Shaken nation travels closer to home

The Hirsches had long been looking forward to visiting family in California. But in the wake of last month's atrocities, they've canceled that trip and instead are planning to spend their vacation at an inn much closer to their New England home.

Their reaction is typical of many people these days who are deciding now isn't the time to wander far afield, and instead are opting for trips near their own back yards.

Travelers' reasons vary from the threat of war to the two-hour airport check-in, but most agree that now is a time when they want to be within driving distance of home.

"For the first time since the terrorist attacks, people are getting back into a seminormal stance concerning domestic travel," said Rod Caborn, a spokesman for Yesawich, Pepperdine and Brown, a travel marketing specialist. "The caveat to that is if something happens, they want to be in a situation where they can get back home."

To help Americans with their new travel plans, attractions are offering discounts for area residents and travel agents are putting together special drive-to packages. In Santa Fe, N.M., for instance, a group of hotels is giving away a free tank of gas with a two-night stay, and local residents get a free third night of accommodation.

In Miami, the mayor's office launched a campaign encouraging Floridians to play tourist, with incentives from the zoo and Seaquarium, among others.

In Berkeley, Calif., the Claremont Resort and Spa is promoting a "Restorative Getaway" package for people within driving distance. The one-night stay includes a spa treatment and yoga session for $187.50, a 15 percent savings on the usual rate.

"Clients are comforted knowing that they can still enjoy a vacation without traveling far from home," said Alexis Rochefort, a spokeswoman for the Institute of Certified Travel Agents.

Indeed, AAA, the motoring and travel club, reports "a renewed interest in traveling," though spokesman Jerry Cheske said no exact figures are available. The number of people taking the train is running 8 percent to 12 percent above last year, Amtrak spokesman Kevin Johnson said. Traffic jumped 17 percent in the week following the Sept. 11 attacks, but in early September, the number of riders was up just 2 percent over last year.

Susan and Steven Hirsch of Providence, R.I., canceled their five-day trip to Santa Barbara because of the uncertainty with air travel.

Since they are taking their 2-year-old daughter, the extra hour needed for airport check-in was a factor, as was the potential for unexpected delays resulting from the increased security.

"An extra two hours here and there makes a big difference on a six-hour trip," said Mrs. Hirsch, citing the evacuation of part of Boston's Logan airport last Saturday as a case-in-point.

Mrs. Hirsch lists other reasons as well: The family didn't want to be stuck away from home should airplanes be grounded again, and they are a bit nervous about flying now.