Top Staycation Locations

We used to call it a "veranda beach" vacation. Now the term of choice is staycation. These are very similar terms that basically means staying at home or not traveling very far for vacations. With the current economic woes receiving wide publicity - the staycation is almost becoming a cottage industry in and of itself. The following provides examples of companies, and tourist destinations and state that are actively tuning into the marketing mania.

A corporate example is Corvest, a top-20 promotional products supplier. The company utilizes its own company products to help the cause. Clara Davis, Corvest's Chief Financial Officer, says, "All year, employees look forward to taking their families on summer vacations. Unfortunately, because of the cost of gas, the rising cost of airfare and the weakening US dollar, many Americans are forced to either visit local attractions or take no vacation at all. It's been proven that taking time off from work actually increases productivity. The offerings includes screen printed backpacks, embroidered travel bags, personalized coolers and embroidered outdoor items such as blankets and chairs.

Davis also readily admits to tying in the obvious financial incentive tied to staycations. Davis adds, "These items will not only serve to encourage employees to participate in recreational activities and to relax, but they'll serve as an advertising medium for the companies who order them. They'll be able to spread their company's message or increase brand recognition at picnics, parks, beaches and other local attractions. The small investment required for promotional products will really pay off in the end."

Of course, operators of successful and longtime tourist destinations have niched in with their own promotions. OnTheSnow.com's regional editors have selected 10 excellent ski and snowboard options, all within a tank of gas, from a metropolitan area. That's staying, at least, close to home and still indulging in a favorite sport. In brief, these are their Top Ten Staycations from around the world:

Denver, Colorado: Winter Park Resort is 70 miles (about 90 minutes drive) from downtown; Salt Lake City, Utah: The Wasatch Mountains;

Innsbruck, Austria: This has 300 miles of ski trails in 25 villages. Even better, they are all interconnected by a free ski bus system;

Rome, Italy: The San Grasso region has abundant skiing and riding. The ski area is about an 80-minute drive outside of town;

Albuquerque, New Mexico: Sandia Peak is just nine miles east state's largest city. It's famous for its 2.7 mile-long tramway, one of the longest in the world, taking tourists and locals 11,000 feet over the canyons to some quality skiing and boarding

Vancouver, British Columbia: Cypress Mountain is 30 minutes from downtown and is famed for it s freestyle and snowboarding events. Note that the 2010 Winter Olympics will be staged there;

Boston, Massachusetts: Wachusett Mountain is one of the most accessible ski areas-- close to 4 big metros Boston, Providence, Hartford, and Worcester.

Los Angeles, California: Close to both Downtown LA and Orange County, Mountain High has become one of the nation's most visited "close to home" ski areas. The resort is as hip and board-oriented as it can get

Minneapolis, Minnesota: Buck Hill churns out U.S. Ski & Snowboard team racers, boarders, and freestylers. Another choice close to home is Hyland Ski & Snowboard Area in Bloomington.

San Francisco Bay Area, California: Family-owned Dodge Ridge's ski area averages between 300-500 inches of snow each season. Near both San Francisco and San Jose, its terrain accommodates beginners, intermediates, along with black diamond challenges.

State Campaigns. Like many other state Governors, Georgia's Sonny Perdue has initiated a state campaign encouraging residents to consider a staycation this summer. A long time favorite "backyard' destination is Georgia's Blue Ridge Mountains, which is celebrating over 100 years of visitors.