UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Are you stymied by the cost of a summer vacation? A consumer educator in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences has some ideas for low-cost alternatives.

"Getaways can be as simple as daily excursions, camping trips to state parks or short bus trips," says Marilyn Furry, associate professor of extension education. "Many bus trips are geared to an event, like a theater performance or sporting event. When you evaluate the cost, consider what you'd spend on gas and parking if you drove."

Other suggestions include:

Volunteer at a national park site. "You might volunteer as a campground host or visitor center volunteer," Furry says. "Some positions include housing and reimbursement for food and transportation." Contact the National Park Service at Department of the Interior, 1849 C St., NW, Washington, DC 20240, or (202) 208-2727, or visit the agency's Web site at http://www.nps.gov.

Take a walking, climbing, bicycling or hiking vacation. "You'll save money and return home in better shape," Furry says. In Pennsylvania, you can find ideas for places to visit from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Visit the DCNR Web site at http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/, or call 1-888-PA Parks. Information is available on state parks, heritage parks and rail trails (abandoned railroads that have been converted into public recreational trails).

Combine a tax-deductible business trip with a short vacation. "You must spend more than half your time on business at your destination," Furry says, "and you can deduct only your expenses, not your spouse's or family's. But you can deduct the full cost of your trip if you attend the meeting alone." Remember to keep good records, she adds. "You'll need them for your employer and at tax time."

Consider innovative travel ideas. "One couple who are experts at bridge received free tickets on a cruise line by offering instruction to other passengers," Furry says. "Another couple told friends and relatives around the country they would house-sit and take care of pets in the owners' absence. The cost to the travelers? Transportation and food."

Furry advises travelers to check around for the best deals on airfare and lodging. "Compare prices from two or three travel agents as well as from the airlines," she says. "You also can get better fares by making reservations well in advance and staying over on Saturday night. If timing isn't an issue, check with agents and airlines for discount flights. Airlines want to fill empty seats and -- if you can handle last-minute plans -- your reward is a deeply discounted fare. Traveling at off-peak and off-season times saves even more money."

Furry suggests checking Web sites for travel bargains, such as:

• http://www.travelocity.com for travel deals and information.

• http://www.1travel.com for airline tickets, hotels and car rentals.

• http://www.previewtravel.com for vacation packages.

• http://www.frommers.com for thousands of bargain-price tickets and tips.

Public libraries also provide resources on inexpensive hotels, travel discounts, as well as ideas for parks and historical sites. Start with "Consumer Reports Travel Letter and Consumer Reports Best Travel Deals," Furry says.

"Senior citizens often find discounted packages. Always ask for senior citizen discounts from airlines, hotels, bus and tour companies, restaurants, entertainment establishments, and from state and federal parks and wilderness areas. Entry fees often are reduced for those over age 55."

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EDITORS: For more information, contact Marilyn Furry at 814-863-7869.

Contacts: Kim Dionis KDionis@psu.edu 814-863-2703 814-865-1068 fax