Up until a few months ago, I really never considered gas prices as a factor in determining a vacation. Sure, when we drove toDisney World we thought about how much it would cost to drive there, but it was along the same lines as we thought of hotels along the way. A necessary expense, but not one that would stop us from doing what we wanted to do.

Now though, things are different. As the gas prices have climbed closer and closer to $5 a gallon, I weigh the cost benefits of going anywhere. Even more local places. We certainly have not gone to the museums as much this past year, since they are all over an hours drive away. In years past we would go often to take advantage of our membership, the gas prices were not a consideration.

I started wonder, however, how many local businesses are being effected by this, the smaller stores, the people who depend on vacationers coming to their towns.  It seems like a vicous cycle.

This summer we aren’t going anywhere on a family vacation. We are staying home, or having a staycation. We are going to try and visit some of the things that tourists usually do… the local mini-golf places are tops on my children’s list. Maybe even check out a travelers guide to our area and see what things it suggests.  I am trying to think of it as an adventure.