WASHINGTON, March 23 (UPI) -- A growing number of American vacationers are eschewing exotic destination for stay-at-home time, a report said Sunday.
Deborah Johnson, for instance, is planning a restful vacation at her Michigan house, The Washington Times reported.
"Traveling is just so exhausting. The lines are long at the airport; the security takes forever; and I'm sick of schlepping and rushing, all for the chance to relax," Johnson said. "I'd rather spend my money doing something quiet and low-key."
Her stay-at-home vacation is called a "staycation," according to ad agency JWT's director of trend-spotting, Ann Mack.
She said high gasoline prices and a sluggish national economy are contributing to the new trend.
"People are rediscovering the delights of their own backyard," Mack was quoted as saying.
Mike Pina, a spokesman for AAA, said Americans are still taking trips, but not so far from home.
"People are still traveling, but they are traveling differently," he said. "People travel closer to home. They stay at less-expensive hotels and eat at less-expensive restaurants. ... People are looking at more extended weekend trips."
