Travel

Shorter getaways mean more vacations.

While many people dream of spending weeks on sun-drenched tropical beaches, a growing number of families or couples are recognizing the advantages of vacation or holiday fun in shorter doses.

Two-income households with a gaggle of kids in tow especially have little time to plan, budget and organize a long trip.

So it's no surprise that weekend getaway trips are catching on across the country.

In times of economic hardship, it's especially important for families to budget travel expenses without giving up the fun and adventure that a full-tilt vacation may provide.

Short getaways or long weekend trips include much less planning and, of course, the chance to get out of town at a moment's notice.

Make Your Vacation Seem Longer - Take Weekends

By opting for longer weekends, many vacationers feel they are getting more, not less, vacation time. Spreading the traditional 14-21 vacation days over the four seasons also provides lots of opportunities for a short family road trip . fall foliage or winery tour . winter getaways or extended stays at summer campgrounds . theme parks or winter holiday ski trips .