Vacationing in California this summer is costing you a whole lot more. If you are one of millions who will travel closer to home this year, you are not alone. The with gas prices in California over $4 / gallon and cities adding more fees to their hotel room bookings, the average overnight stay more than 50 miles from home is going to cost you a minimum $125-150. While that may seem cheap enough, the average overnight cost for a typical California trip is double that.

Places and things people are doing this summer in California include events. California is event-driven and people like to travel to see a fair, concert, or art festival, for instance. More & more individuals looking for money are selling their wares in fairs, requiring hotel rooms if they veer too far from home. 

It's depressing to just stay at home--all the time--so do plan an overnighter if you can. If you have to stay with relatives and friends, so be it. If you can opt for camping, do it. Life's too short not to have fun. Travel is one of the best entertainment values around.