Busy summers are not so much a time for rest or even a change of pace, but are more of a time to change direction. Traditionally, summer has been a time to take a vacation — pack up the stuff, close down the house and head out.

The Fourth of July holiday has been considered a great time for a vacation because it provides an extra “free” day off.

With the price of gas spiraling ever higher, many of us wonder what we will do for a vacation this summer. Many are opting to stay at home or at least closer to home.

Some are taking their camping gear and heading for the nearest canyons and mountains.

But what if camping is not your cup of tea? Maybe your camping days are over, maybe they never started, or maybe this is only one of your interests.

If the idea of staying at home and keeping your family entertained stresses you, consider taking your summer vacation as a series of day-trips.

One of our most memorable family vacations was just that. Some families make a tradition of such trips, including the extended family. It facilitates challenging schedules as those who are not able to be to all of it can join in where possible.

A lot of a vacation’s appeal is getting away from the same old things and finding new avenues for your interests. You might be surprised at the fun and interesting things that are within a short drive of your front door.

There are a number of advantages to such a vacation. For one thing, it automatically takes care of one of the chief complaints of going elsewhere for a vacation: sleeping in a strange bed. You get up each morning and leave for your chosen destination. You enjoy the day and return each evening to your own bed for a good night’s sleep.

To make it a real vacation, prepare as you would if you were leaving town. Take the time off work. Leave at home those things that will distract you. Catch up on the laundry before you leave and wait for the end to do it again if you can.

Mow the lawn and arrange to do the watering at night or set the timers to do it for you. Do the shopping ahead of time if you need food to go. Use paper plates if you do eat at home to minimize cleanup.

Take a break from music, dance, sports or other lessons and youth activities. In short, anything at home that will distract you from your goal of quality family time must go for the period of your vacation. It takes the same type of planning to be “away” while you are at home as it takes to really leave.

Look around for fun things to do in our area. To stay in the county, look no further than the Summer Guide put out by the Transcript-Bulletin in late May. It is filled with descriptions of places to visit and things to do. A trip to the Pony Express Trail would take about a day and immerse you in a different world.

Looking for something more active? Take the bikes and go for a ride in the canyons, or pack a picnic and have a barbecue. Take in a museum.

Another option is to leave the valley for the big cities. The Aviary at Liberty Park is a great visit. A little-known stop at the Children’s Museum is guaranteed to make a hit with the kids, and the rest of the family just may get into it, too.

Take in a movie or go to a play. Take the bikes to Miller Motorsports Park. The list of possibilities is endless.

The key to a good time is focusing on leaving the everyday world behind and thinking in terms of together time. Such a vacation can provide a great time and save money at the same time.