Creative or sad? You decide.

I was watching No Reservations last night on the Travel Channel. One of my favorite shows -- food, travel and the always snark-a-licious Anthony Bourdain. Let's just say it makes a Monday in the middle of summer programming a little more bearable.
As it was the Travel Channel -- they were advertising other shows on the channel.
Naturally.
And twice, they showed off this new show about "Stay-cations"
This caused me concern.
I have read about the concept on other websites. In a nutshell, the economy is bad enough the people are forsaking their traditional vacations to stay in their respective home towns and enjoy the local flavor, all the while saving some much needed cash.
I, of course, I have an opinion on this phenomena or trend? Not sure which it is.
The definition of vacation is as follows:
Main Entry:
1va·ca·tion
Pronunciation:
\vā-ˈkā-shən, və-\
Function:
noun
Usage:
often attributive
Etymology:
Middle English vacacioun, from Anglo-French vacacion, from Latin vacation-, vacatio freedom, exemption, from vacare
Date:
14th century
1: a respite or a time of respite from something : intermission
2 a: a scheduled period during which activity (as of a court or school) is suspended b: a period of exemption from work granted to an employee
3: a period spent away from home or business in travel or recreation
4: an act or an instance of vacating

Please note, the 3rd definition.
Key word: AWAY.
See, to me vacation is walking away from your life for however long. No cell phones, no email, no clocks and certainly no schedule.
It is a chance to pretend like you do live on the beach all the time and your daily routine does in fact consist of bloody mary's and trashy magazines.
Or that you are allowed to trip the life fantastic, touring vineyards and staying in swanky bed and breakfasts.
It is not a trip to the Science Center.

What I can't believe is that people are actually giving the concept some leverage and producing specials on the Travel Channel over it.
Let's face it -- not being able to take a vacation sucks.
A lot.
Trying to make it something it is not, sorta pathetic.
And that is what keeps me up at night.
Oh, that and the fact that I can no longer sleep on my stomach, so trying to come up with alternate "approved" positions in bed is causing some issues. And more than a few kinks in the neck.
Woot.

Now Listening: Frank by Amy Winehouse