Live in or near the Florida Panhandle and want a cheap getaway? Try these three suggestions for affordable family fun close to home that won’t break the bank.

National Naval Aviation Museum – The National Aviation Museum is a FREE fun-filled attraction the whole family can enjoy! They have a history exhibit, giant screen theatre, Blue Angels 4D experience and awesome flight simulators! Have you ever wondered what the thrill of flight feels like? Check it out!

Beaches – Another FREE alternative during your weekend getaway could be an all-day excursion to Panama City Beach, or Pensacola Beach. Either way, both locations are beautiful and offer sand, sun and waves. If you’re looking for a little more adventure than sun-bathing, perhaps you might try scuba diving in Panama city Beach or enjoy chasing dolphins in one of Pensacola’s aquatic charter rides!

Civil War Tours – If you love history, you might consider this low-budget war tour. You’ll adventure out to a lighthouse, Fort Barrancas and a Civil War-era cemetery. Prices start from $21.99 and vary. You can find tickets to another tour that incorporates Pensacola’s landmarks for as low as $19.98 as well. If you want to do both, we don’t blame you! It’s fun to have cheap and historical alternatives on a weekend trip. You can book tickets right on tripadvisor.com.

If you live in sunny Florida (or any of the states we operate in from coast to coast) and need a little help affording your Statecation, see if you qualify for one of our personal loans by applying today. With fair rates and flexible terms, it’s easy to fit payments into your budget. And, one of our loans is a whole lot smarter way to finance your vacation than putting some or all of it on credit cards. Read more about that, and other affordable travel tips in our many travel posts.