Travel close to home

"People are continuing to plan vacations despite the economic downturn, but they are searching for deals and staying a bit closer to home, according to travel agents in Arizona. "People are a little tighter to the pocket right now," said Brian Korgel, AAA Arizona international travel agent. "They're still planning on traveling, but they're waiting a little while before they make their reservations. One other trend is people are really looking at value when it comes to travel right now." East Valley Tribune (Mesa, Ariz.)" So as you can see, there is no real reason to not take some time to get away for that much needed break. Take a brief respite from daily life on a long weekend close to home, no matter where that may be. If you're snowed in, find a wonderful little lodge with a fireplace and all services taken care of for you so you can enjoy the snow instead of dread it. If you're tired of the dry air and heat in South Florida , take a few hours drive to the west coast and enjoy a fishing village with all the fresh seafood that implies. There are so many ways to sneak off for a bit and not destroy your budget. don't forget to bring the kids, they could use a change too. Just make sure they bring their homework!