In A Gloomy Economy, Americans Opt For "Staycations"

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David Ricciardi (L) flies a kite with his daughter Sofia at a park near the Williamsburgh Bridge (background) August 3, 2008 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Ricciardi, who lives in New York, recently sold his car ("it was getting way too expensive," he says) and is spending more of his weekends in New York. According to American Automotive Association Vice President Mark Brown, the slowing economy and high fuel prices "have pushed some Americans to what we call the traveling tipping point. It's clear that a small number of us may choose to stay home and relax with friends and family rather than take a vacation."

(Photo by Chris Hondros/Getty Images North America)

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Mili Thomas, who works in event planning in New York, walks across the tourist-heavy South Street Seaport during her "staycation" August 5, 2008 in New York. Thomas plans to use her staycation to visit the Empire State Building, walk the Brooklyn Bridge, go to museums, "and all those things I never do while I'm living here," she says. According to American Automotive Association Vice President Mark Brown, the slowing economy and high fuel prices "have pushed some Americans to what we call the traveling tipping point. It's clear that a small number of us may choose to stay home and relax with friends and family rather than take a vacation."

David Ricciardi (L) flies a kite at a park August 3, 2008 in Brooklyn borough of New York City. Ricciardi, who lives in New York, recently sold his car ("it was getting way too expensive," he says) and is spending more of his weekends in New York. According to American Automotive Association Vice President Mark Brown, the slowing economy and high fuel prices "have pushed some Americans to what we call the traveling tipping point. It's clear that a small number of us may choose to stay home and relax with friends and family rather than take a vacation."

Mili Thomas, who works in event planning in New York, looks over the East River with her dog Luckey from the tourist-heavy South Street Seaport during her "staycation" August 5, 2008 in New York. Thomas plans to use her staycation to visit the Empire State Building, walk the Brooklyn Bridge, go to museums, "and all those things I never do while I'm living here," she says. According to American Automotive Association Vice President Mark Brown, the slowing economy and high fuel prices "have pushed some Americans to what we call the traveling tipping point. It's clear that a small number of us may choose to stay home and relax with friends and family rather than take a vacation."

Steve and Tanya, a couple living in the borough of Queens who did not want their last names used, sit in a park together under the Brooklyn Bridge August 3, 2008 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The couple would like to get out of the city but are unable to due to the expense. "It's hard to get away nowadays," Steve says. "We've got to take our vacation here in the city." According to American Automotive Association Vice President Mark Brown, the slowing economy and high fuel prices "have pushed some Americans to what we call the traveling tipping point. It's clear that a small number of us may choose to stay home and relax with friends and family rather than take a vacation."

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Show Pictures With:

Mili Thomas (3) Elizabeth Crisci (2) David Ricciardi (2) Sofia Ricciardi (1)