Inexpensive Travel Options for Your Family This Year

Travel is an ideal way to expose your family to new people and places. Unfortunately, all of this adventure often comes with a high price tag. However, with the right destination choice, you can plan a year of travel fun for your loved ones to enjoy. Here are five inexpensive travel options to consider for your family this year.

National Park Adventure

America's vast network of national parks is one of its greatest treasures. Not only do these parks provide stunning natural beauty in tranquil settings, but they also deliver outdoor adventure around every corner. You can purchase a one-week national park pass at an extremely affordable cost. Most national parks also offer a variety of lodging accommodations in many price points, making it easy to find something to fit your budget. Families should also consider camping as an alternative lodging option. For something closer to home, be sure to check out your state's park system.

Washington, DC

A trip to the nation's capital should be a bucket list trip for every family. This vibrant area is bursting with historical sites, awe-inspiring museums, and moving monuments. The biggest budget advantage of traveling to Washington, DC is that the majority of its attractions are free to visit. All of the museums in the Smithsonian network do not cost money to enter. In addition to all of the free museums, there is no cost to tour the monuments that dot the landscape of the city. Food trucks routinely line the streets of the National Mall, providing a host of options for lunch on the go at affordable prices. The extensive Metro systems makes it easy to get around without the additional cost of having to rent a vehicle. While lodging is expensive in the city, you can find good deals by staying in the suburbs and using the Metro to get around.

Colorado Mountains

There is nothing quite as magnificent as the Rocky Mountains stretching out in front of you in a beautiful tapestry. The mountains in Colorado are a haven for rest and relaxation. While it may be expensive to visit these mountain towns during ski season, you can find rock-bottom prices by traveling during the shoulder season. The ski resort towns boast a wide array of condo and cabin rentals at every price point. By choosing a place with a full kitchen, you will also save loads of money on your food costs. Most of the activities in the mountains are free. Set out on a hike, bring your bikes along to explore the trails, or simply enjoy breathing in that fresh mountain air in this gorgeous setting.

Cruising

Once cruise lines open back up for business, it is a sure bet that there will be a myriad of deals to be had. If you keep your eyes open, you will be able to score a great deal on a cruise vacation for the whole family. The biggest benefit of a cruise vacation is that it is mostly all-inclusive. When looking for a relaxing Caribbean cruise line or the best Alaskan cruise line, be sure to price out some excursions so that you get a better idea of the total cost. In order to save money on your passenger fare, consider booking two rooms that are across the hall from each other rather than two connecting outside staterooms.

Outer Banks

Families of all ages and interests will appreciate a beach vacation. Choosing a less touristy option will deliver significant cost savings. Instead of heading to the crowded beaches of Hawaii, California, or Florida, consider a trip to the charming Outer Banks of North Carolina. The public beaches are free to visit, giving you something to do every day at no additional cost to you. The area is also flush with an abundance of historical sites, including the popular Wright Brothers National Memorial. Traveling during the off-season will yield even bigger savings. While you may be taking a chance on the weather, visitors often find the best deals during hurricane season.

You can stoke your itch for travel and exploration without breaking the bank if you know where to go. All five of these options will deliver loads of fun at a fraction of the cost of traditional vacations.