See the world — in California's Long Beach

A recently published survey showed hat, even in these precarious economic times, a vacation is a luxury that many people are unwilling to give up. Hard-earned and well-deserved, those sacred two weeks serve as a wellspring of rejuvenation for the next grueling 50 ahead.

Still, the dilemma remains - with so little time and ever-shrinking disposable income, where will your dream vacation take you: Spain, Italy, England, Latin America or the Pacific Rim? With so much of the world offering appealing alternatives, how does one choose?

Here's an idea: Go to Long Beach. You can experience all of the above destinations much more economically, and you won't need a passport.

Long considered Los Angeles' less glamorous younger sister, Long Beach has spent much of the past two decades refurbishing, refashioning and revitalizing itself. The result is one of Southern California's most surprising vacation destinations. Part of that surprise stems from the realization of just how cosmopolitan the city is.

In Long Beach, you can take a trip around the world in 80 blocks.