I just received a text. “The trip is off, tickets are too high.”No matter what your income level, high-gas prices are affecting not only a business' bottom line but also our vacation time. High gas prices have definitely been dictating how people are choosing to travel this summer. Gas prices are making travelers turn their getaways into staycations, resort stays to cruise-line tours or their fun in the sun to just plain staying at home.Flexibility and creativity are key to a summer escape that won't sacrifice your expectations. Some ways to have a guiltless yet luxurious vacation:

1. Shorten the trip. If you are planning on going away for 8 days and 7 nights, why not do 4 days and 3 nights. You will have plenty of time to get a hot stone message, lounge by the pool or even just relax and do nothing while ordering in.
2. Cruise instead of fly. This is a great alternative to a beachside resort. Don't just take your typical Caribbean cruise, how about a voyage to the Alaskan shores?
3. Take a Metropolitan Trip. New York, Miami, San Diego, Boston and Chicago are all great cities to discover “to die for” mom and pop restaurants, newly opened boutiques and the hip local artist that everyone is talking about. Or if you live in one of the aforementioned cities, do a city swap and visit one that you haven't been to in awhile.

For planning a more unique trip, travel agents are worth their weight in gold. They know your likes and dislikes and can custom create a trip that's perfect for your getaway needs. With airlines not being able to really give great deals due to the prices at the pump, this would be an ideal time to call your local travel specialist and plan a trip that beats the gas price blues.