Chances are that you’re not the only bum you know. Meaning, if you’d choose crashing at a friends over a hotel (mostly by choice), it's likely your friends would make the same choice. Thus, you need advice on the art of being a gracious host and a considerate guest. Consider this a Miss Manners style tip sheet on how to get four stars (for less of course) as an innkeeper and patron.

It may not be a boiling hot August, but summer isn't quite over yet. For those in cubicles or coffee shops, dreams of a break should still have time for materialization. And, if a certain flight attendant is to be believed, a staycation may be just the ticket for your summer vacation time. It can save your wallet some groaning and introduce you to a whole other side of your city. Let your crackberry rest, put an away message on your work email, and get ready for a good ol' time. Right here at home.

Everyone you know is taking these great big vacations to exotic locales and you're feeling left out because you don't get paid days off. We know how you feel. Conveniently, we have one of America's treasures right here: Joshua Tree. It's close, it's cheap, and you can come back and tell your friends that you, too, went on vacation. And when you tell them where you went they'll be jealous. For real, they'll be jealous. And isn't that real point of vacations? Read on for the skinny on visiting Joshua Tree.

Nothing says 4th of July like barbeques, parades, and, of course, fireworks! LA has a plethora of options and so many are free! Consider this your cheat sheet on where to celebrate your love for the red, white, and blue.

The World Cup may already have started, and you may care more about what the Lakers do tonight, but don't dismiss this soccer bonanza. Most Americans focus more on basketball and the kind of football with a pigskin, but this original foot/ball game is adored by the rest of the world. And why not? There's running, yelling, scoring, and shirt removing all the time. Since you probably have the kind of mid-day free time elusive to others, grab a beer at 7 or 11am and settle in for some international action.

If you're about to get off for a summer vacation or just got fired, you may be wondering what to do with all that extra time. Sure laying on the couch is fun for a couple days, but too much sloth can lead to an overall feeling of blah. Since the economy still sucks, you may struggle to find work. So do some good (and build your resume up in the process) by volunteering at a local organization. It's much easier to have a meaningful volunteer experience when you pair yourself with a cause you actually care about; kittens, books, or homeless youth: very different, but they all could use your help.

Since the dawn of mankind, the befuddled people of the world commonly equate Cinco de Mayo with Mexico's Independence Day. Sorry, people of the world, Cinco de Mayo is virtually ignored in Mexico. Fortunately, around 50% of the Los Angeles population comes from Hispanic or Latino descent, which leads to a vibrant Latino culture and plenty of interested Americans. We take it upon our shoulders to ensure that poor Cinco de Mayo doesn't feel neglected. And boy do we step up to the plate...

Some days it's hard being a bum. Your friends chatter on about fabulous vacations and you're only able to chime in with the details of your last excursion to In'n'Out. LA is a fantastic city, but sometimes you long for so much more. So here's what we say at RFB: fake it! Although Europe may be out of your league right now, don't sweat it. Who wants to be stuck because some volcano exploded anyway? First on our list of cheap day trips is San Diego. Only two hours by car, this coastal city is a quick get-away with lots of fun to offer.

A bit blustery at times, LA is gearing up for another beautiful spring and summer. Gyms can be useful to shed that winter weight (especially if you're visiting for free), but it's much better—and cheaper—to get outside and enjoy the magic of outdoor fun. Since the weather's so awesome, you might as well take advantage of it and exercise in the sunshine. When you've acquired a great tan by the end of April, despite copious use of sunscreen of course, make sure to send inspirational photos of your toned, golden self to a friend still trapped in the cold.

Last time we told you all the way cool ways you can take the bus. Unknown to many people around the country and even some in this very city, LA also has a functioning rail system that may be of use to you. Take only the train or use it in conjunction with the bus. Then explain to your friends that you've discovered new ways to get around town (don't blame us when they're skeptical). Here's a breakdown of the various rail systems, how they integrate with the bus, and how to navigate the system as a whole.