As high gas prices, a sluggish economy and weather worries jeopardize some Hoosiers' vacation plans, Indiana has an answer that promises the benefits of a break without breaking the bank: Travel close to home.

To drive that message home, the Indiana Office of Tourism Development and 19 industry partners are pooling their resources to get the word out about all there is to do in Indiana.

"From our theme parks and campgrounds to museums and festivals, Indiana has many options for fun family travel," said Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman. "Summer is here. If you haven't planned some time away, now is the time to do it and take advantage of all that Indiana tourism has to offer."

The Indiana Office of Tourism Development is reaching out to potential travelers through www.visitindiana. com, Internet marketing and the media. Playing off the state's tourism brand of "Restart your engines," tourism is focusing on travel that is close to home and offers fun for the whole family.

Although a recent USA TODAY/Gallup Poll suggested that gas prices are forcing one-third of Americans to reconsider vacation plans, other research would suggest that there's more at stake here than just a few days off work.

Both The New York Times and Wall Street Journal reported recently on studies showing that vacations have real health benefits. The studies suggest that people who take vacations are less likely to develop heart disease, they sleep better and - no surprise here - they are more relaxed. Maybe that's why Americans are so hesitant to give up their vacations.

"National research indicates that even when times are tough, vacations are nonnegotiable for many Americans," said Indiana Office of Tourism Director Amy Vaughan. "Knowing that but also recognizing that this has been a tough summer for many, we're encouraging Hoosiers to take some time off to relax and recharge a little closer to home."