Over the past several months, we've talked a lot about the silver lining in this gray recession cloud. That is, all the great travel deals that are out there. For the summer, we're seeing airfare that has dropped more than 17 percent over last year and hotel rates that have declined a good 13 percent.

But, there's more to the silver lining than just deals. Travelers are getting back to the basics, seeking to experience the world on a budget and taking the time to explore their own backyards. For many, that means hitting the road.

Take a look at the map below for road trip inspiration from your hometown. We've highlighted the cities that have the best average hotel rates on the continent and found some local-recommended festivals that are worth checking out and will help to keep you on budget.

Life is stressful -- your vacation shouldn't be. After all, most of us go on vacation to escape the stress of daily life. But given the economy, rising unemployment and seemingly constant changes in the airline industry, it almost seems like we'd be better off throwing in the beach towel and staying home.

Almost, maybe. But not quite. Followers of The Window Seat know if there is one thing I really can't stand it is a certain word that begins with a "s" and ends with a "taycation." Especially now, when the deals are so good and it's unclear how long they'll last.

We'd love to hear from you -- what stresses you out on vacation and what do you do to solve it? Discuss.

This week's question comes from Neal in Greensboro, NC, home of the oldest standing Tuscan-style villa in America:

Recently, the Roaming Gnome and I had the opportunity to visit Universal Orlando. Oh the fun we had -- I faced my fear and rode The Incredible Hulk Coaster and R.Gnome got down and sang "All the Small Things" at the Rising Star karaoke bar.

But it was not all fun and games! There was work to be done as well. At the top of the list was spreading the word about Universal Orlando's sweet summer offer. There were lots of interviews on that deal and others, but just in case you missed it, you can watch this video for details on the deal, our Traveler Confidence Report and Universal Orlando's soon-to-open Rip Ride Rockit!

Hitting the road when you have a baby changes everything. Travel just ain't what it used to be.  Even me, a travel expert, was daunted by the idea of traveling with my daughter by plane for the first time.  As with everything there is a learning curve and you get better with experience. I'll save you some of the trouble and share some of my learninngs from our very first family vacation.

Catch a ride on a clattering cable car, slurp clam chowder from a sourdough bread bowl, stroll Fisherman’s Wharf--most tourists in San Francisco know the drill. But as locals, it often breaks our hearts to watch the hordes move from one time-honored experience to the next en masse, never stopping to wander without purpose through our charming city, never trying the new thrills and attractions.

Baseball fever is in the air and in just a few days Major League Baseball will be kicking off opening day in the City of Brotherly Love, where the World Champion Philadelphia Phillies will play against the Atlanta Braves.

And if there's one thing is for sure, die-hard baseball fans will be traveling miles away, braving the rainstorms, humidity, cold, or the extra long ball games (you know, the ones that goes into extra innings and neither team scores a run until the 12th inning) to cheer on their teams.

Last season, as a compromise with my significant other over baseball and shoe shopping, I accompanied him to three baseball games across the East Coast from Boston to Philadelphia to follow his New York Mets team and suprisingly, I had a wonderful time!

A year ago, my grandmother passed away very suddenly. I already had a trip planned and had to immediately re-route my flight to get home for her funeral. I briefly attempted to figure out how bereavement fares work, but I was too upset to wade through the barrage of information. Instead I ate huge rebooking fines and tried to put the exorbitant cost out of my mind.

This week, a friend of mine is in the same place and asked for help--and what my research for her uncovered was a little surprising. Bereavement or compassion fares aren't always the best option for those traveling at the last minute. Let's weigh the pros and cons.

Recently, I went on another outing with City Running Tours, this time in Chicago. After the great run I had in New York, I was looking forward to seeing another city on foot with the guided expertise of CRT. This time things were a bit different, to be sure. We started the run at Millennium Park, running past Kapoor’s Cloud Gate, Gehry’s Pritzker Pavilion, and on towards Grant Park. As we ran with our guide, Marlin Keesler, he asked about my then-recent marathon, and how many I’d done. “Three,” I replied, trying not to sound too proud. Likewise, I asked him if he was a marathoner and how many he’d run. He sort of grinned. “Sixty,” he said. I damn near fell off BP Bridge. Here was a stocky guy who claimed to be out of shape and to hate running—a mantra I adopt, particularly when running in the morning—yet made marathoning a habit. As I would find out, it was far more than that.

I am 32 weeks or eight months pregnant. And I still travel everyday, mostly to work or the doctor. I've got a biiiig ol' belly. Yet still I manage to hoof it down the street and huff down the steps of the New York City subway or onto the bus. Though I must admit I'm not quite as agile as I used to be standing on a moving vehicle. When you're pregnant, and the larger you grow, the more off-balance you seem to get. At least that's how it is to me. (To imagine what this feeling might be like picture yourself with a 20 pound beachball tucked into your shirt. You're probably starting to get the picture...) And yet, I stand almost everyday wherever I go. And it's not because I am dying for the adventure -- it's because people are really clueless! And it's not just in New York.