PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. — With Memorial Day weekend marking the unofficial start of summer, many families are weighing how to spend their time off.

The question up for debate: take a traditional vacation and travel out of town, or opt for a staycation closer to home.

Vacations can offer a chance to explore new destinations, try different experiences and step away from daily routines. But they also come with higher costs, including airfare, lodging and transportation.

Staycations, by contrast, often cost less and eliminate travel time and the stress of packing and logistics. But they can also make it harder for some people to fully disconnect if work, errands or family obligations continue to intrude.

Some South Florida residents note that rising travel costs, including fuel prices, are factoring into their decisions. Others say the region itself offers plenty of local attractions that can make staying home feel like a getaway.

For families, especially those with young children, travel can also add challenges, from navigating airports to managing schedules.

In the end, the decision often comes down to budget, convenience and how much time off people can truly dedicate to unplugging.

Viewers are being asked to share their preference: vacation or staycation this Memorial Day weekend. Let us know in the poll or comment section below.

Up For Debate: Vacation or staycation?

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Yarden Ben-David