I came across an article on MSNBC Travel titled “9 reasons ’09 will be the year of the ‘naycation’,” (“As in, nay — we’re not vacationing”), and I have to say I can’t argue with its conclusion that 2009 will be the year when most people stay at home, period. It cites a weak economy, disappearing vacation budgets and a deceiving travel industry as some of the factors shaping this year’s (non)travel trend.
Personally, I had more or less reached that same conclusion about 2009 before reading the article. The economy does suck at the moment, and the travel industry has indeed, over the last year, left a sour impression on travelers with its constant fee increases and declining customer service (major airlines, I’m thinking of you first and foremost). In my case, aside from family trips, this trend would also affect the annual trip to Gen Con. Yeah, I know.
It is still January, but time flies pretty fast (I mean, Jan. is almost over already!); before you know it, it’s August, so it’s really not too early for gamers to start planning out the summer con season. The D&D Experience starts tomorrow, Jan. 29, in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, so after the weekend we’ll get some attendance numbers and see how the gamer travel season is shaping up for this year.
So, how about you? Does 2009 look like a ‘naycation’ for your gaming and/or non-gaming travels? Leave a comment and let me know.
I’ve already made hotel reservations for Gen Con. You will be there, I hope? I was looking forward to an even better Friday night gamer dinner.
Of course, as a federal government employee, my situation is a little different. The job is unpleasant, but at least it’s secure.
As I said above, we’ll see.
I’m really going to try to go to Dragon*Con this year, and my wife and I are likely going to Vegas for our anniversary. I’ve heard, though, that Vegas has been hit hard by the slump, so that may change.
I’m with you David. It’s not the government, but Walmart’s about as close as you can get.
When are you going to Vegas, Jonathan? I have the audio from my visit during GAMA Trade Show last year and I need to make some time to edit that into an episode of the podcast. Maybe your trip would be the needed impetus (though I warn everyone, Vegas didn’t do it for me).
Our anniversary is September 14.
Honestly, I wasn’t entirely sold on Vegas, either, but my wife was really enamored by it.
I think I can have the show out before then, no prob.
I travel to lots of cons all over for work. So I can say I will be traveling tons this year maybe more then ever. need to make money so the company can keep me feed and clothed. I will be at both GenCon and Dragon*Con along with many others.
Nice blog, guess I have some travel to do then
Thanks and welcome to the blog.