Planning a family vacation on a budget can seem completely overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be an expensive nightmare! There are places in the United States and abroad where you can have a great vacation without breaking the bank.
GOBankingRates reached out to travel experts to find out some of the most affordable and fun ones! — destinations for middle-class families. From stunning national parks to charming beach towns, these affordable vacation recommendations are perfect for middle-class families.
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Bass, Mexico
Zach Lazzari Cross-border coverage recommended Baja, Mexico, as a great choice for families looking for an international adventure.
“Avoid the Cabo resort scene, rent a car and get an Airbnb in the Eastern Cape or somewhere like Todos Santos,” he said. “You get affordable flights to Cabo, rentals are pretty cheap, and it’s a beautiful, traveler- and family-friendly scene.”
Lazzari also suggested considering Loreto, another major city with an airport, for a safe, accessible and exciting family vacation.
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Lisbon, Portugal
Alex Cornici from The traveler highlighted Lisbon as an exception to the idea that Europe is all about expensive travel.
“On the one hand, it offers an intense cultural experience at low prices for accommodation, dining and cultural activities. On the other hand, it can be very family-friendly, as the multitude of historical places, beaches and tram system will delight children and parents,” he said.
The smoky mountains
For those looking for an affordable family experience closer to home, Cornici recommended the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.
“With camping available on-site and even renting rustic, rudimentary cabins, one gains affordable access to hiking, wildlife viewing and all that nature has to offer,” he said. declared.
Tim Hentschel, co-founder and CEO of HotelPlanneralso praised the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for its free admission, endless exploration opportunities and budget-friendly accommodations in nearby gateway towns.
Bali, Indonesia
Cornici suggested Bali as a perfect option for adventurous families willing to go the extra mile.
“Besides being economical, at least for most countries due to its favorable exchange rates, it also offers beaches and cultural tours in Ubud,” he said. “Family friendly accommodation and warm, lively hospitality make it a favorite for parents and children. »
United States National Parks
Echo Wang, CEO and founder of Cool travel viberecommended exploring America's amazing and affordable national parks
“Many organize hikes and ranger-led programs, to keep everyone entertained,” she said.
Hentschel also highlighted the abundance of family activities and affordable accommodations near America's 63 national parks and more than 400 national park sites.
South East Asia
Wang also suggested considering Southeast Asian countries like Thailand and Vietnam for their delicious cuisine, cultural experiences and activities that are both immersive and relatively inexpensive.
Gulf Coast of Alabama and Florida
Hentschel recommended a road trip along the Gulf Coast of Alabama and Florida, from New Orleans to Pensacola.
This stretch offers “beautiful beaches, almost everything is about a third cheaper, delicious fresh seafood and lots of things to see and do,” he said. “You can drive from New Orleans, Biloxi, Mobile, to Destin and Pensacola, or choose a beach town like Gulf Shores or Panama City Beach and enjoy an affordable, family-friendly vacation that won't break the bank. »
Margaritaville at sea
For an affordable Caribbean getaway, Hentschel suggested Margaritaville at Sea, which offers 2-night, 3-day excursions from Palm Beach, Florida, to the Bahamas starting at $100.
“If you’ve never been to the Bahamas, this is probably the cheapest way,” he said.
Syracuse, New York
Hentschel recommended Syracuse as an alternative to Broadway for theater-loving families.
“The quality of the performances is comparable to Off-Broadway in New York, with much cheaper tickets, hotels and restaurants,” he said. “While you’re there, visit Syracuse University and catch a sporting event or two.”
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
Finally, Hentschel suggested visiting the Amish community and Hershey Park in Lancaster County.
“This road trip is a rite of passage for many families living in the Northeast or Midwest who are close enough to take the family to see the Amish community, visit the Hershey Chocolate Factory, and ride all the rides in Hershey Park, all in one weekend,” he said “It’s a cheaper trip than Orlando and includes some of the same combinations of educational/cultural/historical immersion, entertainment and adventure. .”
By following these expert recommendations and advice, middle-class families can enjoy an unforgettable vacation without breaking the bank. As Cornici says: “Affordable travel doesn't mean compromising on experiences. This involves planning well and, in most cases, accepting the local way of life, as it can offer deeper and more enriching experiences than those offered on a plateau on the normal tourist route.
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This article was originally published on GOBankingRates.com: 10 Affordable Vacation Destinations Perfect for Middle-Class Families
