Off The Beaten Path II*

Work woes can get you down pretty quickly - the monotony and boredom, the environment in which most Americans spend about forty hours a week. When vacation time rolls around, you want to go somewhere exciting, enthralling and that is not overtly expensive. When it's grey and dreary in the winter months, the thoughts of warm weather cloud your brain. It's time to get out of town. You don't want to remain stagnant - sitting around in a hotel room can seem quite familiar when compared to the daily routine of sitting around in your typical office or cubicle-based work position. With the price of gasoline so high, a road trip can cost an arm and a leg; then, when you factor in food, hotel room costs and ways to stay entertained, an excursion seems...well, damn near out of the question.

We've all daydreamed about what Heave would be like. Imagine if your vacation getaway could be comparable to...Heaven! Picture it - sitting on a dun-deck by the pool, sipping a Long Island Iced Tea in your sunglasses while warm zephyrs caress your skin. Not your cup of tea (or Long Island Iced Tea)? You could always open toe door to your balcony and view mountains, wilderness and the flora and fauna of the Yukon - from the ocean.

The beauty, excitement and extravagance of nature is best seen from afar. If you're more of a hands-on type of person and don't wish to remain a recluse in your stateroom, cruise ships have various port-calls in which you can be given the opportunity to explore foreign islands, cultures and cuisine. Why fly and drive when you can relax on a ship and wake up in a new part of the world every day.

Cruise ships are floating palaces. With a variety of amenities and destinations possible, a stagnant vacation is out of the question. Whether you're wishing to visit the Caribbean, South America or even the Alaska coastline, there is a cruise package available for you. If you conduct an online search for 'cruises', you will notice that prices of cruise excursions are comparable to those of, say, four-star resort hotels.

While I have never partaken in the cruise experience, there are quite a few people that I know who have. Britanny Johanssen is no stranger to sailing away for vacations - she has spent over twelve weeks vacationing on these ludury liners. She says, "There is so much to do! I would live on a cruise ship if I had the option!"

Horseback riding, swimming, jet skiing, surfing, movies, gambling, live entertainment and dancing are just a few of the many activities that are available to passengers who embark on a typical cruise. Sure beats sitting in a hotel room or doing the same monotonous thing on a daily basis for the duration of your holiday, doesn't it? What about the kids? Good question. Most cruises have babysitting (formally called "children activities") where you can deposit your hellions, and they will be taken care of by trained, professional staff. Alone time is definitely an opportunity to be taken advantage of!

So, when you're feeling land-locked and in need of some excitement, don't worry! Think about the fun you could be having on an ocean-bound luxury liner! The sights, sand and sea will refresh even the most tired of souls. Before you attempt to engage in the mundane, hum-drum 'motel' vacation, it would be in your favor to explore the more exotic options - let your next getaway 'sail' be on a cruise ship! Bon voyage!


*This is another 'warm-up' piece.