Leisure Lines

REFLECTIONS from a practitioner and educator who served 44 years in the field of recreation and leisure services

Saturday, March 10, 2007

Travel and Tourism


WHEN IT COMES to places to go, people to see, and things to do across the entire United States and around the world, the possibilities are endless. The opportunities for travel and tourism are so vast that no individual, couple, or family could possibly do it all - even in several lifetimes! However, except for those individuals who are confined for one reason or another, most anyone can take a trip somewhere - even if only a short distance from home - and thoroughly enjoy the experience.

On occasion, a short trip - or a tour of a nearby site - might be enjoyed with little or no forethought. Rarely, however, does spontaneity work well with regard to trips lasting longer than a day. Planning, done in advance, is best for extended travel. The planning process leads to anticipation of the upcoming trip - an important part of the overall joy of travelling. Deciding where to go and what to do is a necessary task, but one that can be quite pleasant! . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Foreign travel is no longer only for the extremely rich and famous. The seven wonders of the world await! A myriad of interesting cities - all eager for visitors - dot the globe. Within the U.S., travel and tourism opportunities exist for people at most every economic level.

The cost of some trips can be very expensive, of course, and thus prohibitive for many people. But often, closer-to-home destinations are quite affordable - or perhaps even at no cost at all. Whatever the length of the journey, however, a traveller must take into consideration the money factor. How much will be needed for transportation, lodging, meals, admission tickets, incidentals, or other expenses? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Beyond anticipation - and the trip itself - remembrances are the last component of the travel and tourism experience. Souvenirs, photographs, and perhaps even a journal will all help in preserving memories and give added dimension to contemplation and conversation regarding the journey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When it comes to considering ideas for the ultimate use of leisure, travel and tourism probably should be at - or near - the top of most people's list.