If you're a middle-class family, luxury travel has probably never been an option, but the price of airfare alone has increased by 25% – the largest year-on-year increase officially – even taking an economy class vacation probably seems harder than ever.
The good news is that with a little planning, cheap getaways don't have to look cheap.
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GOBankingRates spoke with Rob Burley, a tour operator whose specialty makes him an expert in spotting high-end and low-cost destinations wherever they may be hiding. His travel agency, General travel, focuses on the Formula 1 (F1) world circuit. Its customers want to spend every dollar possible on their passion for the highest level of single-seater racing in the world. So it's Burley's job to find them cheap accommodations that seem expensive, from Abu Dhabi to Austin, Texas.
He outlined four vacations that are within reach of a typical middle-class family, but will have you returning home feeling like you've just returned from a getaway worthy of an Instagram influencer.
In the west: Yosemite National Park
The national park system protects the nation's most majestic and ecologically significant natural landscapes. They exist in every corner of America, and when done right, they can all offer a luxury experience on a budget – but the one in California stands out above all the others.
“Yosemite National Park is breathtakingly beautiful,” Burley said. “While not cheap, camping or rustic cabins keep costs down so you can fully appreciate the natural beauty.”
Budget Your Trip says the park's 1,200 square miles of waterfalls, glaciers, forests, unique geological features, and High Sierra landscapes typically cost around $900 per person for an entire week. For shorter trips, Yosemite.com offers three-day packages for $300 to $400.
“Staying just one night at the Majestic allows you to soak up the luxury and history of the place,” Burley said of the popular four-star Ahwahnee hotel. “I also recommend private tours for a more intimate exploration of the stunning landscapes compared to large groups.”
Explore more: 11 Expensive Vacation Destinations That Will Be Cheaper in 2024
The Southeast: St. Petersburg, Florida
Florida is America's top vacation destination, and when you think of soaking up the sun and taking in the sights, cities like Boca Raton, Palm Beach, and, of course, Miami probably come to mind — but who can afford to bring his family? to these expensive cities?
The better question is: When you have the same amenities on the Central Gulf Coast, at a lower cost, who needs them?
“St. Petersburg, Florida offers beautiful beaches and arts alongside less crowded areas of the state,” Burley said. “Renting homes near the beach offers great amenities for less than hotels .”
Expedia lists Saint Pete vacation packages starting at $356, leaving you with a little left over to enjoy the best things in town.
“Treat yourself to a night with the skyline views and atmosphere of Birchwood,” Burley said. “The Dalí Museum is a unique cultural outing in a magnificent building.”
The Southwest: San Antonio
If you're more interested in rich cultural and historical heritage than surf, sun, and sand, consider a vacation just south of the pricey destination city of Austin.
“San Antonio captivates with its history and charm,” Burley said. “Hotels on the Riverwalk offer reasonable rates where you can feel pampered.”
A Florida tourism agency recently named San Antonio one of the seven cheapest vacation destinations in America. The average price of a seven-day vacation for a family of four is $3,594, including flights.
“Budget permitting, a spa day at Mokara is relaxing without increasing prices elsewhere,” Burley said. “Biga on the Banks also offers an elegant dining ambiance at reasonable prices.”
Up North: Visit Europe across the border from New York
A trip to Europe won't be an option for many middle-class families in 2024, but a little piece of Old World history and mystery lies just a short drive from much of the Northeast, of New England and the Upper Midwest.
“Montreal’s Old Town captivates you with its architectural beauty,” Burley said.
The town was founded in the mid-1600s and many of its oldest buildings and features remain. That, combined with Montreal's French colonial history, gives Quebec's largest city an old European atmosphere virtually unmatched in North America – outside of perhaps the Spanish walled city of St. Augustine, Florida, dating back to the 1500s – and none of this should break. Your budget.
“Boutique hotels tempt you with character and charm at reasonable prices, while lunch specials allow you to indulge in the dining scene without breaking your budget,” Burley said.
If that's too far to drive, Kayak offers four-day, three-night packages for under $400, including flights.
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This article was originally published on GOBankingRates.com: I'm a Travel Agent: 4 Cheap Vacations That Seem Expensive for Middle-Class Families
