Big time travel destination are experiencing a painful decline in out of town visitors and these numbers are reflected all over the world. Popular world attractions that usually see a big bump in tourism and out of town visitors have seen quite the opposite this year as 2008 keeps rolling on with the highest gas prices ever on record.
It does not appear to be letting up either as the end of summer is coming on quickly. Many travel agencies like AAA are already reporting a decline in expected travelers for the 3rd holiday in a row. This is not to say that it all bad news for travel destinations. On the plus side “staycations” have become quite a popular alternative for a lot of people. Many people are still taking a mini vacation that is staying relatively close to home taking advantage of local state parks, beaches and other attractions within their own state.
Staycations has been the vacation phrase for 2008, it’s become a very popular movement this summer as more and more people were still taking their vacation time they are just staying home for that time. Which would also explain why the movie industry has seen record numbers coming to the movies all summer long.
A lot of the bigger cities around the country have been campaigning all summer long to stay local and see what the city has to offer. Many of them reaching out to the suburbs that are within a reasonable driving distance to come visit for the day. Offering discounts on city tours, museums and hotel stays as well.
The concept of staycations has been working for a lot of the major cities around the country as they have all seen an increase in tourism from their local neighbors. Just goes to show you that despite the economy and the price of gas. There is still one thing that is sacred to most and we will always find a way to take one is a vacation or a staycation as they are calling it now.
Be sure to watch the following clip on a news report talking about the staycations that many people are taking this year. Also share your opinions or comments about vacation plans you may have had that were changed to staying at home because of the gas and food prices.
