This is the era of the vacation byte. The Hour Vacation. Those fab 60-minute (or less) breaks in your busy day that renew, rejuvenate and relax at little or no cost:  a cat nap in the yard overlooking the lake, a quick walk to a gallery opening downtown, a living room matinee. They can be enjoyed as much alone as with friends or family.

The Hour Vacation requires a mental and imaginative commitment from you. In Hour Vacation spots there is no computer. Leave your PDA home. Reception for your iPhone? None. You are in a place where you can receive no email. Call them Heure Vacances, if that helps.

The only requirement is that the vacation be free or cheap, easily accessible (preferably within walking or biking distance) and a complete and utter break from your work. It’s economical, convenient and good for the planet.

The suggestions in this blog are just that: suggestions. We encourage you to think of your own getaways and post them. Then share this blog with your friends and ask them to post their ideas. It’s organic.

We all need our vacations. We all need Hour Vacations.