Umami of Travel

Umami is a food term for delicious - that combination of savory, sweet, sour, bitter and salty that excites our palates and so it is with travel.  Everything that makes each trip so memorable touches our spirit and becomes a part of us forever. 

For those of us who love the journey it is a divine delight of the senses.  Just like sitting down to a large buffet - every sight, sound, taste, touch and aroma fills us with wonder and excitement.

Short and Sweet

Sometimes the best getaways are those that are short and sweet.  So many people are so busy that they live for that precious once a year vacation.  Usually it's during the summer when the kids are out of school or over the holidays when everyone in the world is traveling and you come home more exhausted than when you left.  My solution is a decadent little weekend trip that makes me feel refreshed and rejuvenated.

I'm a big fan of being a tourist in your own city.  It's great fun to plan an activity or meet friends for a night out but stay in a hotel instead of at home.  Even one night makes me feel like I've had a nice break and doesn't take much time or planning at all. 

Most hotels offer weekend or package specials so it is an easy and affordable getaway right in your own home town.