Staycations: Squeeze the most out of those vacation days

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Expedia.com's "Vacation Deprivation Survey" states that the U.S. workers earn a paltry average of 14 vacation days per year, while other European countries earn a minimum of 26 vacation days per year with up to a maximum of 37 vacation days earned. Out of those trivial 14 vacation days, Americans generally do not use three of those days, and according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, approximately 574 million vacation days go unused by American workers each year. With less than two weeks of vacation days to use annually, it would be difficult to justify spending some of those days dealing with airport security, flight delays, hotel reservations' not being honored and paying high car-rental prices.

To maximize relaxation during these 14 vacation days while saving money, vacation closer to home and become a tourist in your own backyard. In this week's "staycation" series, more recreation options within a 20-mile radius are offered to help squeeze every bit of fun out of those hard-earned vacation days without squeezing your wallet.

To view the natural beauty of the upper Utah area from the sky, try seeing it from a balloon rather than an airplane. Utah Balloons, operated by Windrider Hot Air, offers hot air balloon rides above Ogden Valley and the Wasatch Mountains. Rides are also available during the 14th annual Ogden Valley Balloon Festival near Eden onAug. 15-17.

To view the area's natural beauty from the ground, hike the local Bonneville Shoreline Trail near Kaysville. This is a hiking and bicycle path that goes across the foothills of the Wasatch Range and follows the eastern shoreline of ancient Lake Bonneville. There are several access points for this trail -- the Baer Creek trailhead off Nicholas Road in Fruit Heights; Kaysville East Mountain Park off east 200 North; Adams Canyon trailhead off 1200 North; and Fernwood Park west of Layton off east 500 North.

For the railroad enthusiast in your family, discover Farmington's hidden treasure -- S & S Shortline Train Park and Museum. This train park began as a hobby for founders Steve and Susan Flanders when they built a single, circular track in their backyard 13 years ago, as stated on their Web site sssrr.ssshortlineleasing.com. Now the train park has more than 16,000 feet of rail and 90 engines and cars to ride in, plus a miniature golf course and snack bar. For the model train collector, the park also boasts a museum contained within a full-sized replica of a 1920's Union Pacific freight train. The park will be open until November, as it closes for the winter season, so enjoy it now while the weather is excellent.

On the hotter August days, cool off by visiting the Surf-n-Swim wave pool and sports park in Layton. Families can enjoy a manmade wave pool as well as sand volleyball courts to get the "beach vacation" experience, or head indoors to the racquetball and wallyball courts or indoor lap pool.

No matter where your family chooses to "staycation," it will be more relaxing driving there in your own car and returning home to your own bed.

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