Fairfax, VA - May 14, 2009 — Summer vacation time is almost here. However, with gas prices on the rise again and many consumers feeling the pinch from the recession, the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies (AICCCA) says that consumers might consider a "stay-cation" this year.

"A traditional summer vacation can take a bite out of the budget even in non-recession times," said Dave Jones, president, AICCCA. "Consumers might be better served by supporting their local economies and staying home this year."

When planning a trip, travel and accommodations are usually the biggest ticket items in a vacation budget. By staying home, you will eliminate those expenses. Be sure to determine the amount of money you have available to spend. Try not to go into debt that you cannot repay within 90 days. AICCCA offers these tips to make your stay-at-home vacation special:

• Home-to-hotel. Let the answering machine pick up your phone calls and don't be tempted by yard or house work. Some chores will have to be taken care of, but try to assign tasks to everyone so that no one person does everything. Rotate any meal preparation and assign each person one night to turn down everyone's beds and put a mint on the pillows.



• Local Attractions. Look at your city with a tourist's eye and you might be surprised. There may be some sights you haven't visited in several years, if at all.



• Restaurants. Avoid your favorite hangouts and go places you've never been. You might cap off your week at a five star place you wouldn't dream of going if you weren't on vacation.



• Picnic in the park. Drive across town to a park you've never visited and bring along a picnic. This has the added bonus of saving the expense of eating out.



• Hometown events. Plan your vacation around a festival, carnival, rodeo or other special event and take in the whole thing.



• Free offerings. Most local libraries offer much more than books these days. Check to see if any authors are coming to town and go to a book signing. Many communities offer free concerts and plays. This is your vacation, so take advantage of any and all that appeal to you and your family.