We spent last weekend in Cumberland for a swim meet. By my kids’ reaction, you would have thought we went to an exotic resort.

First, I must explain that we rarely travel except to my parents summer home in Rhode Island every August. So a hotel room is a royal treat. They didn’t care that all six of us were crammed into one room and that two of us had to sleep on the floor — that was insignificant when you factor in watching Cable TV. We don’t have Cable at home so this was exciting enough, but being able to watch in in bed just made it pure heaven.

Then add in the fact that they had friends also staying in the hotel. They could wander around and find their friends and hang out in their friend’s rooms. It was like one big progressive party.

And lastly, there was a pool at the hotel. They didn’t seem to care that they spent all day Satruday at a swim meet at the Cumberland Y — as soon as we returned to the hotel Saturday evening, they wanted to get in the pool. And they spent most of the evening there.

So next time we are thinking about a vacation for the family — we really don’t need to think past the closest hotel. All we need is Cable TV and the kids will think it was the best vacation ever.