Vacationing in the Backyard

"I think people are happily surprised a lot of times of what's in their backyard once they start looking around."

Vacationing this summer is possible on a budget, if you take advantage of special offers, look for discounts and think outside the box:

If you are flying, and flexible about your destination, sign up at Web sites that alert you to last-minute low fares.

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Tricks to Make Summer Travel Cheaper

If you are driving, sites like AAA can calculate how much your trip will cost and where to get the cheapest gas.

When booking hotels, be aggressive about discounts from organizations like AAA and AARP. Or consider enrolling online to swap houses with people in another city.

"People are looking for ways to scale back without completely giving up their vacations," Leffel said. "I think most people realize it's inherently important to have that down time and to get away from work and to get out of your house and go do something else without spending a fortune."

As Gardner's family prepares camp, she remains upbeat, despite the fact that she is vacationing in the next town over.

"Well, I have to admit, I'm going home to my own bed tonight, so I can afford to be chipper," she said. "The rest of them are roughing it, I'm going home."

Even budgeting has a bright side.