Fabulous vacation ideas to fit your budget

February 9, 2024 • 5 min read

Are your family vacations full of culture, museums, and theater? Or adrenaline, wave pools, and coasters? However your family likes to travel, there’s no need to compromise, even on a budget-friendly family vacation. We’ve got cost-saving strategies and fun trip ideas to help you make big memories while you’re away—without spending big money.

Points of interest

Flexibility comes with savings
Beaches give families the most bang for the buck
Explore ALT destinations like the woods or the desert

A man and woman feeding a llama and some sheep in front of an adobe style house surrounded by large trees and a hammock.

Earthen home in Mayne Island, Canada

1. How to hit the beach on a budget

You don’t need to stay in an all inclusive family resort to max out the fun and relaxation potential of your vacation. Play in the ocean, hunt for shells, and chill in the sun while staying on a budget.

Steer clear of peak travel dates

Even if you are traveling during the spring or summer, avoiding peak travel dates can help you save money and get uninterrupted time together. Skip holidays when families are likely to be traveling (like Memorial Day or July 4th), as well as times when the weather is warmest and driest—July and August for many destinations in the US, December-March for trips to Mexico, and January-May for the Caribbean.

Leave your travel window flexible

Don’t have specific travel dates in mind? Try searching with flexible dates on Airbnb. Just enter how long you want to go—a weekend, a week, or a month—and pick the month of the year to get away. Homes that match your search will display and you can select the price and accommodation that works best for your trip.

Go beyond large resort areas

Skip places where expensive restaurants and attractions are the only option. Get a local experience by renting a home near pristine public beaches like South Carolina’s Daufuskie Island or Florida’s Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. You can also find lodging that comes with amenities and activities for kids, from board games to beach cruisers.

Two men, a woman, and a toddler at an outdoor table overlooking a beach and water.

2. Stay in the mountains (without peak prices)

Wake up to crisp air, take family-friendly hikes through ever-changing flora and fauna, and wind down with a crackling fire. There’s so much to do in the mountains for families on a budget—so the biggest thing to consider is where to stay.

Find a room (or a home) with a view

Explore vacation rentals near one of the many amazing national parks in the US. If you prefer to enjoy nature without the trek, check out some ways to have fun in parks without hiking.

Curl up in a cozy cabin

Families can save by choosing a cabin, or bigger groups can invite extended family along to split the cost of a larger accommodation. If you’re heading to a ski area and you aren’t big on the slopes, consider traveling outside of peak ski months for better prices.

Sleep under less traditional roofs

Open to a little more adventure? Wander off the beaten path with offbeat lodging like yurts and RVs that are a great size for smaller families, and they’re often more wallet-friendly than traditional homes.

3. Indulge in a little weekend in the big city

There’s no reason your budget family vacation can’t feel sophisticated. By keeping your trip on the shorter side—a long weekend—it’s easy to save.

The best big cities for kids and families

Las Vegas, NV: Spend a day at the city's many amazing museums and explore the diverse culinary scene, including The Sundry Food Hall or well-priced sushi in Chinatown.
Nashville, TN: Get to know country music history in this city full of historic theaters and honky tonks. When you need a break, treat yourselves to a 100-layer donut at Five Daughters Bakery.
Chicago, IL: Get up close with 200 animal species (for free!) at Lincoln Park Zoo, burn off some energy at one of the city’s many picturesque parks, and shop your heart out.

Rooftop deck covered in flower pots in a dense urban city.

Private room in loft in Chicago, Illinois

4. Find some free fun in the desert

Staying in a desert vacation home lets you crack open a book or cue up a family movie night while immersed in the stunning natural landscape. By day, you’ll find free activities for kids out your door, from hiking to wildlife encounters. By night, you can soak in the night skies from a hot tub in Joshua Tree, CA tour mind-bending arches that rise from the earth in Moab, UT or find family-friendly hikes surrounded by walls of scenic red rock in Sedona, AZ.

Split childcare time with family

There’s plenty for adults to do in the desert on their own—from more adventurous treks to bubbling hot springs. This kind of trip may be the perfect opportunity to invite your extended family and carve out some time for yourself while they babysit for a night.

5. Do theme parks for less

If you’re heading to the big-name theme parks, you can stick to your family’s vacation budget by buying tickets sold through your local grocery store or taking advantage of Black Friday sales. When booking your accommodation, consider a nearby vacation rental that gives you the freedom and flexibility of home.

6. Explore more affordable ways to make memories together

Whether you’re craving a dip in the ocean or days in the desert, you can use these tips for family-friendly vacations on a budget. And if the next trip you’re planning is a day or more away by car, check out some ways to save money on your road trip.