How to Take the World's Cheapest Summer Vacation

Affordable lodgings are at the foundation of a cheap summer vacation.

Traveling takes money, and more people than ever end up canceling their vacation plans when the economy is down and money is tight. Here are some ways to take a shoestring summer vacation-and hopefully even have fun doing it!

Things You'll Need

• Cool clothing
• A sense of adventure

Instructions

1. Transportation is always a big ticket in the arena of summer travel. With that in mind, choose a vacation site that is very nearby (some great places right under our noses can often go overlooked), or look into cheap transportation options.

2. Among these cheap transportation options, check community bulletin boards (physical and virtual), inquire with friends about sharing transportation costs and think outside the box a bit. What about a cycling trip, which would eliminate all transportation costs? Or looking into being hired to transport a vehicle somewhere long-distance?

3. Group travel is another option well worth considering. Renting a funky country house with five friends will almost surely be cheaper than everyone getting their own hotel room.

4. And when it comes to lodging-obviously another major travel cost-there are ways to dramatically cut back in that area as well. Camping can be as little as $10 a night at some campsites, but even if you splurge for a "tent-cabin" somewhere (such as KOA campgrounds), it will still be a bargain.

5. Hostels are another excellent option to think about, and can be a neat way to meet people in addition to saving cash. Make sure to check in advance whether you need to bring your own bed linens, if they have air-conditioning and what other amenities are available.

6. More lodging options include looking into a "home swap" with another family (essentially free) via a service-or if you're gun-shy about strangers being in your home-finding a far-away friend or relative interested in trading for a week. And we all have loved ones who've encouraged us to come for a visit "one of these days." You'll save a lot of money by taking them up on the offer!

7. Food is yet another way people spend big when traveling, particularly with all the dining out vacationers tend to partake in. You can save profoundly by finding a lodging that includes a kitchenette (or by grilling if you end up at a campsite) and making your own dinners, especially for anyone who imbibes at all; why pay $100 for a restaurant meal you could fix yourself for $25?

8. As for entertainment and activity, the old motto leaps to mind about the best things in life being free. This is especially true in summer, when outdoor diversions like swimming, hiking and telling stories around the campfire can be the perfect pastimes.

Tips & Warnings

• If all else fails, a cheap motel with a swimming pool isn't so bad!

• Even when cutting back, don't overlook key items like suntan lotion and engine coolant.