Organising a USA family holiday on a budget
The USA is an appealing destination thanks to its vibrant city life, natural attractions, parks and sheer variety, but getting there can be a wallet-stretching exercise.
That’s especially true for a whole family, when flights, accommodation, travel expenses and spending money are all taken into account – but don’t worry, there are still ways to enjoy a USA family holiday on a budget.
Avoid the honeypots
One way to not break the bank is to head to a part of the US that offers particularly good value for money. If you’re into theme parks, try the Silver Dollar City Park in Missouri, or, for a relaxing outdoor break, head to Wisconsin and its Rocky Arbor State Park. The areas around each contain plenty of entertainment and accommodation, such as self-catering facilities, that won’t cost the earth. Other destinations that can fit the bill for budget tours include Los Angeles, a city that has a lot for travellers to see and plenty of flight and accommodation deals. Meanwhile, a quieter family holiday can be had at Cape Hatteras in North Carolina (pictured above), offering access to beaches, shopping and reasonably priced camping.
Go off-peak
Resorts may be expensive at first glance, but many popular resorts throw in deals at certain, quieter, times of year, so places like Disneyland are always worth checking out to see what’s on offer. The Point Sebago Resort in south Maine is a reasonably priced resort that has plenty to see nearby, including a lake and woodland, and is a good budget choice for families that are looking for a combination of activities and nature on their trip.
Source travel bargains
How much of a consideration transport is will vary based on what kind of trip you’re on. If you’re planning to be based primarily in one place, look for airline deals and book either early or late – this is when the best early-bird or last-minute deals emerge. Also, consider travelling to the US at a time of year when it’s less likely to be busy, as you’re more likely to get cheap flights this way. So if you’re going to Orlando, for example, try making your trip at a time other than July or August.
If your US trip will involve moving from place to place, travelling by bus can save you money. It may not be the most comfortable option, though, and is perhaps best avoided if you’re travelling with young children with you.
Consider camping and hostels
When aiming for a budget trip, it’s worth weighing up the different types of accommodation that are available. Work out if you’re happy to pay a bit more for a hotel, or maybe thinking about finding campgrounds as you travel – an ideal option for activity-based holidays. Booking out whole dorms at hostels is another budget option for families.
Take advantage of online discounts
Whatever type of accommodation you choose, you can also save money by taking advantage of the many discount codes that can be found across the Internet – such as our own page of discount codes here at the Holiday & Travel Directory. So, by doing your planning and research beforehand, that family holiday in the USA need not be as expensive as you might think.
Photo credit: Andy Shaffer
