Photo from Crystal Golf Resort

It's hard to get away. Well, the actual act of going on vacation is easy and fun! But family trips can be hard to plan and expensive. Though they don't have to be!

Go on a daycation or even a staycation -- but if you have just a little money to spare, try a one- or two-day family trip that will feel like a week.

OK, how do you do that? I've got some tips on how to stretch your buck, get in some good family time (and alone time, too), and get the best deal. (Plus a discount code for select hotels just for CafeMoms.) Read on....

Me & my hubs on the beach!

My husband and I went on my babymoon last weekend -- our pre-baby vacation! We picked a great time to go since I'm in my second trimester, which is known as the honeymoon trimester...and it's true, I'm feeling pretty good.

We didn't go far -- just a three hour drive from where we live to Cape May, New Jersey, a sleepy little beach town with gorgeous Victorian homes.

It's nearing the end of summer but you might have a few more trips to take before going back to the daily school grind. Here are some links I love that will help you deal with the craziness of traveling with a tot.

Need a crafty way to pass the time while you wait for your summer vacation to get here?

Check out these three fun travel-themed craft projects: a travel desk for kids, a laptop case made out of a vintage suitcase for mom (and CafeMom!), and a travel pillow that's perfect for big kid booster seat sleeping.

1) Love this handmade Travel Desk for Kids from Merrilee at mer mag:

Photo from mer mag

Trey Speegle print from 20x200

Maybe a family vacation is out of the question this year. And maybe a staycation isn't filling that urge to get away. Well, why not a daycation? That means you leave after breakfast (or grab donuts on the way), have loads of fun not too far away, and return home in time to put the kids to bed.

Use your imagination. Think of all the places you can go for the day. I bet you can come up with a great daytrip for your family.

Photo by stacy77

"Red Rover, Red Rover, send Jessi right over!!!"

That game brings back fond memories and I absolutely love seeing kids play these simple outdoor games today, even in this high-tech world.

Wish your teenager would spend more time outdoors this summer? Help them plan a backyard barbecue. It's a great way to celebrate a summer birthday or simply hang out at home with friends on the weekend. Here's everything you need to plan a fun outdoor bash:

Photo from Tummy Style

Photo from Target

Are you a bikini mama-to-be or do you prefer a tankini? I'll admit, I thought I would be able to fit into the swimsuits I already have, but I am already busting out of the tops. So I started checking out some maternity swimsuits and found some super cute styles.

A family trip to the amusement park can be expensive—even if it's close to home. Tickets, food, souvenirs...it adds up quickly.

Whether you plan to visit Disney, Six Flags, Sea World, Cedar Point, or Busch Gardens this summer, there's definitely ways to stay on a budget and still have fun. Here's how you can save money at the amusement park:

I love to travel, but I hate to fly. And while I've ever let my fear of flying stop me from going anywhere, I do know some people (including one of my favorite aunts) who have and I think that's a shame. At least one out of six adults is afraid of flying and get this—it's estimated that 35 percent of all airline crews (flight attendants and pilots!) also have a fear of flying, but according to travel expert James Wysong, there are some things you can do to get your fear under control.