One of the great things about a vacation or weekend getaway to Cape Cod and the Islands is that you get to unplug from the rat race - and plug into something unique that really refreshes and revitalizes you.

As soon as you cross over the bridge you can leave your cares behind and look forward to a wonderfully refreshing experience. How refreshing? Well, that all depends on what else you leave behind. For instance: are you programmed for that Mucka Lotta at Starbugs?; the van trek to Burger Thing or McRonald's with the kids?; the coffee and donut fix at Donkey Donuts? If so, here's what to do: Close
the program. Shut down your mental computer - wait 15 seconds - and reboot to Cape Cod and the Islands. Let go of all things familiar. Get ready to fill that fresh new space in your memory bank with the real fun and flavor of this area. And make it a you-nique personal experience.

From Beaching, Biking, Boating, Dining, Entertainment and Golfing - to Galleries, Lodging, Museums, Shopping, and Theatre - it's all here for you to enjoy when you're in total Cape and Islands mode.

Remember: on the Cape and Islands we don't serve the masses. We serve the individual. You'll have a more personal and fulfilling experience while you're here, when you 'go local'.

We do have national chains here, but we hide them in a walled-in place called the Mall. That's so you won't be reminded of them while you're here - and you can concentrate on our wonderful local businesses, which are more interesting, colorful and people-friendly.

One thing you'll notice immediately, if you haven't already, is that Cape Cod and Islands people -- and summer workers -- are friendly. That's because they choose to be here. And they love what they do.

Want a comfortable place to stay? Cape Cod and the Islands Inns, Guest Houses and Cottages are a sure bet, where you'll be treated like a guest - not a room number. They offer a special ambiance that national chains cannot compete with, plus personal attention that is unmatched. That's because it comes from the heart - instead of a training manual.

Want great gifts? You'll find wonderful ceramics, crafts, paintings etc. at local places - and they're not made in a foreign country. They're pure Cape Cod. Our local bookstores are also outstanding places to shop.

Want wonderful food? Wherever you are on the Cape and Islands, - whatever time of day - it's easy to find a good local place to eat. Whether you're out on the bike trails, on a shopping excursion, or at the beach, you'll find delicious aromas from a hundred different restaurants and snack bars wafting through the air, turning your bowsprit to every successive point on the compass. The choice is yours. And it will always be a good one.

About cell phones and vacations: Yeah, cell phones are great. But, they can be a problem, too. You don't need to be connected 24/7 to the mothership. Cell phones often interrupt the rhythm of your vacation. Remember, you should not be on a working vacation - which is really an oxymoron. Tie up all those loose ends before you go. Or, leave the details for some subordinate to take the responsibility/blame for. If needed, you can clean up any mess when you get back - and appear to be the 'hero'.

Cell phones are fine for emergencies, if you're expecting guests - or need to be in contact with home. But for work? I spent 22 years on Madison Ave. in a high-pressure business that demanded constant attention. But, when I went on vacation,
I unplugged. Totally. I owed it to myself, my family and the agency I worked for. When I got back, I was so completely refreshed that I got things done quickly, had great new ideas - and never let an employer or client down. My family and I always had a fantastically refreshing vacation experience while we were away.

Here's how to escape from cell phone hell: (Short of leaving your cell phone
in a locker at the Bourne or Sagamore bridge, this is the perfect way.)

If your boss - or someone from your office - does make a call to your cell phone, answer in a foreign dialect, saying something like, "Allo! Royal Baltic Hotel." After you hear the voice ask for you by name, pinch your nose and - speaking in
the same foreign dialect - say, "Paging Mr./Ms. Mrs. (your name)." Do this several times, then, after 30 seconds or so of silence, say to the caller: "He/She no here.
I take message?" Make some static noise, then disconnect. That should teach your boss or co-worker not to call you while you're on vacation - and you can continue to focus on your fun and relaxation. Your boss will think you're doing something important for the company because you couldn't answer the phone. This ruse also circumvents your boss or co-worker leaving a voice-mail message. So, you're completely safe from a commitment to respond.

Also, please try not to use your cell phone while driving. I can multi-task, too.
But, there are thousands of older drivers out here who can't even single-task while driving. And when they pull out in front of you, it's easier to react with two hands on the steering wheel - instead of one. Oh, and when you're driving, please slow down. If you're in "power vacation" mode, you'll miss some wonderful Cape and Islands places. You can save the "power trip" for that WallyWorld vacation. 'Nuff said.

Come to the Cape and Islands for the full experience. Instead of just dipping your toes in - take the plunge and be totally refreshed. As the old Patti Page song goes, "You're sure to fall in love with old Cape Cod." That goes for the Islands, too!

Eat local. Sleep local. Buy local. I promise that you'll have the most refreshing and relaxing time you've ever had on vacation.

And it will definitely be a you-nique personal experience.