7 best family vacations on a budget (that aren’t just staycations)

Feel like the dollars start disappearing the second you think about a family holiday overseas? Well, you can scrap that thought. It’s easy to assume that family trips always cost a fortune and that if you don’t want to spend too much, you should just stay home.

False and false.

Planning a cheap family trip is totally doable, if you just know where to go. So, without further ado, here are seven of the best places for a budget-friendly family getaway—from Southeast Asia to the Balkans to Central America.

1. Thailand

Southeast Asia is renowned for being affordable, and if it’s a tropical escape your family is craving, Thailand is hard to beat. Picture this: you, sunbathing and sipping on fresh coconut water while the kids splash around in the crystal-clear water… need we say more?

Street food here is not only safe and delicious, it’s also incredibly cheap. There are plenty of budget hotels with family rooms, pools, and all the amenities you might need, and getting around is easy thanks to affordable transport (yes, even those iconic tuk-tuks!).

Free or cheap activities:

• Explore beautiful temples in Chiang Mai or Bangkok
• Stroll through street food markets like Chatuchak Weekend Market and taste local delights
• Swim and snorkel at peaceful beaches like Koh Lanta or Koh Phayam
• Admire the natural beauty of Erawan National Park and Khao Sok National Park
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2. Vietnam

Another popular destination in Southeast Asia, Vietnam is perfect for budget family travel for many reasons. For starters, accommodation, food, and transport are all cheap, even if you go to a more touristy spot like Hanoi or Hoi An.

Vietnamese street food is both tasty and kid-friendly—think Bánh mì, spring rolls, and sticky rice. Many vendors will glady adjust the spice level, so if you need to, just ask for milder versions for the kids.

Plus, there’s so much cultural and natural variety that it is virtually impossible for tiny travelers to get bored. Every stop will feel like a brand-new adventure for the whole family.

Free or cheap activities:

• Pick up souvenirs and try tasty snacks at local markets like Ben Thanh Market or Hoi An Night Market
• Visit temples and pagodas, like the One Pillar Pagoda or the Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi
• Join a free walking tour and learn about Vietnam’s rich culture
• Put your swimmers on and go kayaking in Halong Bay
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3. Indonesia

Known for its warm hospitality, stunning beaches, and natural beauty, Indonesia offers a vibrant adventure at great value. Between the family guesthouses and local warungs (small eateries), you’ll be able to enjoy comfy stays and tasty meals without spending much.

Island hopping is also easy to do on a budget, and it keeps things interesting, whether you hop on a quick boat ride between the Gili Islands or a budget flight to explore Bali, Lombok, or beyond.

Free or cheap activities:

• Relax on family-friendly beaches like Kuta, Nusa Dua, and Tanjung Benoa
• Experience Indonesian culture and architecture at temples like Taman Ayun and Gunung Kawi
• Put on your hiking shoes for the kid-friendly Campuhan Ridge Walk in Ubud
• Take part in a turtle release event with local conservation groups—often free or donation-based
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4. Bulgaria

Bulgaria may not be the most popular European destination, but don’t let that fool you. This underrated gem offers a mix of cultural treasures and natural beauty, all at a fraction of the cost of other European hotspots. In fact, in 2024, it was named the most affordable destination for a family holiday (at least for British tourists!)

Eating out is easy on the wallet, especially if you try local Bulgarian cuisine at traditional taverns or markets; and so is getting around, thanks to affordable buses and trains.

Free or cheap activities:

• Explore ancient ruins like the Roman Theater in Plovdiv, and visit historic churches such as Saint Sofia Church and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
• Have a family picnic at Borisova Gradina park in Sofia or the Sea Garden in Varna
• Join a free walking tour in Sofia and soak up the city’s fascinating history
• Take advantage of the family discounts at the National Museum of History in Sofia
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5. Portugal

Sunny, safe, and easy to get around—Portugal ticks a lot of boxes for families traveling Europe on a budget. Affordable accommodation is easy to find, especially if you book a self-catering apartment or family-run guesthouse, and daily passes offer great value, covering trams, metro, and buses.

The food scene is perfect for kids (and parents) too—think grilled chicken, fresh bread, and of course, the iconic custard tarts, or pastéis de nata. And if you eat tascas (small, family-run restaurants), you can keep it well within budget. Pro tip: for the best deals, keep an eye out for the prato do dia (dish of the day)—often around the €10 mark (around $11 USD).

Free or cheap activities:

• Take in stunning city views from free lookout spots like Miradouro da Graça in Lisbon or Miradouro da Vitória in Porto
• Hit the road along the Costa Vincentina and explore some of southern Portugal’s most popular beaches
• Hop on the famous Tram 28 for a fun and affordable tour across Lisbon
• Check out the Ciência Viva Science Museum in Porto, packed with hands-on exhibits for the kids
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6. Montenegro

Montenegro is a small country with something for every traveler, from mountains to beaches, lakes, and even medieval villages. Similar to Bulgaria, it’s still a bit of a hidden gem in Europe, which means fewer crowds and more peaceful exploring for you and your little ones.

For an especially budget-friendly base, try staying in Virpazar (by Lake Skadar) or in the hills above Kotor, where prices drop as soon as you're a little off the tourist trail.

Free or cheap activities:

• Walk through the charming Old Towns of Kotor and Budva to soak in the history and stunning architecture
• Take a boat tour on the Bay of Kotor or Lake Skadar for a scenic view of the landscape
• For older kids and teens, go on a canyoning adventure in the Durmitor Mountains
• Zip-line over the Tara River Gorge for an experience that’s equal parts thrilling and breathtaking
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7. Costa Rica

Last but not least, Costa Rica is the destination for families who love relaxation with a side of adventure. It’s safe, friendly, and incredibly eco-conscious, and there’s no shortage of outdoor experiences that won’t cost a cent.

When it’s time to eat, see if you can find a soda (shouldn’t be too difficult!). These are local eateries serving hearty meals like rice, beans, chicken, and plantains, usually at ₡2,500-₡3,500 ($5-$7 USD) a plate.

Free or cheap activities:

• Take a short 10-minute hike to Verde Malakita, a waterfall with a rope swing and shallow pools that are perfect for little adventurers
• Cross the Crocodile Bridge and spot the massive American crocs sunbathing on the Tarcoles River
• Make a stop at Dinoland, a quirky dinosaur park that feels like a mini Jurassic Park adventure for the whole family
• Enjoy a calming soak in La Fortuna’s natural hot springs, a rejuvenating treat for kids and grown-ups
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A few extra tips for saving money while traveling with your family

Got a destination in mind? Here are a few extra tips to help stretch your budget even further:

• Travel off-peak. Planning your trip outside of school holidays or peak tourist seasons usually means cheaper flights, accommodation and activities. Plus, fewer crowds and more room to breathe.
• Carry snacks with you. Hungry kids (and adults!) can derail even the most budget-friendly plans, and those “just need a bite” moments add up faster than you think. Pack a few of your family's favourite snacks and skip the overpriced convenience food (and the hungry tantrums).
• Eat where the locals are. Touristy restaurants might have the most Instagrammable dishes and décor, but following the locals is the way to go. You’ll usually get cheaper meals and more authentic experiences—a true win-win.
• Buy transport passes. Many cities offer unlimited daily or weekly passes, often cheaper than buying single tickets. And hey, that’s public transport sorted, and one less thing to worry about during your family travels.
• Embrace nature. You might have noticed that many of our budget activity ideas take place at beaches, parks, or waterfalls—and that’s no coincidence. Nature’s free, fun, and often the most memorable part of a trip.
• Set a daily budget. It’s easy to lose track of spending when you’re having fun, and no one wants to come back home to a scary credit card bill. Do a little research before you take off, set a rough daily budget, and do your best to stick to it—you’ll thank yourself later.
• Find cheap flights. Plane tickets often take the biggest chunk out of a travel budget, and that’s exactly where Paylater Travel comes in. We help you secure the best flight deals before they’re gone and enjoy flexible payment plans that suit your circumstances. Simply choose from your favorite airline, find a flight, choose weekly or bi-weekly installments for up to 26 weeks, and lock in today’s price with a small down payment. Book now and enjoy budget family travel with flights that work for your plans—and your wallet.