Are you wanting to travel abroad but your bank account is keeping you from doing so? While many people think international travel is too expensive for the average family, it doesn’t necessarily have to be. There are lots of cheap international destinations that are great for families.
One of the questions we get asked the most as a family who frequently travels outside the United States is how we afford it. Although we have visited some expensive destinations like Japan and the Scandinavian peninsula, we often visit countries where our dollar will go farther.
Cheap International Vacations for Families on a Budget
Whether you’re seeking a relaxing beach vacation or a cultural city to explore, we’ve compiled a list of the best cheap international vacations for families. These destinations offer family fun, good food, and great culture without breaking the bank.
Mexico
Mexico has been a popular destination for budget travelers in North America for a long time. It is famous for its beautiful beaches, ancient pyramids, and delicious food. But it is also well known for being an affordable destination.
While there are lots of luxury all-inclusive resorts in beach towns like Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum, those aren’t always the cheapest option if traveling on a budget. If you want to visit the Yucatan Peninsula with kids and want to save money, head to communities like Merida instead.
Additionally, you can skip the more expensive beach areas and head inland to visit charming towns like San Miguel de Allende or the incredible metropolitan capital of the country – Mexico City. There are a lot of things to do in Mexico City that are inexpensive, interesting and educational for families.
Slovenia
Slovenia is one of the most underrated countries in Europe. Not only does it have beautiful scenery that rivals that of Switzerland, but it is also extremely affordable.
If you’re an outdoorsy family who enjoys hiking, swimming, boating, cycling, and exploring caves and castles, there are so many beautiful places in Slovenia to visit.
Whether you want to do a road trip across Slovenia, visiting charming towns and national parks, or stay in the capital city of Ljubljana and take day trips to places like Lake Bled and Postojna Cave, you’ll have no shortage of family-friendly activities and things to do.
Although some hikes like the popular Vintgar Gorge do require a small admission fee, there are lots of free hiking trails in Triglav National Park that provide outdoor adventure without any cost.
One of the country’s top destinations, Lake Bled, also offers a lot of free or inexpensive activities. Among the best things to do in Lake Bled is to rent a rowboat and paddle out to the tiny island in the middle of the lake – which is home to one of the most picturesque churches in Europe.
In the capital city of Ljubljana, you can join a free walking tour to see the main attractions in Ljubljana and learn about the history of the “City of Dragons”. It’s a great way to start any day in Ljubljana before exploring more places, like the autonomous Metelkova Art Center, on your own.
Dining and lodging are reasonably priced throughout the country, and Slovenia is ranked among the safest countries in the world, making it a top choice for families.
Thailand
One of our favorite countries in the world also happens to be one of the most affordable international destinations for a family vacation. Although plane tickets to Thailand are expensive, you’ll find once you are in the country, everything is very inexpensive.
Depending on how much time you have, every Thailand itinerary should include a few days in Bangkok, as well as some island time, and several days in Chiang Mai.
If visiting Thailand with kids, your family will love the white sand beaches found in places like Krabi, Phuket, and the Phi Phi Islands. Additionally, one of the best things to do in Chiang Mai for families is to visit one of the ethical elephant sanctuaries like Elephant Nature Park or Into the Wild Elephant Camp.
If you’re on a budget, you’ll find the night markets have incredible Thai cuisine for the equivalent of a few US dollars. While you’re at the markets, be sure to do some shopping for inexpensive Thai souvenirs, like elephant pants, carved soap, and handmade jewelry.
ALSO READ ABOUT OUR FAVORITE PLACE IN THAILAND: KHAO SOK NATIONAL PARK
Poland
Another affordable European country, Poland is a wonderful destination for families looking to add an educational component to their trip.
The country has a fascinating albeit tragic history as a result of merciless invasions during both the first and second world war. If you enjoy exploring urban areas, there are some incredible cities in Poland, like Krakow, Warsaw and Gdansk that have charming old towns, famous castles, and world-class museums.
Even within the heart of the popular city of Krakow, you’ll find hotels at a fraction of the cost compared to many Western and Central European countries.
Plan to spend at least a few days in Krakow and a few days in Warsaw, but if time allows, journey out to some of the lesser visited towns or take day trips to places like Zakopane and Lublin – famous for its delicate lace, which is a popular souvenir from Poland.
Public transportation is an efficient and inexpensive way to get around and there are cheap guided tours that take you to places like Auschwitz and the Wieliczka Salt Mine, which aren’t as easily accessible by train.
And a bonus for families traveling with picky eaters, Polish foods like pierogi and kielbasa, are delicious, easy for kids to eat, and are flavorful but not at all spicy.
Colombia
South America can make for one of the best cheap international vacations for families. One of the lesser visited continents, there are several great South American countries to visit, but Colombia is among the best.
We particularly love the colorful, colonial city of Cartagena. If you visit Cartagena with kids, the coastal city has an old, massive stone fortress, charming boutique hotels with rooftop pools, free entertainment in the streets, and some of the most beautiful colonial buildings you’ll find in the western hemisphere.
Just off the coast of Cartagena, you’ll find dozens of islands in the Rosario islands with beaches like Playa Blanca that have calm, clear water perfect for relaxing with little ones.
While you could stay within the walled city for a decent price, if you are on a tight budget, the neighborhood of Getsemani is one of the best areas to stay in Cartagena.
Guatemala
An up-and-coming country that will certainly become more expensive as people realize how awesome it is, Guatemala is an amazing and cheap international vacation for families.
If visiting Guatemala with kids, you can expect a cultural experience as well as a lot of adventure.
From the colonial charm of Antigua to the serene shores of Lake Atitlán and the towering ruins of Tikal, Guatemala is teeming with history, nature, and outdoor activities – making it one of the best places to visit in Central America.
After a week or two of exploring markets, hiking volcanoes, or walking among the ruins of ancient civilizations, you can easily drive across the border from Guatemala to Belize – another affordable destination where you could spend a week exploring caves, waterfalls, and laid-back islands surrounded by world-famous reefs.
Vietnam
Slightly more affordable than Thailand, Vietnam is another country in Southeast Asia that makes for one of the best international destinations for families traveling on a budget.
Although you may find the streets of cities like Hanoi chaotic and busy, the country also has plenty of serene destinations such as Ha Long Bay and Phu Quoc, one of the best places in Asia for a family vacation.
Vietnam is home to some of the best beaches in Asia, famous temples, exciting markets, and charming towns like Hoi An. You’ll find everything from the hotels to the food is friendly on your budget. And while it may cost you more than you want to spend to fly to Vietnam, once you arrive, domestic flights around the country and those around the region are extremely affordable.
Spain
While Spain may not be the cheapest European country, it is far less expensive than almost all of the other countries in Western Europe.
The country, located on the Iberian Peninsula, has so many bucket list experiences. From its enchanting cities like Barcelona, Seville and Madrid, to its magical Pueblos Blancos and small mountainous villages, like Ronda, Spain offers a unique cultural experience.
The country is famous for its food, like tapas and paella; its cathedrals, like La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and the Mezquita in Cordoba, and its cultural idiosyncrasies, like siestas and eating late.
Whether you want to wander the streets shopping for Spanish souvenirs, eat your way through the country one tapa at a time, or spend your time touring art museums and watching flamenco shows, Spain is a fun and affordable place to visit in Europe.
Morocco
If you’re looking for a unique family vacation where you can easily stretch your dollar, Morocco is the gem of North Africa.
Morocco’s currency, the dirham, has an exchange rate of 10-1 with the US dollar – 10 dirhams equal roughly $1 USD.
Although visiting Morocco with kids can be a bit of a culture shock, there are a lot of incredible places to visit in the country that promise a memorable experience at an affordable price.
Whether you want to wander the blue medina in Chefchaouen, haggle in the souks of Fes or Marrakech while buying Moroccan souvenirs or cross the Sahara on a camel and camp in yurts, you’ll find it is fairly easy to have an adventure of a lifetime on a small budget.
Choose to stay in a riad or boutique casa to not only save money but to give you an authentic Moroccan experience. Additionally, if you choose to visit Morocco without a guide, be firm and say no to anyone trying to lead you around the markets or offering to take you to a store with the best quality products. A not-so-fun fact about Morocco, scammers and street vendors can be very pushy.
Iceland
You’re probably rolling your eyes right now and discrediting everything I’ve said thus far. Everyone knows Iceland is one of the most expensive countries in the world, right? Yes, Iceland is a pricey country. Attractions like the Blue Lagoon will set you back about $100 USD per person. However, it is incredibly easy to visit Iceland on a budget.
With multiple airlines flying into Iceland from several cities across the United States and Canada, getting to the island nation is easy and often more affordable than flying to mainland Europe or even across the USA.
Additionally, there are so many free or low-cost campsites in Iceland that will save you on lodging costs. Another popular option is to rent a camping van for your Iceland road trip, just be sure your Iceland packing list includes a sleeping mask or that your tent or camping van has blackout curtains if visiting during the summertime. Fun fact about Iceland, the sun doesn’t really set during the peak of summer.
Many attractions in Iceland, like the country’s majestic waterfalls, are free to visit. And whether you visit Iceland for just 4 days or much longer, you’ll have plenty of free outdoor activities – from hikes to glacier lakes, and black sand beaches to explore.
To make your Iceland trip even more budget friendly, bring pre-made camping food and supplies or stop at a grocery store when you arrive so you can skip the restaurants and save money.
Conclusion: Cheap International Vacation Tips
International vacations do not have to be expensive. We spend less on a 2-week international vacation than most families do on a 5-day trip to Disney.
Plane tickets are one of the biggest expenses of any international trip. So, find ways to mitigate that cost by collecting and using credit card points, traveling in the off-season, and letting airfare deals determine your destination.
Additionally, while destinations like London and Paris are popular, they’re very expensive. Another money saving tip when traveling internationally is to consider booking a hostel instead of a hotel. There are plenty of family-friendly hostels that offer private rooms at a fraction of the cost of hotels on the same street. A bonus to staying in hostels, many of them have communal kitchens where you can cook or warm up food to save money on dining out at restaurants.
Do you have a question or comment about visiting any of these cheap international destinations? We’d love to hear from you! Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
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