Las Vegas is the No. 1 travel destination (by airplane) for Lawrence residents, according to AAA. Its average daily high in March is 69 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

Chicago is the No. 2 travel destination (by airplane) for Lawrence residents, according to AAA. The Shedd Aquarium is a popular draw, and Wrigley Field is home to the Chicago Cubs, the 2008 National League Central champions.

Whether you’ve done something embarrassing befitting of a Southwest Airlines commercial, or you’re just tired of the land where the buffalo roam, sometimes you’ve got to get away, and a vacation can be just the ticket.

But economic woes may hold some back.

A travel trends survey released in January by Travel Leaders, formerly Carlson Wagonlit Travel Associates, indicates the economic recession will play a significant role in travel plans for many Americans this year.

But while Travel Leaders experts have indicated a decrease in yearly bookings, most are optimistic about the year ahead, as people alter vacation plans rather than erase them altogether.

“The economy does have an effect on people spending, but I think people have a lot of stress in their lives and need to get away,” says John Novotny, manager of Travellers Inc., 831 Mass. “People may take shorter vacations, or may not travel to their first-choice destination but to their second choice.”

James Hanni, executive vice president of AAA of Kansas, also says people are attempting to economize their vacations — driving instead of flying, choosing closer destinations and making budget adjustments. People are also being flexible with dates, staying at all-inclusive resorts and using frequent-flier miles.

“That just shows you how important travel is in maintaining our life,” Hanni says. “It’s just good for our well-being. People gotta get away.”

He says current gas prices, which are down from last summer’s nearly $4 a gallon, have encouraged prospective travelers.

Travel Leaders’ survey of its 547 Travel Leaders owners, managers and front-line travel experts throughout the United States, also indicated travelers are booking vacations later than they have in the past. The poll indicates 48 percent of clients are booking “somewhat” to “much” later than the previous year, a trend Novotny would not encourage.

“Historically, seeing lower prices at the last minute isn’t your best bet,” he says. “As soon as people have an idea about the destination and the dates, they need to inquire (with a travel agent).”

Novotny says travel agents can quote prices early and help clients decide when to book.

“We are going to know by history whether the price we quote is high or low,” he says. “We will be able to say ‘it isn’t going to get much better than that,’ or ‘maybe we should wait.'”

Travel Leader’s survey, conducted November through December 2008, indicates Las Vegas will be the No. 1 domestic destination for travelers in 2009. For international travel, Caribbean cruising ranked No. 1.

Novotny says the advantage of booking early and with travel agents is that they can find good rates for clients.

“There are some great deals out there if you are working with someone who can find them for you,” he says.