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Vacation Too Pricey? Try the Staycation

Strapped would-be travelers get creative in turning home into exotic destination

By Drew Nelles,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 16, 2008 7:01 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Some Americans aren’t letting high fuel prices and a weak dollar get in the way of travel plans, the Wall Street Journal finds. Wannabe wayfarers are taking the “staycation”—a holiday spent at home—to new heights of creativity, with one Bronx woman swapping a trip to Japan for a week in NYC complete with a tea ceremony, taiko drumming concert, and postcard-writing.

A few folks are even going entrepreneurial with the trend. One Oregon man will turn your apartment into a temporary hotel for $50, while an Arizona woman throws beach-themed bikini-fitting parties. "With gas prices and the general cost of living sky-high," says one mother who aims to turn her back yard into Niagara Falls, "it seems like I'll be showering at home versus the Hilton."

One in three Americans will spend their vacations at home this summer because of tightening budgets and higher gas prices. Wal-Mart is trying to cash in with a big push on items like barbeques.
One in three Americans will spend their vacations at home this summer because of tightening budgets and higher gas prices. Wal-Mart is trying to cash in with a big push on items like barbeques.   (AP Photo/Al Behrman)
Cash-strapped families are increasingly staying at home on vacation.
Cash-strapped families are increasingly staying at home on vacation.   (Shutterstock)
Some Americans are trying to recreate the beach right at home.
Some Americans are trying to recreate the beach right at home.   (Shutterstock)
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