Last Updated on July 18, 2024 by Prissila Murillo
Don’t let summer fly by without planning amazing affordable family vacations! Life is good when the whole family is on summer vacation. Here we’ve rounded up the ultimate entire family vacation destinations. This summer, keep your whole family happy (even on a smaller budget)! These are some amazing destinations and options that are just a short flight away:
Mexico
Due to favorable exchange rates and lower costs, Mexico has long been a favorite for family and group travel. You’ll get more bang for your buck in Mexico than in most other places in the world. And whether you are looking for an adventurous trip focusing on nature, Mayan history, ancient ruins, or simply relaxing on the sandy beaches at an all-inclusive pampering resort (complete with a full line-up of kids’ and family-friendly activities), Mexico always has something for you and your family.
We especially love The Finest Resort, located in a scenic spot on the Yucatan Peninsula, for having one of the biggest and most impressive kids clubs in Mexico. Finest also has great food – some of the best all-inclusive food you can find – and several different options in terms of accommodations, activities, and amenities (read more about this here ). Also situated on the Yucatan Peninsula is Hotel Xcaret. This is another great all-inclusive option for families looking to explore Xcaret’s natural park, which is easily one of the most unique and fun things to do in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Switching coasts to the Pacific side, Los Cabos (including the beach town of Cabo San Lucas) is an amazing spot to visit at the tip of the Baja California Peninsula. It is popular with people of all demographics and age groups. Los Cabos has something for everyone all the time! Moving a bit south, we would be remiss to not mention Puerto Vallarta and Sayulita off Mexico’s Sea of Cortez. There are several great options mentioned here, but be sure to consider Sayulita’s great but cheap or affordable hotels (many under $100 a night). Also be sure to eat at Sayulita’s amazing restaurants, including several fine dining options!
Our Picks for Affordable Family-Friendly Hotels in Mexico:
- The Finest Resort all-inclusive, Playa Mujeres
- Hotel Xcaret all-inclusive, Yucatan Peninsula
- The Westin, Los Cabos
The Bahamas
The Bahamas is also a popular destination for a summer vacation. This is a fantastic, affordable vacation option for families. With a vast number of beaches and resorts (including all-inclusive ones) to choose from, there are so many good choices! However, if you’re looking to escape to the Caribbean on a vacation that’s just as fun for the adults as it is for the kids, definitely check out some of the options below!
While Atlantis is one of the biggest resorts in the Bahamas, the Comfort Suites Paradise Island is the best way to experience everything the Atlantis has to offer (from waterslides, river rides, and pools to Dolphin Cay and Aquaventure) on a budget! The Comfort Suites features 223 newly renovated junior suites. These include flat-screen TVs, free WiFi, and a complimentary hot American buffet breakfast daily. But its largest draw is that it’s located adjacent to the Atlantis. Here you’ll get full access to all the facilities at Atlantis Resort and Casino.
And if swimming with pigs is on your and your family’s bucket list, bring them to Gems at Paradise Resort on Long Island. The resort can take you directly by boat to a nearby cay for mingling with some adorable pigs! All rooms have balconies or terraces with coastal, ocean-themed decor. You can even see beautiful sea turtles and manta rays often glide by right outside your door!
Our Picks for Affordable Family-Friendly Hotels in the Bahamas:
Hawaii
If you can score a good flight deal (budget airline Southwest is now flying directly to Maui), Maui, Hawaii can be done on a budget. By staying in the United States, you won’t need to apply for a visa, bring your passport, or exchange currency. Nicknamed the “Valley Isle” for its beautiful mountainous and breathtaking terrain, it’s easy to see why Maui is one of the most popular summer vacation destinations in Hawaii.
We love villas like Kapalua Golf Villas and hotels like the Ka’anapali Beach Hotel in Lahaina, Maui – an affordable traditional Hawaiian hotel located on Ka’anapali Beach that can’t be beaten for the price. The hotel’s Aloha Value rooms (which face exterior lawns or surrounding hotels) are a fabulous deal. The hotel even offers a free Aloha Passport for Kids program for families with children 12 and under. This cool program guides families through the property while they participate in activities, such as hula lessons and lei making, and get free Hawaiian souvenirs.
The Napili Shores Maui by Outrigger is another choice with great food, rooms that come with their kitchenettes (to save on eating out every day), and several family-friendly amenities.
Our Picks for Affordable Family-Friendly Hotels in Hawaii:
Family-Friendly Cruises
Cruises are the ultimate way to relax and be taken care of by a friendly staff. While cruises can often be pricey and lengthy, there are actually a number of budget and family-friendly cruises!
For all of 2023, Royal Caribbean is offering a kids-sail-free promotion for kids aged 12 and under on four-night or longer cruises. This includes trips to the Caribbean, Alaska, and other exotic bucket list destinations, making this cruise a great family vacation for this summer! This offer can be included with any of the other hot deals they run seasonally and throughout the year.
Another great option to consider is the Norwegian Cruise Line, which also maintains a kids-sail-free promotion for select cruises. Norwegian also runs multiple youth programs on board its cruises (for different age groups) along with a number of special cruise deals and promotions throughout the year.
Final Words…
With so many great and convenient choices close to home, you and your family can take your pick this summer vacation! Are you looking for the perfect beach getaway? Maybe a different culture, language, or educational experience is of interest? Or do you all simply want to relax and bond together for some great memories? However, you plan your summer vacation, you can be sure these options can make you and your family very happy.
Bonus Destination: Australia
Consider Australia for a unique family adventure! It’s a fantastic option with stunning beaches, diverse wildlife, and vibrant cities. Plus, families looking to stay longer can explore the GTI Visa for an extended experience Down Under. Enjoy all Australia has to offer this summer! And if packing and planning are a concern, don’t worry: we’ve got you covered with a list of some of the most useful and affordable travel accessories! Bon voyage!
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What does summer vacation mean?
Summer vacation, often known as summer break, is a break in the academic year between school years that occurs in the summer. There may be a three-week to three-month break for the students. The extent of the staff’s exclusion may vary by nation and district.
What months are summer vacations?
In the US, summer vacation normally lasts from late June to early September or from late May to mid-August. In the US, summer vacation lasts an average of 8 to 9 weeks.
What is the most popular summer vacation?
Glacier National Park.
Grand Teton National Park.
Bar Harbor.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Yellowstone.
Grand Canyon.
San Diego.
San Francisco.
