When the budget gets tighter, families still need a getaway -- perhaps more than ever. Below are some affordable vacation destinations.
1. Page Arizona: Lots to Do!
Page is a budget-friendly town that can be home base for some great sightseeing and recreation. Such as: visiting the Glen Canyon Dam, that created Lake Powell; houseboating on Lake Powell; visiting the famously beautiful Antelope Slot Canyons, or the Rainbow Bridge National Monument. At the small but interesting Powell Museum, you can learn about the wild river rides of John Powell and his men, adventuring through the Grand Canyon in the 1860's.
2. Acadiana - Cajun Country, Louisiana
Photo courtesy of Louisiana Office of Tourism.
Take a side trip west of New Orleans to French Louisiana: "Acadiana", or Cajun Country, with its own fascinating history, fab music, and delicious dishes, is just a short drive from NOLA. Check above for Cajun Country highlights that suit families, such as heritage villages, swamp tours, or Lafayette's free music festival that takes over the whole town.
3. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Photos courtesy of The Myrtle Beach Area CVB.
Myrtle Beach -- named for the myrtle trees in the area-- is on the coast of South Carolina, 98 miles north of Charleston; South Carolina is the #2 state for tourism after Florida.
4. Branson Missouri
Attractions for families include: Silver Dollar City, an 1880s-themed park; Celebration City family amusement park with wooden roller coaster; IMAX; Showboat Branson Belle paddleboat; Ride the Ducks (amphibious military landing vehicles), Branson Scenic Railway; Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner and Show; Family Fun Centers, and more.5. Ohio State Park Resorts
Photo courtesy of Salt Fort State Park Resort.
Ohio has some very cool state park resorts within easy driving range of cities in southern MI and western PA as well as within OH. Salt Fork State Park Resort, for ex., is just two hours from Pittsburgh. Bonus for families: some of these state park resorts are near amusement parks and other fun activities.
6. Gatlinburg Tennessee
Photo courtesy of Gatlinburg Tourism and Convention Bureau.
Gatlinburg's location is near the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, and the big draw is to see some of the many black bears that live in the Park (and occasionally visit the town.) Other family activities include the Space Needle, Ripley’s Aquarium, white river rafting, and fly fishing and river fishing.
7. Quebec City, Canada (Visit Europe in North America)
Photo courtesy of Quebec City Tourism.
"I took my kids to Europe last weekend". That's how it felt when we visited Quebec City during winter Carnival. Four hundred years of history; charming lanes to explore; a terrific (bilingual) museum for kids. Also in winter: spend a day skiing at a nearby ski resort. Quebec City is great in summer, too. (And depending on the exchange rate, a destination in Canada may be a bargain for those with US dollars.) Note about language: Quebec City is French-speaking, but people working in tourism speak English too.
8. Lots More Ideas for Affordable Vacations
Photo © Teresa Plowright
Water park resorts, family camps, family camping, "staycations", a Caribbean-style all inclusive resort in Florida, and more.
