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As the economy looks to recover and gas prices continue to rise, many young people are finding a new way to save money and still take a break – “staycations.”

A combination of “stay” and “vacation,” staycations are growing in popularity because of the freedom you have when you use your vacation time to stay at home or in your own town. They also give you back a lot of the time and money you would usually spend traveling.

There are two different ways you can spend your staycation – you can choose to spend all of your time in the comfort of your own home or get out and experience things in your area that you may not have had the time for before.

If you decide to stay at home there are a variety of things that can make your stay different from a normal day off.

1. Go pick up that book or books you’ve been meaning to read but haven’t gotten around to. Checking out your local library can help save a few bucks  and they usually have most current titles.
2. Complete some do-it-yourself projects around the house. You can paint or rearrange that room you’ve wanted to do something new with. Clean out your closet to make room for the upcoming fall fashion or tend to your garden you’ve ignored lately.
3. Learn a new recipe. Sometimes the hustle and bustle of work or school can interfere with teaching yourself something new. Take the time to experiment with a few dishes you haven’t tried before.
4. Invite your friends over for a movie night. You could choose a theme, such as romantic comedies or foreign films, and have everyone bring their favorite flick. Or, just pick up some old favorites or new releases.

Want to venture outside your home? Try some of these fun and relaxing ways to enjoy your surroundings.

1. Pamper yourself. Book a day at the spa, full of facials, massages, manicures and pedicures.
2. Check out a local museum. Many museums have special events or exhibits during the summer months and offer special prices during the day.
3. Hit the outdoors. If there are rivers, lakes or beaches nearby, see what activities they offer such as canoeing or sailing. If not, try hiking or jogging along a trail you’ve never seen before.
4. Visit a nearby vineyard. Many vineyards give tours of the property then host a wine tasting event at the end. Invite some friends or family along.
5. New restaurant in town? Treat yourself to that fancy night you’ve been putting off for a special occasion.

Whether you choose to stay in or go out, there are a few rules you must follow in order to keep your staycation as similar to a vacation as possible.

1. Disconnect yourself. As that as that may be, that means no answering any work-related phone calls or e-mails. Vacation time means no work, so make sure to stay true to that.
2. No household chores. Just because you are staying at your own home doesn’t mean you have to spend your time cleaning. You’re on vacation, remember?
3. Make plans. When you go on a trip you usually set up which places you are going to go or what you are going to do in advance. The same holds true with a staycation so that you don’t spend all of your time in your bed.

Although you are not hopping on a plane to a resort hundreds of miles away, you’re still on vacation, so don’t forget the most important thing – enjoy yourself! You’ll have just as many stories and memories as someone who went on an expensive trip – plus a few extra dollars in your wallet.