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Take a look at what’s in the RGV

20230111 GPZ Baby Giraffe 2 webAnd how are you doing on those New Year's Resolutions? Not so good? Maybe we need to take another look at why we make those resolutions in the first place. Could it be that it is just a long-time tradition? Is it just expected? But why? What is the tradition and when did that tradition start?

Most of us have no idea as to how, why, or when the tradition began. Actually, the tradition started over 4,000 years ago when the belief was that if you did not make promises to the gods to do better that you would be punished and would have bad luck.

It is said that about 45% of our population still make New Year's resolutions. The flip side is that only about 8% of those who make resolutions will actually keep those same resolutions. So how are you doing so far?

I hope that somewhere among all those resolutions were some who resolved to travel again and to travel more in 2023. You don't even have to travel very far to really enjoy yourself and learn more about our surroundings.

From the telephone calls that we are receiving, it appears that more and more people are ready to travel. And that is great as travel broadens your mind and helps you to understand the history and cultures of other people and countries as well as to understand and appreciate what’s around you.

One day tours continue to be very popular. However, be prepared for post pandemic prices. Fuel costs are still higher than before the pandemic. In fact, transportation costs are the major cost of a tour. Hopefully fuel will become stable soon. In the meantime, you can dream and plan for that special trip that is still on your bucket list. Is it a local trip?

Too many travelers miss the opportunities afforded to them in their own backyard. It may be one of the museums on South Padre Island or the zoo in Brownsville or how about La Lomita Mission near Mission, Texas. All of these places are close enough for an interesting, entertaining one-day excursion.
Over the holidays, I had to think of something to entertain an eleven-year-old visiting nephew. He chose Gladys Porter Zoo so off we went on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Needless to say, it had been years since I took my children on this same excursion. Was I surprised.

Was it my imagination? Was it larger with more animals than before? Right here in our own backyard is a world-class zoo that is entertaining, well maintained and with some of the friendliest employees to help you enjoy your visit.

Well located, tree shaded benches invite you to sit and enjoy your day. If you are a people watcher, there are plenty of happy youngsters and family groups to watch. It is surprising how many people who have lived in the Rio Grande Valley all their lives have never visited our most well-known attractions.

Plan some time to join a group tour or journey out on your own with family and friends to enjoy and to learn the story of the Rio Grande Valley. History and sites are all around you. Just check out the Rio Grande Valley Visitors guide on www.wintertexantimes.com or get yourself a copy at the Winter Texan Times office in Mission. There are so many interesting places to visit and sights to see.

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