Looking for affordable family travel by age? This guide shares wallet-friendly vacation ideas for every stage of childhood — from infants to young adults. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or a longer international trip, these affordable family travel by age tips will help you make the most of your budget and time together.
Infants (0–1): Relaxing Beach Getaway in Cancun, Mexico
Traveling with a baby? Cancun offers short flights, sunny skies, and all-inclusive resorts that cater to families. Look for packages with cribs, baby gear, and on-site babysitting. All you need is sunscreen, snacks, and maybe a beachfront nap
For a deeper dive into health guidance for children abroad, the CDC Yellow Book’s family travel section offers essential advice for traveling with infants and children.
Toddlers (1–4): Nature and Play on Hawaii’s Big Island
The Big Island of Hawaii is a dream for toddler-age explorers. You’ll find safe beaches, tide pools, volcanoes, and waterfalls — no theme park ticket required. Book a vacation rental to save money and enjoy home-cooked meals.
Elementary Age (5–10): Culture and Pizza in Rome, Italy
Rome is full of kid-friendly history — the Colosseum, gladiator classes, and endless pizza. Use public transportation and stay in affordable apartments for an easy, culture-packed trip. Visit the official Rome tourism site for family activities to plan your days.
Tweens (11–13): U.S. National Parks Road Trip
Adventure, learning, and open skies. National Parks like Yellowstone, Zion, or Grand Canyon offer low-cost fun. Entrance fees are affordable, and camping or family lodges make it even more budget-friendly. Don’t miss the free Junior Ranger programs!
Teens (14–17): Affordable Safari in South Africa
An African safari doesn’t have to break the bank. Visit Kruger National Park for self-drive safaris and family-friendly lodges. Teens will love spotting elephants and lions while disconnecting from Wi-Fi and reconnecting with nature.
See how one family explored South Africa on a budget in our South Africa 2023 Ferguson recap.
College Students (18–21): Adventure on a Budget in Portugal
Portugal is perfect for young adults: affordable cities, scenic coastlines, and public transportation that makes travel easy. Explore Lisbon, surf in the Algarve, or wander Porto’s charming streets. Eat well, spend less.
Post-College (22+): Culture-Rich Japan on a Budget
Japan’s trains, temples, and street food make it an exciting post-college trip. Use rail passes and stay in capsule hotels or budget inns for a culturally rich experience without overspending. Learn more from Japan’s official travel site.
Looking for even more inspiration? Check out our past roundup of 5 Best Family Vacation Destinations for 2022 —still packed with timeless inspiration for your next trip!
