What are your summer vacation plans for 2009?

You’ve made some vacation plans, haven’t you?  Well, yes, for many of us, the economy has put a ‘pinch’ on our vacation dreams, however, it is important for you to take some ‘down time’ for yourself, even if money is tight.

Imagination and creativity are always key to ‘working with what we’ve got’.  If you’ve decided a ‘staycation’ is the best solution for you (and your partner if you are coupled), be sure you check out the opportunities available to you in your area.  Or, create some…

Great vacations in your own backyard

For example, as my lucky neighbors here in Central Florida know, many of us can pretty inexpensively take a day trip or weekend to the beach or to the theme parks.  If you are a Florida resident, be sure to check out the theme park deals for residents.

So, no matter where you live someone has already written internet articles or a book on ‘what to do’ in your area.  Check the internet, which is of course free, first, for ideas.

Everyone, however, has special places they can visit in their area.  Also check your local paper, the smaller community papers and radio/TV for what is available in your area.  Most towns have popular, touristy ‘places to visit’ that are ‘always there’ such as a park or beach or museum as well as special ‘seasonal’ programs.  For example, a trend lately is holding ‘screenings’ of movies outside in major cities.  People can usually go, for a small price or free and watch a movie in the open air.

Popular lesbian vacation destinations abound

If you are looking for places outside your backyard, Edie Stull at SheWired has put together a list of popular lesbian vacation spots.  Some of the most well known spots are listed, as well as some surprises!  Edie’s list contains U.S. and foreign destinations.

And, here’s a surprising bonus you may not know about – taking vacations can enhance your career!

The bottom line here is that you take ‘a break’ from your daily routine, when you can.  Even ‘mini-breaks’ here and there of an evening or an afternoon or a day (weekdays can be even better to beat the crowds), are vital to your physical and mental health.

Managers report employees are more productive at work when they take vacations and they report customers notice too.  A survey of managers by Accountemps, a major staffing firm, showed 68% believe their staff are more productive after a vacation.

So, if you are an overachiever, or suffer the ‘guilts’, just remember:  if you are a worker you may be doing yourself more harm by not taking a vacation.  And if you manage employees, keep this survey in mind before you feel resentful or project that onto your employees!  In the end, you will receive more accolades as a successful manager when your employees are happy.  Happy employees give more at the office!

Lastly, if you are single, vacations are a great way to meet new women.  If you are coupled, they are the perfect way to spend some ‘us’ time together, which is very important given many of us are time starved.

• travel in an ‘eco-friendly’ manner on a modern cruise ship with hundreds (perhaps thousands) of lesbian women
• talk with me, IN PERSON, about new and exciting ways to ‘liven up your lesbian love life’
• help out victims of Hurricane Katrina
• de-stress and spend some quality time, unplugged from everyday life, with yourself and/or your partner (I’m planning some really ‘cool’ meetings for singles only and couples only that you will want to attend I’m sure!)
• enjoy lots of great food, entertainment, etc.

Sounds awfully luscious and juicy to me, how about you?

Ever since I invited Shannon Wentworth, CEO and founder of the lesbian cruise company, Sweet, to Coach Sappho’s podcast last year, I knew Shannon had a grand vision.  You’ve probably noticed her and Sweet’s presence all over the internet and Sweet sponsors many lesbian events, such as the Dinah, just held a couple of weeks ago in Palm Springs, California, at the Riviera Hotel.

Well, what Shannon has been up to is encouraging lesbians far and near to take her caribbean cruise this coming November.  I hear the ship holds over 1900 so that’s a boatload of lesbians!  The cruise will last 7 days, ship out of New Orleans and traverse the western caribbean.

In addition to the usual amazing stuff you can do on a cruise, Shannon has many other innovative things happening on her cruise which you won’t find on most, including the opportunity for cruisers to ‘give back’ by doing some Katrina rebuilding in New Orleans before the cruise takes off and some great workshops, perhaps even by people like moi! 

If you are going to attend, be sure you let them know upon registration that Coach Sappho sent you!  And, if you are going to register (or if you already have), please email me and let me know.  If we have a party of at least 10 ladies on the ‘Coach Sappho’ contingent, I’ll definitely attend and, we will get some group goodies, courtesy of Shannon.

Anchors away, my love, anchors away…

Be sure you stop by Sweet’s website and check it all out.  This is one merry band of lesbians to keep yer eyes on!

Barb Elgin