In 2008, FTF’s Top 10 Cheap Getaways for Family Travelers were selected for the great value they offered to families who desired to travel on a budget. FTF staff examined the value proposition offered by cruise, resort, ski, hotel, reunion and camp destinations to select the winners during the 2008 economic downturn.
Granted, 50% off the usual rates and the occasional one-night free are great offers, especially when finding them at luxury resorts. But for family vacationers looking for the best consistent value and bang for their wallet-weary bucks, FTF chose these vacations that will be a good value during and after this economic downturn. It’s years later and wallet-friendly vacation ideas are always welcome.
Family Travel Forum’s Top 10 (Cheap) Getaways for Family Travelers
Waiting all year for the snow to fall and hoping for a cheap family vacation? FTF staff crunched lots of numbers, snow-making statistics and weather reports to discover that a family of four can have great ski conditions for cheap on either side of the country. One of the top ski destinations in the US, Lake Tahoe, has over seven premier ski resorts. In 2008, savvy families could find off-the-beaten-path accommodations, equipment rentals and lift tickets there starting at under $2,000/week; and the same in the Western Mountains of New Hampshire.
No Top (Cheap) Getaway list should be without tropical beaches. FTF’s Top Cruise pick was Carnival and its flagship, Carnival Freedom. Sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Freedom visits Key West, Grand Cayman and Jamaica while providing non-stop fun, food and imaginative programming. For a value all-inclusive, the Divi Caribbean Resort’s Tamarijn Aruba offered kids under 18 sharing parents’ room a free stay all year round, with rates including everything, from meals, booze, and kids clubs to activities, services and amenities.
Whether a vacationing family is savoring falling gas prices for a trek across America or using the rising exchange rates to justify a once in a lifetime tour of Great Britain, there are cheap hotel options. In the US, the expanding chain Candlewood Suites, offers accommodations with full kitchens, as well as free laundry and a 24/7 store on the premise, and most hotels have an outdoor BBQ and a pool. The largest hotel chain in the UK, Premier Inn, with 500 hotels in Great Britain, had weekly rates starting at $525 for a family of four. Plus they offer a good night sleep guarantee where, if a family is not happy, the night is on them.
The ultra luxe spa crowd can go green and cut back in a way the kids will appreciate at FTF’s picks for Top (Cheap) Campgrounds. In North America, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Camp-Resorts, with over 80 sites in the US and Canada, had rates 20-30% cheaper than its competitors, Across the pond, Eurocamp, the chic way to live off the land at over 150 locations, offered junior tents starting at only $168/week for a family of four. There is no sacrifice associated with bare-bone prices, as many of these retreats offer organized activities, kids clubs, a selection of cottage rentals, recreation facilities and even waterparks.
Dreaming of seeing the entire clan together at the best beach in the country? This might sound too good to be true, but not with our Top (Cheap) Reunion Getaways. Head to the gorgeous Crystal Coast, North Carolina, where renting a sprawling beach house (that sleeps up to 15) was 50% cheaper than in the better known northern Outer Banks. A 103-acre California State Park on the Monterrey coast boasts the Asilomar Conference Grounds, where reunion group rates includes hotel services, meals and activities, plus all taxes and fees, so there are no surprise charges.
Yes You Can Take A Vacation
These are not funky, on-sale vacations! Wanting to find places that are always affordable, FTF editors researched diligently to find what budget-conscious family planners need: an excellent vacation that won’t break the bank but also won’t disappoint with lackluster accommodations, services and amenities. Especially during times of economic uncertainty, if a family is going to spend its hard earned cash on a vacation, it better be one that satisfies.
To the Great Depression survivor who says that no one should vacation during a recession, here is some food for thought. As Americans, it is our responsibility to vacation. Who needs a federal stimulus package when citizens can strengthen the economy through travel and tourism, an industry that employs more than 12% of American workers and is responsible for more than $700 billion in spending? As travel continues to spur economic growth, we thank you in advance for taking a family vacation.
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This is such a true indicator of Barcelona and Spain in general. For the family vacation or longer term family travels Barcelona is just brilliant. The Spanish adore their children and have such a fabulous fun filled approach to sharing their enthusiasm that young visitors are thrilled and enchanted by the City and the country in general.
I would also go a place like this..so beautiful and refreshing..
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Sure! We love new recommendations of good rental agents, so you can post your company name and web address right here.
thanks
I was wondering if we can be added to your recommended rental agents? We have over 50 beachfront properties, ranging form 1-10 bedrooms, specializing in homes for large groups and family reunions!
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Tips about Required Documents For Travel With Minors are great!
maurice doyle: You should certainly be in touch with the airline's Customer Support staff to get a refund for any fees you paid to have an escort, if no one was provided. However, most of the airlines don't require an escort for a child that is 14 years old, even when changing planes, therefore they may not have broken any laws by not having one available.
What a fantastic article and most importantly website. This site is a fantastic tool for families who are beginning their vacations and who may require some support in their planning to cover specific needs.
Thank you. The information is very helpful and before receiving your email, I came to the same conclusion about limiting the trip to Rome and Sicily. You just gave me affirmation. I would love to go to Venice, but that'll will need to wait for another trip.
Thanks again,
Mindy
my grandson flew from sacramento ca. to nixa mo he is 14 yrs of age.We paid for an escort to get him to the next flight out of denver co.at sacramento they told my daughter that it was the last flight out and there is nobody to escort him.can you plese help me with this i want to claim my refund.thany you
Maurice Doyle
417 724 9931
Nice Post. Looking for your next Post. Thanks
This is a normal requirement with any business who are in the care of under aged young people. I believe there is a medical consent that is required at the time of any travel plans.
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this sounds like what we're looking for, too. what area did you look at, and what is the name of the place or rental agent that you used? thanks!
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What fortunate chidlren. Not only to have a great vacation with both parents, but to experience South AMerica at such a young age. Congratulations to such thoughtful parents.
The concept of house swapping is just mind boggling. I really cannot understand why this has not become a world focus for obtaining great vacations at a very cheap cost for accommodation.
Costa Rica conjures images that I can relate to! The similarities to the beautiful island of Phuket are a reminder that we still have many Islands and locations that are thought to be paradise. The key is to care for the land and sea in order for all the benefit for ours and our childrens lifestyle.
Cebu is great
thanks to Cebu Trips Tour..i enjoy my vacation and adventure in Cebu. Visit their website at http://cebutriptours.com/
Hey, Cebu is the Queen City of The South All over the country. It is a place where you can enjoy perfectly. There are so many HOTELS for accommodations,Bars,Cafe's, Disco bar, lot of beach resorts, a lot of adventures, so many malls for shopping, a great place for everyone.
And for me, Cebu is the finest place for me all over the Country, and I have a great life here. This place is somewhat like a paradise. Cebu is the place where I experience a paradise life. So, I want you to visit and stay here in Cebu. And I assure you, you will never regret when you go here.
Thanks for a great article. The only thing I would add is that some new websites are starting to focus on relying on personalised vacation rental referrals from their own social media friends network.
This is a great step forward to avoid potential fraud attempts etc, and ensure your family vacation goes as it should!
Have a look at HolidayRentalsForMe.com – its a great new way of finding a great holiday home for your next family vacation.
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Sure Croatia's beautiful and I can offer you low cost walking tours in Dubrovnik city.
sometimes is to much and you will leave the children at home. I dont know why they want that many documents
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Ooo…Nepal…
Still i remember my first and last visit to Nepal.. that was awesome.. I love there traditional costumes and all.
every one should go there.
in my opinion is to much. Sometimes is better to stay at home.
There are so many other things to do in the Wisconsin Dells as well! You can have a visit with nature and I strongly suggest checking out Devil's Lake and Mirror Lake, the local state parks. Going for a tour on the Wisconsin Ducks is an memorable experience too!
Thanks for sharing..
Regardless of gender, good parenting is not unique to heterosexual couples. I think this is a fantastic breakthrough as committed couple or singles do make good parents.
I also recommend talking to others that have been to the place that you are going. They will have great ideas on what to see and what to avoid if you have children.
Regardless of gender, good parenting is not unique to heterosexual couples. I think this is a fantastic breakthrough as committed couple or singles do make good parents.
sometimes I prefer to stay at home my my children… there are to many documents required
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Bruges during CHristmas is a fairy-tale. I would even recommend it for a short honey-moon: it has it all: beauty, warmth, nice food, great sceneries and above all the medieval scenery.
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