Family

Marisa Cooper is planning a vacation and doesn't even know it.

Walking through the summer warmth of the Wal-Mart garden center and cautiously reading the price tags displayed on any number of patio furniture sets, the 44-year-old single mother of three imagines evenings lounging and relaxing without a care in the world — all from the comfort of her own home.

"Vacations can be a state of mind," she says, "and that's about all I — or anyone — I know can afford."

Such is the financial fate of many Americans.

While everyone whines about wanting to "get away," the reality of traveling any significant distance in the era of soaring gas prices and expensive air travel puts the idea of a vacation on the same fantasy level as unicorns and summer snowstorms.

Which is why there appears a growing trend among people, like Cooper, who are choosing to spend their money and time in their own backyards rather than traveling to someone else's.

"It's all about being practical," she says. "It's not much of a vacation if you spend all your time worrying about money."

Welcome to the era of the "Staycation" — or the stay-at-home vacation. And many retailers are starting to play along by pushing cheaper outdoor alternatives like picnics, camping gear and patio furniture on customers planning to simply spend more time in their own backyards.

Saying a summer getaway is "as close as your own backyard," Wal-Mart has launched its "American Summer" campaign, which features sales on tents, grills, coolers, furniture and inflatable pools. Target stores are promising, "fun under the sun" in many of its circulars while Kohl's "sale into summer" promotion offers lower prices on swimwear, patio sets and other such merchandise.

"Americans are still wanting to have a great summer," Wal-Mart spokeswoman Melissa O'Brien said in a recent interview with Associated Press. "They want to enjoy those quick weekend getaways and socialization around the backyard cookout."

The trend of a so-called "staycation" is continuing to grow.

"It's becoming a big buzz word," says author and outdoor design expert, Kathy Peterson. "This is not something that's going away anytime soon."

Peterson sees the idea of a "staycation" as more than merely a way to get away. It's an opportunity to spend wisely, to invest in the future of your home rather than spending money with little actual return. She suggests instead to replace, renew and refurbish — all the while making the most of the vacation space that's already there.

"You can create a whole new space, a room without the four walls, with as little or as much effort as you choose," she says. "This will be a pocket of calm within your own home."

But like with any vacation, the true success of a "staycation" lies within the planning. It's important to try and get the most out the outdoor investment.

"Don't just dive in," Peterson says. "Think ahead. Evaluate the size and condition of your outdoor space. It could be something as easy as adding color with some landscape or as complicated as building an outdoor kitchen.

"What's important is to create a space that's separate and special. And it doesn't have to be done all at once."

Peterson also suggests starting with a blank slate. Clean off the area that's to be refurbished and try to imagine what the area needs. Perhaps it's giving a fresh coat of paint to some furniture or building a playground space for the kids. "Staycationers" should also consider their climate — measure summer heat and sun with the amount of time that will be spent outside.

And everybody needs a budget.

"Furniture can be expensive," she says. "But if you're making a long-term investment, go all out — or at least as far as you can afford."

And while "staycations" are financially practical, it's also much less stressful to simply stay at home. There's no worrying about staying on schedule, hitting all the "hot spots" and tourist traps there's no worrying about how the kids will act, where the pets will stay or wondering who's going to water the plants.

"It takes a lot to coordinate a vacation," Peterson says. "And it takes a toll … most people want a vacation after their vacation. This way, it brings the whole family together without ever leaving your own backyard.

"What could make more sense?"

On a budget:

• Accessorize your patio walls with mirrors to create more light and a window effect or decorate wrought iron designs or other outdoor art.

• Clean, stain and repurpose your concrete patio into a faux tile look or other decorative application.

• Spend money on lower-priced merchandise such as picnic supplies, backyard games.

• Add color with ceramic pots in blues, yellows or tropical tones, then add plants for even more color and texture.

• For the crafty "staycationer," consider making a fountain out of pots or wine kegs or create a small koi pond for some ambiance.

• Replace broken or damage outdoor furniture or simply upgrade furniture in good condition with a fresh coat of paint, some new cushions or cushion covers.

• A good grill can be used daily for outdoor cooking in the summer and is an inexpensive investment to upgrade your backyard.

For the big spender:

• Consider investing in comfortable and lavish outdoor furniture and accessories such as rugs, deep seating chaise lounges, etc.

• Invest in a built-in outdoor kitchen or fireplace.

• Create a work of art in your backyard with an over-the-top deck design.

• Build a playground for the kids, which could serve as their own creative space.