Everyone wants to travel, but who has the budget? Traveling with children in tow can be expensive, especially when you’re flying to your destination or have a larger family. However, there are some real gems out there, both domestically and internationally. Here are my favorite cheap places to visit with my family while sticking to a budget.
How to Travel Cheap
Traveling on a budget with your family is a rewarding experience. Transportation is often the most expensive portion, but there are numerous ways to make it more affordable. One of the first steps is to use travel websites like Expedia, Kayak, or Skyscanner to compare flight and lodging prices.
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These platforms offer exclusive deals and package discounts to help you find the best option for your family. Oftentimes, bundling a hotel with a flight is the same price as the flight itself. Do your research! Set fare alerts to monitor price changes and grab a good deal when you see one.
Another strategy for saving on travel is accumulating credit card rewards points and miles. Many credit card companies offer sign-up bonuses. Before choosing this path, though, make sure you understand all the terms and conditions.
In addition to credit card rewards, there are numerous travel hacks to help you save money. Pack snacks to avoid overpriced airport food. Pack light with a carry-on bag only to avoid baggage fees. Travel during off-peak seasons. Camp or boondock to save money on hotels.
Combine these budget savvy strategies with the right credit card rewards and travel website deals, and you can have family adventures without breaking the bank.
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Places to Go in the U.S. with Your Family on a Budget
Both international and domestic destinations are available when you prepare in advance and use travel hacks and rewards to fund your trips. Here are my best family vacation destinations split up by region.
Eastern United States Family Travel Favorites
Traveling in the off-season will save you a ton of money in the Eastern United States. Traveling to beaches just outside of peak season oftentimes gets you a beachfront hotel for significantly less money.
- Washington D.C.: With 3 nearby airports and plenty of public transportation with buses and trains, DC is easily one of my favorite family vacation spots. All the Smithsonian museums and national zoo are free. You can spend hours walking the National Mall. Try to score tickets to the top of the Washington Monument – it’s worth it!
- North Carolina: There are a plethora of family-friendly activities in North Carolina. Our family spends hours looking for sea glass on the beaches. Save money by packing lunches or eating at local restaurants.
- New York City: Getting to New York City is relatively easy. it’s cheaper if you fly in and out of New Jersey and then take the train in to the city. Hotel rooms in New York City are expensive so look for credit card rewards or consider staying in New Jersey as well. Smaller, newer boutique hotels are sometimes cheaper than more established ones.
- Pittsburgh, PA : Filled with history, sports, and outdoor recreation galore, Pittsburgh is often overlooked as a cheap place to travel for families.
Visit the Southern United States on Your Next Budget Family Vacation
- Beaufort, SC: This charming southern town is brimming with local history, water front boardwalks, and nature trails. Go dolphin watching, hiking, and biking for outdoor family fun. Don’t forget to try the shrimp and grits.
- Mississippi: This is one of the most affordable southern states to visit. It also has a unique culture, stunning scenery, and delicious food.
- Florida: There’s so much more to Florida than DisneyWorld. Get outside and explore the beaches, Everglades, and other areas as these will be kinder to your budget.
- Bentonville, AR: One of the best cheap family vacations, Bentonville has loads of nature trails and outdoor recreation opportunities. It also has affordable accommodations for families.
- Alabama: This might not be the first place that comes to mind when you’re planning a beach vacation, but Alabama is so affordable. The beaches are less crowded than other touristy spots and the weather is great.
Midwest United States to Save Money on Your Family Trip
- Hot Springs, SD: Fly into Rapid City, South Dakota and then rent a car to explore the smaller towns around the area. Hot Springs is home to mammoth fossils, mom and pop restaurants, and nearby to Mt. Rushmore and Wind Cave National Park.
- Kansas City, Kansas: A small town feel in a big city! There are so many things to do for families in Kansas City both indoors and out.
- Green Bay WI: No, Green Bay isn’t just for football fans. It’s one of our favorite places to visit as a family, especially outside of the tourist season. Check out local hiking trails and lakes, too.
- What to Do in Oklahoma City: Does this one surprise you? Oklahoma city is very affordable and there are 6 national parks in Oklahoma alone! It has a vibrant city feel, but the great outdoors is also readily available.
- Des Moines, IA: Probably one of the most underrated Midwest cities in my opinion. Des Moine is a beautiful city divided by the Des Moine River. It’s a growing city that values cultural diversity, arts, and green spaces.
Western United States for Family Vacation on a Budget
- North Texas: Visit Jellystone Park and your whole family will love it! Part theme park, part outdoor adventure – there’s always something to do in North Texas.
- Colorado Springs: Home to the U.S. Air Force, Colorado Springs is a growing city. It has museums celebrating air and space as well as mountains. Colorado has plenty of outdoor recreation in all the seasons. Several state parks are also near Colorado Springs.
- La Jolla, California: With some research and preparation, even places you think are expensive can be very affordable for families. I love the kayaking around La Jolla. Look for discounted packages and tours.
Best Family Road Trips on a Budget in the U.S.
There might be some great destinations in your own backyard. Road trips are one of the best ways to keep family trips affordable. Explore local history, landmarks, and natural environments.
- Illinois: Take a trip down memory lane with the first 100 miles of Route 66.
- Scottsdale to the Grand Canyon: A relatively quick road trip through Arizona celebrates local heritage, saguaro cactus, and plenty of natural beauty along the way.
- Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park: If you have just one day in Denver, rent a car and explore the Rocky Mountain National Park. Wildlife, mountains, fresh air – what’s not to love?
- East Coast Road Trips: Once you are in the East Coast, road trips are easy. Towns are relatively close to each other so pitstops are easy to plan. Trees, ocean, rolling hills, and tons of American history are just a car trip away.
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National Parks
If you’ve got a 4th grader, be sure to sign up for the Every Kid in a Park program. Your whole family will get free entrance to national parks!
- National Parks in Oklahoma: There are 6 national parks in Oklahoma alone. Each has a different vibe and focus.
- Mammoth Cave National Park: Located in Kentucky, Mammoth Cave is a family favorite. It’s in an affordable area and the caves are living science.
- Rocky Mountain National Park & Estes Park: Save money by camping and packing your own food. Cabins in Estes Park can be pricey in the summer months, so traveling off-peak will save you some cash.
International Destinations on a Family Travel Budget
International family trips are not as out of reach as you may think. I’ve written about international travel and packing tips before. Plan in advance for getting passports and research your travel options. There are lots of good deals out there!
- Costa Rica: Costa Rica is great for families. Food is inexpensive, outdoor activities and cultural sites abound. Flights to San José from the US can be found for under $200/$300. Plus you can often pay with US dollars for a favorable exchange rate.
- Galapagos Islands: Visiting the Galapagos is truly the adventure of a lifetime. It is unique in every way from the animals to the landscape. Ecuador itself is a true hidden gem that is often overshadowed by Galapagos adventures. Making this trip affordable takes some travel hacking and advance preparation to get the best deals. Staying in boutique hotels and vacation apartments will help you save money.
- Rome: Rome is one of the world’s greatest historic sites and cities. It is also surprisingly affordable for family travel. There are usually low-cost flights into Rome. Stay in a small apartment near the center or a family-friendly hostel. Eat at local restaurants eating authentic Italian cooking. Visit the city’s many piazzas and fountains for free.
- Mexico: Resorts such as Cancun or Puerto Vallarta have beautiful beaches and are fun, safe and inclusive. Don’t forget to explore outside the resorts, though, as Mexico has beautiful landscapes, friendly people, and amazing food.
- Spain: Known as a digital nomad hotspot, Spain will not disappoint. It’s very affordable for families traveling on a budget. Barcelona has stunning architecture and endless outdoor activities. The smaller towns outside the city are adventures in their own right. Food is delicious and relatively cheap.
Wondering how the visa application procedure will take place? Leave it to Global Residence Index to take care of all your visa application process, and just think about how you are going to enjoy your vacation in Greece.
Follow the paths less traveled to get the biggest bang for your buck when planning your best family vacation on a budget. Use credit card rewards and other travel hacks such as using vacation rental homes instead of hotels to find good deals on both domestic and international travel spots. Remember, you don’t have to do all the things when you’re traveling. Pick the activities that will mean the most to your family and get out there to create memories – without breaking the bank!
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