summer vacations

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....

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 MamaOfTwins777

Looking for a great-value summer vacation? Want to get away to a beautiful destination and still enjoy the conveniences of home.

Today we're talking to Christine Karpinski, author and vacation rental expert, about how to save money on your family vacation by renting a vacation home instead of a hotel room.