Ironically, his mother, who initiated the trip because she felt the family didn't see each other enough, died a few weeks ago. The first night of the trip is the first night of Hanukkah. Jewish families, in fact, say they frequently schedule Christmas vacations to avoid being overwhelmed by a holiday they don't celebrate. But now those who want to be with their relatives also are clamoring for more. She was no different, combining a trip to see her family in south Florida with some beach time together with her own family.
Employers are more flexible and people can grab a few extra days.
They're going for it,'' says American Society of Travel Agents Spokesman James Ashurst. Hot spots include cruise ships, Mexico and Las Vegas. Of course, the economy helps. People feel more comfortable splurging, travel industry observers say. Don Lansky, spokesman for the large cruise discounter Cruise Line Inc., says families already have started booking for Christmas 1998.