Despite air travel returning to normal after recent disruptions, many San Diego families are choosing the more affordable route this holiday season by exploring what's in their own backyard instead of traveling.

San Diego

As air travel returns to normal following the government shutdown, a significant number of families are choosing to stay local for the holiday season to save money. Data from NerdWallet indicates that nearly $311 billion will be spent on flights and hotels, but 56% of Americans are planning to cut back by opting for staycations.

In San Diego, families are taking advantage of free and low-cost attractions such as Balboa Park, Old Town, and the Embarcadero. Local hotels are also providing special holiday activities and discounted packages, encouraging residents to enjoy a vacation experience without leaving their city.

Families choosing staycations to save money during holiday season

Even though the government shutdown is over and air travel is slowly getting back to normal, there are families who are looking to take a more affordable approach this holiday season, taking a staycation. Instead, looking to explore what's in their own backyard. I'm not even thinking about traveling. I don't need to even think about going somewhere because I have everything here. Nancy Gleason says she'll be spending Thanksgiving holiday here at home. Instead of traveling away, her family will be coming to San Diego. Just love the outdoors. So where else a better place than this? And staying at home for the holidays is saving families money. Data from nerd wallet shows nearly $311 billion will be spent on flights and hotels this holiday season. An expense about 56% of Americans will be cutting back on as they choose to staycation for the holidays. In San Diego, there are a number of activities and places you can discover at minimal cost. They all like museums. They all like nature. They all like animals. Linda Bouchard does a lot of exploring with her husband and four grandkids. She says they look for ways to cut down on expenses. The beach is is one and you can come to Belleville Park and not spend a dime if you don't want to. You can just walk around and you know, look at nature. They've never been having the best time. We had our backpack full of things and drinks and water and we're good to go. While at Balboa Park, you can also catch free organ concerts at 2 PM on Sundays at the Spreckles Organ Pavilion. And if you want to take a trip through San Diego's history, visit Old Town and check out historic buildings for free. Hotel Del Coronado is another place where you can take a stroll at no cost or you can spend some time at the Embarcadero taking in the views of the San Diego Bay. But if you want to treat your family to a staycation but not stay at your home. Local hotels are also offering special holiday activities. We've got brunches. We've got cocktail mixing classes. We've got kids cookie decorating classes, so really trying to create an environment where if you are staying local you still feel like it's a true vacation. Lindsay Amador, director of sales and marketing for Town and Country Resort, suggests shopping for discounts and deals during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. She says look for packages that includes activities that are important to you. We've got rates starting as low as 169. We've got our packages out there, which some of them include free kids meals with a paying adult. They include Wave Resort fee. Some of them include late checkout. Marie Cornell, ABC 10 news.

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