"The coming months will see more and more people traveling by means of their own automobile to locations not too distant from their homes and enjoying family road trips rather than the grand tour of Europe." This is the quote I recently gave when asked for my thoughts on the travel outlook.

Many aspects of travel have changed profoundly due to concerns over the economy and fears stemming from the tragic events of September 11. Yet people do not want to give up travel, one of the brightest features of the American lifestyle. Here are some upbeat and pertinent facts:

· Only 12% of travelers have cancelled their plans post-September 11.
· Almost 60% of Americans still plan to take a leisure trip in the next six months
· Over 75% of travel in the U.S. is by auto and RV.*

And while Smith Travel Research estimates the total lodging market loss at $45 million a day,** we should all be heartened by the travel industry relief package President Bush signed recently.

You can be sure that when I attend the American Hotel and Lodging Association's "Small and Independent Lodging Council" board meeting next month I will be speaking up strongly for an AH&LA public relations campaign focusing on get-away travel within a 2-3 hour drive of people's homes. We here at Lanier Publishing and Travelguides.com believe that a square focus on "See America First" will pay off in not only sustained bookings at small properties but also a possible increase in occupancy rates in the near future. Americans love to travel and won't be stopped from pursuing this all-American freedom right here at home.

In light of this effort, we are in high gear publicizing our members' promotions - special offers, package trips, seasonal events, and more. We are publishing these offers across our array of web sites and associated travel portals. Send promotions to Tammi@travelguides.com.

Working together we can strengthen our segment of the lodging industry and reaffirm the all- American spirit of adventure and community.

Pamela Lanier
Author, The Complete Guide to Bed & Breakfasts Inns & Guesthouses
Host, TravelGuideS.com

*Travel Industry Association of America
**Smith Travel Research w/o September 9-15, 2001