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Looking for a cheap vacation? Check out Georgia's state parks, says Cortney Mills of Grayson.

And if anyone should know, it's Mills. Her family — husband Tom, daughter Claire and son Trevor — recently completed a whirlwind odyssey visiting 30 state parks in 30 days. A video diary of the trip is posted at www.youtube.com/user/familyonthego.

Spending the night in a yurt isn't just cheap, "it's so fun because it's so different," Mills says.

Yurts — available now at Bobby Brown State Park near Elberton and Red Top Mountain State Park near Cartersville — are 20-foot-diameter tents with a wood lattice frame and wood floors.

"It's a more substantial structure than a tent," Mills says.

There is no air conditioning, but there is a ceiling fan.

Yurts rent for $50 a night.

Cottages are more comfortable, but, at about $100 a night, still relatively affordable, Mills says.

"Most cottages have two bedrooms, so that's four double beds," Mills says. "You could even do that with another family, splitting the cost."

— Clint Williams

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• Have your own way to save? Please share it with us
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