So, it’s summer… got any plans? You might be hanging around the house this summer, and that can be a lot of fun from staycations to summer bucket lists summer is what you make it! The homeschool community is such a flexible group of people that most homeschoolers end up taking their vacations during off season months…and why not? You end up saving a bundle by going on vacation when everyone else is headed back to school. Yet, beyond that there are a ton of great homeschool vacation opportunities that we don’t always hear about. Sometimes these are offered at a substantial discount and offer the added benefit of attending with other homeschoolers. In fact, doing a homeschool vacation with other homeschoolers can be a wonderful way of meeting other families just like yours. Here’s a few simple ideas to get you going…

Have you ever taken a cruise? It’s a wonderful way to experience several vacation spots all from the comfort of one room with an all you can eat menu! Check out these awesome homeschool cruise vacations. This group posts regularly on facebook about a yearly homeschool cruise which sounds amazing!

How about homeschool conventions? Has anyone ever been to a convention that seemed more like a vacation? This homeschool convention in Northeast Maryland sounds like a great place to spend a family vacation! Though this homeschool convention is over for the year, attendees say it’s so much fun for the entire family! Yet, if you live in the Smoky Mountain Area, you are just in time for their yearly homeschool conference. Here’s my all time favorite in my backyard… the Homeschool Expo at the Cobb Galleria Expo Center. However, if you live on the West Coast there is always the Valley Home Educator’s Convention. If you want a free “get-a-way” try the Intro to the Real World at Berry College in Georgia. They offer seminars on helping your high school homeschooler financially all for free!

Ok…if that isn’t for you… how about camping? There is an awesome free Junior Rangers Camp sponsored by the Clara Barton National Historic Site in Maryland, and several homeschool camp weeks for the Homeschool Association of California. If you enjoy a Christian based homeschool camp out you might be interested in the 2014 Homeschool Family Camp in Wisconsin.

Of course, it wouldn’t be an article on vacations if we didn’t mention Disney. Sure enough, they have their own Disney Homeschool Days which are geared specifically for homeschoolers. Yet, many homeschooling co-ops organize homeschool group Disney vacations which allows for a percentage of savings off of the ticket price. You might want to check with your local homeschooling group to see if you can take advantage of similar offers for local area attractions.

Finally, to make this as comprehensive as possible… if you know of a great homeschool vacation, camp, or local attraction that gives a discount for homeschoolers – PLEASE be sure to comment and share with your fellow homeschoolers!