Whether you have kids or you’re single, there’s an expectation that summertime must include going somewhere for a week, staying in a hotel and eating nice dinners. There’s nothing wrong with that. But the problems start when you go on trips you can’t afford.

Here’s how to take a summer vacation without breaking the bank:

1. Make a budget

: This is the most important thing you can do if you want to take a trip without going broke. Before you start daydreaming about a Caribbean cruise, take a good, honest look at how much you can afford to spend on a vacation this year — and stick to it! Avoid the temptation to spend more than you have. You’ll have more fun if you aren’t worrying about unexpected expenses.

2. Pick a location

: Maybe you can’t swing a luxury condo on the beach this year. That’s fine. Challenge yourself to get creative about where you can stay. You don’t have to stick to the traditional trips, like the beach or a big city. Consider going somewhere smaller or doing something totally new — like taking a family camping trip. National park admissions cost very little compared to the big resorts. And the memories you take home will cost nothing!

3. Set a daily allowance

: As the spender in my family, I know how easy it is to get caught up in the excitement of a vacation and spend too much, too soon. Just ask my husband! But the last thing you want to do on your trip is blow all your food money at the beginning, and be left snacking on cereal for dinner until you get home. Or even worse, go way over budget, and leave your bank account in a post-vacation mess. Set a daily spending allowance to cover all the food and fun.

4. Focus on the family

: Once you hit the highway, remember why you’re going on vacation in the first place. It isn’t about squeezing in as many big-ticket adventures as possible. It’s about taking time to rest, relax, and make memories. Don’t feel like you must go out to fancy restaurants every night, or pick up a new souvenir every day. Vacation is about quality time together, not the receipts and trinkets you collect along the way.

If you can’t afford a vacation without pulling out your credit card, just take a year or two off from traveling. Don’t forget that vacation is a want, not a need. The best vacations are those that don’t follow you home!

Rachel Cruze is a best-selling author who helps people learn proper ways to handle money and stay out of debt.