A cash shortage doesn't mean a family vacation is completely out of the question. Clever and creative parents can turn several days off work into an amazing vacation experience — without even leaving town.

MAKE A PLAN. Call it a stay-at-home adventure. Create a schedule and itinerary for each day that includes activities and meals. Make a big, colorful chart and let the kids help plan.

NOTIFICATION. Let everyone know the dates you'll be on vacation. They need to know you'll be just as unavailable during your staycation as if you were to fly to another country.

THINK LIKE A TOURIST. Google the name of your town, plus the word "tourist." You'll be amazed at what you discover. We're talking hiking trails, bike paths, community events, and even museums and playgrounds that you may not even know exist. Look for special deals, coupons and other goodies local merchants are offering.

CHANGE ALL THE RULES. This is the fun part. Break all the rules during your stay-at-home vacation (within reason). Sleep in, stay up really late, watch videos, play games, go on bike rides, explore places you've never been. A few days of junk food is not likely to create any serious problems.

CAMP OUT. Kids love to camp, so get out your basic camping gear (or borrow or rent it) and set up camp in the backyard. Create a fire pit so you can sit around the campfire late at night. But take proper care and be mindful of local rules. Brush up on the old campfire songs. Plan a meal to cook, and plan your sleeping arrangements, before you get outdoors.

UNPLUG. This is the biggest challenge, for parents especially. Everyone has to surrender their cellphones and computers for the duration. It will be an adjustment, but it's possibly the best move of all. Let your mail collect until you return. Giving your kids your undivided attention — well, except during the times you'll be taking some well-deserved naps — will make this a true vacation. You'll vacate the normal routines and stresses of life.

MEMORIES. Be sure to take lots of pictures. After your vacation, let the kids help you create a scrapbook of memories. And don't be surprised when they call it the best vacation ever!

Mary invites questions, comments and tips at [email protected], or c/o Everyday Cheapskate, 12340 Seal Beach Blvd., Suite B-416, Seal Beach, CA 90740. This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of www.DebtProofLiving.com, a personal finance member website and the author of "Debt-Proof Living," released in 2014. To find out more about Mary and read her past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.