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11 Affordable Family Vacation Spots: Cheap Travel Ideas

Traveling with the family doesn’t have to break the bank. Many destinations offer affordable vacation options that provide both fun and educational experiences for all ages. From beautiful beaches to cultural hotspots, here are 11 affordable family vacation spots that promise unforgettable memories without straining your budget.

Key Takeaways

  • These 11 spots offer a range of activities and experiences that cater to all ages, ensuring a memorable and budget-friendly vacation
  • Montreal, with its vibrant cultural scene and family-friendly activities, is a great destination for families looking for an affordable vacation
  • Cebu, a vibrant island in the Philippines, offers beautiful beaches and a rich cultural heritage, making it ideal for family vacations

Orlando, Florida, USA

universal orlando

Orlando is world-famous for its theme parks, making it a favorite destination for families looking for fun-filled adventures.

Why It's Perfect for Affordable Family Vacations

Orlando offers numerous family-friendly activities beyond the theme parks, including interactive museums, beautiful parks, and affordable dining options.

Average Cost

  • Accommodation: $70 – $150 per night for budget hotels and family-friendly resorts.
  • Meals: $10 – $20 per person.
  • Activities: Theme park tickets can be pricey, but many other attractions and activities are free or low-cost.

Where to Stay

  • Budget: Quality Inn & Suites by the Parks
  • Mid-range: Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites – Waterpark
  • Luxury: Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek

Cape Town, South Africa

Schotsche Kloof, Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town, with its stunning natural landscapes and diverse cultural attractions, is a fantastic family vacation destination.

Why It's Perfect for Affordable Family Vacations

Cape Town offers a mix of outdoor adventures, historical sites, and family-friendly activities like visiting the Two Oceans Aquarium, exploring Table Mountain, and enjoying the beaches. The city is known for its affordable accommodation and dining options, making it a great budget-friendly choice.

Average Cost

  • Accommodation: $40 – $100 per night for budget hotels and family-friendly guesthouses.
  • Meals: $5 – $15 per person.
  • Activities: Many attractions, such as hiking trails and beaches, are free, while others, like museums and aquariums, have reasonable entry fees.

Where to Stay

  • Budget: The Backpack Cape Town
  • Mid-range: SunSquare Cape Town Gardens
  • Luxury: The Table Bay Hotel

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon Portugal

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a family-friendly city with rich history, beautiful scenery, and affordable attractions.

Why It's Perfect for Affordable Family Vacations

Lisbon offers a variety of activities for families, including interactive museums, historic trams, and beautiful parks. The city’s affordable dining options make it easy to enjoy local cuisine on a budget.

Average Cost

  • Accommodation: $50 – $100 per night for budget hotels and family-friendly apartments.
  • Meals: $5 – $15 per person.
  • Activities: Many attractions, like parks and historic sites, are free or low-cost.

Where to Stay

  • Budget: Hostel Stay With Me
  • Mid-range: Hotel Mundial
  • Luxury: EPIC SANA Lisboa Hotel

Mexico City, Mexico

mexico travel

Mexico City offers a vibrant cultural experience with numerous family-friendly attractions and activities.

Why It's Perfect for Affordable Family Vacations

From interactive museums and historic sites to parks and street food, Mexico City provides endless entertainment for families. The city is known for its affordable dining and accommodation options.

Average Cost

  • Accommodation: $30 – $70 per night for budget hotels and family-friendly accommodations.
  • Meals: $2 – $7 per person.
  • Activities: Many museums and parks are free or have minimal entry fees.

Where to Stay

  • Budget: Selina Mexico City Downtown
  • Mid-range: Hotel Catedral
  • Luxury: Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico

Budapest, Hungary

budapest riverside

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, offers a mix of history, culture, and fun activities that are perfect for families.

Why It's Perfect for Affordable Family Vacations

Budapest’s thermal baths, historic sites, and beautiful parks provide a variety of activities for all ages. The city is also known for its affordable food and accommodation options.

Average Cost

  • Accommodation: $30 – $70 per night for budget hotels and hostels.
  • Meals: $5 – $15 for local food.
  • Activities: Many culinary experiences, like food markets and wine tastings, are affordable, with prices ranging from $10 to $30.

Where to Stay

  • Budget: Home Lisbon Hostel
  • Mid-range: Hotel Lisboa Plaza
  • Luxury: Bairro Alto Hotel

Montreal, Canada

montreal canada city

Montreal, with its vibrant cultural scene and family-friendly activities, is a great destination for families looking for an affordable vacation.

Why It's Perfect for Affordable Family Vacations

Montreal offers a variety of attractions, including museums, parks, and festivals. The city’s affordable accommodation and dining options make it a budget-friendly choice for families.

Average Cost

  • Accommodation: $50 – $100 per night for budget hotels and family-friendly accommodations.
  • Meals: $10 – $20 per person.
  • Activities: Many attractions, like parks and festivals, are free or low-cost.

Where to Stay

  • Budget: HI Montreal Hostel
  • Mid-range: Le Square Phillips Hotel & Suites
  • Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal

Barcelona, Spain

Aerial view of Barcelona

Barcelona, with its beautiful architecture, beaches, and family-friendly attractions, is an excellent destination for families.

Why It's Perfect for Affordable Family Vacations

Barcelona offers a variety of activities for families, including exploring Gaudí’s masterpieces, visiting interactive museums, and enjoying the beach. The city’s affordable dining and accommodation options make it a great choice for families on a budget.

Average Cost

  • Accommodation: $50 – $100 per night for budget hotels and family-friendly apartments.
  • Meals: $5 – $15 per person.
  • Activities: Many attractions, like parks and beaches, are free or low-cost.

Where to Stay

  • Budget: Hostel One Ramblas
  • Mid-range: Hotel Jazz
  • Luxury: Hotel Arts Barcelona

Bali, Indonesia

bali vacation with daughter

Bali, known for its beautiful beaches and cultural experiences, is an ideal family vacation spot.

Why It's Perfect for Affordable Family Vacations

Bali offers family-friendly resorts, beautiful beaches, and cultural activities like traditional dance performances and temple visits. The island’s affordable dining and accommodation options make it a budget-friendly destination.

Average Cost

  • Accommodation: $30 – $70 per night for budget hotels and family-friendly resorts.
  • Meals: $3 – $10 per person.
  • Activities: Many attractions, like beaches and cultural sites, are free or low-cost.

Where to Stay

  • Budget: Bali Garden Beach Resort
  • Mid-range: The Haven Bali Seminyak
  • Luxury: The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali

Prague, Czech Republic

overhead view of lima peru

Prague, with its fairy-tale architecture and rich history, is a wonderful destination for families.

Why It's Perfect for Affordable Family Vacations

Prague offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including exploring castles, interactive museums, and beautiful parks. The city’s affordable accommodation and dining options make it a great choice for families on a budget.

Average Cost

  • Accommodation: $30 – $70 per night for budget hotels and family-friendly accommodations.
  • Meals: $5 – $10 per person.
  • Activities: Many attractions, like parks and historic sites, are free or low-cost.

Where to Stay

  • Budget: Hostel Downtown
  • Mid-range: Hotel Residence Agnes
  • Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel Prague

Costa Rica

costa rica bridge vacation

Costa Rica, with its stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities, is an excellent destination for families who love adventure.

Why It's Perfect for Affordable Family Vacations

Costa Rica offers a range of activities for families, including exploring rainforests, beaches, and wildlife reserves. The country’s eco-friendly lodges and affordable dining options make it a budget-friendly destination.

Average Cost

  • Accommodation: $50 – $100 per night for budget hotels and family-friendly lodges.
  • Meals: $5 – $15 per person.
  • Activities: Many natural attractions, like national parks and beaches, have low or no entry fees.

Where to Stay

  • Budget: Arenal Backpackers Resort
  • Mid-range: Casa Luna Hotel & Spa
  • Luxury: Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa

Cebu, Philippines

cebu philippines

Cebu, a vibrant island in the Philippines, offers beautiful beaches and a rich cultural heritage, making it ideal for family vacations.

Why It's Perfect for Affordable Family Vacations

Cebu provides numerous family-friendly activities, including beach outings, snorkeling, and exploring historic sites. The island’s affordable accommodation and dining options make it a great choice for families.

Average Cost

  • Accommodation: $30 – $70 per night for budget hotels and family-friendly resorts.
  • Meals: $2 – $7 per person.
  • Activities: Many attractions, like beaches and cultural sites, are free or low-cost.

Where to Stay

  • Budget: Le Village Hostel Cebu
  • Mid-range: Mandarin Plaza Hotel
  • Luxury: Radisson Blu Cebu

Final Word

Traveling with family can be both fun and affordable with the right destination. These 11 spots offer a range of activities and experiences that cater to all ages, ensuring a memorable and budget-friendly vacation. 

Whether you’re exploring the theme parks of Orlando, the beaches of Cebu, or the cultural sites of Lisbon, these destinations promise enriching experiences and cherished family memories. So pack your bags and get ready for an affordable family adventure!

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