Planning a family vacation can be difficult process, but planning one on a budget can be even more difficult. However, just because you are planning on a budget does not mean that your vacation cannot be memorable or enjoyable for everyone.
Kid-friendly vacations on a budget can be a great experience for your entire family. You do not need an expensive vacation to enjoy the time away. Here are a few places and vacations you should consider when planning a kid-friendly vacation on a budget.
Michigan
Whether you are thinking about soaking up some sun on Lake Michigan, enjoying a few days at a quaint town like Holland, or traveling to the Upper Peninsula, Michigan is a state for everyone. There is a reason the state calls itself "Pure Michigan," and that's because everyone will enjoy some pure fun. If your family enjoys getting outdoors (whether it is hiking, biking, swimming, or boating) then you will enjoy your time in Michigan.
Do not forget, though, that Michigan also offers some great shopping opportunities and cities to visit.
Gatlinburg
Renting a cabin in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, can be as cheap or as expensive as you would like. Many of these cabins offer unforgettable mountain views. Once in Gatlinburg, you will be able to enjoy amazing food, shopping, scenic views, the great outdoors, and family activities.
If you want to avoid "touristy" things and save some money, then cooking in your cabin, hiking in the national park, and just walking around downtown Gatlinburg are always fun activities that your family can enjoy together. However, if you are looking for things to do, then traveling to Pigeon Forge will provide you with outlet malls. Downtown, you can enjoy the aquarium and sample some amazing barbeque.
Orlando
While it may not be a hotel right on the beach, Orlando, Florida, is home to some pretty amazing things to do and see. While spending your whole vacation at places like Disney World or Universal Studios can cost a lot of money, choosing what parks to go to and when, can save you some money. You can purchase tickets to these places for just one day and save some money by staying in a hotel that is not on site.
Also, don't forget to check out other fun family activities like Sea World, which you can enjoy while still sticking to your budget.
Camping
While camping is certainly not a specific destination for you or your family, camping can be a great, inexpensive, and kid-friendly vacation. Whether you camp while on a long road trip or pick a campground that is close by, camping allows you to get outside and spend some time with each other.
You will be able to cook all of your meals, sleep under the stars, go hiking, kayaking, tubing, and enjoy other outdoor activities. A campground may be a lot closer than you think, so spend some time researching nearby areas to see how kid-friendly they are, what there is to do, and whether or not the camp sites are clean.
Cruises
Believe it or not, cruises can be quite affordable, depending on the size of your family. When you decide to take a cruise, there are several things that affect the price: where you travel, when you travel, how long you are gone, and any excursions you might decide to take while on your cruise. Ultimately, how much you spend on a cruise vacation is up to you. However, you should know that with a cruise, you will have access to free food, swimming pools, on-ship activities, and the option to explore foreign cities and beaches.
How much you spend on your trip, no matter what you decide to do, will depend on several factors: when you travel, how you travel, where you go, and what you do. Obviously, this is a lot to think about, but in order to make the most of your trip, you should try not to plan too much. Remember that this is a family vacation, so any free time you have to spend as a family is going to be great. However, there are a few tricks to finding those prices you like.
According to blogger James White, you should "start looking in advance to give yourself the best chance for a great deal. Sign up for operators' email alerts, RSS feeds and social media pages to benefit from special offers." It all comes down to putting some time and effort into planning for your kid-friendly vacation on a budget.
