Families Vacationing Closer to Home

(MYFOX NATIONAL) - The Memorial Day weekend kicks off summer and the traditional beginning of the travel season. This year though the weekend found many people close to home.

People like Jennifer and Stephen Long, of Texas, stayed closer to home this weekend and do not have plans for a big vacation. They would normally go to Lake Whitney in Whitney, Texas, but this year, stayed closer to home at Lake Benbrook near Fort Worth.

"Gas has kept us here. It's about 10 minutes away," said Jennifer Long.

A recent Gallup poll found that 50 percent of people said they will not travel as much this summer.

Business was brisk at stores like Academy Sporting Goods. People were investing in items for recreation they can do at home, like backyard pools and trampolines.

Paula Cecil and her family usually take a big family trip, but not this year.

"Really we're gonna camp out at the state park in a little tent and let the girls swim in the lake," said Cecil.

Ken Brinson is sending his daughter to college in the fall, so he's not planning a big vacation. "We thought we'd do stuff around town like catch a Rangers game. Local stuff this year."

The extravagant vacations of years past may be passe, but families say they'll still have fun.

"My husband just got back from Iraq last year, so we're really grateful to have him back. We're going to stay close to each other. As long as we have family, it doesn't matter where we are." said Cecil.