A Guide to Picking Budget-Friendly Travel Destinations for Families

February 1, 2023 Erick Zajac

Traveling with a family can be a lot of fun, but it can also be costly. However, there are many budget-friendly travel destinations that can provide a great family vacation without breaking the bank.

Here are some tips and suggestions for finding budget-friendly family vacation destinations.

8 Ideas for Budget-Friendly Travel Destinations

#1. National Parks

Many national parks offer free admission and have a variety of outdoor activities for families to enjoy, such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.

Popular national parks for families include Yosemite, Yellowstone, and the Grand Canyon.

#2. Road Trips

Taking a road trip can be an affordable way to travel with a family.

Not only can you save money on airfare, but you can also plan your own itinerary and make stops along the way at budget-friendly destinations.

#3. Theme Parks

Many theme parks offer discounts for families and children.

Look for deals on tickets and accommodations, and plan your trip during the off-season to save even more.

Popular theme parks for families include Disney World, Universal Studios, Six Flags, Knott’s Berry Farm, Legoland, SeaWorld, Cedar Point, Busch Gardens, Hershey Park, and Dollywood.

#4. Beach Destinations

Beach destinations such as Florida, California, and Hawaii can be expensive, but there are budget-friendly options such as camping on the beach or staying in a vacation rental.

If you’re a big fan of beaches but don’t have the budget or desire to go to Hawaii, here are some beautiful alternatives and hidden gems:

#5. International Destinations

There are many budget-friendly international destinations that are perfect for families. Countries such as Mexico, Costa Rica, and Thailand offer affordable accommodations and activities.

Here’s my secret tool for finding cheap flights from your hometown to anywhere:

#6. Camping

Camping is a great budget-friendly option for families.

Not only is it a fun outdoor activity, but it can also save you money on accommodations and teach some basic outdoor skills to kids.

#7. All-Inclusive Resorts

All-inclusive resorts can be a budget-friendly option for families because all meals, drinks, and activities are included in the price.

Look for deals on all-inclusive resorts in destinations such as Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.

#8. City Breaks

Many cities offer budget-friendly options for families, such as free museums and parks.

I created a guide for big family trips to Europe, which highlights some of the best cities to go to when on a budget, here:

Conclusion

When planning a budget-friendly family vacation, it’s important to do your research and compare prices. Look for deals on flights, accommodations, and activities, and plan your trip during the off-season to save even more. With a little bit of planning and research, you can have a great family vacation without breaking the bank.

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