Vacations should be a time for relaxing, refreshing, and bonding with the family. However, once you start calculating how much stepping out of the house can cost with kids, holidays can become the most stressful time of the year.
Luckily, a family vacation doesn’t have to make you go bankrupt. With proper planning, you can go on a fun and budget-friendly trip with your loved ones.
We’ll help you plan a holiday to remember with a list of the best cheap vacation ideas. Get ready to relax and prepare for a (financially) stress-free holiday!
Budget-Friendly Family Vacation Destinations
If you don’t want a family holiday to become a financial burden, you just need to know where to go! Here are the top travel destinations for an affordable vacation.
1. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is the perfect place for a family holiday. The weather is nice all year round, so you can spend plenty of time outside. The capital of Catalonia is a great destination for an affordable vacation – whether you go to the beach or stay in the central area, you’ll find many free activities.
Even if the weather becomes gloomy, Barcelona is ready to entertain you. Every Sunday from 3 PM, many public museums offer free entrance. On the first Sunday of every month, the museums are free all day long. You’ll find many museums for kids, so you’ll have an entire day filled with free activities.
The magic fountain at Plaça Espanya will certainly catch your sight! Stop here for a dancing fountain show, where music is complemented by synchronized water splashes and colorful lights. This creates a dramatic show that is completely free and runs every half an hour.
Spain is a country of carnivals and festivals, a must-see for every tourist! Various festivals happen every month, but some of the largest celebrations are a four-day La Mercè in September and a street festival Gràcia in August.
Whenever you come to Barcelona, this colorful city will find a way to surprise you in the best possible way! It’s certainly one of the top travel destinations for any kind of holiday in Europe.
2. Mazatlán, Mexico
In Mazatlán, you’ll find golden beaches, tasty food, and good prices. Isn’t it the best vacation combo?
Walk along Malecón de Mazatlán – a four-mile seaside promenade. Here you can watch cliff divers, browse souvenir stands, and get local food from one of the many vendors. Along the way, you’ll see many statues and monuments, and learn a thing or two about the history of Mazatlán. If the family gets tired of walking, you can rent bikes and continue your journey riding along the beach.
The square of Plaza Machado is located in the historic old town of Mazatlán. Come here for an evening stroll or a lunch bite. The square is considered a cultural center of the resort, so you can expect to see street musicians, various artists, and other entertainers. There are many hotels, restaurants, and cafes around the square.
Mazatlán is a resort, which can often be expensive, but this place is budget-friendly. It offers plenty of free or cheap activities for families.
3. India
While this may seem like an unexpected place to visit with kids, due to its chaotic environment, India is actually an excellent cheap vacation destination. It’s a friendly place that offers plenty of experiences.
Usually, kids under five years old can stay and eat for free in hotels in India. Children under 12 years old can stay in an extra bed in the same hotel room for a small fee. Restaurants here have kids’ menus or can make something for the little ones upon request.
Make sure you visit the wild nature of India. Its dramatic wildlife will create memories for a lifetime. Try out snorkeling with turtles in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, visit rainforests in the Western Ghats, or join volunteers in Mathura at an elephant rescue center.
Camping under the stars is both cheap and exotic. Try it out in the Thar Desert, or choose a more comfortable jungle camp in Jawai, Rajasthan, where you can also join safari rides and see leopards.
If you’re a family that prefers beaches to wildlife, India has something to offer you, too. South Goa villages are perfect for relaxing beach holidays. Visit Benaulim or Palolem for gentle beaches with lifeguards and budget-friendly hotels.
A family trip to India will leave you with great memories without robbing all your savings.
4. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town, the capital city of South Africa, has plenty to offer for a cheap vacation with kids. Here you’ll find many free or affordable activities that will help you explore the city and see the most beautiful spots.
Begin your journey at the Table Mountain National Park. Here you’ll find many free hiking trails, suitable for kids of various ages. For example, Deer Park is one of the easiest trails, while Lion’s Head is best for slightly older adventurers. These hikes are entertaining and will help kids learn about local animals and plants. Pack up some snacks and water, and get ready for a big adventure!
The V&A Waterfront is a perfect place to see street shows and immerse yourselves in a festive atmosphere. Here you’ll find live performances and enjoy harbor views.
Just like in Barcelona, Cape Town offers free museum entrances on some days. Search for Iziko Museums of South Africa to see what days the entrance is free and plan a day of exploring!
If you or your family likes water, Cape Town is the place for you. Here you have spots like Muizenberg Beach that are friendly for beginner surfers. Bring your wetsuit and you can safely ride the waves with your kids.
5. San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, may not be the cheapest destination compared to other spots on this list, but here you’ll find plenty of free family activities. Also, this place is so amazing it had to land on this list!
San Juan was founded more than 500 years ago. It’s the oldest city in America! The Capitol building of the city is resting in the old town. Inaugurated in 1929, the neoclassical white marble building is no less impressive from the inside than it is from the outside. Take a free tour of El Capitolio to see the beautiful paintings and murals inside the building.
If you appreciate street art, take a walk in Santurce, one of the most hipster residential neighborhoods in the city. It’s an outdoor art gallery hosting many street artists’ paintings on the walls of local buildings.
Once you’re in San Juan, you must try local food. One of the cheapest and best ways to taste authentic dishes is at Piñones. It’s a popular area right at the beach, hosting many kiosks that serve street food. Make sure to try empanadas and fresh coconuts!
6. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is full of fun activities to do with kids, so it’s a perfect destination for a family holiday. The island lying in the Indian Ocean offers breathtaking views of pristine nature and plenty of adventures.
If you’re looking for a cheap beach destination, Sri Lanka is your go-to country. Bentota Beach is around a 45-minute drive away from the capital, Colombo. The beach offers various water sports, such as surfing or jet ski riding.
Jungle Beach offers a nice combination of hiking through a jungle and then resting on the beach. This hidden gem will certainly leave an impression on the whole family.
Don’t miss a chance to watch wildlife in one of Sri Lanka’s national parks. You can expect to see leopards, elephants, monkeys, and many more exotic animals in their natural habitat. Kids will love this activity!
7. Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite National Park is an affordable vacation spot with a great combination of active hiking and relaxing sightseeing.
With breathtaking viewpoints, such as Tunnel View and Glacier Point, and plenty of hiking trails, Yosemite will help you create memories to last a lifetime. Some hiking trails, such as the Mist Trail, are for more advanced hikers. However, the John Muir Trail is more beginner-friendly and leads to the same beautiful views.
One of the easiest trails in the national park leads to Bridalveil Falls. This family-friendly trail is only half a mile, so you can take it even with the smallest of the family.
Pack some snacks for your hikes and get ready to experience some of the most breathtaking views on this trip to Yosemite National Park!
8. Bulgaria
Bulgaria is a safe and budget-friendly country that has plenty to offer for the whole family. Located in Eastern Europe, Bulgaria is still yet to be discovered by mass tourism. Lucky for you, because the prices are still friendly and the country isn’t too flooded with tourists, so you don’t have to stand in long lines to get to the best places.
Once in Bulgaria, you have plenty of activities to choose from. If you’re into history, discover the old towns of ancient Bulgarian cities, such as Sofia and Plovdiv. Here you’ll find ancient ruins, interactive museums, and plenty of cultural activities.
Nature lovers should make their way to the Rhodope Mountains, where you can spend time hiking and immersing yourself in nature. Make sure to visit the Black Sea coast for water sports and all the fun on the beach.
9. Toronto, Canada
Toronto is a metropolitan city along Lake Ontario’s shore. While large cities are often more expensive than small towns, here you’ll find affordable activities for the whole family, so it’s a perfect destination for a cheap vacation.
Yonge-Dundas Square is one of the top spots for free fun. There’s always something going on here – a free concert, movies, or other entertainment.
The Canadian Opera Company sometimes offers free operas. Check out their website to see what’s coming up. New and established actors occasionally perform at free shows from September to May.
During winter, you’ll find free public ice-skating rinks, while during the summer months, you’re invited to play free frisbee golf at E.T. Seton Disc Golf Course.
10. Fort Worth, Texas
If you want to feel Texas hospitality, Fort Worth is the best place to visit. Moreover, this city is more affordable than most other places in the area.
Kids will love Fort Worth Botanic Gardens, home to 23 unique gardens with waterfalls and colorful flowers. It’s a great place to spend a day with the family and introduce children to various plants.
The Kimbell Art Museum is home to modern and classic art. The permanent collection of the museum includes Picasso’s, Monet’s, and other world-famous artists’ works, and the admission is free!
You’ll find plenty of other free places and activities in the city. From libraries to parks and live music entertainment, the city has something to offer for every taste!
How to Plan a Cheap Trip
Planning a trip on a budget requires some calculations and conscious decisions. If you already know where you spend most of your money during a holiday, you should think about cheaper alternatives.
Here are some budget-friendly traveling tips that will help you save money:
- Choose affordable destinations — travel to places that aren’t much more expensive than your hometown.
- Use public transport — traveling by bus can save you a considerable sum compared to riding in a taxi. Especially when it comes to airport transportation.
- Travel during the low season — with fewer tourists, prices for accommodation, services, and entertainment usually go down during the off-season.
- Cook your meals — dining out can be quite expensive, so try to cook at home and prepare snacks or pack lunch boxes when traveling, so you don’t have to shop hungry.
- Look for budget-friendly accommodations — check out local hostels, house swaps, or bed-and-breakfasts. They can be cheaper alternatives to hotels.
- Join a free walking tour — most cities have walking tours. They’re called free but in reality, you can pay as much as you want at the end of the tour.
- Make money while you’re on holiday — the best way to save money is by making it! You can easily increase your holiday budget by taking online surveys and sharing your internet connection via the Pawns.app.
Following these simple steps will help you save during your family holiday. Moreover, you can set a budget for your trip and try to fit your plans into it.
Just be realistic and fair to yourself. For example, if you love eating out, allow yourself to have dinner at a restaurant. Just perhaps look for a cheaper place that wouldn’t eat up all of your holiday budget.
Conclusion
If you’re wondering how to travel with no money, you may find yourself stuck. Even traveling across your neighborhood can sometimes cost you money if you make a pitstop! However, knowing some tips can help you go on a budget-friendly holiday and save or even make money during your vacation!
Begin by choosing the right holiday destination. Some countries are so cheap you’ll start wondering why you don’t move to live there. While other destinations can be a bit more expensive, even there you can save by going on free walking tours, camping, and making your own food.
Hence, a family holiday can be affordable, you just need some planning. Follow our tips and make the next family trip as joyful and cheap as it can get!
