Layoffs are rampant, gas prices are volatile, airlines are cutting flights, and Americans are feeling the economic pinch of a recession. As much as we hate it in this country of big dreams, big cars and Big Macs, we have to find a way to cut back. For many Americans, that means turning the Great American Vacation into a "staycation," which is the big buzzword of the year, having appeared in articles everywhere from www.CNN.com to Newsweek. But what does a staycation really mean? Newspaper humor columnist and frequent staycationer Matt Wixon shares with readers the definition of a staycation as well as:- Rules for a successful, satisfying vacation at home or nearby
- Motivation and encouragement for people who can't afford the big, traditional vacation
- Ways to make the most of time off from work
From alternatives to destination theme parks to making the most of out local amenities to reigniting the flame in a relationship, Americans will find this guide a humorous and invaluable guide to staying home on vacation.Matt Wixon (Dallas, TX) is a writer and columnist for The Dallas Morning News who has three sons ranging in age from almost six years to almost six months. His parenting duties include piggyback rides, administering timeouts, and explaining to his kids that self-flushing toilets cannot hurt them. Mr. Wixon and his wife of twelve years, Janell, have made most of their vacations staycations since having kids.
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