With the varied and limited time-off options in the American workplace today, vacationing has become a year-round activity. Unlike nations like France, where it seems the entire country closes down during the month of August, in the United States, vacation time is thought of by most employers as an inconvenience and is slotted whenever it is beneficial to the company. This means that vacations are no longer exclusive to the long days of summer when the kids are out of school and leisure is at its best.
Added to an unpredictable vacation schedule, is the fact that most Americans really don’t know what to do with the vacation time they do manage to squeeze out of their resentful bosses. Here are five suggestions for some unique vacation possibilities that also happen to fall within the budgets of most working folks.
1. Canoing the Arctic
There are a number of companies that host canoing trips into the Canadian Arctic tundra. Anywhere from seven days to month-long journeys are coordinated through a number of companies with experts in the field. A simple net search of Arctic Canoe Trips will bring you loads of results.
2. A Freighter Cruise
These incredible cruises can be as little as two days long, up to a 120-day round-the-world cruise. The ships are huge, safe, and if not luxurious, then certainly more than comfortable. In fact, if it’s cabin comfort that you seek, there’s nothing better than a freighter cruise.
You and up to twelve passengers sail on these working cargo ships that deliver goods all over the world. The wonderful food served on the voyages is included in your fare, and the best part is passage on these steamers can be had for as little as $75 per day. These ships go where the cruise ships don’t, and they sail year round from just about every major port in the U.S. Even places like Savannah, Georgia and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania have sailings. There are over fifty companies that offer these unique cruise experiences, and the best place to start is on the net. Type in “freighter cruises” and prepared to be amazed.
Believe it or not, an Amazon journey can be had for about the cost of a week on the Mexican Riviera, and it is a breathtaking, once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience.
There are many reputable guide services that offer jitney, hiking, and river journeys all over the Amazon and into the delta. Again, a net search will elicit dozens of results. Visit the rain forest, see native villages, and watch in wonder as animal species that are exclusive to the Amazon regions show no hint of fear toward man. A truly exceptional vacation experience.
4. A Volga River Cruise
Riding the mail boats that traverse the length of Russia’s mighty Volga River is an experience like none other. You will become like family with the locals who use the boats as transportation, and will meet other travelers like you who have arrived from places all around the world to share in this experience. Glide past Russian villages that have been there since the dawn of the Czars. Visit these isolated towns and hamlets as the boat ties up to deliver mail, groceries, produce, and other consumer goods that the residents of these villages depend on. The captain and crew will share stories of the past, and you will be amazed as the landscape along the meandering river changes from the icebound northern climes to the Crimean warmth. You know what to do: Hop on the net and start the adventure.
5. Backpacking Across Europe
The time-honored “college” experience is available in some more luxurious forms for those desiring a more athletic or naturist-type holiday. Combined with a Eurail pass, and the many low air fare deals to Europe (especially to the newer EU nations like Czech Republic), these kinds of vacations are plentiful and they are truly in the buyer’s market. That said, why even concern yourself with tour operators when all you really need to do is buy a ticket, grab a map, load up your pack, and start walking!
