By STEVE EIGHINGER
Herald-Whig Staff Writer

Jennifer Lepper of Quincy Discount Travel simply says business is "great."

Mecki Kosin of the Travel House of Quincy is working 60-hour weeks to keep up with customers' demands -- and she's not complaining one bit. She's even increased staff to handle the increased business.

Lori Bergman of Destination Travel said she is finding the steady pace in the travel business might be a sign that people realize the "mental health" value of leaving the world behind for a vacation.

The theories why are plentiful, but there is no denying that local travel agents are doing a booming business, despite the specter of the ongoing recession that has cast a cloud over most of the economy.

"Mentally, to go on a vacation does more for a person than any materialistic item," Bergman said. "Right now, I think the typical consumer is a little more picky. They want (the vacation) done right, they want to enjoy themselves and they want to get away from all of the stress."

Others seem to agree.

"People might be putting off getting a new car or moving, but they're keeping their vacations. It's as important as buying groceries, it's therapy for our souls," said Nancy Borer, a spokesman for Carlson Wagonlit Travel, in a recent newspaper article.

Lepper said the getaway deals have never been better. Cruise lines and airlines are both offering a plethora of bargains to entice business -- and it seems to be working.

"Now is a great time to travel," Lepper said. "Destinations like Mexico and the Caribbean are really popular. And Alaska will be popular this summer. People always enjoy going there to see the whales. Nova Scotia and New Brunswick are popular, too. So is Las Vegas."

Kosin said she is finding Europe remains a popular destination for many.

"The bus tours there are booking well in advance," she said

Kosin said she has noticed the biggest jump in interest has been among those seeking cruises.

"People are still going places," she said.

Kosin said when the recession began to be felt in the Quincy area last fall she developed a "one-two-three" type of plan to cut expenses if business began to dwindle.

"I've not had to even use 'one' yet," she said.

Kosin said her contacts with travel agents in the Chicago and St. Louis areas have painted somewhat of a different picture.

"(The travel business) has been hit hard in some of those areas," Kosin said. "Either (the recession) hasn't hit here, or we're doing something the others aren't."

Kosin's theory about major metropolitan markets taking a hit look to be accurate. Despite bargain air fares, cheaper hotels and other discounts, travelers in general have cut spending to the lowest level since the terrorist attacks of 2001, new government and industry statistics show.

The U.S. Department of Commerce reports that travel and tourism spending dropped in 2008, plummeting 22 percent in the last three months of the year.

But those from the Quincy area seem to have remained travel conscious -- and they know what they want, according to Bergman. She said all-inclusive vacations are extremely popular, the kind that package travel, food and lodging all into one price.

"It's like one-stop shopping," Bergman said.

Lepper said an added bonus for travelers in the coming months will find the airlines adding more flights.

"That means there will be even more venues to choose from," she said.

-- seighinger@whig.com/221-3377