Many people will forego their annual vacation this year because of limited funds. Others are finding they have a competitive edge in the workplace if they cut their travel plans short. However, a missed vacation may leave individuals wanting in terms of a change in scenery. That's why decorating experts say bring the vacation home with decorative accents and other tricks that make you feel like you took a trip.

Travel is down across the board. According to USA Today's retiring president and publisher, Craig Moon, the 27-year-old publication has lost about 100,000 subscribers due to the travel slowdown. Hotel chains are a big subscriber and fewer travelers means fewer purchased papers. And slumping travel is not just a concern of the United States. According to Randy Williams, president and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, the first quarter of Canadian travel was "not very good." Bookings were down 15 to 30 percent, he said.

Those who are skipping vacations are choosing to stay home and enjoy a "staycation" instead. By incorporating some design influences from popular destination areas, homeowners can create the feel of vacation without the high price tag. Here are some tips to try:

* Go 'scent'sual: Think about your favorite places to visit and the scents that are associated with those locations. Maybe you enjoy the orange groves of Florida, or the tropical foliage of Polynesia. Fill your home with fresh flowers, fruit and air fresheners that evoke those scent-inspired memories.

* Renovate the master suite: Part of what is so inspiring about vacations is the lush accommodations at resort hotels. Cut out a picture of your favorite hotel room and bathroom and mimic the appeal at home. This way every night you can retire to a space that feels like you're miles away.

* Fill the home with photos: Recall memories of great trips with a hallway wall lined with vacation shots. Stop and reminisce about the wonderful times you spent.

* Create a theme room: Purchase decor elements that remind you of a popular destination area, perhaps a terra-cotta pasta dish painted like the Tuscan countryside or a linear art piece that reminds you of the Chicago skyline. Theme rooms should be subtle not campy, and do their best to trigger memories of a vacation.

* Change the paint color: Go for a bit of whimsy with a brighter color, or one typical of a vacation spot. Serene blue for the ocean or bright orange for Mexico can change the vibe of any room.

* Trigger memories with food: If you can't travel, bring the culture home with indigenous foods. Page through a recipe book and make a meal inspired by a past vacation.

---

Tell Us what You Think: