Have you ever looked at families jet-setting around the globe and wondered, “How do they afford it?” It’s a question we often encounter when sharing stories of our travels with friends and family: Where does the money come from?
The truth is, exploring the world doesn’t require a bottomless bank account. Would you believe that our month-long adventure in Indonesia and China (when we were a family of four) cost us less than $4,000? Or that our credit card bill was actually lower during a two-week trip to Colombia in 2019? We’ve consistently found that travel doesn’t have to be a financial burden. You don’t need to save up a fortune for that dream vacation.
If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, these numbers might seem substantial (or perhaps surprisingly low). But consider this: for a family of five, these costs are comparable to, and sometimes less than, our regular monthly expenses in a major city. Solo travelers and couples can experience the world for significantly less – I once spent three months living in Mexico for under $1,000 total.
While I sometimes enjoy the intrigue when people wonder about our travel funding – Why are they always in Colombia? – this article aims to demystify affordable travel. My goal is to demonstrate that finances don’t have to be a barrier to experiencing the wonders of the world, especially for families.
This guide reveals our strategies for making travel affordable. While countless travel tips exist, we focus on those that align with our travel style and offer substantial savings. Families with different financial situations and comfort levels might prioritize spending more on certain aspects or cutting costs even further. Tailor these tips to your family’s needs and budget to plan your own Inexpensive Family Trips.
1. Prioritize Flights: Plan Your Trip Around the Cheapest Airfare
Flights are the biggest variable in your vacation budget, especially for larger families. While rental cars and hotel rooms are priced per unit regardless of family size, flight costs multiply with each traveler. Even a modest $50 saving per plane ticket translates to a significant $250 saving for a family of five.
Finding budget-friendly flights is a complex topic in itself, and I’ve written about it in detail elsewhere. However, the most crucial tip for securing cheap flights is flexibility – being flexible with your travel dates and destinations dramatically increases your chances of finding a bargain. Mastering this flexibility is half the battle when planning inexpensive family trips.
Person looking longingly at airplane in the sky
Imagine if airline ticket prices were based on passenger height, making travel even more affordable for families.
2. Pack Light, Travel Smart: Minimize Luggage Fees and Hassle
Securing a super-cheap flight on a budget airline can be quickly undermined if you overpack. Checked baggage fees, and even carry-on charges exceeding personal item dimensions, can sometimes exceed the flight cost itself – and that’s not an exaggeration.
Overpacking impacts your budget in other ways too:
- Transportation Costs: Heavy luggage might force you to take taxis instead of more affordable public transport or walking.
- Rental Car Size: Excess luggage might necessitate a larger, more expensive rental car to accommodate everyone and their bags.
- Physical Strain: Dragging heavy bags around is tiring and can even lead to physical discomfort or injury.
For comprehensive strategies on efficient packing, explore our dedicated post on packing light.
Family luggage packed in a compact car
Efficient packing for a family of five means all luggage fits comfortably in a compact hatchback, maintaining visibility for safe driving.
3. Embrace Affordable Destinations: Travel to Countries with a Lower Cost of Living
One of the simplest ways to drastically reduce travel expenses is to choose destinations with a lower cost of living. If you’re from North America or Western Europe, this includes a vast majority of the world. In fact, our most expensive family trips have been within our home country. This is likely why some people who primarily travel domestically struggle to understand how we can afford our international adventures – they assume international travel must be even more expensive.
However, the opposite is often true. In countries like Bolivia and Brazil, our family of five could enjoy a delicious meal out for under $10 when choosing local cuisine. In Colombia, we indulged in a modern Airbnb with three bedrooms, a spacious kitchen, and a private swimming pool for the same price as a basic two-bedroom apartment in suburban Chicago. If South America isn’t your preference, consider that before having children, Liuan and I regularly stayed in charming boutique hotels in Italy and Spain for just $30-$50 per night. And, of course, much of Asia is renowned for being incredibly affordable for travelers, offering amazing opportunities for inexpensive family trips.
4. Consider Car Rentals Strategically: Weigh the Pros and Cons for Family Travel
Renting a car isn’t always the most budget-friendly option, but it can be surprisingly economical, particularly for families or groups. Don’t automatically dismiss it. Individual bus or plane tickets for a family can quickly accumulate, potentially exceeding the cost of renting a compact car.
While there are factors to consider, like parking and potential driving challenges, the benefits can be significant. Car rentals offer unparalleled freedom and flexibility. Need a bathroom break? Stop whenever, wherever. Spot a tempting fruit stand? Pull over and indulge (Liuan’s favorite!).
Beyond direct transportation costs, consider the broader impact on your trip. Having a car expands your accommodation options, allowing you to access more affordable lodging outside city centers that may not be easily reachable by public transport. Car rentals also empower independent exploration. Instead of paying for costly guided tours for the whole family, you can explore at your own pace, using guidebooks or online resources.
Family on a self-guided car tour in rural Brazil
Enjoying a self-designed family adventure exploring the scenic routes of rural Brazil by car.
Driving a manual car in Puerto Natales, Chile
Manual cars often offer the best rental deals in Europe and Latin America, making them a savvy choice for budget-conscious family trips. Luckily, I can handle a stick shift!
5. DIY Exploration: Opt Out of Tours When Possible
Guided tours can quickly inflate travel budgets, especially for families. Our general rule is: if a destination is accessible by road or trail, explore it independently. If it requires specialized transportation like a boat or helicopter, a tour might be necessary.
We’ve saved substantial amounts by researching destinations through travel blogs, seeking local recommendations, and venturing out on our own. This approach is perfect for families who enjoy a sense of adventure and prefer personalized experiences for their inexpensive family trips.
6. Home Away From Home: Embrace Airbnbs and Homestays
Airbnbs and homestays often provide more space and amenities for the same price as a standard hotel room, making them ideal for family travel. Beyond space, having access to a kitchen can lead to significant savings. While dining out is part of the travel experience, preparing breakfast or packing lunches can be more convenient and budget-friendly for families. You retain the flexibility to enjoy restaurant meals while managing food costs effectively, crucial for inexpensive family trips.
For a detailed breakdown of our lodging expenses during our South American adventure, check out our article on South America lodging costs.
Family cooking pizza in an Airbnb kitchen
While restaurant meals are fun, Airbnb kitchens offer families the option to cook, adding a cultural element and saving money during travels.
7. Slow Down and Save: The Benefits of Longer Stays
It might seem counterintuitive, but longer trips can actually be more budget-friendly per day. Vacation rentals often offer significant discounts for extended stays. A 30-day rental can sometimes be cheaper than a 22-day rental overall.
Consider adopting a “slow travel” approach, even if you only have a week or two. Choose a destination that genuinely interests your family and immerse yourselves in it. Slow travel is not only more affordable due to lodging discounts and reduced transportation expenses, but it also provides richer cultural experiences. You’ll have more opportunities to form connections with locals and discover hidden gems that transient tourists often miss. Furthermore, as Liuan points out, slow travel is a more sustainable and eco-conscious way to explore the world, reducing your carbon footprint while enjoying inexpensive family trips.
8. Tap Into Your Network: Leverage Social Connections for Local Insights and Hospitality
You might be surprised by how many people in your network have international connections. Even a friend-of-a-neighbor link can be valuable. You can also cultivate international connections by hosting foreign visitors or volunteering to teach English as a Second Language.
The goal isn’t to impose or demand free lodging. Simply let your network know your travel plans and see what unfolds. You might gain valuable local tips on what to see and do (or avoid). Perhaps you’ll be introduced to other contacts in the area. Occasionally, you might even be offered complimentary accommodation.
Always express gratitude for any kindness and hospitality you receive. Be a gracious guest, offer small gifts, and be helpful to your hosts. Making a positive impression ensures that your network remains a valuable resource for future inexpensive family trips.
9. Work or Volunteer Abroad: Exchange Skills for Accommodation and Experiences
Numerous platforms like WorkAway connect travelers with volunteer or work opportunities abroad. (If you are very budget-conscious and wish to avoid the WorkAway membership fee, you can browse opportunities for free on their website. Then, with a bit of online searching, you can often find alternative contact methods to reach out to hosts directly).
During our year-long South American adventure, we volunteered at several eco-projects: Eco Caminhos in Brazil for two months, Quinta Esencia in Argentina for two weeks, Kaiwai Permaculture Farm in Bolivia for two weeks, and Rio Lindo Coffee Farm in Ecuador for two weeks. Each experience was unique (you can read my reviews of them here). Some placements had a small cost (justified by the resources required for a family), while others were free. Volunteering offers an immersive cultural experience, drastically reduces travel costs, and can be a rewarding way to travel as a family on a budget, making it perfect for inexpensive family trips.
Collecting cow poop at Eco Caminhos, Brazil
One of my initial tasks volunteering at Eco Caminhos in Brazil was collecting cow manure – a truly hands-on experience!
Carrying coffee beans and cow poop
From coffee beans to cow manure, hauling various materials became part of our daily routine in exchange for room and board during our volunteer stays.
Kids doing chores while volunteering
Volunteering abroad isn’t just for adults – kids can also participate in age-appropriate chores, learning new skills and contributing to the experience.
Family working together at a volunteer farm
10. Rent Out Your Home: Generate Income While You Travel
Your home sits empty while you’re away – why not let it work for you? When we travel, we list our home on Airbnb or VRBO. The rental income helps offset our travel expenses, and occasionally, we even earn more money traveling than staying home, as detailed in this article about profitable travel.
The initial effort involves setting up your listing and preparing your home for guests (addressing repairs and safety aspects). You’ll also need a thorough cleaning before you depart.
For longer trips, you’ll need someone to manage guest turnovers. For shorter absences, this might not be necessary, but for trips longer than a week, consider enlisting a friend or family member to help, offering a share of the rental income. During our year in South America, we had a formal arrangement with a trusted friend who managed our Airbnb, and the proceeds comfortably covered her work and house-related expenses, significantly contributing to our inexpensive family trips fund.
11. Resist FOMO and Peer Pressure: Prioritize Experiences Over “Must-Sees”
Just because you’re in Ecuador doesn’t mean you must visit the Galapagos Islands. If an activity is beyond your budget, skip it. Countless incredible experiences await without extravagant costs.
Accept that wherever you travel, there will always be more luxurious, expensive options available. We initially felt we were having the ultimate adventure reaching Ushuaia, the southernmost tip of South America. Then we met travelers for whom Ushuaia was merely a departure point for Antarctica cruises. We decided against a glacier boat tour, despite Liuan’s interest. We even missed the Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia (it’s a long story detailed here).
The point isn’t to avoid spending money altogether if something is truly important to your family. Instead, avoid the pressure of “must-see” attractions. The higher the cost, the more carefully you should evaluate its value to your family’s experience when planning inexpensive family trips.
12. Travel Off-Season: Unlock Incredible Deals and Fewer Crowds
We don’t meticulously research seasonal tourism trends in every country. Instead, we often follow flight deals, which frequently lead us to destinations during their off-season.
While not always intentional, off-season travel offers incredible advantages. You can find unbelievable deals. In Brazil, our monthly car rental was just over $300 during July and August, their winter months. And then there was the time we and another family rented a palatial house near Barcelona, Spain, for only $88 per night (I recently checked the listing – now it’s $326 per night!). Off-season travel not only saves money but often means fewer crowds and a more authentic experience, making it a smart strategy for inexpensive family trips.
13. Credit Card Rewards: Maximize Points and Miles for Travel Perks
I’m not naturally drawn to the complexities of credit card points and rewards programs. Forms, sales calls, and tracking points aren’t my favorite things. However, Liuan occasionally pursues these deals, and the rewards are undeniable. Our family traveled from Chicago to Los Angeles on Amtrak for free, thanks to credit card points. We’ve also secured flights and hotel stays this way.
I’m no expert, but friends of ours who are also slow travelers have built a business around credit card rewards expertise (check out Katie’s Travel Tricks). If maximizing credit card points appeals to you, start there to explore how to leverage rewards for inexpensive family trips.
14. Travel Insurance: Protect Your Finances from Unexpected Events
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Careful budgeting can be undone by unforeseen events. While I don’t always purchase travel insurance, for our year-long trip, it felt essential to protect ourselves financially.
We chose SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance, recommended by other travel bloggers. The monthly premium was a small fraction of our overall budget. We appreciated the easy online setup and the ability to pause or cancel coverage as needed.
We opted for the Essential coverage – their offerings have since been updated. They now provide more options and add-ons (like coverage for adventure sports or electronics theft), as well as a more comprehensive Complete coverage.
The Essential plan suited our needs. Healthcare costs in our travel destinations were very low or free, and thankfully, we remained healthy. We sought protection against major financial risks, not minor inconveniences. This was our comfort level; your situation and risk tolerance might lead you to different choices regarding travel insurance for inexpensive family trips.
Bonus: Inexpensive Family Trips in Action – A Real-World Example
Listing tips is helpful, but how do they translate to real-world travel?
I’m tempted to share our month-long Indonesia and China trip that cost under $4,000. It’s a striking example that highlights several cost-saving strategies. Due to currency fluctuations, flights on Chinese airlines were incredibly cheap when purchased in dollars ($400 per person for multi-city flights: Chicago to Bali, Lombok to Changsha, and Changsha to Chicago). Indonesia and China both offer a low cost of living. Staying with Liuan’s family in China further reduced expenses. We traveled with only two backpacks. This trip perfectly illustrates tips 1, 2, 3, 7, and 8.
However, that was in 2017 – a bit dated and potentially harder to replicate now.
So, here’s a recent, easily replicable example: Imagine a four-week family trip to Colombia’s beautiful Coffee Region. It’s a safe and stunning area where taxis are often vintage jeeps, and the coffee is exceptional.
Family enjoying coffee in Colombia
A glimpse into an affordable family trip to Colombia’s Coffee Region, showcasing unique transport, coffee farms, and family moments.
Here’s a breakdown of major costs for this sample inexpensive family trip:
| Item | Cost | % | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round trip flight Chicago to Medellin for 5 people. | $1,160 | 30% | These flight costs are based on a quick SkyScanner search for 2 adults and 3 kids in the coming months, as our recent trip started from within South America. Direct flights to Pereira or Armenia are available but may be more expensive currently. |
| Roundtrip bus Medellin to Pereira for 5 people. | $152 | 4% | Based on a search on busbud.com, this bus trip takes you deeper into the Coffee Region. |
| Spacious 3-bedroom Airbnb with Kitchen, Swimming Pool and Views | $1,166 | 30% | While cheaper options exist, this Airbnb offered excellent amenities (link to Airbnb). |
| Car Rental / Gas | $460 | 12% | Gas was only $48 (despite extensive driving) and the car rental from Localiza was $410. |
| Meals for 5 people. | $820 | 21% | Includes both groceries and dining out. We cooked most meals (80-90%) and shopped at both regular and higher-end grocery stores. |
| Coffee Tour (Not Optional) for 5 | $85 | 2% | A must-do activity in the region. This cost reflects one of our favorite tours, Divisa de Don Juan in Pereira. |
| Income from Airbnb | $-2,195 | Total Airbnb earnings minus cleaning, property management, and utilities. | |
| TOTAL EXPENSE | $3,843 | Pretty impressive for a four-week family trip. | |
| TOTAL EXPENSE (minus Airbnb Income) | $1,648 | Incredible value for a four-week family vacation. |
* All costs are estimated for a 4-week trip for a family of five, covering essential expenses (with options to reduce costs further).
Keep in mind, these costs don’t represent our exact expenses in Pereira, as we were already in South America, reducing transportation costs. We also spent extra on non-essentials like additional coffee tours (for blog reviews) and a hot springs resort visit.
Shortening the trip to two weeks would reduce the total cost, but not proportionally. The daily cost decreases with longer stays. Fewer travelers significantly reduce expenses. A couple traveling alone would spend less than half of this total. Also, our definition of “budget-friendly” prioritizes a balance between cost and enjoyment; we aim for a great experience, not just the cheapest possible option.
Colombia is a consistently budget-friendly destination, partly due to its proximity to the U.S., making it a frequent choice for us. Other destinations can be equally affordable, but may be more seasonal or require more strategic timing. The key is to be flexible and seize opportunities as they arise, as I’ve emphasized throughout these tips.
With these strategies and smart timing, most countries worldwide can be explored inexpensively. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your inexpensive family trips and discover the world!
