The Los Angeles Times reports that holiday travel is expected to remain steady this season, in spite of the downturning economy. The reason seems clear, but some people are still surprised.

What is that reason?

Family.

Holiday travel isn’t about taking a trip for the fun of it, or laying on the beach for a few days out of the year. Holiday travel is about spending time with your friends and family – and for many travelers – that’s worth any price they can afford.

While travelers will most certainly look for ways to save money – be it eating out less, booking flights with lay overs, or even driving instead of flying (if that proves to be cheaper) people will always be willing to make that trek home if at all possible.

Falling gas prices are sure to be helpful this holiday season, but even if they were to remain high, I doubt you’d see too many people staying home. It’s just not in our nature.