MADISON, Wis. -- The rising cost of traveling and shaky economic times has led to the increasing popularity of people looking to their own back yards for a vacation getaway.

This trend of "staycations" is now taking off in Madison, WISC-TV reported.

For example, Bonnie Lynde, of Oregon, opted for a trip to Bachmann Pool and Spas instead of a family trip to Florida. Lynde said that the rising cost of gas coupled with her daughter's upcoming wedding has led her to choose to spruce up her back yard this summer.

Lynde puts it bluntly.

"The economy is a lot different this year too, you know. Nobody has as much money as they had before," she said.

Bachmann Pool and Spa owner Doug DeLuca said that business is good and is getting better.

"People aren't going on vacation nearly as much. They're putting more money into their backyard," she said.

Shoppers at the Bruce Co., are also opting to load up on outdoor extras.

Anne Miller, the manager of the Bruce Co., explained the trend.

"For starters, because you don't have to worry about the gas crunch crisis, and it's just a better investment in your own space," she said.

Bachmann Pool and Spa reported that they sold nearly 180 spas last year. They expect to improve upon that number in 2008.