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Tips to turn a staycation into a real vacation without blowing your budget
Summary by Laredo News Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Rachel DePompa , KGNS — Sitewide
· July 20, 2026
· 2 min read
( InvestigateTV ) — A new WalletHub survey finds high gas prices are reshaping summer travel for a majority of Americans, with 59 percent saying transportation costs have affected their plans and 51 percent planning to spend less than last year. John Kiernan, managing editor at WalletHub, said th...
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Summary created by Laredo News Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed Original reporting Rachel DePompa, KGNS — Sitewide Original story Read at the source Source published Jul 20, 2026 Indexed here Jul 20, 2026 AI assistance Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text Prepublication human review No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples
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Key takeaway John Kiernan, managing editor at WalletHub, said the three biggest vacation expenses — lodging, travel and dining out — can largely be eliminated by staying closer to home.
Why this matters in Laredo News
For Laredo residents, the idea of a staycation takes on a unique flavor, given the city's rich cultural heritage and outdoor recreational opportunities. By exploring local events and hidden gems, families can create a memorable experience without breaking the bank. The Webb County area offers a range of free or low-cost activities, such as visiting local parks or attending community festivals, which can be a great way to spend quality time together. Additionally, Laredo's vibrant downtown area features a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues that can be enjoyed at a fraction of the cost of a traditional vacation. By adopting the mindset of a tourist in their own city, Laredo residents can discover new favorite spots and create lasting memories, all while staying within their budget. With some creativity and research, a staycation in Laredo can be a fun and affordable way to make the most of the remaining summer weeks.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . Laredo News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 20, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
Reading time: 2 min
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What is this story about? ( InvestigateTV ) — A new WalletHub survey finds high gas prices are reshaping summer travel for a majority of Americans, with 59 percent saying transportation costs have affected their plans and 51 percent planning to spend less than last year. John Kiernan, managing editor at WalletHub, said th...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 20, 2026 by KGNS — Sitewide and curated for Laredo News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Rachel DePompa at KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how Laredo News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Laredo News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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