With vacations 'crazy expensive,' small businesses say Americans are staying closer to home

Key Points:

• Despite higher airfares and gasoline prices, domestic tourism in the U.S. is seeing a slight boost, partly due to the FIFA World Cup and the nation's 250th birthday celebrations encouraging local travel.
• AAA predicts 72.2 million Americans will travel over 50 miles during the July Fourth period, with increases mainly in cruises, buses, and trains, while driving and flying numbers remain steady.
• Experts note that reduced international travel could benefit local businesses, as vacation budgets are redirected toward regional restaurants, attractions, Airbnb hosts, and roadside businesses.
• In regions like Lake Tahoe and Asheville, local tourism businesses report increased activity, with visitors opting for nearby trips and engaging in outdoor activities and local experiences to save money.
• Cities hosting World Cup matches, such as Kansas City, are experiencing noticeable spikes in tourism and retail traffic, benefiting from being a more affordable destination compared to larger host cities.