Five-star hotels, room service and expensive tours can't compare with these nifty ideas.

We aren't all lucky enough to have thousands of dollars socked away for yearly vacations, but if you like the great outdoors, you're in luck. You can plan amazing outdoor vacations on the cheap, without sacrificing fun and relaxation. Five-star hotels, room service and expensive tours can't compare with these nifty ideas.

State Parks

One of the best ideas for outdoor vacations on the cheap is to visit a state park - or even more than one! Most have camping facilities that include restrooms and even water sources, and you don't have to have an RV or camper to get some shut-eye. A fifty-dollar tent from Wal-Mart, a roaring fire for your hot dogs and s'mores and plenty of scary stories will keep a family of four in style for a whole week.

Even better? The camping fees at state parks are next to nothing, and some even don't charge during the off season. For example, "primitive" camping at Sam Rayburn in Texas is only $10 per night, while full service camping is only $18. You won't find that kind of deal at any hotel.

Visit Relatives

Most people don't think about all of their relatives and out-of-town friends when they plan outdoor vacations. For example, maybe you've always wanted to go hiking in Colorado, but you don't have the money to spring for a hotel and meals while you're enjoying the fresh air. Consider calling your old friend from college or your second cousin and asking if you can stay with them. Not only will you save some dough but you'll get a chance to catch up!

Stay at a B&B

If you don't have any friends or relatives who live near your destination, there are other ways to travel on the cheap. Bed-and-breakfast motels, for example, are usually less expensive than a hotel, and many offer home-cooked meals so you won't drain your bank account on fast food for the entire vacation.<p>You can enjoy outdoor vacations on the cheap if you think outside that proverbial box. Everyone deserves some time off now and again, and sometimes it's easier to commune with nature when you aren't in your own backyard.

Idaho might be best known for its potatoes, but if you're getting ready to plan a vacation, you might consider this state for excellent climbing as well. Far from the potato fields, Seven Devils Mountains are home to some of the most rugged mountainsides in the world, and they present a unique challenge to the avid climber. Extending for nearly 40 miles along the Oregon border, the Seven Devils Mountains might make the perfect vacation.

Fortunately, this area of Idaho presents a unique opportunity for visitors, as there is far more to do than climb mountains. Several national and state parks are located within five miles of the range, some of which offer boating, kayaking, trails, cycling and horseback riding. When you're tired of high elevations and craggy mountainsides, you can take a break and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

For more experienced climbers, there are several mountains in Seven Devils that will test your skills and endurance. Devil's Tooth, for example, is nearly 8,000 feet in elevation and has two summits, one of which is far more difficult to reach than the other. If you'd like to try the steepest side, you'll need to be able to ferret out the most reasonable approach, which means that technical climbers will have the most success.

The Tower of Babel is another popular peak in Seven Devils Mountains, and is accessed from Sheep Lake. The mountain rises just over 9,000 feet in elevation, presenting almost limitless paths that jump from one rocky ledge to the next, presenting an almost spiral pattern that can be discerned from the ground.

You'll find Class 1 hikes in Seven Devils Mountains as well as Class 5 hikes, but it is important that you know the area before you set out for a climb. The rock faces of the mountains aren't always entirely stable, and taking a child on too difficult a hike could prove very dangerous. There are brochures and guides available all around Sheep Lake, Idaho, so make sure you check with the experts before you set out in the morning for some exercise.

If you get the chance, you should also visit Hells Canyon, which is the the deepest river gorge in the United States and extends all the way to Snake River. It is a glorious sight from numerous mountains in the range, and you can head off into the Wilderness from there.

Bat flight, cave exploration and nature talks are all part of the fun at Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

Have you always wanted to see bats in their natural habitat? Do you prefer darkness to bright sunshine? Are you the exploratory type? Vacations for the outdoorsy type don't have to include rock climbing or bike riding - in fact, there is plenty to do and see below ground. Carlsbad Caverns, located in Eddy County, N.M., is one of my favorite vacation destinations in the world.

Rather than exposing yourself to the great outdoors, you can explore what underground passageways have to offer. The Carlsbad Caverns were formed over hundreds of years as aggressive sulfuric acid ate away at the limestone rock below ground. Now, these caves are open to public for exploration, including a few caves where visitors can tour by themselves without a guide.

Even better, Carlsbad Caverns offers a wide range of difficulty in their cave tours, allowing both experienced cave divers and novice enthusiasts alike to enjoy their vacation. Spider Cave, for example, includes lots of crawling, climbing and shimmying through tight spaces, which can be exciting for someone who doesn't mind a bit of physical activity. Of course, those who are claustrophobic need not apply.

For more novice visitors, the Kings Palace cave is one of the most beautiful sites to see in Carlsbad Caverns, and includes lighted passageways where dozens of fascinating cave formations are put on display. The Left Hand Tunnel Tour is easy compared to some of the other caves, and requires that visitors carry lanterns as they explore cave pools and ancient fossils.

Of course, spending an entire vacation below ground might be depressing to some, which is why Carlsbad is one of the best destinations in the entire U.S. On the days when cave exploration seems unattractive, you can take a few hours in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Nature walks, informative demonstrations given by park rangers and slide programs are all available.

And finally, make sure you take at least one evening to visit the Carlsbad Amphitheater, where every summer evening the bats leave the cave in one gigantic stampede, rushing out over seated visitors. Although photography and pets are not allowed, this is a wondrous experience that no one should miss while in New Mexico.

If you enjoy the wind in your hair and the sound of water lapping against the sides of a canoe, there is no better place to find your perfect vacation than Michigan's upper peninsula. Beautiful regardless of the season, but most striking in late spring and early fall, the Sylvania Wilderness encompasses nearly 20,000 acres of old-growth forest and upwards of 30 beautiful lakes.

As most enthusiasts know, canoeing is just as much about the scenery as it is about the activity itself. You can jump in a canoe in just about any body of water in America, but surrounding yourself with gorgeous foliage and countless vistas is an experience you will never forget. The Sylvania Wilderness is true wilderness, preternaturally quiet with a degree of seclusion that you will find in few other places in the U.S.

There are few signs in the Sylvania Wilderness, according to their web site, which means that you must always bring a map and compass with you on day or overnight excursions. Boats with motors are not allowed in the lakes or portages, so canoeing is the best way to get around. It is also advisable to travel with someone who is experienced in wilderness travel if you have never done it before.

It is also important to realize that in Sylvania Wilderness you will encounter all forms of wildlife, some more pleasant than others. There are laws that protect certain species, such as the loons who live on the islands, which means that you need to familiarize yourself with the rules before you take a trip. Black bears are also common in these woods, so protect yourself from an unfortunate visit by keeping your campsite as clean as possible.

If you enjoy the idea of Sylvania Wilderness but aren't wild about the idea of getting lost in the woods, your best bet is to enjoy a day trip and to plan your itinerary carefully. Next to Sylvania is a recreation area, which is closer to civilization and includes public beaches and modern amenities. From there, you can visit any number of lakes and portages for canoeing pleasure, safely rejoining civilization when you are ready.

This past May we were fortunate enough to take a nine day trip to the Cayman Islands. Although I still wouldn't mind being a mega superstar financial executive for some fabulously wealthy offshore bank, alas I do not happen to live in that particular universe, so I cannot say that this trip was due to riches or business. Let me just say, we were blessed with a once in a lifetime opportunity that probably wont happen again, at least in the near term.

Being the unflinching urbanites that we are, we had no idea how to proceed in this island nation still governed by the United Kingdom. And although you may think that because this is still a British Commonwealth it is totally safe and everything is fine and dandy, you would be slightly mistaken. Although the islands are quite safe physically (no one was mugged and we weren't afraid walking the streets at night), there are still some things to watch out for and from what I hear, this advice translates well when discussing many other Caribbean islands.

1. Exchange your money before you go - Try to either use plastic or stock up on the currency before you go. A lot of times when the exchange is being done at the register, the cashier tends to hold back a few cents (unless you notice, which you probably won't , which adds up.

2. Beware of pickpockets - The night before we left we hit up a nightclub. We were dancing with people and everyone was having a good time. . . until two random people tried to steal our wallets right out our back pocket. We also encountered something similar at a gas station. BEWARE!

3. Barter, Haggle, Barter - Never except the listed price, they will drop it if you're ready to head to their competitor next door.

4. Why buy when you can rent - We spent $140 on snorkeling gear only to realize we probably will not ever use it again. We also noticed - after the fact - that most hotels rent gear for $15 a day, you can't beat that.

5. Rent a car - Taxis will almost literally steal your money, so rent a car, it will save you in the long run.

6. Make your own path - Why be the "usual" tourist. Ask the locals, look it up online, check reviews. The best restaurants are off the beaten path and the best sights are the least known.

7. Know the customs - The Cayman Islands is a VERY conservative place, much like many other Caribbean locales, such as Jamaica, Barbados, Anguila, etc. You don't want to be caught doing something that will offend the locals.

8. Travel light - This way you can pack everything up before you leave your room. Remember, you cannot take large tubes of liquids or bottles with you on the plane anyhow. Also, I tended to notice that I pretty much wore swimming trunks every day and brought way more pants than I needed.

9. Bring lots of reading material - You'll be waiting for quite some time in airports, so make sure you have something to do.

10. Have fun!

So, I hope this short list of to do's and not to do's has helped you or your next tropical vacation. The Caribbean islands are a true treat and very cost effective for Americans. A round trip flight to the Cayman's was $380 round trip from Vegas (can you believe that??). So, check for the deals and plan in advance and you are destined to have a fabulous time!

Do you feel better when you see the world from the back of a horse? If so, a dude ranch might be the perfect vacation opportunity.

If you don't feel relaxed unless you're on the back of a horse, the perfect vacation for you might lie at one of the nation's thousands of dude ranches. A dude ranch, sometimes called a "guest ranch", is a luxury resort where guests find lodging, country dining experiences and plenty of outdoor experiences-the most popular of which is horseback riding.

One of the most celebrated dude ranches in the United States is Echo Canyon Guest Ranch (http://www.guestecho.com), which is located southwest of Colorado Springs in La Veta, Colorado. They own just over 1,500 acres in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Additionally, they lease over 60,000 acres from the National Forest Service, which provides plenty of room for trail riding.

A dude ranch is the perfect opportunity to spend an inordinate amount of time in the outdoors, while still enjoying the luxuries of home. Echo Canyon, for example, has several different accommodations for guests, including deluxe suites in their lodge and several individual cabins. In the lodge, guests can read in the library, play ping pong or listen to the jukebox if it happens to be raining outside.

The majority of your stay at a dude ranch like Echo Canyon, however, is spent communing with nature. Trail rides and cattle drives are among the most popular activities, and give guests the opportunity to see what life is like from the back of a horse. You can also fish for bass in Echo Pond or go hiking on one of the dozens of trails. They even offer archery and shooting lessons.

Meals are usually served in the lodge at Echo Canyon Guest Ranch. However, they do have a cookout one night a week, and you can always take your supper on the porch. Afternoon trail rides give you a chance to check out the local wildlife and practice your horseback riding skills, and each guest is assigned a horse of his own to ride for the duration of his stay.

You might want to visit a dude ranch like Echo Canyon with the whole family, or you can take a significant other or simply go by yourself. A dude ranch gives you a rare opportunity for quiet reflection intermixed with exciting adventure, and you have the freedom to determine how you want to spend your time.

If your idea of a vacation is seeing how many miles you can cover through dense wilderness, Great Smoky Mountains National Park might be your dream destination.

If your idea of a vacation is seeing how many miles you can cover through dense wilderness, Great Smoky Mountains National Park might be your dream destination. There are more than 800 miles of trails through America's most visited park, and if you wait until Fall for your vacation, or head out in the early summer, you'll have less competition from other visitors.

Some people prefer to spend their vacations in the numerous Great Smoky Mountains campsites, taking day hikes over the trails that wind sinuously through the Smokies. However, you can also take two-, three- and four-night backpacking trips and sleep out under the stars. Either way, you're guaranteed a fair amount of exercise and a close-up encounter with several forms of wildlife.

Maddron Bald Overnight Loop

If your legs have been parked under a desk all year, this might not be the trail for you, but experienced hikers who have kept in shape will find the hike invigorating. The two-night adventure takes you along the foothills of Gabes Mountain and into the woods toward a campsite known as Sugar Grove, which has developed a reputation for bear sightings. On the second day, you'll follow Maddron Bald Trail and camp along Otter Creek, and finish the trail on the third day down Snake Den Trail.

This particular adventure on your vacation will take you to 5,800 feet in elevation, and you'll constantly want to stop not to rest your legs, but to admire the stunning vistas that appear through clearings.

Fontana Lake Loop

For those inexperienced hikers, or the vacationers who haven't kept in shape, Fontana Lake is the ultimate destination for beautiful scenery without as much burn. Start out your morning at Fontana Lake, and try some jet-boating before you head up into the mountains, or simply take the chartered boat service from the marina to the other side of the 29-mile-long lake.

The hike itself is magnificent, providing interspersed views of both Fontana Lake and Eagle Creek, carrying you up relatively gentle inclines and long, sloping declines. You might get to see some deer, and you'll find birds of all species flying among the trees. Children in particular will enjoy the view of the Appalachian Trail, which is intersected on the last leg of the hike. You'll end up at Fontana Marina, where you can return to your campsite or enjoy another opportunity for fishing or boating.

There are thousands of different combinations of trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, each of which has something different to offer. Just make sure you bring plenty of water on your hike, and if you come during the middle of the summer, choose non-rationed campsites for more seclusion and less interruption on your hike.