Enjoy a Local Three-Day Weekend

Photo: Sandie Howard / Istock

By Brian Clark Howard

This holiday weekend, cut down on carbon emissions and rediscover the joys of your own community, instead of rushing off great distances.

More than 38 million Americans planned to travel 50 miles or more on a recent three-day holiday weekend, and 84 percent planned to travel by car, according to AAA's annual survey. More planned to travel this year than last, even though the cost to travelers rose — reaching a household average of nearly $600.

That's a lot of money, particularly in today's weak economy. By staying closer to home, you'll save a bundle.

Rediscover your town's local attractions, from shops to nature centers to cultural events. Get outside. Go on a hike. Take the kids and dogs along. If you're like many hardworking Americans, chances are you haven't seen much sunshine recently.

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