Need a break without breaking the bank? For the past several years, my family has traveled to wonderful destinations for vacations. My husband and I love to travel, and having children did not slow us down. Whether by plane or ship, our recent travels have brought us to exotic locations including Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Asia. However, with an expanding family, we have had to find creative ways to stretch our vacation dollars. Enter the "stay-cation" idea - a vacation close to home that won't break your budget. Like any vacation, a stay-cation requires some planning. Plan the length of your vacation, set a budget, do research on attractions and activities, and buy what you need for the "trip". Most importantly, get your errands and chores done before the vacation!

Local Attractions:

A stay-cation offers the perfect opportunity to do the things you've always wanted to do but have not found the time for. Play "tourist" in your own city. As a resident of Southern California, there are so many options for sights to see and activities to do. There are amusement parks, zoos, botanical gardens, aquariums, museums, beaches, mountains, parks, vineyards, etc. There is also the theater, symphony, opera, and ballet. The diversity of cultures in California also offers a melting pot of exotic restaurants to try. The ideas are endless, so do some research and you may be surprised what your town offers.

Your Own Backyard:

For some people, their own backyard is the ideal stay-cation. My sister and brother-in-law, for example, just transformed their valley backyard into a wonderful "mini resort". It has a covered patio for al fresco dining and lounging, and a saltwater pool to stay cool and splash around in. The lush landscaping tops off their relaxing "oasis". If you don't have the backyard that I just described, as in our case, create a backyard "campground" for part of your vacation. You can set up a tent with sleeping bags for the kids. Roast some marshmallows over the fire pit and sing songs. Fire up the grill and barbecue.

High gas prices and current economic conditions make the "stay-cation" an appealing vacation option for many. Keep in mind that just because your destination may not be "exotic", it doesn't mean your expectations should be lowered. Take lots of pictures for your family scrapbook. Who knows - the vacation of your dreams may unexpectedly be "closer" than you realize!