Why is it so much more appealing to travel abroad for vacation? It's always about the Seychelles or Fiji, a trek to Punta Arenas, or up Kilimanjaro. Today's blogger, Ladies Who Launch member and wine whisperer Julie Brosterman points out that we could give our sagging economy a boost by visiting one of the hundreds of charming getaways in our own local 50. She makes a good argument for our Lady America... who could frankly use a little attention.
Amy Swift, Editor-In-Chief, Ladies Who Launch
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Where To Go Next?
Inevitably at this time of year, conversations turn to summer vacation plans and possibly Christmas escapes. The, "where are you going next?" question that I'm asked is a difficult one to answer. And, given that I survive the strains of entrepreneur-ship by traveling to new places - I'm always anxious to hear about "finds" that I can research and retreat to.
China? Too much pollution and never mind the politics. India? Too far, too crowded. Croatia? We've over it. Argentina? Forget about it - everyone I know has already bought real estate there.
The dollar goes the furthest the further East you go - but after two days travel time you arrive to resorts that are $1,000 plus a day or more. So what's the American traveler to do?
Stay home. No, really. Visit the good ol' U.S.A. You're kidding? You can't be serious my friends say. You just were in Vietnam and Mendoza and you're off next week to Rioja and you want us to go to places that we can get to via domestic airlines and without a passport?
Yes, I reply. Food and lodging prices are rising - gas is out of control - but at the end of the day supporting our U.S. economy and patronizing our hotels, restaurants, airlines and gift shops will help local merchants, keep people employed and help connect us to people in red states and blue states in this time of political discontent.
Hah! - my friends and business colleagues laugh. You say that - but where will YOU go? And so I tell them. My short list is Portland, Bangor, Chicago and San Francisco. All of them cities where culture, food, wine and dynamic communities are thriving. I'm also up for a visit to Austin and the wine country of Virginia.
Oh, and for a bit of the 'foreign touch' probably a quick trip to the Yucatan or Playa del Carmen or Tulum before they are so over-developed that they're unrecognizable. And Montreal - because loving all things French, I need a quick dose every now and then.
So, as your dreams drift to beaches or places that are relaxing, romantic, stimulating and endearing, think about visiting the country we live in. Show your kids the 'other side of the tracks'. Because the more we get to know it - and the people who live in it - the better we'll understand our differences and bridge the gaps which separate us.
I know a few other people who are racking up their miles traveling in the U.S. this summer. Do we think that Hillary and Barak will plan to take a family vacation this year? Well we know Denver is on the agenda (will they both be there? have they already made their hotel and restaurant reservations?)
Will they both find themselves on Martha's Vineyard at different ends of the island? Hob knobbing in the Hamptons? Will their local foodie experiences turn from philly cheese steaks to fried ipswich clams and Long Island wines?
And John McCain? For sure there will be a few photo-ops - West Point perhaps? Mount Rushmore? Pearl Harbor? Or Guantanamo Bay? Will the family jet be converted into the McCain mobile whisking him off to billionaire retreats from coast to coast?
Where they spend their time will tell us a lot more about who they are then the rehearsed and regurgitated speeches they make.
So if ones travels tell us anything about who we are and what we represent, you can be sure that McCain has another trip planned this summer for good ol' Iraq. After all, the digs at the Green Zone come complete with indoor pool, tennis courts and other amenities found in some of the best five star resorts.
Wishing you safe travels...
This post was written by Julie Brosterman, CEO & Founder, Women & Wine, www.womenwine.com and Wine Valet at Two Rodeo, wine concierge and wine boutique www.wine-valet.com.