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This summer’s hot vacation spot might be an unlikely one: your own backyard.
With the high cost of airline tickets and gasoline, so-called “staycations” have gained popularity this summer. People are visiting nearby cities or local landmarks for a few days instead of traveling to Florida or Europe for weeks at a time, area travel agencies are reporting.
“People are tending not to come out more because they’re being careful with how they spend their money,” said Mary Santiago, manager of Chicago Entertainment Tour Inc. in Berwyn.
Santiago has noticed a new trend in vacation habits. Easy on both the gas tank and the wallet, “staycations” keep residents close to home. Because of rising costs, most customers passing through Santiago’s doors choose closer hot spots such as Wisconsin Dells, or don’t vacation at all, she said.
“Business is really slow; people are spending more time at home,” she said. “All around, people are not traveling more than they used to. With the prices and everything skyrocketing, (travel) is down.”
Though tourist traps like Las Vegas have visitors year-round, staying local seems to be the way to go, she said. Chicago Entertainment Tour-run day trips to the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Ind., have become popular with customers.
Barbara Atwater, owner and president of Heger Travel Bureau in Stickney, said that business has been excellent despite the increasing airline fees, but there have been some changes. She said the most popular vacation sites are Mexico and any place warm, but avid travelers are less eager to spend as much time away from home as they did before.
“There’s no doubt that you can feel a little pinch every now and then,” Atwater said. “Maybe (customers) don’t do seven days; they’ll do four days, instead. They cut their time down.”
Amy Crowther, director of chamber services for the Berwyn Development Corp., said the city does what it can to combat the high cost of gas and other expenses. The city of Berwyn sponsors several summer programs designed to alleviate the stress of travel and give people a place to go that is affordable.
“With the breadth of recreational opportunities and seasonal events that take place in Berwyn and the Chicagoland area, gas prices are not the only reason to stay close to home this year,” Crowther said. “Berwyn is proud to host community events that draw visitors from throughout the Chicago region, including the Great American Mutt Show, Historic Route 66 Car Show and Oktoberfest.”
Crowther said she is a bit more cautious when it comes to her vacation plans, admitting the trends have changed from even a year or two ago.
“Personally, I think about what it’s going to cost for gas,” she said. “A couple years ago I didn’t think about it so much.”
This summer’s hot vacation spot might be an unlikely one: your own backyard.
With the high cost of airline tickets and gasoline, so-called “staycations” have gained popularity this summer. People are visiting nearby cities or local landmarks for a few days instead of traveling to Florida or Europe for weeks at a time, area travel agencies are reporting.
“People are tending not to come out more because they’re being careful with how they spend their money,” said Mary Santiago, manager of Chicago Entertainment Tour Inc. in Berwyn.
Santiago has noticed a new trend in vacation habits. Easy on both the gas tank and the wallet, “staycations” keep residents close to home. Because of rising costs, most customers passing through Santiago’s doors choose closer hot spots such as Wisconsin Dells, or don’t vacation at all, she said.
“Business is really slow; people are spending more time at home,” she said. “All around, people are not traveling more than they used to. With the prices and everything skyrocketing, (travel) is down.”
Though tourist traps like Las Vegas have visitors year-round, staying local seems to be the way to go, she said. Chicago Entertainment Tour-run day trips to the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Ind., have become popular with customers.
Barbara Atwater, owner and president of Heger Travel Bureau in Stickney, said that business has been excellent despite the increasing airline fees, but there have been some changes. She said the most popular vacation sites are Mexico and any place warm, but avid travelers are less eager to spend as much time away from home as they did before.
“There’s no doubt that you can feel a little pinch every now and then,” Atwater said. “Maybe (customers) don’t do seven days; they’ll do four days, instead. They cut their time down.”
Amy Crowther, director of chamber services for the Berwyn Development Corp., said the city does what it can to combat the high cost of gas and other expenses. The city of Berwyn sponsors several summer programs designed to alleviate the stress of travel and give people a place to go that is affordable.
“With the breadth of recreational opportunities and seasonal events that take place in Berwyn and the Chicagoland area, gas prices are not the only reason to stay close to home this year,” Crowther said. “Berwyn is proud to host community events that draw visitors from throughout the Chicago region, including the Great American Mutt Show, Historic Route 66 Car Show and Oktoberfest.”
Crowther said she is a bit more cautious when it comes to her vacation plans, admitting the trends have changed from even a year or two ago.
“Personally, I think about what it’s going to cost for gas,” she said. “A couple years ago I didn’t think about it so much.”
