?With many would-be vacationers expected to stay close to home again this summer, many regional parks, museums and other attractions are planning on a relatively healthy season in 2009.

According to reports, this prediction was influenced by similar results last year, when local theme park attendance remained steady, due in part to rising gas prices. With fuel costs now lower, the recession has stepped in to make families consider staying closer to home again. Smaller cities, which can offer lower admission prices on attractions, are seeing the benefit from the trend. Some travel agencies specializing in package summer trips have seen inquiries fall as much as 30 percent.

Additionally, a recent Allstate poll on consumer spending indicated nearly half of those polled plan to cut back on their travel plans this year.