Perhaps no other cinematic family has been able to represent the plight of American families on vacation as the Griswolds: parents Clark and Ellen (Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo) and their children, Rusty and Audrey.

The first "National Lampoon's Vacation" movie followed the Griswolds on a series of misadventures at the Grand Canyon and in a California theme park.

And three follow-ups — "European Vacation" (1985), "Christmas Vacation" (1989) and "Vegas Vacation" (1997) — were just as disastrous for the family.

Watching these movies might make you want to stay home instead of traveling. And in these cost-conscious times, it's cheaper — and possibly more enjoyable — to watch movies about others going on vacation. It should be mentioned the first "Vacation" film featured some R-rated raunchiness and quite a few swear words in one scene,. The other "Vacations" were a little more family friendly.

In any case, here are a dozen movies rated PG-13, or even "less-severe," that you can watch with the en- tire family this Memorial Day weekend. (There is one very notable exception here):

CITY SLICKERS (PG-13, 1991)

Three buddies (Billy Crystal, Daniel Stern and Bruno Kirby) try to drive cattle at a "dude ranch" in this comedy. Academy Award winner Jack Palance steals the show as a no-nonsense cowboy.

DAN IN REAL LIFE (PG-13, 2007)

A charming comedy-drama about a widower (Steve Carell) who falls in love with his brother's new girlfriend (Juliette Binoche) during a family reunion/vacation.

DEATH TAKES A HOLIDAY (made before ratings, 1934).

Frederic March stars as the title character, the Grim Reaper, who takes a three-day respite from his "job." He finds love while posing as a prince in Italy. The film was later remade — in inferior fashion — as "Meet Joe Black" in 1998.

A GOOFY MOVIE (G, 1995)

Beloved cartoon character Goofy Goof drags his teenage son along a cross-country trip in this enjoyable animated feature.

A GRAND DAY OUT (not rated, 1989)

A would-be inventor and his faithful dog companion take a trip to the moon in the first of the popular "Wallace & Gromit" shorts. (This one is available as part of "The Incredible Adventures of Wallace & Gromit" DVD set.)

HARRY AND THE HENDERSONS (PG, 1987)

John Lithgow and his family meet up with Bigfoot following a hunting trip in this low-key but winning comedy.

HOME ALONE (PG, 1990)