The average vacation budget for a family of four is about $4,580, which equates to about $1,145 per person for travel, meals, lodging, and activities. However, as the economy faces rising inflation and rising costs, fewer families are likely to have travel budgets this year.
Since 2020, pandemic-induced inflation has dropped significantly affected family – Especially given the number of layoffs that have occurred in the COVID era, unemployment and economic insecurity.
The Labor Department reports: US wages rose 4.6%, but many Americans still face the effects of lingering inflation.
Where can my family go if they are looking for a way out much needed vacation?
Here are the best family-friendly destinations and tips for saving extra cash this holiday season!
Hershey, Pennsylvania
Hersheypark is a popular spot for families with children, with more than 70 attractions, including roller coasters and kid-friendly rides. Of course, plenty of Hershey’s chocolate sweets!
How can families save money while visiting this famous amusement park? Options include purchasing one-day tickets online for $84.95 each with free entry for children 2 and under includes.
Free preview plans are available for families during our Spring Weekend opening from April 1st to May 21st. Families can present their ticket at the park’s main entrance before the full-day visit to get an extra two hours of fun for free. !
If your family stays at one of Hersheypark’s official resorts, they get 3 hours of free use of the park the night before the day.
For a 2-day family trip for 2 adults and 2 children, book early at Hershey Lodge for prices ranging from $199 to $399 on weekdays in April. For weekend park-goers, her two-day stay with the family raises the rate to $449.
Prices at Hershey Lodges increased in May, with most weekday deals ranging from $249 to $549. Limited stock is driving sharp price increases, so book early in April to find the best deals.
yellowstone
The world’s first national park, Yellowstone has 500 geysers, hot springs and canyons. Yellowstone is the perfect vacation spot for families who love hiking and outdoor adventures.
There is a modest entry fee for outdoor-loving families with plenty of hiking opportunities. Admission to the park is $35 per car, $30 per motorcycle, and $15 per person without a car.
So, depending on your proximity to Yellowstone, families can decide what’s best for their budget.
Best of all, families can pack essentials without having to purchase new supplies. You can save money.
And by bringing in food from home, families can save about $132 per person on vacation. And what better excuse to pack a homemade peanut butter and jelly sandwich than a trip to the great outdoors?
Explore what Yellowstone has to offer with access to major attractions such as Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, and the Grand Canyon.
Camping on-site in Yellowstone is expensive, so find more affordable accommodation outside the national park. If you’re traveling on a budget, West Yellowstone, Gardiner and Cooke City Lodges are affordable accommodations.
washington dc
For urban settings, families can budget for a vacation in Washington, DC. Especially if your kids need more educational outings, American Historic Sites are worth visiting.
Plus, as the weather warms up, the Tidal Basin begins to bloom with cherry blossoms.
Most of the monuments and museums are free, so it’s easy to cut costs. Visit famous sites such as the National Mall, Lincoln Memorial, Memorial Museum, and the White House without worry.
Washington, DC hotel deals in April and May range from $300 to $600 for a family of four. Of course, you should book in advance for overnight stays as a family, as the proximity of the hotel to the site and the availability of rooms affect the cost.
Flights to DC can be expensive, ranging from $1,684 to $3,812 for economy seats, so families on a tight budget should consider road trip options.Average cost of a week’s trip about $964 Budget hotel for 2 people.
You can stay at this price if your family brings food and limits dining in restaurants.
Bangor and Maine Highlands
Home to more than 200 waterfalls, the Maine Highlands are a top hotspot for families looking to enjoy outdoor activities on vacation.
From wildlife watching to mountaineering, recreation is at every corner of this destination. Families can go hiking, water rafting, fishing, or even try to spot the elusive elk while enjoying Maine’s natural beauty.
Check out nearby Baxter State Park. Non-Maine residents are $15 per person, and Maine residents are free.
Even in spring, temperatures in Maine can be chilly during the day and below freezing at night. money Camping onsite is probably not a good idea. Instead, the family can find affordable lodging in Bangor, Orono, and Greenville, with rates starting at $180 per night for him.
Custer State Park, South Dakota
Custer State Park is a popular destination not to be missed in South Dakota. Covering his 71,000 acres in the Black Hills, Custer State Park is a resort full of wildlife and outdoor exploration.
This destination is more notable than others due to the abundance of buffalo and goats that roam the vast hills. You can spend an unforgettable vacation with your family enjoying the spectacular scenery and exploring the natural surroundings.
Park admission for 1- to 7-day temporary licenses is $20 per vehicle.
You can stay for a week at affordable hotels nearby, such as the Comfort Inn and Suites Custer, starting at $84 a night.
Families can save money by bringing food and outdoor gear.
Thousand Islands, New York
Families can enjoy outdoor water adventures on more than 1,864 small islands on the St. Lawrence River. dreams at Thousand Island, New York.
Thousand Islands has multiple water-related activities, including fishing, boating, and rafting. This hotspot is also famous for its classic castles, and visitor fees vary by castle and tour.
However, families can save money by purchasing bundled tickets to Bolt Castle and Yacht House. Adult tickets for ages 13 and up are $12.50, tickets for children ages 5 to her 12 are $9, and children 4 and under are free.
The Thousand Islands has several resorts and lodges, including Honeyville Manor and Bonny Castle Resort & Marina. Prices in this area range from $68 to $120. Families can also stay at several different campsites and cottages.
Even if inflation causes costs to rise everywhere, families can still save money by creating a budget and cutting costs that can help pay for travel to have a great vacation.
This article is financially well off Syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.
Chris is the founder of Financially Well Off. This blog is for people looking to become financially independent and stay inspired along the way. Get out of stress and debt and increase your net worth.Get Free Guide here.