The playground in the Caribbean, known as “One Happy Island,” will also keep your money happy. With so many reasonably priced (and direct!) flights from the United States and an abundance of low-cost, Cheap Family Vacation family-friendly hotels, Aruba could be the best low-cost warm-weather vacation. The main attraction here are the beaches, which are accessible to everyone (and frequently extremely easy to reach via public transit) outside of the resorts. With its gentle sands, kid-friendly blue waters, beach huts, and water activity rentals,
Eagle Beach is regarded as the crown jewel. For those seeking more strenuous pursuits, Arikok National Park offers the ethereal limestone Fontein Cave and the secluded and stunning Natural Pool. Numerous local establishments and lodging facilities also participate in the One Happy Family initiative, which provides discounts tailored to families with children—imagine complimentary lodging for kids or savings on sailing excursions, for example.
Accommodations in Aruba:
Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort for beach fun
Holiday Inn Resort Aruba offers complimentary stays for children.
Courtyard Aruba Resort is walkable.
Croatia
Although this Balkan country has been gaining appeal among European travelers, a journey here might still be significantly less expensive than one to France or Italy. The most visited area of the nation is the Dalmatian Coast, which is home to Split, its more laid-back counterpart, as well as the medieval city of Dubrovnik. on the former, you may stroll around the Old City, visit the lovely wall walk, and swim on one of the several beaches that are close by (Banje is great for families, despite its occasional crowds). In contrast,
Split feels more contemporary outside of its Old Town. Despite this, its borders contain some of the best-preserved Roman ruins outside of Italy. The eight national parks in the nation provide some relief if the bustle of the Coast has left you yearning for a little more privacy. Two of the most well-known are the UNESCO-listed Plitvice Lakes and Krka, which both include tranquil lakes, lots of waterfalls, and calm hiking trails through the forest.
Accommodations in Croatia:
In the Berkeley Hotel in Dubrovnik
Hotel Corner in Split
Ethno Houses in Plitvice Lakes National Park
Guatemala
Guatemala has not historically been as well-known as its northern neighbor, Belize, which has long been a popular adventure family vacation spot. However, in recent years, this Central American country has emerged as one of the most fascinating—and reasonably priced—destinations in the region. After all, there is a place to attract all kinds of tourists: from the renowned and magnificent Lake Atitlan to the charming and vibrant Antigua UNESCO World Heritage site, with its Spanish Colonial architecture and plenty of hot chocolate stores for the children,
to the vast and spectacular remains of Tikal, a Mayan citadel that is now a national park; the deepest in all of Central America. Last but not least, there are always the beaches, which are more unnoticed than the ancient places but are still well worth a trip. Two of the greatest places for families are Playa Las Cristalinas in Lake Atitlan and Playa Dorada on the shore of Lake Izabal.
Accommodations in Guatemala:
Posada del Angel, Antigua
The La Lancha, close to Tikal
Atitlan Lake: Casa Palopó
Mexico City
Few cities offer as many reasonably priced, kid-friendly activities as this expansive metropolis of North America. Additionally, travel is frequently rather affordable because flights from many American cities on both coasts fly directly into Mexico City. Once you’re on the ground, you can take your family in whichever direction they choose to go. Are you big on trying the local cuisine? For affordable and interesting on-the-go food,
visit one of the city’s many markets. Enjoy exploring museums? A visit to the Museo Nacional de Antropología, which houses the biggest collection of Mexican antiquities in the world, is Visit Bosque de Chapultepec, a vast 1,700-acre property with a sizable lake and botanical gardens. Last but not least, art enthusiasts should not overlook Coyoacán, a quaint, kid-friendly area that is home to the Frida Kahlo Museum, one of the most important and fascinating sights in the city.
Accommodations in Mexico City:
Views: Mexico City Reforma Hilton
Gran Hotel Ciudad de México was used for the design.
For facilities suitable for children: Camino Real Polanco
The Pocono Mountains
The Hamptons is one of the many plural noun destinations in the northeast. The Berkshires. The Catskills. However, none combine affordability and family friendliness quite like The Poconos. Although the location, which is located in northeast Pennsylvania just north of Allentown, has long been a popular vacation spot, costs have stayed reasonable. Visit the massive 13-mile-wide Lake Wallenpaupack, which has six public leisure areas, during the summer. The main attraction in the winter is the ski slopes, particularly Camelback Mountain,
many of which are beginner-friendly and have cheaper prices than those further north. Additionally, the area is well-known for its campgrounds, which provide an even more affordable option for exploring the area in tent and RV sites or camping cottages. There are three waterparks in the Poconos that are open all year round: Kalahari, Camelback, and Great Wolf. If the weather isn’t cooperating, you can always go there for indoor entertainment.
Accommodations in the Poconos:
Ideal for big gatherings: Inn at Stroudsmoor Country
Skytop Lodge is the best for on-site activities.
Camelback Resort is the best place to ski.
Lisbon
Lisbon used to frequently act as Barcelona’s little sister. The Portuguese capital now firmly establishes itself as one of Europe’s most thriving—and reasonably priced—cultural hubs. When you figure out how to get around its hilly streets with a stroller, you’ll be rewarded with an excellent dining scene, bustling neighborhoods full of boutiques that will entice shoppers of all ages,
and breathtaking views from the numerous miradouros (viewpoints) dotted throughout the city. Children will enjoy exploring the Moorish São Jorge Castle (don’t miss its camera obscura) and the city’s twisting streets on the renowned No. 28 tram. We would be remiss if we did not mention Portuguese desserts, particularly the renowned pastel de nata, a creamy, revelatory nibble that no visitor should miss. Another option is to take the train to Sintra for a day trip. There are many colorful palaces there that are so stunning that they will make everyone, young and old, dream of fairy tales.
Accommodations in Lisbon:
For those who enjoy design: The Vintage Lisbon
For amusement, the Lumen Hotel
Mama Shelter for sightseeing
Puerto Rico’s San Juan
Puerto Rico is unique among Caribbean destinations because it offers a variety of beach and cultural activities, dozens of daily nonstop flights, and plenty of reasonably priced lodging options. Additionally, your passport is not even required. For good reason, San Juan is the most popular home base. The airport is located there, and there are plenty of hotels along the beach, so the whole family can get their feet in the sand as soon as they land.
Don’t forget to schedule time to explore Old San Juan’s quaint cobblestone alleyways and the castillos of San Felipe del Morro and San Cristóbal. There are three bioluminescent bays on the island, where the presence of dinoflagellates gives the water an unearthly glow that will excite aspiring biologists. The nearest to San Juan is Laguna Grande in Fajardo.
Accommodations in San Juan:
Access to the beach: AC Hotel San Juan Condado
Alma San Juan for Old San Juan
For an atmosphere of a resort: Caribe Hilton
San Diego
Being forced to stay in a small hotel room with your entire family when the weather turns bad is one of the worst things that can happen while on vacation. San Diego is arguably the finest place to travel in the US if you want to increase your chances of experiencing temperate climates. And although the abundance of beaches and sunny skies would likely be enough to make travel plans, this city in southern California offers more than just attractive scenery. Plan to spend at least half a day at the city’s renowned zoo,
which spans 100 acres and features over 600 species on exhibit. It is surrounded by 1,200 acres of museums, some of which are free, in Balboa Park. numerous eateries, as well as the Old Globe Theater. Purchase ferry tickets for the trip to Coronado, the charming island across the bay, if you want to see the sea at a reasonable price. There are plenty of family-friendly stores and dining options along Orange Avenue, the city’s major thoroughfare.
Accommodations in San Diego:
The Bristol Hotel provides access to downtown.
The Humphreys Half Moon Inn has a resort-like atmosphere.
To get to the beach: Beach Haven
Washington, DC
Our nation’s capital may provide more free, family-friendly activities than any other city in the US. And we’re not merely referring to nearby libraries or playgrounds: DC is an obvious choice for a low-cost family vacation because several of its most well-known attractions are entirely free. The National Mall has the highest concentration of free museums; the National Museum of American History and the National Museum of Natural History are the most popular with children. However, if the latter is insufficient for animal lovers,
To see the pandas for free, head straight to the National Zoo. A DC by Foot tour, which offers free or name-your-own-price options and covers anything from Arlington Cemetery to the ghosts of Georgetown, is another engaging way to learn about the city. Don’t forget to sample some of DC’s most well-known dishes, such the half-smokes at Ben’s Chili Bowl and the booths in Eastern Market, many of which are quite reasonably priced.
Accommodations in Washington, DC:
To visit the sights: Arlo, Washington, DC
Kimpton George for entrance to Capitol Hill
For everything housed in one location: Generator Washington, DC