We all look forward to vacations -- time to recharge our batteries and spend care-free days and nights with family and friends. But visions of vacations may change this year with a recession looming, rising gas prices and food and housing at a premium. Many Americans are on tight budgets that are affecting their travel plans.

The summer travel season is here and you're wondering where to go and what to do. But visions of summer vacations may change this year due to sky-high airline fares and the weakened U.S. dollar. How can you still plan the perfect family getaway? The answer is simple. It's time for Americans to hop in the car and get creative with their vacation plans.

With budgets tight, it's predicted the hottest trend in travel this summer will be "staycations." While this trend may be bad news for overseas destinations, it's expected to be a boom for the hotels and attractions in tourist-friendly U.S. cities.

The immune system can never go vacation. A travel bug can ruin a trip that has been planned for months. There are several reasons travelers' immune systems need to do double-duty during vacations or business trips.

Are you looking to embark on a summer family vacation that won't break the bank? Whether it's heading to an amusement park or road tripping across the country, there are simple ways to spend within your means by making informed, cost-conscious decisions while on the road.

With many travelers wondering what kind of vacation their wallets can handle, stateside destinations that offer the look and feel of their global counterparts are an appealing alternative to dealing with unfavorable exchange rates. Here is a list of domestic destinations that offer international flare.

But despite fuel costs and financial worries, there is good news on the horizon for determined vacationers! As the seasons transition, Americans don't have to throw in the towel on travel for the rest of the year. Simply learn to travel smarter by taking extended weekend getaways during the autumn shoulder season. You'll save lots of money with these easy vacation planning tips.