FAMILY TRAVEL TRENDS

It is almost back to school time. Where were families vacationing this summer?


Americans stuck close to home. Domestic travel has increased as the economy and increased security measures make international flights less than relaxing.


Families have been flocking to a surprising new vacation area. Yesterday National Public Radio reported a huge up swing in family travel to...Manhattan.


Television is apparently a big reason for this. Food programs about gourmet shops and restaurants, sit coms showing our nightlife, and reality shows about hopeful young designers are set in Manhattan. They reflect the city's glamorous image better than gritty 1970's cop dramas did.


NPR followed one family from Nashville, the exact area where I have tried in vain to find a vacation trade for my perfectly-situated Manhattan apartment.


The family spent $30 per day having breakfast coffee and fruit at a giant coffee shop chain. Dinner out was $83. Their hotel cost $250 a night and the four of them slept crammed into one room.


After a week their vacation costs were $3000. They could have saved $2000 just by swapping homes with me and making coffee in my kitchen.


Wake up America! And not in a hotel room!!!