8 off-the-beaten-track destinations ideal for family travel on a budget
In the shadow of popular destinations like Paris, Tuscany, and Santorini lie lesser-known places that make family travel on a budget easy and just as dream-worthy.
Refresh your travel wish list with my top eight picks for off-the-beaten-path, family-friendly countries, regions, and islands you may never have heard of (or considered), that will satisfy your wallet and might even to leave. with a little room to splurge.
1. Cappadocia
Turkiye (formerly spelled Turkey) is far from a “secret” travel destination, thanks to its ancient history, eclectic culture and geographic location spanning both Europe and Asia. Areas like Cappadocia, however, remain little-known to many Americans – and yet it is arguably one of the most magical and unique family vacation destinations in the world.
Search for photos of Cappadocia and you’ll immediately be amazed by its otherworldly landscape and skies dotted with colorful hot air balloons. Hot air balloon rides, a must-do activity in Cappadocia, offer the best views of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Complete the experience by staying in one of the region’s famous cave hotels.
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Since Cappadocia is more off the beaten track, I recommend working with a local operator such as Ada Vegas Travel, whose services include tours, vacation packages, hotel reservations and transfers in Cappadocia and throughout Turkey . They offer excellent value for money in a country that is already relatively affordable to visit.
2. São Miguel Island
Some say the hardest-to-reach places offer the greatest rewards. This is partly true for the island of Sao Miguel, a slice of volcanic paradise in the small Azores archipelago in Portugal. It’s actually more accessible and affordable than many families might believe. Frequent flight deals to Lisbon, combined with cheap domestic flights to the island’s capital, Ponta Delgada, make this one of the most economical routes on the market.
Your rewards are “Jurassic Park” landscapes like Sete Cidades; geological wonders like that of Furnas; whimsical architecture, including the island’s famous “Upside Down House” that kids will love; hot springs and natural pools; and more. The roads that connect them all are sites in themselves, lined with hydrangeas and shade trees and enveloped by bucolic hills.
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It only takes a few hours (give or take) to tour Sao Miguel without stopping, but you’ll need to allow yourself at least five days to experience the island in all its glory. Affordable accommodations and other travel expenses can make this task easier.
3. Kyrgyzstan
Most are familiar with the Silk Road, but one of the key countries on the ancient West Asian trade route seems unfamiliar to many American travelers. Despite its mystical nature, Kyrgyzstan is among the best destinations for families looking for a unique family vacation where culture and nature blend effortlessly.
Frequent nomadic herding can make Kyrgyzstan feel like a big petting zoo, while breathtaking mountain scenery abounds. Horse riding, hiking and white water rafting are among the adventure activities available. Other family experiences include learning how to build a yurt and make traditional crafts, as well as spa treatments using natural springs and materials believed to have healing powers.
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The cost of travel to Kyrgyzstan is quite cheap; achieving this is the challenge. Airfares are generally on the high end, but flight deals pop up from time to time, so we recommend waiting until you can snag one at a lower price.
4. Pantanal region in South America
Safari tours are unlike any other type of family vacation, bringing travelers closer than ever to wildlife while serving as an outdoor classroom for children to better appreciate the world around them. Although safaris (especially those in Africa) are known to be quite expensive, you can cut costs in the Pantanal region of South America.
In the shadow of the Amazon, the world’s largest freshwater wetland provides one of the best wildlife viewing sites, where jaguars, maned wolves, South American tapirs, giant anteaters and many more have taken up residence. Most safari tour operators are based in Brazil, and several of them cater to families with the perfect balance of entertainment, educational opportunities, adventure and free time in their programming.
Families can choose between land or boat excursions, and many include add-on activities such as a visit to the famous Iguazu Falls, piranha fishing, horseback riding and a day trip to the cosmopolitan Brazilian city from Sao Paulo.
5. Laos
Imagine Southeast Asia, but without the hustle and bustle of more populated destinations like Thailand or Vietnam. Laos is one of the slowest-paced countries in the region, and it is not as crowded as most of its neighbors, allowing families to more freely soak up its unspoiled landscapes, historical monuments and its dynamic culture.
Getting around Laos is incredibly affordable; even with flights, it’s still possible to stick to a budget. The value for money in the form of experiences is also unbeatable.
Families can delight in natural attractions such as some of the country’s many breathtaking waterfalls, caves and caverns. Must-see spiritual sites include Pha That Luang and Vat Phou temples, Buddha Park and Luang Prabang during the alms-giving ceremony (recommended only for older children capable of respecting this sacred ceremony).
6. Tunisia
If you dream of a luxury hotel stay with your family, affordable vacations are not out of your reach in Tunisia. This melting pot of culture nestled on the northern coast of Africa offers a chance to really indulge yourself at a fraction of what you usually see in the United States and other tourist hot spots.
This includes renowned hotels like The Four Seasons, which is a great option for families with children thanks to its extensive children’s programming. If you prefer to be in the heart of the action, consider a traditional guesthouse in the capital Tunis or a boutique hotel overlooking the Mediterranean Sea in the nearby postcard-worthy towns of Sidi Bou Said or La Marsa .
Strolling through the medina, visiting a traditional Berber village, strolling through the ancient archaeological site of Carthage, and splashing around in the Carthage Land water park are just some of the many activities to do in Tunisia for families who want to stay close to the city. Those wanting to venture further afield should consider a desert tour (some of which include overnight camps), as well as a trip to the “Star Wars” filming locations.
7. Dominic
Not to be confused with the Dominican Republic, this small island nestled in the Lesser Antilles is a mix of pristine beaches and rugged, mountainous terrain, far from the typical Caribbean atmosphere.
You won’t see Senor Frogs-type chains, sprawling resorts, or sardine-filled beaches. Instead, family-run restaurants, cafes and guesthouses offer a truly casual ambiance combined with Dominica’s best Creole cuisine using local ingredients. Families who immerse themselves in its natural beauty will also quickly understand why the island was used as a filming location for the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series.
Although Dominica is small and easy for families to wander around on their own, some might find it helpful to hire a tour guide, at least for a day. Only locals can guide you on “secret” hiking trails to Narnia-like pools or the best waterfalls for abseiling. Traveling to Dominica is cheap and you can often find cheap flights from major airports on the US east coast.
8. Albania
Yes, Albania is the country whose mafia is depicted in the movie “Taken”. Although not based on any specific real events, the thriller and its notorious characters like Marko de Tropoja nevertheless gave the country a bad reputation, especially since many Americans had not heard of it until then .
This blockbuster “mistake” was enough to prompt the Albanian Tourist Board to launch a hilarious spin-off campaign called “Taken by Albania,” which even includes an appearance by the actor who plays Marko.
Families are sure to be enticed by Albania’s world-famous beaches, charming towns and spectacular landscapes such as those of Osumi Canyon and Theth National Park. A more affordable price and fewer crowds compared to neighboring countries like Greece and Croatia also make this hidden Mediterranean gem a popular destination for family trips on a budget.
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