It's the economy. And not just smart or stupid anymore, it's a pervasive reality, just when the weather has turned balmy and the pleasures of summer beckon. No fair! But with careful planning, getaways and diversions need not suffer.

Vacations have become lessons in savvy strategizing. But silver linings often emerge during tough times, like renewed closeness with others and appreciation of simplicity. Enjoy one another instead of things. Taste foods you've prepared. Walk and bike more. Discover recreational and cultural options. Have fun finding new bargains and deals.

The Sierra Club has launched a "Pledge to Drive 55" campaign. "When you add up the savings, it's like getting paid to relax," they say. Sierra cites Union of Concerned Scientists stats: dropping from 70 to 60 mph improves fuel efficiency by about 17.2 percent; 75 to 55, 30.6 percent. That’s 54 cents per gallon on a small car, more on a larger. And driving 70 instead of 65 saves only 20 minutes driving time on a 300-mile trip.

"Use cruise control," says John McGinness of Watertown, who is producing a documentary on local Holocaust survivors for Watertown Cable and drives to home interviews with efficiency-decreasing heavy equipment. He advises letting your car slow down uphill and speed up downhill, and coasting to exits and red lights. This is often called "hypermiling".

"'Hypermiliers' go to extremes to get the absolute top fuel economy - even better than manufacturers’ claims," he says. "They tailgate large trucks’ air-breaking and drag-reducing wakes, and coast!" He advises traveling during off-peak hours and avoiding toll roads which also force you to slow down and burn gas getting back up to highway speed. Use the smallest car possible, even swapping with someone. Bid low for hotels on priceline.com (check their sites for free parking). Bid for cheaper, economy-size car rentals on priceline as well. But be firm with the companies, which have been known to still have SUVs waiting. You may not even need to rent a car if public transportation and airport shuttles are available.

Mapquest ahead, compiling directions for each stop to save gas and time. But check those travel booklets at rest stops along the way. You can find coupons in them for your hotel, cancel, and rebook with the coupon. Last-minute travel sites are also worth checking - but make sure your original reservations can be cancelled first.

Here's a tip: join Ebates.com, then go to the travel sites from their site. You'll save an additional 2-5 percent (on shopping, too).

Joan Wolfson of Belmont suggests volunteering at Tanglewood and other venues to see performances free. "Eat at culinary schools like Johnson & Wales," she also advises. "When we travel, my husband, three sons and I stay in one room," says Carol of Brookline. "It's often hilarious. We also bring a soft cooler with us for milk and breakfast items."

"I'd wait to travel until the next administration has a chance to undo some economic damage," says Richard Kohn of Allentown, Penn. "but if you must go, check out Rachael Ray's '$40 a Day,' and check local papers for free events."

Dale Appel of Stoughton recalls camping on the Cape when her kids were young. "We had a small tent and a portable gas grill. I brought most of our food in a cooler. We went to Nauset and flea markets like the South Wellfleet drive-in theatre, and mini-golf." She also recommends bed and breakfasts. "The owners can tell you where the locals eat, rather than tourist traps."

Cheaper still are buffets, which abound outside of New England (where produce costs limit their presence). Golden Corral, with two locations in upstate New York, is superior to Old Country Buffet or Home Town, which, nonetheless, provide the basics. Souplantation/Sweet Tomatoes offers healthy, fresh fare. Get to them before 3:30 or 4 for lunch prices. Google for online coupons too.

Go Card USA (gocardusa.com), with discounts for 11 cities, is recommended at familytravelnetwork.com, which also suggests renting directly from owners, checking out camping resorts, farm stays and family camps, flying from alternate airports, visiting state parks, and staying across the river from the destination city. Google “Kids Eat Free, Stay Free, and Play Free” offers, and consider vacationing with other families. Visit the Caribbean, Central America and Mexico off-season, where the dollar is still strong (many currencies are tied to the U.S. dollar). For Europe, check into cruises, home exchanges and family hostels. McGinness says take cell phones, or buy pre-paid phones with plans there. But not souvenirs. "Is a made-in-China shot glass really better than a rock you picked up from Gettysburg or Valley Forge, or a cocktail napkin, pen or pencil?" he asks. Buy regional treats in supermarkets, and share photos online. Visit the dollar stores too, which are often much better than those in Boston.

If you just can't swing leaving, Familytravelnetwork.com's Boston Guide recommends the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau; GoCityKids.com; boston.citysearch.com; and cityres.com, which offers up to 60 percent off on Boston and Cape Cod rooms. The Boston Parents Paper lists events. Boston sections are also in Fodor's, Frommers and other standard guides.