roughing it too much. Many campgrounds now boast amazing pools, squeaky clean bath facilities, and lots of outdoor activities.
El Capitan Canyon, an all-season camping destination just north of Santa Barbara offers a variety of accommodations to meet everyone's level of comfort. They have simple campsites and decked out cabins, as well as an "adventure yurt", a circular canvas structure, and safari tents that are on raised platforms and have electricity. With the beautiful Pacific Ocean as a background, this destination is a good example of balancing the visitors' needs for comfort and nature.
Service Vacation
A great travel idea is to give back while on vacation. But this is not just for college kids or twentysomethings looking to put off getting a job. Everyone, including kids, can join in.
The Sierra Club offers family volunteer vacation which can include kids as young as six years of age. Family service trips are a fantastic way to spend time together as a family, explore the great outdoors and help preserve the wild places for the future.
Activities range from historic structure rehabilitation and exotic plant removal to revegetation, trail work and habitat restoration, based on the needs of the area. Hiking in England or backpacking in Alaska sound good? This is the trip for you!
Sources:
Sierraclub.org. Web. 24 April 2013. "Outings."
http://content.sierraclub.org/outings
Elcapitancanyon.com. Web. 24 April 2013.
http://www.elcapitancanyon.com
Duderanch.org. Web. 24 April 2013.
http://www.duderanch.org
Edited by Jody Smith