‘Staycations:’ A popular alternative to stressful travel, pricey vacations Published June 27, 2008 By Holly Birchfield 78 ABW/PA Robins Air Force Base, GA -- High fuel prices have caused many people to put their vacation plans in park. Judy Wilson, a secretary in the 642nd Combat Sustainment Group, and her husband, James, have decided to take a break from their usual vacation to Panama City, Fla. and relax closer to home instead. Mrs. Wilson said her family will vacation in Helen, Ga., a small town a few hours away from their home. Vacationing closer to home isn't hard to do, Mrs. Wilson said. "Look at your home state because there are a lot of things to do in Georgia that's within a reasonable distance," she said. Robins has made it easier for people to have fun for less. Karan Hudgens, assistant director of Robins' Outdoor Recreation, said the base's pools and other amenities make relaxing near home possible. Horizons and Heritage Club pools are open from noon until 7 p.m. most days from now until Sept. 1. Robins ID cardholders and their sponsored guests can swim for $2. Single season pool passes for senior airmen and below are $20 and season family passes are $45. Single pool passes for staff sergeants and above and for DOD civilians are $30, with family passes costing $55. Robins also offers fishing at its three on-base waterways: Luna, Scout, and Duck lakes. Ms. Hudgens said for a minimal fee, those with base access and valid fishing licenses can fish at the lakes. With its low-cost boat rentals, Robins even offers ways for base ID cardholders to enjoy off-base lakes, Ms. Hudgens said. Robins' parks, pavilions, and Pine Oaks Lodge can provide a good place to get the party started. "If people want to do a picnic, we have Gator Gardens, Robins Park, Water's Edge, and the Pine Oaks Lodge," she said. "Parks are $25/day with a $25 deposit. The parks include grills, restrooms, picnic tables, playgrounds, and volleyball courts." Pine Oaks Lodge can be rented for $75/day with a $50 deposit, both to be paid at time of rental. For those who like to camp, Robins' FAMCAMP offers a place to pitch a tent or pull up a recreational vehicle for the night or even week. Lots offer hook-ups for electricity, water, showers, restrooms and laundry facilities. If you plan to putt around this summer, the Pine Oaks Golf Course has some deals to bring your home vacation up to par. "We've actually invented a deal specifically for the high gas prices," said Clay Murray, Pine Oaks Golf course manager. "The deal is called POP (Pine Oaks Player) card. People that come in and play a round of golf get a punch card and we check off the round. When they play four rounds, they get the fifth one free." Once the card is completely punched out, it goes into a prize drawing. Mr. Murray said the deal will run through August 31. On Mondays and Tuesdays, for $20, golfers can get a round of golf with green fees and a cart at Pine Oaks Golf Course. Beginning at 4 p.m. on those days, the course's twilight special begins which includes green fee and cart for $15. Mr. Murray said people can't beat the course's offer for golf close to home. "Our rates are very competitive (and) the course is in great shape," he said. "If they're working on the base and they just want to stop here after work, they can stop in, play, and head home." Mr. Murray said the course offers a variety of possibilities for the golfer, with specials on range balls also. If getting away from home is still a desire, Robins' Information Tickets and Travel Office may have just the ticket to attractions closer to home. From discounted tickets to Six Flags to great deals at hot spots like the Atlanta Aquarium, Preston Hoffman, an ITT customer representative, said his office can help people vacation for less. "We have a variety of things they can do," he said. "There are actually sales going on right now because of summer prices and everything." Mr. Hoffman said ITT now offers Six Flags day passes for $34, a better deal than the $39 price at the gate. Adult second-day passes for Wild Adventure Theme Park, a short distance from Robins, are going for $41 at Robins' ITT. ITT also has many other deals on area attractions in Georgia and other states as well. With a little planning, vacationing near home can be fun and affordable.