Family vacations can add up quickly. Between airfare, accommodations, activities and food it’s easy to blow thousands of dollars. To give an idea of what people are spending, one Redditor with a family of five calculated the costs for a seven-day trip and it totaled an astounding $37,200.
User r/chubbytravel wrote, “As my kids get older and we think about traveling again, I’m trying to figure out what to reasonably expect to spend/budget for our family’s travel. Here are my base assumptions:
- Airfare = $1K per person per way = $10K total
- Hotels = $1K per room per night = $14K for 2 rooms for 7 nights
- Food and activities = $200 per person per day = $1K/day = $7K for 7 days
- Additional fees, tips, taxes, buffer = 20% * $31K = $6.2K”
While the destination was not disclosed, other Redditors agreed this price is about right, but there are much cheaper ways to enjoy a family getaway. Whether you’re looking for national parks or kid-friendly cities packed with activities, there are affordable options.
Here are three bargain-priced summer vacation spots for families to get on your radar!
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Rapid City, South Dakota
South Dakota might not be at the top of your list for summer break, but it’s an Americana family destination, with plenty of activities for everyone that’s worth considering.
In downtown Rapid City, families can catch events at Main Street Square, or just cool off in the fountains, explore the City of Presidents or hop on the City View trolley. You can also check out the Reptile Gardens — kids’ entry fee is $21 — the Watiki Indoor Waterpark, Custer State Park and Mount Rushmore. The historical site is free, but parking is $10.
In addition, there are several free attractions:
- Dinosaur Park
- Storybook Island
- City of Presidents audio tour
- Chapel in the Hills
- Museum of Geology
The action-packed trip would cost a family of four roughly $1,971, according to Ally Formanek, Visit Rapid City CEO.
- Hotel: $1,000
- Meals: $500
- Activities: $321
- Gas/snacks: $150
“When it comes to an affordable family vacation, Rapid City has abundant options that can be catered to fit your budget,” said Formanek. “There are several free things to do, as well as affordable options that can deliver a memorable vacation without breaking the bank.”
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Mesquite, Nevada
Nevada might be known for its sleepless Las Vegas nights, but there’s a lot more to the state than Sin City. Mesquite is located 80 miles away from Vegas and is a budget-friendly family destination that offers hiking at stunning natural landscapes like Valley of Fire State Park ($10 entrance fee per car), the unique Camel Safari (tram ride plus zoo tour is $49 for kids, $59 for adults), day trips to Bryce Canyon, spas, upscale dining, golfing and more.
“Mesquite is one of those charming places where families can slow down, unplug from the hustle of life and truly enjoy time together without ever feeling bored,” Justin Moore, CEO of Mesquite Entertainment, said. “You can spend the day relaxing by the pool at Virgin River Casino & Lodge, hiking or stargazing at Gold Butte National Monument, exploring local history at the Virgin Valley Heritage Museum or enjoying hotel amenities like bowling and arcade games.”
Families often get priced out of great destinations, but according to Moore, many hotel rates are under $100 a night, food is affordable and there’s many low-cost or free activities.
“We see families every day who chose Mesquite for its simplicity, its value and its warmth,” Moore said. “For a family of four, a week-long stay here including hotel, meals and activities can easily be budgeted between $1,000 to $2,000 and still feel like a true vacation.”
Townsend, Tennessee
For a more laid-back (but exciting) adventure, Townsend, Tennessee, is near the striking Smoky Mountains, which cost just $5 a day for a pass to enter or $15 for a week. There you can hike, drive through the scenic mountains, enjoy iconic spots like Cades Cove and explore the infamous national park at a very low cost.
Accommodations are reasonable as well. Visitors can rent a cabin for as little as $86 a night, with many offering full kitchens, so you can save on food and enjoy amenities like pools and hot tubs.
“This is an ideal destination for families who want to hit the pause button and enjoy nature,” said Sarah Nicole with My Macroscopic Life. “Townsend is significantly less commercial than its neighbors, making it perfect for biking, playing in the river or just relaxing.”
There are also fun and cheap activities like tubing down the river ($19.99 for kids and $24.99 for adults) and visiting Tuckaleechee Caverns — magnificent caves that are easy to access. Tour fees are $22 for adults and $10 for kids aged 5-11.
According to Nicole, “For meals, there are plenty of casual, local spots where the food is affordable and the vibe is more local than touristy. And if you do want to explore Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge for a day, they’re just a 30- to 60-minute drive away.”
She estimates a trip to Townsend for a family of four would cost around $1,200-1,800 without flights.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 3 Most Affordable Summer Vacation Destinations for People With Kids
