Five Cheap Vacations That Go Off The Grid

If you're worried about losing your job, you could set up the kid's pool, fire up the grill and vacation in the backyard this summer.

Or you could take an out-of-the-ordinary, yet still reasonably priced, vacation. Here are some suggestions.

1. Get back to nature: Throw in a bit of education. For instance, the North Cascades Institute in Sedro-Woolley, Washington, north of Seattle, offers a variety of three- and four-day family getaways and backpacking adventures that will give your family a chance to check out some of the most spectacular scenery in the country while learning about the natural and cultural history of the area. Getaways are priced from about $225 per adult and $155 per child, which includes lodging, meals and activities. Alaska Airlines(ALK Quote) and Horizon Air, which use Seattle-Tacoma International Airport as a hub, are offering inexpensive summer fares on some flights into and out of the city. ...