Take a Staycation

• A staycation is one in which you "vacation" at home. The idea is to take time off of school and work, but instead of packing the family up for hours of stressful travel, get cozy at home or, if you really feel like you need the experience, at a motel or hotel near your home. The point is to explore all of the wonderful things that your area has to offer, from that amusement park you haven't visited in ages to the restaurants in your neighborhood. Check in with a local tourism office to find out what your city and state are promoting, and get in vacation mode without the stress or expense of traveling to get there.
  
  

Visit the National Parks

• Another great option for saving money on a local vacation is to visit one of our nation's beautiful national parks. Call the park in advance to reserve space if you plan to camp, find out what fees apply to you, and ask about seasonal considerations (for example, Yosemite is sometimes snowed over in the winter). If you want to camp without being rugged, consider renting an RV near the park, and enjoy all that nature has to offer.
  
  

General Money Saving Travel Tips

• There are some things you can do to soften the blow to your wallet whenever you vacation. For example, find a hotel that is directly across the street from the beach instead of on the beach. The difference in price is amazing, and you still have easy beach access. Traveling outside of normal tourist season is also a great way to save money, since hotels will be offering discounts to entice tourists. As an added bonus, you won't have to deal with as much crowding. If you are flying, play with the dates to see if a mid-week flight might be cheaper than one over the weekend. If you are driving, check the tire pressure and minimize the luggage to improve your gas mileage. By being mindful, you can save money on any vacation.