Staycations: Get More of Your Summer Fun Closer to Home

Getty Summer is peak season for most travel, and peak season means peak prices. To enjoy a wonderful summer vacation without the big expense of travel, follow these tips for an enjoyable staycation. Why Skip the Travel? Many of us tend to discount the attractions in our own back yards. It's easy to feel blasé about what's nearby when there's a big, beautiful world out there just waiting to be seen -- places that we can't just hop in the car and drive to anytime. That's a valid point -- but not for every single vacation. With all the other financial needs we have, from saving for retirement to managing our debt, it's better not to bust the budget every time we have a week off by flying across country or going overseas. But that certainly doesn't mean you can't have an awesome week of fun. Among the many benefits of staycations: No stressing over complicated plans in an unfamiliar setting. No layovers, no flight delays and no long plane rides with screaming kids. More time to enjoy your plans because you will spend less time traveling. Hundreds, if not thousands of dollars saved. Be a Tourist in Your Own Town