All work and no vacation is not good, even at a time of economic uncertainty. I spent some time doing research to see if I can arrange a nice trip while saving money in the process. Based on my time spent on several travel sites, it seems that the major online websites all can find good travel and hotel deals if I can be a little flexible.
The choice of travel website should not only include finding the lowest price for car, hotel and air travel, you also want a company with a reputation for arranging a vacation without problems. I can look for the best prices on airfare and hotel rooms, but if I find a travel destination where I can drive my own car, it might save me even more. Southern California certainly fits that description.
You'll find a bunch of information and advice related to Southern California at the SoCal Vacation Guru website. At the present time, the site places particular emphasis on Orange County and Los Angeles County, with the stated goal of expanding its attention to San Diego County, San Bernardino County and Riverside County. But there's great information at the SoCal Vacation Guru about Universal Studios Hollywood, the Disneyland Resort, the many fine beach communities, shopping, dining and other activities.
I mentioned above just a couple of the seven major theme parks in Southern California, the complete list being Disneyland, Disney's California Adventure, Knott's, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Universal Studios, SeaWorld and Legoland. If you were really energetic you could fit all of those parks into a very busy vacation, but it would not be an inexpensive trip. If your budget allows in this slow economy, you can probably find some great deals on hotels near Universal Studios Hollywood, with many hotel operators and other vacation businesses really looking for your patronage.
Theme parks are offering some discounts, and the prices might be a bit lower at museums and other activities as well. Despite increases and fluctuations in gasoline prices, a driving trip to So Cal might well be a cheaper vacation option for many Americans than flying to another vacation destination.