Staycations: Alternative to pricey, stressful travel

(CNN) -- It might seem unusual that oil businessman David Mitchell would give up vacations for so-called staycations: taking time off from work to enjoy life at home.
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For David Mitchell, one of the perks of staycations is "no [airport] security checkpoints in my yard."
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But Mitchell, 42, has spent more than six years and $30,000 to develop his South Windsor, Connecticut, backyard into a custom-designed personal sanctuary, which includes a pool with a water slide, a lush flower garden and entertainment areas for dozens of visitors.

In contrast to destination vacations, Mitchell feels like he gets "the most bang for my buck" staying home.

He enjoys "the freedom of choice" to do whatever he pleases. During past travels, "I had to feel like I got my money's worth so it was go, go, go all the time to see all the sites," Mitchell said.

Sarah Outland's weeklong "staycation" gave her a chance to explore her new surroundings after moving to Chicago, Illinois.

A day after moving to the Windy City last year, Outland, 24, started a new job and never got a chance to explore her new surroundings. After nine months as a resident, she finally took a week off work to visit famous landmarks, museums and shopping centers that were right under her nose.

But it took some initiative to make herself a tourist where she lives. Photo See photos of a Texas staycationer's week off »
Staycation Tips
Enjoy your "staycation" by becoming a tourist inside or near your own home. Pauline Frommer of Pauline Frommer's Travel Guides advises:

* Stay in a nearby hotel. Tell them you're a local, and they may give you a discount so that you'll recommend them to visiting friends or relatives
* Consult guidebooks such as Frommers.com, Fodors.com and LonelyPlanet.com to find nearby hot spots
* Check out Web sites like Chowhound.com or Roadfood.com to find the best local eateries
* Join your local museum to get on lists to identify when the best cultural opportunities are happening

"It's so easy in the morning when I wake up and I make my coffee and I start to watch [TV] ... I [would] think, 'Well, what's on after this?' ... I just had to force myself to get out. And once I got out, I didn't want to go back in."

Without the logistical worries of travel, both Mitchell and Outland say they returned to work refreshed and with a positive outlook. However, experts warn that convenient modern technology poses dangers that may ruin a good idea. Video Watch travel expert Pauline Frommer give tips on staycationing »

About 1.3 percent fewer Americans are expected to fly this summer than last summer, according to the Air Transport Association.

And for the first time since the economic shock after the September 11 attacks, Americans were projected to drive less over Memorial Day weekend, the traditional kickoff of the summer travel season.

AAA Vice President Mark Brown says 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."