As the summer approaches and families continue to tighten the budget, a "staycation" could be an excellent alternative to an out-of-town trip. The money you can save on transportation costs, lodging and food can be an incentive to get creative and stay close to home. Even a short distance vacation can be a huge savings compared to a longer distance getaway.

Depending on where you are in the country and what might be close at hand to create some form of getaway will dictate the types of options you might have. If you are near a larger city then making a vacation stay in the city might be an option. Many times people do not take the time to really explore a city they live relatively close to. One of the things I have done in recent years is to visit the Botanical Gardens of cities I have visited. I didn't know there where so many gardens around until I started checking them out.

Another thing to put on the to do list is check out the local history elements of the city or destination. There are usually some historical places that you have been driving by or thinking about checking out but haven't found the time. Make a day of it and explore some history.

Seeking out restaurants that you have never gone to is another thing for the staycation itinerary as well as any local bands that might be playing.

Volunteering your time is another source of activity that can be something you always think about doing but never do. Add some altruism to the staycation and be paid back many times over.

Another activity is possible if you own a GPS system. Do some Geocaching. It will take you on an adventure and you might discover parts of your world you never new where there. You never know what you might find, maybe some treasure.

Camping can be one of the best vacations you can take. Its cheap and gets you in the middle of nature which is energizing in itself. It can also be a very good source of education for the young ones if you take a plant and insect book and do some exploring and identifying. Take the fishing poles and do some fishing. Another great relaxer.

Take in a show or a concert. If you live by a city take a night or two to plan out some activities in the city and stay a couple of nights in a hotel. Pack your bags and make some memories.

The important thing is to create a vacation type atmosphere.

• Schedule the dates. Just like you would if you were on a regular vacation. Plan it out and commit to the dates. Otherwise you will tend to cut it short or not take it seriously and the time ends up being less like a vacation and more like just another day at home.
  
• Pack the time with activities. I have listed some ideas but let your imagination create a great vacation time.
  
• Dedicate the time to vacation like mode. No chores or got-to-do stuff. You are on vacation and you need to mentally be in vacation mode.
• Take photos and videos. Just like you would if you were on a get away vacation. You will cherish them just as much if not more than the regular vacation pictures. Especially if you are filling the time with activities.