Kempf - Taking a vacation close to home

As the fireworks blasted against the night sky in celebration of the birth of our nation's freedom and independence, I reflected on the past nine months and what a change it has had on the American traveler.

As public confidence and the economy has begun its rebound, everyone is asking the question: "Where can I safely travel close to home?" The question comes daily so here are some suggestions for those who want to go abroad -- but yet stay close to home.

The travel trend to stay close to home is obvious and everyone from travel agencies, travel journalists and travel suppliers are seeing the shift. Americans are changing where they vacation, and are staying a little closer to home and visiting more urban, modern and safe destinations. As consumer confidence grows, so will the distance from home that people will be willing to travel.

Here are some areas to consider as you travel close to home.

1. Cruises

We have new buzz words like "Hometown Cruising" as cruise lines focus on moving and switching ships to new ports-of-call. You can now take three-day, four-day, five-day or seven-day cruises from new and exciting ports like Seattle, New York City, Hawaiian Islands, Los Angeles, Galveston, Mobile and Tampa. Of course the old true-blue ports-of-call such as San Juan, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Alaska are still there with weekly departures to the sun and all points beyond.

2. Florida

More and more people are driving and flying to Florida, visiting Orlando, St. Petersburg, Miami and Key West. Hotel and condo companies are meeting the demand with special pricing and free nights that can be purchased via any reputable travel agency. Disney vacations are also increasing as the general public realizes "The Mouse" is always watching and Disney carries state-of-the-art security.

3. Bahamas

This destination with the new addition of the underwater world of the Atlantis is so close to the mainland that travelers realize they are still close to home by plane or ship.

4. Bermuda

Another close and beautiful island close to the mainland famous for its pink beaches. Just a skip, hop and jump from American soil.

5. Canada

With her majestic mountains and beautiful sea shores. People are visiting Niagara Falls, Banff, Edmonton, and British Columbia in droves. Many are taking a four- or five-day fall foliage tour or enjoying the many lighthouses dot her majestic coast line.

6. Alaska

This frontier land has always been a favorite for fishing and wildlife tours, cruises and rail trips.

7. Las Vegas

More than just glitter and glitz -- Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon, the Painted Desert are right outside her city lights. And there are few vacations as affordable as Las Vegas.

8. Big-city vacations

The windy city of Chicago and vibrant New York are just a few big-city vacations people are taking for new foods, shows and attractions.

We live in the land of the free and the brave, but we also live in a land filled with massive national parks, landscapes and beauty. If you are wanting to stay close to home, your options are still endless, and a travel agent is still your best resource to get you there with their wealth of personal experience and knowledge.

Carolyn Kempf is president of Elite Travel in Cape Girardeau. (334-1234 or carolyn@elitetravelinc.com)