How is the economy changing the way you travel?

A recent Associated Press article answers the question: How is the economy changing the way we travel? The good news is that in spite of the down economy Americans are hitting the road. But the story indicated that we're doing things a little differently. How so? Here's a look at three of the trends highlighted in the article:

Some smaller cities are stealing the glory.

Both Fort Myers, Fla. and Charleston, S.C. experienced double digit growth in January 2009 over January 2008, based on American Express Travel bookings.

Cities such as Tucson, Palm Springs, Calif. and Portland, Ore. are also becoming popular destinations, with Travelocity data showing increases of 12%, 13% and 38% over last year.

Even Philadelphia's star is rising, said Travelocity senior editor Genevieve Shaw Brown.

Brown attributes Philadelphia's popularity spike to good marketing, a decrease in airfare of 16% compared to the overall 8% decrease for domestic flights and more interest in historic destinations in general.

Families are staying in the United States

Families are going back to the basics, says Brown. So rather than take a two-week vacation to Europe, they may go to a national park, she said.

David Mandt, spokesman for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, is cautiously optimistic about the summer season for the 400 theme parks in the U.S. He said even when gas was $4 a gallon in 2008, people continued to visit theme parks — they simply selected parks closer to home.

"Fundamentally our guests still have a need to get away and have fun with their friends and families," he said.

While for years, park operators have used special offers, promotions and discounts to encourage families to visit at a specific time, he said the deals may be easier to find this year, especially when it comes to packages that include accommodations.

Women are traveling together

Girlfriend getaways are still incredibly popular, according to Stephanie Oswald, host of All-Girl Getaways on the Fine Living Network.

But she said women are being more cost-conscious, such as traveling in the middle of the week, meeting at the airport and renting one car together, or renting a vacation home and going to a day spa instead of going to a destination spa.

April Merenda, president and co-founder of Gutsy Women Travel, said her business is up 25% over last year. But she said some women are canceling or postponing their trips because of economic concerns. She said many companies have canceled tours, so she's picking up some of those travelers.

Allison O'Sullivan, managing director of The Women's Travel Club, said the year started slowly and she cut back on trip offerings in January and February. But she said things are picking up. She's getting more calls and said she is "going full speed ahead the rest of the year."

The Women's Travel Club, which includes women from ranging from the 40s to 70s, has focused on international destinations, such as Italy, Iceland and Holland.

But O'Sullivan said she is planning to offer some domestic trips for women who want to stay closer to home, not worry about currency changes and use their miles.

"Yes, they are affected by the economy and are looking for deals, but they are not sitting at home," she said.

How is the economy affecting the way you travel?