The new vacation is a Staycation. Instead of waiting hours for a flight at an airport or spending most of your vacation money on gas just to get "there," take a staycation and enjoy your city or local area.

Start by doing a little research. Make a list of theatres, restaurants (buffet-style), theme parks (if any), festivals, parades, historic landmarks, attractions, sports centers, zoos, etc. Begin by listing everything that's free to the public first.

In your computer, enter your city's name (or nearest city) and the word tourist. See what deals, coupons, attractions and deals come up.

Avoid parking fees by using a park and ride and taking the local bus. Bus companies have day and month passes; do the math to see which will be the cheaper purchase for your staycation.

Hire a maid service to come in to your home 2 or 3 times a week just to give the "motel feel" to your home, if desired. Have someone cut your lawn for you, too.

Have a picnic in the park one day; the next have lunch at a buffet. Is there a certain time of day when the buffet is cheaper? Eat then, and take snacks for later.

Obtain one of the many coupon books available for your city. These books contain everything from "two-for-one" to 50% to 70% off purchases. From food to theme parks to movies and more, you can save the price of the book and then some.

Play lawn games and board games with the kids and turn off the TV. Make it truly a family activity. Get inexpensive notebooks for the kids, and have them describe their daily activities. When they return to school, they have the "what I did for my summer vacation" already written.

Have fun being a tourist in your own city. You may see things you didn't know were there.