It's time for a new definition. We have a definition for staycations where instead of leaving, you stay home and experience activities in your area. And we all know what a vacation is. Often we joke that we need a vacation after our vacation. Airplanes, trains, rental cars, hotels, airbnb's and the frustrations that come with travel even if you're landing on a beach with an umbrella-drink in your future for a week or two. If you're like me, it's usually the second to the last day that I get my bearings, can sleep through the night and finally acclimate. Then BAM! Pack to go home. But is it a vacation when you move into a French apartment and stay for 1-4 months? I don't think so and I am not a digital nomad, or an expat per se. I know the name of my favorite baker, the grocery clerk, and the serveur at my favorite bistro. So what am I doing? I am officially declaring it a slowcation. I'm not the first to use the term, but good luck finding it in a dictionary. It comes as no surprise that I like to slowcation. Now in my 60’s, I’ve got the time, resources, and energy to be able to get-about and travel on my own. I recognize how lucky I am. So, I go while I am still able-bodied. That means I get on a plane, pick a destination and move-in for more than a few weeks, preferably a month or more. The advantage of this - you can stay for a month often at the same cost of staying two weeks, (or find a long-term HomeExchange). You can plan quick weekend get-aways or day-trips to see what you want to see. You can relax when you need to because you are actually living in your new destination. Finding your favorite bakery, grocery, and restaurants actually makes life easier and relaxing. Spend that first week or two learning the public transport, figuring out routes and managing a foreign language. It keeps those brain synapses firing. And there's no rush, because you're here for a while. Over the past few years I have been on several slowcations working my way through France. From Nancy to Nice, I have spent over a month every time. I travel alone, but I always invite family and friends to join me along the way. That keeps things more exciting and all they have to do is catch a flight! Plus, I love planning itineraries. Currently I am in a small but spectacular rental in Nice on Mount Boron overlooking Nice's Bay of Angels to the airport, and on clear days, I can see all the way to Antibes. I have nightly sunsets and occassional rain. I kiddingly refer to it as my semester abroad because I am taking french classes 3 days a week. A bus stops right out front to take me to downtown or I can walk. On the other side of the street the bus takes me as far as Menton on the Italian border. For day trips, I can hop on a local train to take me anywhere I want to go. I even visited a friend in Paris for a few days just last week and came "home" to return to writing, and my Nicoise life. So I am recommending a slowcation if you are able. It's a great way to travel and I recommend it to anyone with the time or interest. À bientôt
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Who Goes There?I have circumnavigated the globe a few times. I don't do backpacks. And I don't like tour groups. Always ready for a fun adventure! ARTICLES
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