I hear more and more people saying that the "bad" economy they just can't afford or are afraid to take a vacation. Instead, they are opting for close to home trips commonly referred to as "Staycations." These, in general mean taking a picnic lunch to a local theme park, zoo, historical site, etc. I don't want to minimize these because they are certainly things that you should avail yourself of as often as possible. But the truth is, they are just that, local attraction available on virtually any day at a moment's notice and not "real" vacations.

I can't do to much about the "fear" factor related to job security and it's affect on vacations but the economy itself should not deprive you and/or your family of a real vacation. For example, if you normally fly to your vacation destination why not eliminate the cost of airfare by selecting a destination closer to home and use the money saved on the airfare to upgrade the destination.

One thing you could do is consider a cruise vacation! With the exception of the "heartland" we all live within driving distance of some port of embarkation. For example, people in my area (Southeast Texas) have the cruise ports of Galveston, New Orleans, and Biloxi which are all within less than a day's drive. These offer cruises of 4, 5, and 7 day duration and a choice of itineraries.

You might even lower the cost by getting together with family, friends, neighbors, church groups etc and forming a cruise group. Sometimes "the more the merrier" really is. Especially if it adds value and lowers cost.

Cruising not your thing. Why not plan a trip to the "Big Easy" (New Orleans) or San Antonio with it's River Walk, Alamo and Mission Tail. Or how about one of my favorite places, the Texas Hill Country with it's Wine Tail. The view from the Driftwood Winery's tasting room is one of the best sunsets in Texas.

Is the economy down? You bet it is! Does it have to rob you of a real vacation? Absolutely not. Call a travel consultant and let them show you how you can still have a great family vacation at a great destination while not breaking the family budget. Texas Cruise and Travel can help you with that as well. Check us out at www.texascruiseandtravel.com.

BTW - Now is the time to start planning that 2011 vacation.