Feeling a little disconnected from your family? Between work, school, hobbies, and life, it can be tough to spend quality time together. Sometimes you just need a break from the distractions of everyday life to get back to being #famgoals. Vacations are the perfect way to escape your daily routine and make cherished memories with the ones you love. Unfortunately, planning a successful getaway is easier said than done. When you start your research process, it can be easy to get discouraged by the rising costs of flights, hotels, car rentals, and activities. Don’t let those dollar signs deter you! Family vacations are totally doable on a budget and there are plenty of ways to get creative to make the most of your trip. Still not convinced? Here are a few family vacation ideas that are both affordable and fun!
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is the perfect destination to wow your family without breaking the bank. The falls are absolutely breathtaking and you can explore them from all different angles. You and your family can take in the stunning views and bond over nature’s beauty. The best part? Access to the park is completely free so you can check out the falls at no cost. If you’re looking for some adventure, you can purchase a Discovery Pass to get access to various attractions at one reasonable price. Some of the thrilling attractions include the Maid of the Mist, Aquarium of Niagara, and unlimited rides on the Scenic Trolley for the day. Since Niagara Falls is a very popular destination, there is no shortage of hotels to match your price point. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly adventure, Niagara Falls will make for an unforgettable family vacation.
Wisconsin Dells
Recognized as the “Water Park Capital of the World,” Wisconsin Dells is ideal for a family getaway. Located in southern Wisconsin, families flock from all over to experience the largest concentration of indoor and outdoor water parks in the world. What better way to bond with your kids than to act like a kid yourself? Relive your childhood and experience some of the best slides & rides out there. Fortunately, an attraction discount program exists so you can get more bang for your buck. The more attractions you purchase, the more you save so even more reason to experience all Wisconsin Dells has to offer. Need a break from splishing and splashing? Wisconsin Dells has a fabulous downtown sprinkled with shops, restaurants, and bars. Your kids will go absolutely crazy for the water parks and you’ll go crazy for the reasonable prices – it’s a win-win!
The Tyler Place Family Resort
Most people assume you need to leave the country to experience the convenience of an all-inclusive resort. Fortunately, you don’t need to go any further than Highgate Springs, Vermont. The Tyler Place Family Resort offers the ultimate family vacation with its all-inclusive model that will satisfy everyone in the family. All accommodations, meals, activities, and entertainment are included so you don’t need to worry about reaching for your wallet. The Tyler Place Family Resort is perfect for those seeking a balanced vacation where you can spend quality time as a couple and as a family. There are endless water & land activities that will keep the whole family entertained. This camp-style experience might seem out of budget but once you consider what’s included, it’s absolutely worth the price.
If you’re looking for more budget travel destinations, here are 5 that will inspire you (not bankrupt you!).
In addition to these fun family vacation ideas, there are plenty of other ways you can stretch out your budget.
For starters, make sure you choose accommodations that are economical. Airbnb is a great place to start since you can explore their network of home rentals, which are very reasonably priced. Often times, these rates are significantly cheaper than hotels. Plus, you typically have access to a kitchen so you can cut costs on meals by cooking some of your own. Still not sure you’re getting the best deal on lodging? Check out our Beginner’s Guide to Finding Inexpensive Accommodation.
Planning is critical to a successful (and affordable) trip! Make sure you do your research in advance to get the best deals out there. Try to figure out when it’s the off-season so you can avoid exorbitant prices and large crowds. When you’re on a budget, every expense makes a difference so make sure to reserve your airport parking ahead of time online through Park ‘N Fly. If you enroll in the loyalty program, you’ll earn rewards for free parking that you can use towards your next vacation.
If you’re determined to have an awesome family vacation, there are plenty of trip ideas you can execute on a budget. As long as you stay mindful of costs, you should be able to pull off an epic family vacation!
