When on trips, we locate a local ward and attend services on Sunday like at home. But, since it is still necessary to eat and have a place to stay, motels and restaurants are needed. However, it is also possible, with the small refrigerators in some motel rooms, to make food purchases to have for Sunday rather than going out to eat. It is a judgement call for each situation and one that requires some planning. We try not to travel on the Sabbath and usually have Sundays to spend at our destination, which makes church attendance easier. As relatives are often whom we visit, the restaurant issue is sometimes not a problem if the family is willing and able to accommodate us. Planning is important. We don't just show up unannounced.

We spend our sabbath on the beach in our new swim wear. Nothing like enjoying the sabbath in the sun, that God so freely gave to us to enjoy, and to it's fullest. We feel we get in touch with nature just a bit by basking in the lovely sun- sometimes we get a sun burn too. We aren't the holier than thou group. SO if we need to eat at a restaurant then that is where we take our family. It would be very abusive to make five kids starve because it was Sunday. plus, they don't like to be locked up in a hotel room.

This is just like when my husband is traveling for business. He will find the local church and attend there. He will buy food before hand, when possible, and eat in the hotel. There are times when he will have to buy some food on Sunday, but he only does that when he can't get it before hand or when he doesn't have a place to prepare it...ie a microwave and fridge.

One time he was in France and attended church there. He didn't know much French at all but was still able to gain from the experience and met some good people.

My husband and I both grew up in families where Sundays on vacation were just another day of vacation. The "exception to the rule" wasn't lost on us as children and neither one of us ever understood why it was okay to go to Disneyland or swim at the Family Reunion on Sunday but not play outside at home. So, we vowed to make vacation Sundays different. We attend a local sacrament meeting and then try to do the best we can. We have visited Spanish Missions in California, Cathedrals in Europe, Art Museums, sought out local Temples to visit the grounds, etc. We buy only what's necessary and while we may not be dressed in church clothes all day, we dress better than we normally would on vacation. It may not be a perfect day of worship, but our kids know we do our best and it's not just another day to play.

In our opinion, the commandment doesn't say, "Keep the Sabbath Day Holy... unless it's not convenient."