The kids are out of school, you have vacation time saved, and everyone is chomping at the bit to go on vacation… but money is tight! What can you do?
Well, here are some budget-friendly family vacation ideas.
Beach Vacation
If you live in or near the east coast, there are hundreds of miles of beach just waiting for your family to frolic on. But staying at a beach hotel is expensive you say? The key to a budget friendly beach vacation is to stay a few miles inland, away from the popular tourist destination hotels. An inexpensive hotel can be found just a few miles from the coast nearly everywhere.
- If you are in, or plan to be near Myrtle Beach, the Sea Mist Resort just might be the best thing going… and it’s on the water! The Family Value Package includes Passes to Family Kingdom Amusement Park each night, featuring more NEW RIDES IN 2014!
- Daily Passes to “Splashes” Family Kingdom’s Oceanfront Water Park.
- Daily Passes to Sea Mist’s largest Resort Water Park with the Mississippi of lazy rivers in Myrtle Beach and a 3-story high tubular slide.
- Unlimited play on Misty Fall’s Resort Putt-Putt. A double-nine course.
- *One Welcome Cocktail at Sea Mist’s Grille & Tavern per adult.
- Discount Golf on Select Courses.
- One 5 x 7 Souvenir Family Photo (One per family).
- Breakfast at Tena’s – a 46-item buffet, for each person in the family one morning of your stay.
- *A Free Dinner for one person at Sea Mist’s Grille & Tavern
5 night family packages start at only $574!
City Vacation
Not usually the first thing that comes to mind when you think family vacation but a family getaway to Boston, Massachusetts can be a welcome change.
There are Boston family vacation packages to be had for under a $1000 for a family of four, and that includes 3 nights and a 3-day Go Boston Card.
The Go Boston Card grants you free admission to over 60 area attractions, as well as offering savings on dining and shopping in area stores and restaurants. Enjoy complimentary access to the New England Aquarium, the JFK Library and Museum, the Paul Revere House and much more! Also, enjoy discounts at area restaurants, including Jimmy’s Harborside Restaurant, Longhorn Steakhouse and Paddy O’s Pub. Also during the right season, the Go Boston Card can be used to embark upon a whale watching expedition!
Whatever your family finds fun and exciting, the Go Boston Card is sure to offer it. From museums to mansions and from pubs to playgrounds, let the Go Boston Card give you the keys to the city. Come stay in Boston and enjoy an incredible family vacation for one and all!
Mountain Vacation
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee no doubt, America’s most popular national park, a major theme park, and miles of trails and streams, all waiting for you in Tennessee… for under $100 per night! The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a great stop for fishing, hiking, and a scenic drive down the six-mile Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. And you can’t go to the Smokies without spending at least one day at Dollywood for authentic Tennessee music, food, and, thrill rides like the Wild Eagle and Mystery Mine.
From $89 you can stay at the wonderful Park Vista DoubleTree by Hilton. In Gatlinburg you will find two restaurants, an indoor pool, and mountain views.
Family Cruise
No way, that’s just too expensive! Well, wait just a minute… A family cruise can be remarkably affordable, especially if you are close to the port. Summer is the offseason for the Caribbean, so prices will be lower. Keep in mind that once you’ve paid your fare, all lodging, meals and activities are included! And most cruise ships have activities for the kids and baby-sitting!
One Tank Road Trip
With the high price of gas many of us can’t afford to travel to the “cool” summer vacation spots, but we can all afford a tank of gas right? Well, figure out how many miles you can travel on a tank of gas and then break out the map! The idea here is to drive a half of a tank away from home, find a neat, inexpensive place to stay, spend a few days exploring and having fun, and then use that other half a tank of gas to get home. You just might be surprised what you will find within a few hours’ drive of where you live!
No matter what kind of summer vacation you decide to take, the best part is spending time with your family and building memories. So get out there and have some family fun!
