Given the downturn in the global economy and the uncertainty it creates would make any money-conscious individual decide that now is not the time to vacation.
  However, It turns out that during this recession, it makes all the more sense to travel.
   I don't know about you but I'm not one for rubbing elbows with the rest of the tourists!  Because many travelers are not traveling, for this reason alone, its worth the trip!  Hotels are not at full occupancy and believe it or not some of the planes are traveling empty as well.
  Remember when you could stretch out across another airline seat?  Thought those days were gone?  Not so.
  Perhaps you wanted to visit an attraction that is always crowded.
  Now may be the best time yet to go.
Discounted rates.
  Another good reason to travel now.
  Depending on how flexible you are insofar as travel dates are concerned and/or destination, there are some really great deals going on.
  Some of the hotel properties are offering free breakfast in addition to free nights.
  You just have to know where and how to look.
  Or, you could seek the expertise of a travel consultant who get continual updates on most of these discounted fares/rates.
So you don't like to fly.
  Domestically, we are driving less regardless that gas prices have reasonably dropped since last summer.
  Of course, don't expect to whiz along the Interstate during rush hour.
  Last year, Americans did not travel much internationally and rightfully so.
  The dollar had slid so badly.
  But that is not the case now.
  Foreign currencies have dropped and even though the dollar is not as strong as it once was, compared to the other fallen currencies, the dollar is worth more than it was just a few months ago.
  Also, many tour operators are including value-added promotions to boost sales.
Taking a vacation has taken on new meaning for some.
  Meaning, if one is traveling to a less developed country, it might put ones' own issues in perspective.
  Not to say misery loves company, but I know for myself, it truly makes you appreciate life as we know it.
While statistics dictate that currently 8-9% of the American population are unemployed, I like to take a different slant on things.
  That means 91-92% are working individuals.
  More and more people are willing to work longer hours and will give up the more luxurious things in life.
  But vacation isn't one of them and it should not be.
  Everyone needs to refuel.
  Travel is a very integral part of my life, not only from a business aspect--it's important for me to visit destinations in order to provide expert advice--I look at it as a time to "make memories".
  Personally, I feel that you can't take money and material things with you when you die, but you can leave a legacy with those you love that will last their entire lifetime.
  Doesn't the saying go, "a picture is worth a thousand words"? Believe it or not you may already have or can find the money to take that discounted trip.
  I'll bet that by reviewing your monthly bills, you'll be able to find some ways to cut back.
  Do you really need all those cable channels?  Do you really need that phone land line when all the members in your family have individual cell phones?  You can probably scale back on your phone bill by calling your supplier and asking them to find ways to reduce costs based on your current usage.
Or, you may have taken longer vacations in the past, perhaps lasting a week to ten days.
  Actually, taking into account your travel days, five to six days may be just what the doctor ordered.
While I'm not telling you that you should ignore your obligations, nor am I telling you that you should not prepare for a rainy day, but we are not getting any younger and as you get older, time seems to pass more quickly.
  If you keep telling yourself, I'll wait for this to happen or that, chances are this and that will never happen and you will have missed the opportunity to make memories.