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Cheap Summer Vacations

Planning your family vacation? Need ideas for cheap summer vacations the whole family will enjoy?

The lazy days of summer are almost upon us. It's time to kick back, relax and get away from every day life but how can you make the most of your summer vacation without breaking the bank?

Here are a few suggestions for cheap summer vacations that cost next to nothing.

Staycation

Sometimes the very best vacations are the ones closest to home. You can take is a stay-at-home vacation or staycation, not just for the obvious economical benefit but also for the additional 'you time' and getting some much needed rest & relaxation.

Have you ever noticed upon from returning from vacation (especially if it involves lots of travel time) you need time off to recover from your vacation? There's nothing more exhilerating than finally getting home and relaxing in your favorite chair after an exhausting flight or drive home -- probably because your home is your oasis and where you are most comfortable.

If money is tight and rest & relaxation are your top vacation priorities then a staycation maybe the way to go. Other reasons for a staycation include:

You want to finally finish that DIY renovation project
You want to be a tourist in your own town & explore all the local attractions
You want to do absolutely nothing but pamper yourself, stay up late & sleep in, shun household chores and responsibilities

Stay with friends or relatives

Another way to significantly cut costs on your next vacation is to stay with friends or relatives. Visit some place near a relative or friend who's willing to accomodate you and your brood. A free place to stay leaves more money in the budget for other things you want to do on your vacation.

Also, with the money you'll save on hotels or other accomodations you can afford to express gratitude to your hosts by contributing with restauraunt meals, outings or other ways to thank them for their hospitality. Since they're likely to flat out refuse any cash you offer them helping out with household chores may be another thoughtful way to show your appreciation.

Even if its not your preferred destination, you'll really be able to get the most out of your visit because you are saving so much on accomodation. Plus it'll give you a chance to reconnect with friends or family.

Finally, don't forget to let your hosts know that they're always welcome to stay with you should they be in your area in the future.

Rough it - go camping

The ultimate in cheap summer vacations, camping is still a very popular and cost effective vacation idea, not to mention a great way to get up close and personal with nature. If peace, tranquility and the rugged outdoors appeal to you then a camping vacation might be just what the doctor ordered.

Camping is alot of different things depending on who you ask. For example, my idea of camping is more traditional, I prefer wilderness camping, far away as possible from civilization, no running water and cooking over a campfire. My wife's idea of camping is pitching a tent in a campground within city limits only a stone's throw away from shopping malls and there can't be any critters nearby. This is probably why we've never gone camping together!

There are many options for all types of camping experiences, from really "roughing it" wilderness camping to "camping lite" or luxury camping. Regardless of budget, big or small, you're sure to find something that suits your camping needs, here's a few good sites to start your search:

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