If you think you can’t afford to take a little vacation this summer, think again.

Start out by including your kids in the plans. Your older one can help you address postcards requesting pamphlets and brochures from information services from the areas you’d like to visit such as chambers of commerce, state tourist bureaus and automobile clubs.

• Consider bartering your talents. If you are a writer, ask hotels, airlines, resorts or theme parks about your creating favorable publicity in the