How to Have a Fun Vacation on a Shoestring Budget

This year's family vacation doesn't have to be scrapped. Perhaps your escape may not include scuba diving or a penthouse suite, but the family can have just as much fun. And here's a secret: Junior won't know the difference! Experience travel in a different setting with the following ideas.

1. The Staycation
Rule #1 of the at-home vacation is to let everyone else know that you will be unavailable. Taking work calls or giving in to house chores will kill the experience. Tell friends and family that you'll be out-of-pocket for an extended weekend and buy in to the experience. The staycation can take place at a local hotel or even at home.

Sometimes all the family needs is a change of scenery. Don't rely solely on the beach or mountain backdrop to provide it. Get creative and decorate the house with a beach theme--luau decorations are cheap--and prepare Hawaiian meals in grass skirts. Ignore all household repairs for the weekend and plan themed family activities. Make sure to build up the excitement before hand.

Become tourists of your own city. Plan a tour of historical or interesting sites that the family hasn't seen yet. Some cities even plan scavenger hunts with clues for each destination. Checking in with the local visitors and convention bureau will give you more insight into local treasures.

2. Road Trip
Purchasing airline tickets for a family of four or more is down right exorbitant. With airline tickets, hotel costs, restaurants, and attractions the price tag inches into the thousands (plural). Most of us trying to pinch pennies won't even consider flights as part of a trip. Instead try for the old-fashioned family cross-country car ride.

To pull this off you need to pump it up for the family--be positive and do some research together about the places you'll see. Take plenty of food, toys, and family games for the road. Make it a point to take your time and not rush, dads. Holding your family hostage with no bathroom breaks while you barrel down the highway at 95 miles per hour is nobody's idea of fun. The journey is just as important as the destination. Reconnect with great-aunt Gertrude to minimize hotel costs.

3. Camping
According to a recent CNN article more families are expected to camp out this year because urban vacations are too expensive. Ask neighbors and families who camp often if you can borrow a few necessities before ogling goodies at REI. You don't really need a new Lexus monsoon-resistant tent and Kevlar backpack. If the family becomes camp-happy, then discuss making larger purchases. Review tips for basic needs at Family Camping Gear.

State parks provide the perfect setting for a family getaway with bathing areas and fire pits. Also look to lakes and rivers in the area with areas open to campers. Older children will enjoy canoeing, backpacking, and climbing as a family.

4. Amusement Park
While Disney World continues to be the mecca of family travel, a park in your own backyard can be equally exciting. Check for discounts on the back of Coke cans, city guides, or the park itself to save even more. Before arriving establish a spending budget for each family member and review an emergency meet-up plan in case someone is lost. Some amusement parks have a special section designated for family picnicking so call ahead to verify.

The most memorable times of my youth whisk me back to our Ohio road trip where we picked baseball-sized strawberries, and the long car ride to Myrtle Beach where we camped out. Your children will soak in every ounce of fun, regardless of travel budget, as long as you maintain the spirit of vacation.