A staycation, according to The New York Times, is "a neologism used by [those] who prefer to unravel the mysteries of the world from the comfort of their living room couches."

Whether you opt to take a staycation rather than a vacation in order to save money, avoid holiday travel, or any other reason, these staycation strategies can help you plan a staycation that's, um, worth writing home about.

1. Set the Time and Date

Give your staycation a start and end date -- otherwise, it runs the risk of feeling like just another string of nights in front of the tube. So coordinate your calendars, synchronize your watches, and settle on specific days when the two of you can officially be on staycation.

2. Put Out the "You're Not Welcome" Mat

You wouldn't take your friends or relatives with you on a romantic getaway, would you? Then don't invite them to participate in your staycation: Lock the door, close the blinds, silence the phones, and turn off your IM. A staycation is just for the two of you.

3. Follow a Staycation Budget

Chances are, one big reason for planning a staycation rather than a vacation is that cash is short. Good news: You can take a staycation for next to nothing. An evening of inexpensive red wine and pizza, when savored alone together by candlelight, can be very romantic, especially if you turn off the tube and play music for lovers.

4. Stock up on Games for Couple to Play

Add a sense of play to your staycation by laying in a stash of games. Board games, card games and maybe even "Hide and Seek".

5. Transport Yourselves through the Magic of Movies

There's nothing like curling up together on a staycation night to watch a great movie. To get into the spirit of the film and your staycation, dress the part: Dig out that safari jacket and pith helmet for Lawrence of Arabia... wrap yourself in last summer's sexy pareo to watch Blue Lagoon... find a feathered headdress to give Dances with Wolves its props... you get the idea.

6. Snap Staycation Pictures

Suitably attired, you'll certainly want to make a permanent record of your staycation to look back upon fondly. Catalogue all the hot spots you hit and interesting people you meet: The couch! The kitchen! The guy who delivers your Chinese food! And if you have a cat or dog, certainly include them in your photos. With all the time you save not traveling, you can set up a memorable staycation shot that will make a lovely holiday greeting or digital postcard. (Just skip the "Wish You Were Here" line on the latter; you don't want potential company to get the wrong idea.)

7. Read a Book You've been Meaning to

No need to wait till summer vacation to tackle War & Peace any more. On your staycation, you have the luxury of time to sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in a great book.

8. Feng Shui Your Home

Well, it's no wonder you have no money and you constantly fight: You're probably living in a feng shui-free zone. Undo those bad-luck omens, move the furniture, let in the light, and let the positive energy flow back into your life and your relationship.

9. Tennis anyone?

Spend the afternoon playing tennis, bocce ball or grab a picnic basket and head to the nearest park.

10. Plan a Real Vacation

If you've make it to the end of your staycation without killing each other or filing for divorce, you've earned yourselves a real vacation. Even if you're short on funds, you can start saving up now for a real vacation in the future. This time, circle the calendar for real. And while you're waiting to take that trip, repeat this mantra:

Be it ever so humble, there's no place like anywhere but home.

With rising prices for everything from food to fuel, more families are staying home this Memorial Day weekend. While traditional vacations may be out this summer, "staycations" are taking their place.

About 50 percent of American travelers are changing their summer travel plans because of soaring fuel prices and sticking closer to home, according to a recent survey by the travel Web site TripAdvisor.

Many say they'll be relaxing in their own yard. You can pitch a tent, buildi a campfire and take in the night sky. Caution: Your neighbors might make fun of you.

You can always choose a local tourist spot close to you like a national park or lake. How about taking the kid's to a farmer's market and let them pick out the ingredients for dinner.

In St. Louis, the Kunsemiller family built their own drive-in theater.

Many parents, in fact, find the staycation more relaxing than going away, especially if they have young children.

You can turn your backyard into a family amusement park that includes Wiffle balls, a tent, bobbing for apples, hula hoops and picnic area complete with blanket and barbecue.

Pack the time with the family with activities. Plan a daily activity and make sure something takes you out of the house for fun every day.

Declare a "choratorim". That means no chores! Don't make the bed, vacumn, clean out the closets, pull weeds, NOTHING. You are on vacation.

Take staycation videos just as you would if you went away from home for your vacation.

What do you get when you take a staycation?

No waiting in line at security at the airport, no hotel rooms next to an elevator, no packing, no arguments about directions, just quality time with your family with no fuss.