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5 Ideas For a Great Staycation

By U.S. News & World Report

Let these staycation ideas stir some local travel inspiration.

For some people, summer isn’t always synonymous with vacation. In fact, according to The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, 43 percent of Americans reported they won’t be taking a summer vacation in 2017, with many citing cost as the main deterrent. If you’re cash-strapped, don’t let those vacation days go unused just yet. You may not be able to travel if you’re on a tight budget, but you can still enjoy a stress-free break at home. With a little creative problem-solving, it’s easy to make a staycation feel like a full-fledged vacation. Let these five ideas be your guide to an affordable and relaxing stay-at-home vacation.

Check out nearby campsites.

In comparison to the price of a hotel stay, the average fee for bedding down at a campsite is cheap. For example, in New York state parks, the base rate is $15 per night. In Washington state parks, you can expect to pay between $12 to $45 per night, depending on the season and amenities. Staying at a national park will cost more, as you have to pay an entrance fee in addition to a campsite fee. But there are sites in Yellowstone that allow travelers to camp for as little as $15 per night. To find campsites near you, consult GoCampingAmerica.com or Freecampsites.net.

Be a tourist in your own city.

If you’ve ever had to turn down an activity or attraction in your city because you didn’t have enough time, a staycation offers the perfect opportunity to be a tourist. Create an itinerary for your city as you would if you were visiting an entirely new place. Go to that museum that closes too soon after work. Visit that restaurant or cafe you see on your commute and always wanted to try. Scroll through Groupon to find a fun tour to join. Spending time exploring the nooks and crannies of your city will likely enhance your appreciation of your hometown.

Splurge on a one-night stay.

Spending multiple nights at a four- or five-star hotel will likely leave a dent in your wallet. But there’s still a way you can enjoy a brief reprieve from your home life without breaking the bank. If your budget doesn’t allow you to book luxurious digs in faraway lands, treat yourself to just one night in one of your city’s nicest hotels. Hotels pride themselves on providing guests with an experience more so than a place to sleep for the night. And one night away surrounded by a staff of people ready and willing to cater to your needs will help create the feeling that you’re on vacation.

Set out on a daytrip.

Staycations are all about embracing what’s around you. If there’s a town or city within reasonable driving distance, consider planning a daytrip to explore it. You can still get your fill of going someplace new without having to set aside any money for lodging. And if it’s a big city that requires more than a day’s visit, consider splurging on a hotel for a night. Even if there aren’t any popular destinations within reach, take a look at the map and research nearby towns and cities — you may just be a short drive away from one of these charming small towns.

Take a digital detox.

The easiest way to feel like you’re on vacation? Disconnect. If you are unable to go anywhere or dole out too much dough to explore your surroundings, a simple digital detox can help you take a much-needed break from the world, especially if you have a job that requires you to be constantly connected. According to the American Psychological Association, too much time spent on social media can take a toll on your health. Unplugging for even a short amount of time can reduce anxiety and stress and allow you to be more present. Head out a long neighborhood walk (sans smartphone) or grab a book and retreat to a park for a couple of hours.

More from U.S. News

Should You Swap Your Vacation for a Staycation?

8 Ways to Plan a Summer Staycation in the City

Best Cheap Summer Vacations

5 Ideas For a Great Staycation originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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