Why does the thought of planning and taking a family vacation make you want to find your bed and put your head under your pillow until school starts again in September? Children want to go somewhere exciting. All her friends are going to Disney World, as usual. They’ve just seen the latest Pixar blockbuster and have adventure on their brains. “Mommy has a headache” will only keep them at bay for a while.

Listen, you’re not a bad person! We understand. We know you want to build memories with and for your children. We also know that it can be really stressful to figure out how and where, and can we do it without taking out a loan? Back in the day, we kids would pile into the backseat of a Chevette and cruise the country while our parents drank gin and tonics in the front (well, the second half of that isn’t true). Today, a minivan hardly seems roomy enough to keep the peace. In addition, the consumption of gasoline. Also, drive? In traffic? Good vacations. But seven plane tickets? (Now you want that gin and tonic, yourself.) What are you supposed to do? Hire a charter bus service?

Actually, it’s not a bad idea. It’s not that bad, it even made it into our top 3. Check out these brilliant ideas for a really fun and stress-free family vacation this summer.

1.Charter bus service. As we said, this is actually a good idea for road trips with the family or a group of families. When parents don’t have to be in charge of their own van-o-gon, they can sit back and enjoy each other’s company. Other advantages? Air-conditioning. Bathrooms on board. Much cheaper than flying, and with a better view.

2. Houses of Commerce. Couchsurfing.com and 1sthomeexchange.com are two examples of websites that open up possibilities to exchange your home with another family. Homes outperform hotel rooms in comfort and space, and you can experience living in a community rather than being an outsider. There are participants from all over the world. Who knows, some Slovenian family might be dying to experience suburban Kansas life (ever since the kids saw The Wizard of Oz). Have you ever seen the Slovenian coast? Talk about beauty and adventure.

3.Campsite. This may not be new, but it’s a relatively inexpensive way to break the routine and really rejuvenate in nature. The trick is not to be those campers who have every possible gadget and comfort of home with them. Do not bring a DVD player. Don’t bring video games. Don’t bring the giant deck grill. Keep it simple, breathe fresh pine air, see real stars. And for the family with a serious spending freeze, try camping in the backyard! Fresh air? Check. Real stars? Well, it depends. But better than roofs, and lots of fun.

The fact is, you don’t need a million different ideas, you just need one good one. We have given you three. The rest of the recipe is in those smiling faces around the table when you announce your plans.

Now, if you’ll excuse us, we have a charter bus service waiting outside…