7 Affordable Ways to Take a Vacation This Year

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After the past few years, we could all use a vacation. Unfortunately, taking one can get pricey. 

The average vacation cost for a family of four is around $6,000. That’s an intense number for families working hard to keep their budgets afloat. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a vacation without spending close to that number. 

Here are seven affordable ways to take a vacation in 2023. 

  1. Go Skiing

There are several budget-friendly ski resorts throughout the United States, making them an excellent vacation option. 

Whether with a friend, partner or children, you can hit the slopes to ski, snowboard and tube. These trips are excellent for families to have fun and stay active together through the day and cuddle by the fire with hot chocolate at night. 

Some ski resorts even offer opportunities away from the snow. During the off-season, many offers discounted stays, with activities like gondola rides, swimming and zip-lining. 

  1. Stay At a Resort

This tip sounds generic, but many resorts offer various family and adult activities to enjoy during your stay. When booking near a city or event, many guests leave their resort in the morning, disregarding all the wonderful opportunities present during the day. 

Unlike a standard hotel, many family resorts offer movie nights, fun pool features, spas, bars, arcades and even golf courses for guests to utilize during their stay. You and your family can have an excellent vacation without leaving your resort’s property. 

While these resorts can get pricey, you can make it worthwhile by avoiding the drives and ticket prices of visiting outside attractions. 

  1. Go Camping

Camping is a great way to spend quality time together while enjoying all the benefits nature offers. Whether you use a tent or camper, there are many things to do surrounded by the environment. 

Your family can take a hike on one of many trails throughout the US, roast marshmallows over a campfire and make ‘smores, create a scavenger hunt and sleep under the stars. 

Whether you visit a national park or boondock, camping can be nearly free, depending on the supplies you already have. 

  1. Visit a Beach House

Beach vacations can be an excellent way to spend time in the sun and surf while saving money on more expensive vacations. 

These places are excellent for picnics, games, relaxing, swimming or surfing. You can hunt seashells or glass before engaging in a friendly horseshoe or volleyball competition. The beach is the perfect place to build sandcastles and enjoy the sunshine. 

While hotels around beaches can get expensive, you can often find cheaper options by exploring rental options. When you rent a home, you’ll have more privacy than a hotel and can get an excellent view cheaper than beachside resorts. Since officials don’t hold these rentals to the same standards as hotels, check previous guests’ reviews to know whether it’s a good place to stay. 

  1. Stay at a Cabin 

If you want to take camping to a new level, consider renting a cabin for your nature retreat. 

Whether large or small, you can find cabins for rent near lakes, on mountains and in the woods. Some are basic, with bedrooms, a bathroom and a kitchenette. Others have 4K definition televisions, hot tubs and game rooms to accommodate nature lovers and homebodies. 

You can find cabins on vacation rental websites and by researching rental complexes throughout the country. 

Depending on the time of year and which amenities your family desires, you can get an inexpensive stay for making priceless memories. 

  1. Visit a Fair 

State fairs exist throughout the United States, and choosing a new one to visit can create a wonderful vacation. 

Many of these fairs are free or low-cost to attend and offer rides, games and unique experiences for kids and adults. From a rodeo in Louisiana to a three-ring circus in Minnesota,,, and gold panning in Colorado, there are many opportunities from coast to coast. 

Traveling outside of your state for a fair allows your family to see new places, try local food and learn the area’s history. 

With so much to do, you only need a place to stay. 

  1. Try a Staycation

You don’t have to be alone to enjoy some time off. Sometimes, the most fun and affordable thing you can do is stay home. 

Staycations involve staying home while taking a break from work and school stressors. Do the things you normally don’t have time to do. Visit a local museum, see a matinee movie, have a home spa day or spend the entire day snuggling in bed. 

A staycation doesn’t require arranging transportation, buying tickets and handling hotel stays making it the most affordable vacation you can have. 

Taking an Affordable Vacation This Year

You want to make memories through traveling and spending quality time with family and friends. Unfortunately, many advertised vacation options can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. 

By taking one of these affordable vacations, you can take a break from this year’s stress, bond with loved ones and experience new things all without breaking the bank.