Looking to get away? The end of summer is near, but there’s still time to make memories with your family and squeeze in a trip before fall creeps in. Whether you’re taking a dream trip or have a very limited budget to travel this summer, you too can take a vacation with your family!
In this article, we’ve put together a list of the most affordable (and fun!) summer vacation destinations for your family. Read on for some of the world’s best (and most budget-friendly) summer family vacations you can take in 2019.
Below, we’ll also go over how taking a vacation is actually good for your health. As if you needed another reason to plan a trip! It’s true: getting away from the grind for a while can make all the difference. Read on to learn how.
Florida: the best place for family vacation
When it comes to summer vacation, Florida is the ultimate destination of dreams for many families. After all, Florida has it all for fun in the sun: beaches, theme parks, tons of activities, plenty of ways to enjoy nature, animal encounters, educational opportunities, and of course, Disney World! A highlight of childhood for people around the world, no kid forgets their first trip to Disney. Whether it’s your first time there or your fiftieth, make it happen this summer.
Best of all, Florida doesn’t have to be a luxurious or bank-breaking getaway. There are many affordable hotels and activities to meet every price range in Florida. You can plan a trip to the Sunshine State on a budget and still have the time of your lives. Just look for special deals and discounts, choose itinerary items that are in your budget, and know that the best memories are made simply by being together, not spending a ton of money.
Of course, there are a lot of options when it comes to picking a destination in Florida. How can you decide where to go that’s best for your family? An article in FamilyCircle lists Orlando, St. Petersburg, South Walton, the Palm Beaches, Miami, Anna Maria Island, Sanibel Island, and Tampa as the best Florida destinations for family vacation. Look into these spots and see if they have what you’re looking for.
Of course, you’ll need to make sure to pack your sunscreen for a trip to Florida! You can shop for sunscreen right here on our site for a wide variety of choices in a variety of SPF strengths.
Go to the Grand Canyon
An ultimate bucket-list adventure, the Grand Canyon is a must-visit for many families around the world. Why not make this summer the time you finally take the trip and make your way to the Grand Canyon? The Grand Canyon may be located far away from where you live, but that doesn’t mean it’s out of reach financially.
If you really want to conserve your coins, you can even camp in the Grand Canyon and skip paying for nights in a hotel. An article in U.S. News & World Report, titled Best Cheap Summer Vacations states, “It doesn’t get more affordable than camping, and this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a unique place to rough it. You’ll have to contend with crowds along the South Rim, but the photo possibilities will be well worth the cramped quarters. Campsites are just $18 per night during the warmer months, while the entrance fee for vehicles is $35 and lasts seven days. Pack your own food to save even more.”
If you really want to plan the trip of a lifetime, why not go camping at the Grand Canyon? You can break away from the daily grind and rough it just a little bit, and you’ll come home with stories to tell for years and years. Chances are, your family will never forget what a blast it was to take a summer trip together to the Grand Canyon. Take in the sights, test your outdoor skills, pack a picnic, check a destination off your bucket list, and save loads of cash all at the same time. It’s a win-win all around.
Photo Credit: by ironfan.tiffany
Take a Royal Caribbean cruise
Want to see it all, pay one price up front, and experience jam-packed fun for the whole family? Then you can’t ask for a better family vacation than a Royal Caribbean cruise. It’s easy to budget for a cruise when the price is all-inclusive: save up for a trip and you’ll be able to cruise away, participate in a variety of activities, see new places, and even eat to your heart’s content without paying more.
Their ships, old and new, are filled to the brim with activities that are a blast for every age. Parents can chill by the pool, relax at the spa, or head out for a night of dinner and dancing while the kids play in the kid zone with slides, crafts, games, activities, and tons of stuff to do.
Plus, a Royal Caribbean cruise transports you to fun destinations in the Caribbean and beyond. No matter what part of the world you want to check out, chances are that Royal Caribbean can get you there. Your whole family will love exploring a variety of new destinations while also living it up on the ship between ports.
For example, Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas, which is the largest passenger ship in the world, offers highlights that the entire family can enjoy together: think a ten-story slide, two FlowRider® surf simulators, glow-in-the-dark laser tag, a sports bar and arcade, and tons more. If you’re lucky, you may even score a cruise where kids sail free.
Photo Credit: by Skye Sherman
Niagara Falls
Many families love traveling during the summer to see natural wonders, and Niagara Falls is one of the most impressive. Best of all, it’s not a trip that will stretch your wallet too far. In fact, Niagara Falls tops the list of “10 Ridiculously Cheap Summer Family Vacations for 2019” according to Family Vacation Critic.
“Niagara Falls is a bucket list trip for many families, and the Niagara USA Discovery Pass is a good way to get access to many iconic attractions—including the Maid of the Mist and the Aquarium of Niagara—at a reduced rate,” the article states. “A great free activity for families? The Niagara Power Vista is a great activity of kids with a 4-D movie and STEM-related activities. If you’re coming from the U.S., stay on the Niagara Falls, New York, side to save some time. Take the trolley around Niagara Falls State Park in New York or hike around to experience the falls from different vantage points.” They also recommend a stay at the family-friendly, cost-effective Holiday Inn Express & Suites Niagara Falls.
One of the cool parts about Niagara Falls is that you could visit another country by taking a trip there. You can opt to visit only the New York (USA) side or just the Canadian side, or head to both to get the view from both sides and check another country off your list. Nothing beats a trip that has amazing scenery, cheap thrills, and exposure to another country and another culture.
Mammoth Lakes, California
Despite the fact that Mammoth Lakes is normally a ski town during winter, the real secret here is that it’s a hidden gem in the summer, too. Mammoth Lakes is a perfect place for the whole family, with tons of activities at the base of Mammoth Mountain’s adventure center, and even up the mountain during summer.
On a visit to Mammoth Lakes in the summer, older kids and teens can test their skills on the newly opened Via Ferrata, a true taste of rock climbing, or sometimes even hit the slopes, even during the summer. There’s also a ton of hiking trails, fishing, mountain biking, and fun activities like gold panning, kayaking, rock walls, challenge courses, and more. Whether you spend time on the mountain or the area’s gorgeous lakes and streams, you’re sure to have a rejuvenating and fun-filled family getaway to Mammoth Lakes.
Stay at Sierra Nevada Resort & Spa for the ideal base for the whole family during your trip to Mammoth Lakes. Kids and parents alike will love the restful atmosphere, plenty of green space to run and play, fire pit, pool and hot tub, and even the mini golf course that’s for free use of hotel guests.
Photo Credit: by Skye Sherman
Beech Mountain, North Carolina
Did you know that Beech Mountain is the highest town in Eastern America? Located in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s an ideal spot for a summer vacation that offers the best of everything: nature, family fun, great food, and memories in the making.
At Beech Mountain, you’ll find two miniature golf courses, a pool and hot tub, fishing, mountain biking the Emerald Outback, Buckeye Rec Center with challenge course and sport courts, hiking, playgrounds, nature camp, golf and tennis lessons, whitewater rafting, and lots more. Plan a family hike to a waterfall and pack a picnic for an affordable way to spend a fun summer day.
Check out Beech Mountain Resort for the best way to see Beech Mountain and pack the most fun possible into your trip.
Why you should go on vacation: it’s good for your health
There’s a reason you just seem to feel better after returning from a vacation. Taking a vacation and breaking out of the routine for a bit isn’t just fun… it’s good for you, too!
It’s well known that getting out into nature, or even deliberately forest bathing, is very good for your health. So if you live in a city or don’t spend enough time outdoors in your day to day life, you might want to prioritize planning a trip to a place that will ensure you get plenty of time in the great outdoors. Head for the hills--or the beach--and spend as much time as you can soaking up the sun (safely!), breathing fresh air, reconnecting with the natural world, and avoiding technology and social media distractions.
But the good news is that even if you don’t visit a place with tons of trees and grass, you still may benefit from planning a trip. An article in Travel+Leisure titled A New Study Says Taking a Vacation Can Help You Live Longer shares how important it is to take a vacation for the sake of your physical health. The article shared the results of a 40-year study published in the Journal of Nutrition, Heath & Aging. All of the participants were at risk for cardiovascular disease.
“Participants in the intervention group had a 37 percent higher risk of dying if they took three weeks or less annual vacation compared to those who took more than three weeks between 1974 and 2004. … stress reduction is an essential part of programs aimed at reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Lifestyle advice should be wisely combined with modern drug treatment to prevent cardiovascular events in high-risk individuals.”
From these scientific study results, it’s clear to see how much taking a vacation and reducing your stress can dramatically impact your health for the better. You may live longer if you get control of your stress levels and take a much-needed break. So why not plan that vacation and take a well deserved getaway with your family? Your kids will thank you, and your overall outlook will likely improve, with benefits like better focus at work, more happiness in your relationships, better health, and a general sense of rejuvenation to give you a new lease on life.
Plus, traveling could help to stave off depression. By staying active, meeting new people, and exploring interesting opportunities, you may help to ward off depression and a limited outlook on life. Dive into new interests, reflect on your travels, and spend time sharing with friends and family the lessons you learn on the road. Getting away with your family may be just the thing you need to lift you out of your funk.
At the end of the day, all signs point to the fact that if you take a trip, it’ll do you some good. A summer family vacation doesn’t have to break the bank; you can travel to places that are both affordable and fun-filled.
And remember: doing chores has health benefits for your mental and physical wellness, too, but wouldn’t you rather go on vacation?
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