With summer winding down, it's the perfect time to plan a last-minute vacation before everybody heads back to work and school. If an exotic adventure can't fit into the budget – or the schedule – right now, you can plan something a little closer to home. Here are four tips to help you plan the perfect end-of-summer vacation.

Get the Kids Involved

If you're having a hard time deciding on a vacation destination, get the kids involved. Choose how far you want to travel and then let your kids do the research. For instance, if you decide that you only want to travel up to 300 miles each way for your vacation, have your kids do an internet search for family vacation destinations that fit those parameters. Once they have found several different options, sit down as a family and choose one of the destinations for your vacation.

Look for Package Deals

When it comes to saving money on a family vacation, it pays to look for vacation package deals. Instead of booking your rental cars, air fare and hotels separately, search for deals that include everything in one bundle. If you're going to be visiting tourist attractions during your vacation, try to get admission to those attractions included in your package.

Think Private Homes

If you're tired of staying in the same hotels, think private homes. Many people offer their private homes for vacation rentals – and often for a lot less than you'd spend to stay at a hotel. Look online for private homes and condominiums that fit your requirement. One of the benefits of renting a private home for your vacation stay is that you get to enjoy amenities such as full-size kitchens, laundry rooms and private bedrooms.

Be Open to Change

If you have some wiggle room in your schedule to work with, be open to changing your vacation dates. Many vacation destinations will reduce their rates towards the end of the season. However, to get those bargain prices, you might have to be willing to change your travel dates by a few days. Before you book your vacation, ask what the rates are for several days before – or after – the dates you've chosen.

Fall is just around the corner.  Don't let summer get away from you without one last summer vacation getaway. You still have time to get out and have some fun. Use the tips provided here to plan the perfect end-of-summer vacation with your family.