Vacations don’t always have to cost an arm and a leg. Yes, it is still possible to go on vacations with your family on a budget. There are so many cheap family vacations you can choose from. Like going to affordable beaches, exploring the national parks, and strolling through cities with free activities.
But sometimes, going on trips with your family can be stressful, especially if you have a newborn. You have to carry not only your baby, but your stuff and luggage, too. It’s challenging, right? And you don’t want that to be the reason your trip will be ruined. Fortunately, you can always buy a stroller for newborn. With a lightweight stroller, the trip with your little one will be much easier and enjoyable.
Smart Strategies for Planning a Budget-Friendly Family Getaway
A perfect family vacation starts with the way how you plan it. A bit of careful planning, budgeting, and cutting back can enable you to do much bigger things with the money you do have.
But let’s be real, there really is no such thing as a free or even cheap getaway. The moment you leave your house, you are bombarded with cab fees, flight taxes, baggage charges, and airport parking. So, here are smart strategies you can use when planning your budget-friendly family getaway.
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The best time to travel is during off-peak or shoulder seasons
If you really want to save money, don’t go on vacations during peak travel times. You know, flights, accommodations, and attractions are way so much cheaper in the shoulder seasons. Usually, these are during late spring and early fall. The crowds will also be fewer, and the lines will be shorter.
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Go to the destination with free or low-cost attractions
There are still places that have amazing activities and you don’t have to spend that much. As mentioned before, there are national parks, beaches, and walkable cities that you can consider. These places make for cheap family vacations.
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Have a daily spending budget
Before you really go on with your vacation, decide how much you are willing to spend. Talk to your partner about your budget on foods, accommodations, activities, and such. In this way, you keep your costs under control.
Top Affordable Beach Destinations for Sun and Sand
Summer is just around the corner. And it would be fun to spend your family vacation at the beach. Soak your feet in the sand and let your body enjoy the cold water. Not to mention, the kids will surely love the idea of that, too. Here are the affordable beach destinations you can go to.
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Orlando, Florida
This place is a vacationer’s paradise. In here, you’ll find many cheap beaches where you can spend days lounging on the sands and soaking up the sun with your partner and kids. You’ll also find other things to do here, like go to Disney Parks.
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San Diego, California
San Diego, California, has the flawless weather that the kids will surely enjoy. The weather in this place is almost sunny every day of the year. So, it is really a perfect destination for your family vacation. It has many cheap beach vacations, too. Not to mention the array of parks it offers, like the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld.
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Outer Banks area of North Carolina
This place is a popular destination for its many lighthouses, walking trails, wild horses, and beautiful beaches. Your family can still enjoy cheap beach vacations here even though it’s a place with so much competition. There are many affordable yet still luxurious rentals available in this place.
Exploring National Parks Without Breaking the Bank
If you’re tired of beaches, you have the option to explore the national parks for vacations. And you don’t have to worry because you can still enjoy these parks without breaking the bank. It is perfect to go here during the spring season.
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Go to national parks with free or low-cost entry
There are many national parks that charge fair entrance fees, and children under 16 often don’t have to pay for the entrance. You can also plan your vacation during fee-free park days. Or if you want, you can invest in an annual park pass.
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Stay outside the park boundaries
It can be pricey if you prefer to lodge inside the national parks. In order to save money, look for accommodations in nearby towns or go for budget-friendly cabins. These options will still give your family more space and amenities, even though they are a short drive away from park entrances.
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Focus on free activities
National parks are so full of activities that you don’t have to pay for. Your family can enjoy the scenic drives, hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and visitor center exhibits. These activities are budget-friendly and also engaging at the same time, for both kids and adults.
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Choose trails and attractions that are family-friendly
It’s totally okay if you don’t like to do the extreme hikes. Most national parks have trails that are short and paved. These trails are also stroller-friendly which is perfect if you bring a stoller for newborn.
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Teach your kids while you travel
The kids will learn so many things during your trip to these national parks. Grab the free learning opportunities like the Junior Ranger programs, educational exhibits, and ranger talks.
Hidden Gem Cities With Plenty of Free Activities
Some of the best cheap family vacations can happen in the cities that are even underrated. You’ll be surprised how your family can enjoy these cities without constantly opening your wallet. Here are some of the affordable cities where the fun is free.
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Tallahassee, Florida
This city has a lot to offer and is easier on the travel budget than many other areas of the state. Take a trip to the Tallahassee Museum. It has a challenging Tree to Tree Adventures course with ziplines and obstacles that the family would really enjoy.
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Portland, Oregon
This is a great place to spend a cheap family vacation if you’re hoping to hike through a forest in the morning, eat in dining hot spots in the afternoon, and sleep in a boutique hotel that serves craft cocktails at night.
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Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City is the cherry capital of the world. This is one of the coolest, artsiest, best foodie places you can visit. The good thing is, this place is very family-friendly. Kids are welcomed everywhere, from gourmet restaurants and hamburger joints.
Saving Money on Food and Snacks While Traveling
One of the biggest expenses when you travel is the one you spend on food. Here are some ways to save money on food and stretch your budget a little further when you’re traveling with family.
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Book accommodations with access on the kitchen
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Pack snacks from home
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Go to grocery once you arrive
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Make lunch your main meal out
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Share meals and order
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Carry water bottles
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Take advantage of free hotel perks
Creative ways to cut costs on family accommodations
You don’t have to spend so much on your accommodations. Being choosy on your accommodations can make your trip much more expensive. A clean and simple room would be enough if you just plan to spend most of your time outside the hotel room. There’s really no reason to splurge on your hotel rooms.
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Pick alternatives to hotels like vacation rentals and guesthouses. You can stay in these at only lower costs.
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Stay outside tourist centers where prices drop but access remains easy.
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Book family rooms instead of multiple hotel rooms.
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Use loyalty programs and discounts to earn free nights.
Navigating Transportation and Finding Cheap Flights
Depending on the type of vacation you choose and its geographical proximity to your home, your transportation costs can be minimal, or they can make up the majority of your vacation expenses.
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Book flights early and watch out for sales and price alerts
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Fly during off-peak days like Tuesdays and Wednesdays. These days offer better deals
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Compare flying and driving. Think which one is cheaper
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Use public transportation or walkable areas. In this way, you’ll avoid rental car costs which can be really expensive.
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Look for airlines that are family-friendly. The one with carry-ons or seats you can choose from.
Making the Most of Your Vacation Budget With Local Experiences
Experiencing the local activities is one of the ways you can enjoy cheap family vacations. And you don’t have to overspend to do this. Oftentimes, they have the most genuine fun, like cultural learning and memorable moments.
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Explore the local parks, beaches without spending anything
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Attend events and festivals. Sometimes, the admission in these are free
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Take a visit into the local markets. You’ll see very affordable food and witness their different culture
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Join free walking tours or self-guided trails. Your family can learn the area’s history on your own
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Ask locals what spots they would suggest to visit
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Support small, local eateries. Sometimes, the foods here are more authentic and on the cheaper side
