Special Attractions and Destinations

SOME VACATIONERS seem to prefer returning to the same attractions and destinations year after year. Other folks who simply have a long weekend, or a day off from work, are tempted to become repeaters also, and they end up doing the same things over and over again. While there may be good reasons to return to a particular spot more than just once, it might be a good idea to consider other options as well. Often good leisure experiences are enriched by variety.

A plethora of special attractions and destinations exist in each of our 50 states and around the world. Thousands of parks, tourist-related entities, and commercial recreation enterprises are open for business. And, all are competing for your leisure hours and dollars.

This is not to imply that popular tourist hot-spots are all bad. Quite the contrary is true! For example, if you have never been to Graceland, you need to go. If you've never taken your family to Disney World, the Grand Canyon, or other top-notch places, they probably need to be on your list. However, if you've already "been there and done that" a few times or more, a new destination or a different attraction could be an exciting alternative for you or your family. Any one attraction or destination may begin to get somewhat old and stale - especially if it is the only place of choice over a long period of time.

The amount of time available, the distance to an attraction or destination, and the overall cost must be taken into consideration for any leisure get-a-way. What we are prone to forget, however, is that these three factors can often remain nearly the same when the choice is between a new place and a place we have visited many times before. Picking a new place to go will not necessarily take more time, cost more money, or be more miles to travel.

As suggested earlier, when it comes to making a selection for new and exciting fun spots, the sky is the limit. Just for starters, ponder these - perhaps somewhat lesser-known - attraction and destination possibilities: Kykuit, the Field of Dreams, Fantastic Caverns, Mount Rushmore, the Naval Aviation Museum, the House on the Rock, Muir Woods, South Padre Island, Dollywood, Pike's Peak, or Six Flags.

Whether brand new to us, or familiar and often-visited haunts, the places we think of as special attractions and destinations can fill many hours of leisure and also be a source of adventure, excitement, and enjoyment. When making plans for vacations, weekends, holidays, and other periods of free time, the consideration of places to visit deserves to have high priority.

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-- Cinderella's Castle at Disney World in Orlando, Florida is pictured above.