Summer is so close you can almost taste it. Like most people, you probably want to spend it enjoying some well-deserved R&R, but you also don’t want to break the bank. Check out these six budget-friendly vacation ideas that can help you stretch your vacation dollars a little further.

1. Visit national or state parks. Parks are often hidden gems filled with fun and adventure. Many offer affordable cabin rentals, or you can pitch a tent and immerse yourself in the great outdoors.
2. Be a local tourist. Taking a vacation doesn’t mean you have to travel far away. Stay close to home and act like a tourist by exploring local art galleries, historical sites, museums, zoos, etc. You can even book a night or two at a nearby hotel with a pool and catch some rays.
3. Get away on a weekday. Hotel prices tend to be less expensive during the week than on the weekends. So do your traveling during the week and save money on the hotel while building up your reward points for a weekend trip down the road.
4. Visit friends or family. OK. it may not sound like the perfect vacation, but it’s about getting away from home, right? You can experience the local attractions and culture, all while enjoying a free place to stay.
5. Go small. You don’t have to visit the most popular destinations to have a fun vacation. For example, instead of going to Disneyland, visit a smaller amusement park.
6. Take a staycation. Maybe you just don’t have the time or funds to get away. Don’t let that stop you from having a good time. Do something out of the ordinary – treat yourself to a massage, binge watch your favorite series or eat at that new restaurant you’ve been dying to try.

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WBLT-0750 (Apr. 19)