Email
PrintVacationing Local
On Less than a Tank of Gas
The sound of the ocean waves breaking against the shore scored my view of palms dancing in the brisk early spring winds as I was relaxing while editing the latest chapters from my book in my lodge room. The stress of my daily life was nowhere to found. I was free, happy and a million miles from all of the hustle and bustle of my everyday life.
I could have been on a tropical island, I could have been anywhere a long trip might have taken me but instead I was a mere 48 miles from the doorstep of my house. Such a short distance and yet it seemed like I was on another planet. It was in the midst of this perfect, wonderfully relaxing stay in Palm Coast at the Hammock Beach Resort that I contemplated the idea that local vacations, while providing all the amenities of big/distant vacations, create a smaller carbon footprint, stimulate the local economy and save money.
Most truly green, sustainable resorts are on an island or in the mountains. I am not saying that other resorts and places you can vacation at don’t have green or LEED initiatives (U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Rating Systems) because they do. However, what I am saying is that to find a completely green, eco-friendly resort with a neutral carbon footprint usually requires a trip the likes of which makes up for any carbon savings you might be accomplishing.
When you vacation local, within a tank of gas from where you live, you are reducing carbon emissions substantially. There are areas of the country where this would not be a realistic prospect, but here in Northeast Florida, there is an abundance of opportunities from theme parks to beaches to quiet B&B’s. Whether you are looking for water sports or some very traditional and famously popular areas such as St. Augustine, Amelia Island, Savannah or Jekyll Island, it doesn’t matter because they are all one tank of gas away. Gardens, parks and historical artifacts are plentiful within 150 miles of this area.
While I was on my little get-away I also realized how important this type of activity is to the community. It stimulates the local economy. While away I enjoyed meals at local restaurants like JT’s Seafood Shack which was rich with local flare and flavor and spent time browsing a small art festival designed to raise money for hospice in the Palm Coast area. It was wonderful to witness how choosing to stay local contributed to employment, small businesses and support for the local community and government. It was a fascinating experience that left me feeling good about my activities. In fact, I came home with a sketch from local artist, April Mace, who does absolutely phenomenal work. I realized that instead of burning money up in gas or airfare, I was able to infuse my local community at a real bargain while giving up nothing.
Considering current gas prices and the economy, I was able to save a great deal of money, some of which I spent in the local community, while enjoying a very relaxing get-away that did not leave me feeling burnt out from all the travel. Vacations are supposed to be fun, exciting and relaxing; however, all too often we need a vacation from our vacation.
To accomplish such a wonderful mini vacation required a time commitment on the internet in order to find just the right spot, but in the end it was worth it. I suggest looking around within 100 to 150 miles from your home. You might be pleasantly surprised at what you find.
My vote this year is for reducing my carbon footprint through local vacations and spending the money I save to support our local economy and the businesses therein. It is not often that you can truly find a situation that allows you to win by helping others in the community win, but this is definitely one. Consider this before you plan your next trip.
Please send in your favorite local vacation spots and stories to editor@najax.com. You might find them posted in either a follow-up article or on our new website at www.najax.com. Who knows, maybe will see you there next time.
