Love that word "staycation"! This is my preferred option nowadays. The city is at its best in July and August. Half Manchester's population has disappeared, including its 70,000(!) students, journey times are halved and you can actually cross the road safely! Manchester Cornerhouse seems to have its best film programs at this time; I watched five Cassavetes movies last July, together with an audience of about six! If the city should pall, I can always escape with my Senior Citizen's free travel pass to the nearby Pennine hills. And, of course, there's the Wigan Jazz Festival, with British and American artists, in July, accessible with the same travel pass. Overseas vacations? You can keep 'em!