In keeping with the theme of this month’s publication on entertainment venues, I thought it only appropriate to share some of my favorite places, along with my travel mantra.
Mid-Michigan has a host of great and varied entertainment opportunities, but come on, it is the dead of winter. Cold, snowy, seemingly perpetual darkness, dreary, gloomy and, did I mention cold and snowy?

If anyone is like me, nothing charges the ol’ batteries better than getting away from it all for a few days. To absorb and store some sunshine. To soak in some warmth. To give the old golf bag a reprieve from winter storage (or your fishing gear, bike gear, tennis racquet, flip-flops, whatever). I’m talking about a vacation.
February--the perfect time to get away from all the nagging issues at work. Time to get away from the seemingly endless winter in Michigan. To feel the sand between your toes again. To munch on fresh fruit, complete with a little paper umbrella, in your cocktail glass. Or to just while away the day with that special someone at your side.  
Picture yourself on a beach in the Caribbean (or Mexico, Hawaii, Florida) or on a golf course. How about on a beautiful cruise ship? Whatever floats your boat (pun intended). How about wandering around Disney World or Universal Studios in Florida? Try enjoying a winery tour in Napa Valley, followed by a gourmet meal in one of the local restaurants. Discover a jazz club in New Orleans. Think about the nearly unlimited opportunities that a spa vacation can provide. Talk about relaxation and pampering.
Imagine hiking in the desert of Arizona or riding a Harley along the coastal highway in California. Skiing in the Rockies. How about running on the beach or riding your bicycle on the many trails in San Diego? The Margaritaville attitude in the Florida Keys. Let’s not forget Mexico and the charm of the weather and people. Is rock climbing your thing?  Like the Nike commercials say, just do it!
I want you to stand up, put your hands on your hips and sneer at the weather outside.  You don’t have to take it any longer.  Get on the phone and call your favorite travel agent and tell him or her it’s time to get the heck away!
Here’s my travel mantra; repeat after me: Travel is a right, not a privilege! You deserve to get away. You work hard. You deal with the stress. You owe it to yourself to get away for a little while, even if it is just a long weekend (but you know a week would be better). You will come back mentally refreshed and feeling great. You will be better equipped to do your job and relate more positively with those around you. The really great news is you can do it at a bargain price!
You’re thinking it’s to late? You will be surprised at the opportunities that await you, even if it is the middle of winter. In today’s travel environment there are many last minute deals that can be had. It is not typically the norm, but what is normal about the times we are in right now? Hotels want to fill their rooms. Rental car companies want their vehicles on the road. Cruise lines want you to join the party that is a cruise. With just a touch of flexibility on your part you could be on your way and enjoy a little bit of paradise.  
The same places you enjoy in Lansing will still be here when you return, only then you can invite your friends to meet you and regale them with the stories of your winter getaway!

		Michael Jackman is president of International Tours, a full-service travel agency, and president of GalaxSea Cruises, specializing in cruise vacations.  Both offices are located in Okemos.  A 19-year veteran of the travel industry, Jackman has received many awards and designations including Master Cruise Counselor by the Cruise Lines International Association.