affordable vacations

5 Affordable Vacations to Please Every Age Group

Holly Johnson — Fri, 17 Nov 2017 09:30:11 +0000

Vacations offer a break from the daily grind while giving us time and space to connect with the people we love. Sometimes that means kids, grandparents, and everyone in between. A trip that includes family members or friends of all ages can be a great bonding experience. But you'll need to keep a few things in mind when planning where to go and what to do.

For starters, vacationing with any type of group (friends, family, or work colleagues) can present budgeting challenges. While one person's budget may be nearly unlimited, another's might be fairly tight. When you start perusing lodging, dining, and activity options, you'll need to keep everyone's budgets in mind.

With large age differences in your group, chances are also good that not everyone will always agree on activities. Grandma might love spending her days lazing on the beach, while the younger ones might yearn for sports. Some types of travel make it easier to satisfy everyone's desires. Before you pick your next destination for a multigenerational getaway, consider some of these easy, affordable options. (See also: How to Save Money on Travel With an Awesome Group Vacation)

1. Cruises

Cruises offer a somewhat affordable way to fashion a group trip with everyone's tastes in mind. You can opt for a cruise to the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, or Alaska, just to name a few destinations. The best part is, the majority of cruises offer onboard entertainment to please everyone, including nightly shows, bingo and casinos, and pools with waterslides. (See also: Best Credit Cards for Cruises)

Accommodating different sized pocketbooks is simplified, too, because everyone gets (mostly) the same thing for a single all-inclusive price. Since food and nonalcoholic beverages are included onboard, you won't have to worry about different budget constraints. And if someone wants to spend on pricey excursions, they can do so without getting everyone else involved.

It's also worth noting that some cruise lines offer family cabins that make bringing extra people along a breeze. With MSC Cruises, for example, you can book a "super family" suite that sleeps up to six. Even better, kids ages 11 and under cruise for free on many itineraries, including most in the Caribbean. (See also: Most Affordable Cruise Lines for Families)

2. All-inclusive resorts

All-inclusive resorts offer yet another one-stop-shop for families who want to vacation together without haggling over bills. With an all-inclusive resort, all of your food, drinks (including alcohol), and entertainment are included for a single price. That means everyone in your party can drink and dine to their heart's content without worrying about their budget. (See also: Family-Friendly Hotel and Resort Chains Where Kids Stay Free)

Keep in mind, however, that all-inclusive pricing runs the gamut from budget to luxury. You'll need to gauge everyone's spending limit before you pick a resort, or you risk not everyone being able to afford it. (See also: 11 Ways to Get the Most Value From Your All-Inclusive Vacation)

It's also worth noting that some all-inclusive resorts are better for large groups since they go beyond the basic dual occupancy room and offer lodging such as multiroom villas or adjoining rooms. Generations Riviera Maya, for example, offers deluxe two-bedroom and three-bedroom suites big enough to hold six adults and six kids.

3. Rent a large apartment or condo

Vacation property rentals aren't just for parents who don't want to room with their kids. They also work well for larger groups and multigenerational families who need some extra space. With short-term rental sites like Airbnb, VRBO, and HomeAway, you can rent a condo or a home of nearly any size and in any destination around the globe, and often for less than you'd pay for a hotel.

Let's say you're taking your spouse, your two children, and your parents to Disney World in Orlando for a week. You could book separate hotel rooms for $100+ per night each, or you could pay about that amount for a multi-bedroom private home. For example, you can find plenty of three-bedroom condos near Disney World for as little as $99 per night through VRBO.

With your own kitchen, you can also save a bundle by preparing your own meals at "home."

4. Train travel

Who said train travel was dead? These days, you can book all kinds of family trips around the country through Amtrak.

While train travel might sound stuffy and uncomfortable, a renewed interest in this form of travel has brought about new amenities and perks for families. For starters, most overnight trains feature dining cars that serve three meals per day. You can also reserve rooms that sleep up to four.

There are a ton of options available to suit nearly any travel style or goal. For example, Amtrak offers vacation packages for destinations like the Grand Canyon, Glacier National Park, and Niagara Falls, as well as popular cities such as New York and San Francisco.

Prices are fairly affordable, too. For example, you can book a six-day Grand Canyon getaway with round-trip train travel from Chicago, three nights in a hotel, two meals, and a train tour of the canyon starting at $1,009 per person. (See also: 7 Affordable Family Getaways When You Don't Have a Vacation Fund)

5. Family campgrounds

Another no-nonsense family vacation concept is one that's been around forever: camping. Depending on where you live, it may be possible to find a campground that accommodates your family group, either separately in tents or in cabins or campers. (See also: Easy Ways to Save on Your Next RV Camping Trip)

The best part about camping in groups is that you can all prepare your own separate tents and sleeping arrangements, then gather together for games or meals. If you need some extra space, you can even book your own camping spot away from the group.

Meal prep is also easy when you're traveling with a group. Different people can prepare their own meals to bring along, or you can pitch in for group meals by having everyone bring a dish or two to share. (See also: Camping for a Week Is Only $160 at These National Parks)

While camping is inherently frugal, the price you'll pay to secure your spot can vary dramatically across the country. Before you choose a campground for a group trip, make sure to shop around for rates and compare amenities and "extras" like pools and water parks. Some camping spots are chock full of activities like mini-golf, swimming, fishing, and water sports, but others focus on maintaining their connection to nature. The best campground for your family trip is one that's tranquil enough for nature-lovers but busy enough to keep everyone happy.

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This article is from Holly Johnson of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

6 European Destinations Finally Cheap Enough to Visit

Christa Avampato — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 13:00:09 +0000

For years, visiting Europe has been considered a relatively extravagant vacation, thanks in part to the strength of the Euro. But that's changed in in recent months, as the U.S. dollar gains value. While visiting Europe may not yet be truly cheap, the decline of the Euro means it's at least starting to approach affordability for many Americans. Here are six European destinations that are now a great deal for American travelers. (See also: Visit Europe for a Lot Cheaper Than You Think)

1. Bucharest, Romania

This scenic city is nestled along the banks of the Dâmbovița River. Though the city was heavily targeted during World War II, many of its historic and cultural landmarks miraculously survived. The recent boom of economic and cultural activity has revived its pre-World War II reputation as the "Little Paris."

2. Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia's history spans 2,400 years, so it's no wonder that its residents are rightly proud of their heritage. Sofia has an extensive greenbelt that makes this urban environment an oasis for nature lovers. Mountain hikes are a regular activity for residents and tourists alike, and one of the city's biggest draws. Lovers of the arts, particularly live theater, can get their fill and then some at cultural landmarks such as the Ivan Vazov National Theatre, the National Opera and Ballet, and the many fine art museums.

3. Prague, Czech Republic

It's hard to beat the romance of Prague. The Charles Bridge connects what's commonly known as Old Prague and New Prague, and it's a daily home for the city's artists who set up shop every morning to create and sell their work. Prague Castle, the anchor of Old Prague, is one of the grandest castles in Europe. The food and drink (particularly beer) are rich and flavorful, and the people are exceedingly welcoming to tourists.

4. Lisbon, Portugal

Often overlooked by tourists, Lisbon rivals other, more expensive European destinations such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Paris for its beauty and culture. It's the oldest city in Western Europe and one of the oldest in the world. With a comfortable Mediterranean climate, its economic prosperity has made it one of the most easily navigated cities with extensive and reliable public transit in many forms. Lisbon's rich and varied architecture is just the beginning of its cultural gems, which also include a substantial number of top art museums, film festivals, and theaters.

5. Santorini, Greece

If your idea of vacation includes stunning vistas, delicious local food, sunny beaches, and an easy friendliness with the locals, then Santorini is a city (or island) made for you. It's a bit of a trek to get there, but one look at the cerulean rooftops that line its winding and stunning coastline will make it worth the effort. The food is among the best I've ever had while traveling, and residents are more than happy to drop everything to make your vacation one you will never forget. It also can't hurt your pocket that Greece was one of the hardest-hit countries during the economic crisis; help revive their economy by spending your vacation dollars here.

6. Berlin, Germany

Forget Paris? Never! But if Paris is out of reach on your travel budget, Berlin's bustling arts scene will inspire and entertain you for days on end. Nearly 25 years after the city was reunified, it has managed to maintain every bit of its history, while also reinventing itself as a mecca for creatives. Whether your creative bent is literature, visual arts, music, or performing arts, Berlin has more culture than you could ever consume in one trip. Easy to reach and incredibly affordable, you're likely to leave Berlin wanting to return very soon.

If you've shunned Europe as a too-expensive travel destination in recent years (and who could blame you?), these cities are well worth a look as you plan your next vacation. Take advantage of this window to affordable Europe. World financial circumstances change quickly, and you don't want to miss this opportunity.

Are you planning a European vacation? Dreaming of one? Where are you going?

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This article is from Christa Avampato of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

9 Fun and Affordable Vacation Ideas

Mikey Rox — Thu, 10 Oct 2013 23:23:13 +0000

Not every vacation you take has to include multiple theme parks, lavish nightly dinners, and free-flowing drinks until dawn. Those expenses add up quickly, often necessitating a vacation to recover from the vacation, right after the guilt of spending so much money subsides. But there's a lot you can do without depleting your savings — you just have to know where to look. Here are a few ideas to get you started. (See also: Best Travel Reward Cards)

1. Take a Day Trip

No matter where you live, there's an uncharted area (at least, uncharted by you) nearby.

For instance, I live in New York City, and there are plenty of interesting areas nearby that I have yet to visit. The local rail system — New Jersey Transit — travels down the New Jersey shoreline, and for $30 roundtrip I can head to breezy beach areas to enjoy an afternoon of sun and surf. Trips to the closest beach towns are around an hour and a half, which means I can have a full day of fun if I leave early and come back after dark. And if you pack a lunch, snacks, and drinks, you'll save money throughout the day since you won't have to fill up on expensive restaurant fare.

Another option is to hop on a bus and hop off in a town you've never been. You can book this trip easily online (I can personally recommend Greyhound's express service, which usually features free Wi-Fi) by choosing a new-to-you destination and hittin' the road whenever you need a little adventure in your life.

2. Book a Discount Cruise

For all that cruises include (all-you-can-eat 24-hour buffets!), I think they're relatively inexpensive compared to other types of vacations. I'm not saying that cruises are cheap — but they can be if you strike while the iron is hot. (See also: Questions to Ask Before You Book a Vacation Package)

I often get flyers in the mail for deep cruise discounts, and cruise lines are known to offer last-minute super deals to fill the last few remaining cabins before setting sail. And let's not forget that when cruise lines experience a string of bad press, like they have in recent months, sales begin to sag, forcing the lines to offer truly amazing deals. Also, if you're a past cruiser, you're usually entitled to an incentive — a cheaper rate — so don't forget to mention that when it's time to book.

3. Extend Your Business Trip

When my husband invites me on his business trips, two words come to mind: Free vacation! Alas, if you're not the lucky one who's tagging along but rather the one working, you can still look forward to this work perk by extending your trip to take in the sights.

Most companies pay for roundtrip travel — so ask your boss if you can fly back a few days after your work duties are done. That way, you can stick around your conference location for a couple extra days to unwind and soak up the local culture. Granted, the boss probably won't pick up the tab for the extra nights at the hotel, so you may have to lower your expectations in terms of accommodations, but thanks to Airbnb and other micro-subletting sites, you can probably find an affordable crashpad within a few miles of wherever you are.

4. Play the Local Tourist

If your city has public transportation, throw caution to the wind one day and catch a ride to someplace new. Buy a day pass and hop on and off to see and experience things you never knew existed in your town. If you make one of your first stops your local tourism office, you can pick up brochures and coupons to semi-plan your day and save money along the way. (See also: Why You Should Travel Off the Beaten Path)

5. Embark on a Road Trip

I've written a couple articles on how to do the road trip right, and I still think it's an affordable summer vacation idea. If you pack a few friends in the car, it becomes immensely more fun and affordable since you can split the good times and fuel expenses among the group.

Depending on where you're headed, someone in the car is bound to have a connection to someplace you can crash — preferably a friend's or relative's place who will let you snooze on the floor for free. If that's not an option, you can always pack a tent and set up camp along the way, or catch a few winks at a roadside rest area before continuing on your journey. (See also: Frugal Road Trips)

6. Swap Homes With Someone Else

For two years in a row — on Memorial Day weekend, no less — my husband and I have swapped homes with a nice lady in Connecticut. She gets our two-bedroom condo in Manhattan, and we take her large lake house without either party exchanging a single cent. This is by far the most amazing and affordable vacation idea I've found so far. (See also: House Swap for Free Accommodations With Perks)

If you have a decent place at which you think someone else would enjoy staying, this is an opportunity to pursue. You can try Craigslist with caution, but it's much easier if your home is already listed on a site like Airbnb since those listings are fortified with security measures and references.

7. Set Up Camp Close By

KOA-branded campgrounds offer free camping nights or weekends throughout the year for various occasions — kids camp free on Father's Day, for instance — but you don't have to pack up your gear and head to the nearest commercial camping spot to get a good deal. Instead, set up camp in your backyard, complete with tents, sleeping bags, and a campfire with hot dogs and s'mores for a fun and frugal "getaway." Not only will you avoid the weekend travel hassle that almost always increases your stress level when you're meant to relax, but you'll save big bucks by turning your own backyard into a wilderness retreat.

8. Offer to House Sit

When my husband and I go away to places where we can't take our dogs, we usually ask a good buddy of ours to stay in our home for the days that we're gone to make sure everything goes smoothly and to keep the dogs happy and healthy. It's a bit of an extra expense for us (although about 50% less than formally boarding the dogs, so we're saving there), but for him it's a mini-vacation. He gets to stay at our place (and any place you stay besides your own is a nice respite so long as the accommodations are decent), watch TV and play games, enjoy cuddle time with the dogs, and make some fast cash just by lounging around and keeping the pups entertained. If this sounds like the perfect vacation to you, put your feelers out to see who among your friends is in the market for a house/dog sitter. With the extra money you make, go someplace inexpensive that's been on your list. You earned it.

9. Plan a Staycation

A staycation isn't as fabulous as a five-star hotel or a breezy Caribbean cruise, but there are plenty of ways to have fun and relax without going anywhere. Before the staycation starts, research what's happening in your area on your days or week off, specifically searching for free events that won't cut into your budget. Also, stock up on groceries and snacks to make the downtime at home a little tastier. Staycations can be really great if you plan them properly.

Do you have other ideas for fun and affordable vacations? Let me know in the comments below.

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This article is from Mikey Rox of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread: