How about a staycation camping in your backyard? Save the money for an even better summer vaca next year!

I can second the Finger Lakes region.

Also, try Travelzoo.com. They have a "last minute" section. Also, there are always great deals on Myrtle Beach condos that look really nice.

And look on VRBO, in all the beach towns. You will find something.

Anonymous wrote:Fly to Albany, NY, or Burlington, VT, and drive to a cottage or hotel in the Adirondacks. Lake Placid is beautiful and there's tons to do. Many of the smaller lakes are also lovely for just chilling out. Try Raquette Lake area if that sounds appealing.

Get on the wait list for The Tyler Place in Vt. They often have last minute openings, if can do last minute.

Anonymous wrote:We've enjoyed some short vacations up in Lancaster County - lots of activities, plenty of comfortable hotel options, very kid-friendly.

I was also going to suggest this. There's Dutch Wonderland for the kids, the Strasburg? Railroad, outlets, a pretzel factory and the hotels are reasonably priced. Easy drive from DC.

Fly to Albany, NY, or Burlington, VT, and drive to a cottage or hotel in the Adirondacks. Lake Placid is beautiful and there's tons to do. Many of the smaller lakes are also lovely for just chilling out. Try Raquette Lake area if that sounds appealing.

www.southernshores.com/

Just put in the week you want. I found 38 properties for last week of July. Sure you rent for 7 days, but you don't have to stay the whole time if you don't want. Outer Banks is lovely. We stayed in Southern Shores with child at ages 2 and 3, it was a perfect vacation. So much to do in the area. beach, biking, day trips,

We rented from Southern Shores and found them a good company to rent from.

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for the post. I too am looking for a 3-4 day getaway in mid August. I have an 8 &10 year old. Really don't want to drive more than 5 hours. Thinking about Williamsburg. I've heard great things about Massenhuten Resort. I still keep checking this post for ideas.

We had a good time at Kings Mill in Williamsburg last year. It's close to Busch Gardens and historic Williamsburg. Very nice!

Try the Sea Ranch Resort in Kill Devil Hills in the Outerbanks. They have 2 bedroom condo with full kitchen, ocean front. Newly renonvated, with bistro, activies for $250 per night during mid August.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: The losers are the ones who spent all of January freaking out instead of lying on the sofa reading their Christmas books and watching Downton Abby.

In January, I read my books, watched "Downton Abbey," and booked our summer vacation.

How efficient; unfortunately, however, you have no sense of humor.