Summertime is vacation season. The weather is wonderful, the warm days are conducive to taking a break and getting away for a week or two. Plus, it is often easier for families with children to get away when school is not in session.

Vacations from work are not only fun, they’re also important. They are a chance to reconnect with family or friends. They’re also a way to get a break and reset.

Because vacations are important, it is useful to think about what you’re trying to get out of them, so that you plan them appropriately.

A vacation or a trip?

I like to distinguish between two kinds of getaways: vacations and trips. A vacation is focused on relaxation. The most difficult choices on a vacation should be where to eat, and whether to read by the pool or the ocean. A trip is busy. You’re there to see new things, meet new people, and explore the world.

Both vacations and trips can be rewarding. Vacations provide a true oasis from a packed daily life. The aim is to sleep late, relax, catch up on pleasure reading, and enjoy a slower pace. Vacations are most valuable when the fast pace of life has gotten to you. If you’re living a life when every minute is scheduled, then a vacation can remind you........

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