Spring Break Trips, Both Near & Far

By Kirsten McIntyre, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- This week, many Oklahoma families are enjoying time away from school and work, but the economy played a huge role in some deciding whether to travel, both near or far.

Logan Walcher and his cousin are getting a Spring Break trip of a lifetime, their grandmother is taking them to Italy. For Logan, an art major, it's an education outside of the classroom.

"I want to see all the art there," Walcher said. "The art I've seen in pictures, I've heard about in lectures and stuff like that, I want to see them with my own eyes."

The tough economy was a factor in who joined them on the trip.

"There are some people who I would have liked who could have come on this trip with me who felt like they couldn't afford it right now," Walcher's grandmother, Fern Smith said.

Many spring breakers have chosen to stay home, saving money by taking short road trips instead.

The Oklahoma City Zoo is among the hot spots for day trips. With money being tight, some families decided to stay close to home.

"I know it's tough for everybody, but a group of us decided to stay close for spring break and just hang out," said Dovie May.

While the economy isn't picture perfect, spring breakers are finding ways to enjoy their break.

An estimated 10,000 people visited the Oklahoma City Zoo Monday.