- Take More Adventures
- Posts
- Family Vacation Goals (Without Going Broke)
Family Vacation Goals (Without Going Broke)
Beaches, castles, and pandas—on a budget? Here are 9 family-friendly destinations that pack in the fun without the wallet pain.
Take More Adventures
April 22, 2025
Hey Adventurer! 🌲❄️
Let’s face it—traveling with kids can get pricey fast. Flights, food, fun… it adds up. But that doesn’t mean you have to skip the adventure. This week, we’re spotlighting 9 destinations where you can vacation with the whole crew without taking out a second mortgage. Think: wild horses in Aruba, ancient ruins in Guatemala, castles in Portugal, and pandas in DC—each one offering epic memories and family-friendly prices.
Plus, we’re bringing the nostalgia:
🗳️ Should we bring back Take More Adventures stickers? Cast your vote in our quick poll and help us decide if it’s time to reboot the sticker stash. 👇
Now, let’s hit the road (or the tarmac) without breaking the bank. Your next affordable adventure starts here.
🗳️ TMA Poll: Should We Bring Back Stickers?
We used to have some pretty sweet Take More Adventures stickers… and we’re thinking of bringing them back.
👉 Tap to vote — and we might just drop a surprise freebie for early responders.
🧳 Budget-Friendly, Family-Approved
Traveling with the whole crew can get expensive fast—but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re dreaming of wild horses in Aruba, pastel castles in Portugal, or pandas in DC, these trips bring big memories without big bills. Here are 9 awesome family vacation ideas—both in the U.S. and abroad—where you can stretch your dollars and your legs.
🌴 Aruba
Why Go: Affordable flights, dreamy beaches like Eagle Beach, and fun perks like free kids’ stays via the One Happy Family program.
Don’t Miss: Arikok National Park and the Natural Pool.
Budget Stays: Holiday Inn Aruba or Courtyard Aruba Resort
🇭🇷 CroatiaWhy Go: Cheaper than Italy but just as gorgeous. Don’t Miss: Waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes, beaches in Split, and Roman ruins. Budget Stays: Berkeley Hotel in Dubrovnik or Ethno Houses near the parks 🇬🇹 GuatemalaWhy Go: Ruins, lakes, chocolate, and volcano views—need we say more? Don’t Miss: Antigua’s charm and Tikal’s ruins. Budget Stays: Casa Palopó by Lake Atitlán |
Why Go: Art, tacos, and massive parks that are free (and fun). Don’t Miss: Frida Kahlo Museum and Chapultepec Park. Budget Stays: Gran Hotel Ciudad de México Why Go: Sunshine, the zoo, and a ferry to charming Coronado. Don’t Miss: Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo. Budget Stays: Beach Haven or Humphreys Half Moon Inn |
Why Go: Campgrounds, ski slopes, and indoor water parks all within driving distance. Don’t Miss: Lake Wallenpaupack and Camelback Mountain. Budget Stays: Great Wolf Lodge or Skytop Lodge Why Go: Pastel de nata, castles, and that No. 28 tram! Don’t Miss: São Jorge Castle and a fairytale day trip to Sintra. Budget Stays: Mama Shelter or Lumen Hotel |
Why Go: No passport needed! Beaches and bioluminescent bays await. Don’t Miss: Old San Juan, El Morro, and Laguna Grande in Fajardo. Budget Stays: Caribe Hilton or Alma San Juan Why Go: Free museums, pandas, and presidential history. Don’t Miss: National Mall, Natural History Museum, and Eastern Market eats. Budget Stays: Arlo DC or Generator Washington DC |
📍 Ready to Take the Family Somewhere Amazing?
From Caribbean escapes to mountain air, these destinations prove that family fun doesn’t have to come with a scary price tag. For more ideas, check out our full collection of family-friendly vacation ideas and budget getaways. |
🌍 More Travel Inspiration!
If you’re dreaming of budget-friendly adventures, we’ve got plenty more guides to help you plan your next trip:
🔹 Love scenic road trips? Check out these Best Day Trips from the Bay Area 🚗 🔹 Looking for an unforgettable camping experience? Try a Tree Tent Campsite 🌲 🔹 Exploring Mexico? Don’t miss our guide to the Best Things to Do in Tijuana 🇲🇽 🔹 Chasing waterfalls? Plan a Hike to Ouzel Lake 🏔️ 🔹 Rainy camping trip? Be prepared with these Tips for Camping in the Rain 🌧️🏕️ 🔹 Camping in California? Check out the Best Campgrounds for Tents & RVs 🏕️ | 🔹 Hiking fan? Explore the Top Hiking Trails in America 🥾 🔹 Heading to Vietnam? Plan your trip with our Vietnam Travel Guide 🇻🇳 🔹 Want to camp in Utah? Here are the Best Places to Camp in Utah ⛺ 🔹 Exploring Texas? Don’t miss these RV Parks in Texas 🚍 |
Wherever you’re headed, we’re here to help you Take More Adventures! ✈️🌎 🚀