Even though the economy is bad, we still need a little vacation now and then. I have wondered if you can stay on a tight budget and still get away on a short trip. The major travel websites tend to all offer similar travel deals that can save money.

When you select from among the various online travel companies, you are looking for the best price for car rental, hotel rooms and airline tickets, and also a trip without logistical 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. One obvious choice is Southern California.

One website I found with some great information on Southern California is the SoCal Vacation Guru site.  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. For local insight and wisdom about Disneyland, Universal Studios, Knott’s Berry Farm, beaches, shopping, dining and other activities, the SoCal Vacation Guru is a great source.

Did you know that there are actually seven world-class theme parks in the area, those being Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, Six Flags, Universal Studios Hollywood, Legoland, SeaWorld and Disney’s California Adventure. If you love theme parks, it would be tempting to try and fit all seven into a very busy, and perhaps relatively expensive, vacation trip. You will likely find it possible to obtain some advantageous hotel deals in the slow economy with so many motivated hotel companies, assuming your budget will let you take a vacation.

In slow economic times the theme parks tend to offer more discounts, as to the museums and other activities. Rather than flying to your vacation destination, you may find that, even with the crazy behavior of gasoline prices recently, you can save money by driving to Southern California this year.