Enjoy stress-free fun with theme-vacation packages
By Amy C. Fleitas • Bankrate.com

If you want to keep your vacation close to home this year, you aren't limited to expensive trips at crowded theme parks. There are many affordable vacation spots right here that are sure to please the adventurous soul.

But, you say you're the sort who wants to just pack and go, and you don't want to hassle with the planning? We have just the ticket for you: theme-vacation packages. Whether you're the outdoorsy type who might enjoy hiking at a national park out West or a sports nut who'd savor checking out the ambience of baseball parks across the East, there's a vacation package out there for you. All you need to do pick the date, pack and let the fun begin.

Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Dude ranch
Want to ride into the sunset with your sweetie and a bargain?

Wyoming's Two Bars Seven dude ranch has been in Lea Schaffer's family for four generations. Schaffer takes pride in the attachment vacationers feel to her family's land.

"We have a kid's camp and now, some of those kids are grown up and they come out here to have their weddings," Schaffer says.

Families heading to Two Bars Seven in the town of Tie Siding, Wyo., can look forward to trail rides through pine forests and meadows, cookouts, fishing, rodeo trips, hay rides, cattle drives and the howls of coyotes at night. All riders, from the experienced to the hippophobic (those with a fear of horses) will be accommodated. Special diet arrangements can be made as well.

Prices start from $1,300 for six-nights stay per person and include everything -- outings, food, supplies and guides.

Groups get discounts, depending on their size -- from 5 percent to 7 percent off.

The Dude Rancher's Association Web site has a search engine to help you find ranches across the United States and Canada.

Sports travel and tours
If you'd rather not leave home because you wouldn't want to miss the big game, you should look into a sports vacation. Sports Travel and Tours offers vacation packages for the most fanatical fans of baseball, football, hockey, basketball, NASCAR, horse racing, golf and tennis.

A baseball Grand Slam trip beginning in Boston this July includes three days at the Radisson Hotel Boston, three different ballpark tickets, transportation to games and between cities, admission to area attractions and 24-hour trip assistance. Rates fall, depending on the number of people in your group. Prices do not include air fare.

National parks and landmarks
If the noise of the city has you stressed or your children point to the TV and ask what those big green things on the screen are (trees), maybe it's time you and your family escape into the wild.

You don't have to be Dian Fossey to enjoy nature. There are a variety of nature trips ranging from "something just growled at me rough" to "good thing someone else is driving this boat because I think I'll have another martini posh".

The National Parks Service has a search engine that lets you cross reference areas of interest, desired activities, park type, location and even cultural heritage. You can pick anything from American presidents to wildflowers and educational programs to horseback riding.