With summer in full swing, it’s tempting to just sit back, relax and stay at home to avoid the high cost of travel this season.  However, staying on home turf for the entire summer may not be necessary if you plan ahead and take advantage great travel deals and a few creative ideas.  You can get out and enjoy the great outdoors, take in a few experiences and enjoy some quality time together with your significant other – without overextending your monthly budget.  Here are just a few affordable summer vacation ideas for couples who want a quick getaway from the usual summer routine:

1. Hit the beach.  If you’re within a few hours drive of the coast, spend the day – the whole day – at the beach.  Plan to head out before sunrise so you can catch it on the ocean, and then relax, nap and enjoy the beachfront with a walk on the boardwalk, shopping, or even taking in a dance performance or local event.  Wait until sunset to enjoy a picnic for two and make the most of your day.
2. Camping at the State Park.  Take a drive to a nearby state park for a memorable camping trip.  There’s nothing more romantic than sitting by the campfire and enjoying the great outdoors in the middle of summer.  Pack a camera, your favorite foods and head out for a one or two-day trip for two.
3. Museum roundup.  Make your way to the cultural district of your town or city for a day of museums and antique shopping.  Just exploring new venues on foot is a great way to spend time together, and you can learn about the history and culture of your hometown or city in the process.
4. Be a kid again.  Plan a trip to the zoo, spend the day at the arcades, or just watch a lineup of animated movies and Disney classics you both enjoyed as a kid.  This is a great way to add some genuine fun back into summer break!
5. Tag along with a group trip.  Find out if any neighborhood organizations you’re a member of are organizing group travel excursions during the summer.  You’ll be able to cash in with group rates on many attractive destinations in your State, or around the country.

The idea of recreation vehicles for a vacation may not be appealing to many people. Being cramped in a metal cage surrounded by thousands of other people in similar situations is just not that great of a vacation plan. Fortunately, that is not a choice you will be forced to make.

The RV’s of today are much more luxurious than they once were. Instead of being cramped, you will find that you have plenty of room to relax. For the price of a nice suite at a hotel, you can rent an RV that has as much space as a small apartment. Even better, you have the ability to take your temporary home to any location in contiguous North America.

The technology behind the better RV’s seems to be the slide out sections that allow the parked vehicle to expand to the sides. This innovative technique lets you spread out when you have settled into your parking location. You can have a full kitchen or a large sitting area for the family. It is also possible to have a master suite that will include a king sized bed.

Not only have the accommodations made vast advancements from just a few years ago, but the parks have also improved. Today you will find many amenities (including pools, golf courses, showers, laundry centers, play grounds and other family friendly activities). More money is being spent on the RV’s so more money is being invested in the locations that these moving apartments need to park.

The intrigue that Americans have over the RV’s just continues to rise (even with gas prices doing the same). As the interest continues to grow, so will the opportunities for the new and improved RV experience.

Most major attractions or sites in the United States have RV parks located in or near them. The cost of hook ups will depend largely on the other amenities that the park offers. If you want to have complete control over you bathroom breaks, meals stops, and even the location of where you sleep each night then the RV life is perfect for you. The best part about traveling in an RV is that if you don’t like your neighbors, you can easily pick up and move to another location.

The next time you think about getting away, think about making your trip portable. Rent an RV, pack up your bags, and just follow the road and your whim to where ever they may lead you.

Camping is becoming a popular travel alternative for many individuals and families. Not only can you choose where you lodge, but you can get a great discount (or even stay for free) when you sleep in the great outdoors. It also gives you the chance to experience nature in her purest form.

Although the popularity of camping is growing, and there are more people flocking to the camp ground, there are still some safety issues that you should be aware of and prepared for. When you go camping, you enter into wild territory, and help might not be very close by.

1. Leave an itinerary behind. You many not know exactly where you are going to be camping, but you should have a general idea. Let the people at home know where you are going to be and for how long so they have some information to give authorities if a problem arises.

2. Carry a GPS system – particularly if you are doing primitive camping. You need to be able to determine your direction if the trails become covered or you become disoriented.

3. Pack for the average weather, not just the current weather (and be sure to check the forecast before you leave civilization behind). The changing weather has been the demise of many campers.

4. Keep food safely stored away and keep packs stored as well. Many wild creatures are extremely curious by nature and will dig through your things just to see what might be there.

5. Never camp alone. There are too many things that can go wrong. Always have at least one buddy along for the trip (besides, it’s more fun when you share with others).

6. Carry a first aid kit specifically designed for camping and hiking. You can find them online or probably at your local outdoor sporting goods store.

7. If you do get lost then hunker down instead of continuing to wander around. Find a spot where there is some shelter (or where you can make shelter) and then wait for the search party to locate you.

Camping can be a great experience for the whole family. You can get up close with nature, bond with the people in your party, and get away from the clutter of today’s society – even if just for a little while. To make sure your trip is a joyful one, plan ahead and be safety aware.