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Affordable summer travel ideas families should take advantage of are here! With school out of session, summer is one of the busiest and most popular times for families to go on vacation. Increased demand often leads to higher prices for flights, accommodation, and activities, making summer trips feel more expensive than other times of the year. This leads many parents to wonder if affordable summer travel ideas for families even exist, and if they do, what they are.
However, it’s still entirely possible to plan a trip that doesn’t cost an exorbitant amount of money. By looking at affordable summer travel ideas for families, you can take your kids on vacation without spending an arm and a leg. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about how much you spend, it’s about the experiences you create that make a good family vacation!
Affordable Travel Ideas for Families
1. Road Trips
Skip the expensive flights and extra baggage fees by going on a family road trip instead! Not only are you saving money, but you’re also in control of your own route and schedule. And as most parents know, having that flexibility is especially valuable when traveling with kids.
If you don’t have your own vehicle, you can rent one fairly cheaply if you book in advance. And for extended vacations, renting an RV can also help to reduce travel costs. While fuel prices may be higher, you’ll save money on accommodation costs, as everyone will be sleeping inside the vehicle!
Related: Summer Trips for Large Families That Are Actually Affordable
2. Cruises
Many families assume that cruises are a luxury option, but they can often be more affordable than expected. That’s because things like meals, entertainment, and kids’ activities are generally included in the overall cost of accommodation. Having that upfront cost is nice, as it can also prevent you from overspending once you’re on your trip.
Cruises can also be a nice alternative to traditional vacations, as much of the planning is already taken care of. Instead of organizing day-to-day activities for your kids, you can rely on the scheduled entertainment on board. Which, of course, means more free time for you to relax! Whether your family prefers the sights and sounds of Alaska (here are a couple of reasons we recommend an Alaskan cruise for families in particular!) or the hustle and bustle of European cruises (our favorites can be found here), there’s a cruise for just about everyone!
Related: Dreamy Caribbean Cruises From Celebrity Cruises You’ll Want to Book Now
3. All-Inclusive Resorts
Looking to spend your summer somewhere warm and beachy? Then look into booking an all-inclusive resort. Similar to cruises, all-inclusive resorts can save money as they bundle together hotel costs, meals, drinks, and on-site entertainment. By paying for everything upfront, you won’t have to worry about unexpected restaurant bills or pricy excursions.
However, it’s important to book these types of resorts in advance. Summer is peak time for travel, and the best travel deals for all-inclusive resorts tend to get booked up quickly. Booking early will not only give you the best rate, but it’ll also give you more options for family rooms, locations, and amenities.
Related: 5 Best Hotels with Pools for Kids (and Parents)
4. Staycations
You don’t have to travel halfway across the world to enjoy a summer vacation. Staycations can be just as fun as they are affordable. By exploring parks, lakes, and attractions in your hometown, you can save big by avoiding flight and hotel costs.
If you want a bigger change of scenery, consider venturing to a nearby town or city. This way, you can still see something new, but then return home at the end of the day.
5. Camping Trips
With long days and warm weather, summer is the perfect opportunity to plan a camping trip. And because a campsite is cheaper than a hotel, camping in a tent is one of the most affordable travel ideas for families. Some campgrounds even have resort-like amenities and cabins you can book if you prefer having the comforts of home close by.
But the benefits of camping go beyond just saving money. You and your little ones will also be immersed in the great outdoors, with tons of opportunities for hiking, swimming, and stargazing.
Related: How to Travel Long-Term Without Breaking the Bank: 10 Great Tips
6. House Swapping
House swapping may be an unconventional way of travel, but it’s a highly cost-effective option and one of the best affordable travel ideas for families. If you’re open to another family staying in your home, you can experience a new destination without paying for a hotel. And as a perk, you’ll have a large and comfortable living space with amenities like a kitchen, laundry, and maybe even a room just for your kids!
We also love the idea of house swapping because you can avoid the tourist areas to experience things like a local. This will allow you to discover new places that you might not have otherwise if you were to stay in a hotel!
7. Visiting Family and Friends
A memorable summer vacation isn’t just about the destination. For many families, it’s also about the people you spend that time with! Staying with relatives or friends can cut down on accommodation costs while also giving you time to connect with your loved ones.
However, you don’t have to spend all the time at home. You can combine your visit with local sightseeing or fun day trips to explore the surrounding area together.
Related: 5 Unforgettable Fall Family Road Trip Ideas with Hilton Hotels
Affordable Summer Travel Ideas Families Should Know: Tips and Tricks
- Be flexible with dates: Avoid peak travel times like weekends or holidays like the 4th of July or Labor Day — this is one of those strategic, affordable summer travel ideas families should know.
- Book early: If possible, try to book your flights and hotels several months in advance. Waiting until the last minute will leave you with fewer and generally more expensive options, which isn’t exactly one of the most affordable summer travel ideas families can experience.
- Consider extended stay hotels: If staying in a hotel, book one with long-stay discounts or kitchens for cooking meals.
- Travel light: Most airlines charge extra fees for overweight luggage or check-in bags. Stick to carry-ons when possible, consider sharing suitcases, and learn about how to pack as minimally as possible.
Related: What is Vacation Burnout? + 7 Ways to Prevent It On Your Trip
Making the Most of Affordable Summer Travel Ideas for Families
If you’ve been putting off planning because of cost, this is the moment to rethink what’s possible. Affordable summer travel ideas families can rely on don’t require perfect timing or a huge budget, they just require a plan that works for your situation. Once you start looking at it that way, the process feels a lot less overwhelming.
There’s something meaningful about making the effort to get away for the summer with the kiddos, even if it’s simple. Affordable summer travel ideas families choose often end up being the ones that feel the most relaxed and enjoyable, because they aren’t tied to pressure or overspending.
Take the time to lock something in while summer plans are still flexible. Affordable summer travel ideas families can use right now won’t stay open forever, and getting something on the calendar gives you something to look forward to in the best way!
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