Introduction
The idea of a summer vacations has become so ingrained in our minds and we probably never even stop to think when did this idea of taking a break in the summer start. For the majority of countries the summer vacations are linked to the academic calendar of elementary and high schools. Therefore, travel agents and tour operators, manage their travel packages with the school holidays in mind. As the literacy rate has increased in many countries so has the trend for summer vacations away-from-home. The summer vacation is seen as away to allow the children a time to relax and not worry about their studies.
History
What is interesting is that if we look back in history we find that before the American Civil War school academic calendars did not have a long interruption of 2-3 months during the summer. At that time in most rural settings the holidays were split evenly between the spring an autumn/fall seasons as this is the time when the sowing and reaping of crops is done. For the urban schools the calendar was such that they got a short holiday at the completion of every quarter. Things started to change in the 1840s when an education/medical expert, Horace Mann, expounded merging the two calendars and more importantly suggested a long summer hiatus from studies. Mann’s theory was that over-stimulation of the brain from extension studying led to nervous disorders. So the birth of the summer vacations comes from a 1840s idea that children might go insane if they study for too long.
Features
So we are indebted to the medical community for the long the summer vacations. Some things which you might want to remember when going on a summer vacation is that it should be relaxing and rejuvenating. It’s no good coming back from a vacation more tired and worn out then you were when you left. It is suggested that a summer vacation should be at least 5 to 10 days long. Any shorter than five days and you probably won’t have enough time to let your mind start to relax. If you have young children then a great option is to visit some of the National Parks such as Yosemite. Or alternatively go for a fun beach vacation to the Bahamas. An increasingly popular summer vacations option is what is known as road-trips. A favourite road-trip is to drive the length of the California State Route 1 also known as Highway 1. This a great drive because for the majority of its length it follows the pacific coast. This is a wonderful drive especially in convertible car or a motorcycle.
Tips and comments
The most important thing to remember is that you’re spending money and time to have break from the routine life. It’s a time to forget work and family pressures and enjoy yourself. But the key to a good holiday is to plan out what you will do each or at least have an idea as to what things one can do on particular day. This is important especially when you have young children who need to know what is coming up the next day.
