Traveling on a budget is no easy feat, especially when you are exploring with children. The average family of four spends about $4,500 on a week-long vacation. Sometimes, that’s just not feasible. You can do things like shorten your stay and travel during the off-peak months to decrease the cost. However, there are some affordable places to stay across the United States where you can have fun and kick back with your family without blowing your budget. Here are eight affordable family vacation ideas for 2025.
1. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach is a dream for families looking for an exciting yet affordable vacation. As a North Carolina native, it is somewhere we frequently traveled when I was a child for our annual family vacation. With 60 miles of sandy beaches, kids and adults can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and building sandcastles. The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk offers cheap thrills, from arcades to live street performances. Family Kingdom Amusement Park is an affordable spot for rides and water fun.
When it comes to the price of your trip, it will vary based on the time of year, length of your stay, and type of accommodations. According to Budget Your Trip, a frugal traveler could get away with spending $94 each day (per person). More luxurious travelers, on the other hand, could spend upward of $429 a day (per person). So, there are options that allow you to cater your trip to your specific budget at Myrtle Beach.
2. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Nestled in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg is perfect for nature-loving families. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers free entry and plenty of hiking trails for all skill levels. Visit Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies or explore Ober Gatlinburg’s year-round activities. Affordable cabin rentals let you enjoy the beauty of the mountains without luxury prices. Downtown Gatlinburg offers plenty of cheap eats and souvenir shops.
Budget Your Trip has a one-week trip priced at around $3,542. The average daily cost per person for travelers in Gatlinburg is around $253. However, budget travelers can possibly get away with only spending about $96 a day (per person).
3. Williamsburg, Virginia
History comes alive in Williamsburg, where Colonial Williamsburg provides an interactive journey into America’s past. Affordable family tickets make it easy to explore historic sites and live reenactments. The nearby Busch Gardens amusement park offers thrilling rides and family-friendly entertainment. Consider staying at budget-friendly hotels or nearby campgrounds. Williamsburg also boasts fantastic outlet shopping for a family retail therapy session.
This is one of the most affordable spots on the list so far. Budget travelers might be able to get away with only spending $61 per day per person. Even the more luxurious accommodations and plans will cost around $284 per person, which isn’t that expensive either. The amount travelers spend for a week-long visit is less than $1,000.
4. Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., is a budget-friendly destination packed with free attractions for families. The Smithsonian museums, including the National Air and Space Museum, provide hours of free education and entertainment. The National Zoo is another cost-free option, perfect for young animal lovers. Walk the National Mall to see iconic monuments like the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. Family-friendly hotels and affordable dining options abound throughout the city.
On average, travelers spend about $226 per day in Washington, D.C. That said, more budget-focused individuals might be able to get by on just $103 per day. In contrast, luxury travelers could expect to spend as much as $477 per day. It’s all about how you plan your trip and which hotels/hostels you choose.
5. Gulf Shores, Alabama
For a laid-back yet adventure-filled getaway, Gulf Shores is a hidden gem. Its pristine beaches are perfect for swimming, sandcastle-building, and dolphin spotting. Gulf State Park offers hiking, biking, and even camping for families. Budget-friendly accommodations, including condos and vacation rentals, are easy to find. Local seafood restaurants serve up delicious meals at wallet-friendly prices. You can also visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo for an affordable outing with the kids.
Timing will make a huge difference when you are traveling to the Gulf Shores in Alabama. During the busy season (June to August), hotels cost around $232 per night, on average. In the off-peak season (December to February), you can expect to spend as little as $110 per night.
6. Kissimmee, Florida
Kissimmee is a budget-friendly alternative to Orlando for families wanting to explore theme parks. It’s just minutes away from Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, with many affordable lodging options. Spend a day at Old Town Kissimmee for unique shops, fun rides, and free weekly car shows. Nature enthusiasts can kayak or paddleboard in the nearby Everglades. Kissimmee’s variety of restaurants ensures plenty of affordable dining choices.
To get the most out of your trip to Kissimmee, plan your trip around seasonal deals. Expedia is currently listing flights to Kissimmee for as little as $53 per ticket round-trip. During the off-season, you can also snag great deals on hotels, with some prices being slashed in half.
7. Destin, Florida
Destin’s emerald waters and sugar-white beaches make it a family favorite. Henderson Beach State Park offers affordable entry for a relaxing day by the water. HarborWalk Village is perfect for entertainment, shopping, and dining without overspending. Many budget-friendly vacation rentals are available, often with stunning ocean views. Take a dolphin cruise for an unforgettable experience the whole family will cherish.
Again, when you book your trip can make a world of difference. October to December are the best months to book if you are focused on savings. April and May are the two months with the best weather in the area. It’s also noteworthy that many people find they are able to save more money if they bundle their trip details (flight, hotel, and rental car) together.
8. Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor is an affordable escape that blends coastal beauty with outdoor adventures. Acadia National Park offers hiking, biking, and incredible scenery at a low cost. Downtown Bar Harbor has charming shops, ice cream parlors, and family-friendly restaurants. Whale-watching tours provide a unique, unforgettable experience. Budget-friendly hotels and campgrounds make it easy to stay within your means. Sunrise at Cadillac Mountain is a priceless family moment to remember.
Maine isn’t somewhere you’d want to visit right now, but it offers some amazing views and beautiful weather in the spring, summer, and fall. On average, people can expect to spend about $243 per day (per person). However, budget travelers can get by with just $103 per day, making it an extremely affordable place to bring the family.
Affordable Adventures Await
Overall, you will probably spend about $400+ per day for a family of four to have a nice vacation, even if you’re on a budget. Planning your trip around more affordable locations like Myrtle Beach or even Bar Harbor can help you control the overall cost. Depending on what you are interested in seeing and what your family enjoys, there is a destination for everyone on this list. All it takes is a little planning and research to find a vacation spot that fits your budget.
Read More
- 14 Odd Cultural Taboos You Should Know Before Traveling
- 12 Items You Should Always Take When Traveling By Car
Read the full article here
