Stay-at-home vacations, or “staycations”, can mean a variety of things to different people. For some, it means getting lots of home and garden projects done such as painting, repairs, or tending vegetable gardens. For others, it means having budget-friendly adventures at or close to home. Staycations have become quite popular due to economic challenges, allowing more families to vacation while sticking to a budget. The BBB recommends the following tips to consider when planning a “staycation”:

• Know your budget. Breaking the bank to vacation is not a good option, but fortunately, most consumers are budgeting wisely and making smart decisions. According to an American Express survey, American households can expect to spend about an average of $1,200 per person on summer vacations.
• Look for options close to home. There are plenty of fun things to do nearby where you live and ClearPoint Credit Counseling’s eBook, Budget Vacations in Your State can help you discover different options. In this free eBook, there are several exciting opportunities listed for each state and this could inspire you to conduct your own search for other free and inexpensive activities in your own backyard.
• Research deals before making a decision. No matter what your vacation plans are, the BBB recommends that you visit www.bbb.org ahead of time to make sure businesses or offers are legitimate.
• If you choose to travel, be prepared. Those of you who still plan to travel this summer will be among more travelers than last year. Eighty-six percent of travelers are planning trips this summer (up five percent from last year), according to TripAdvisor. Thanks to lower gas prices, more people will travel by car than by air.