3 Affordable Family Holiday Destinations

Affordable Family Holiday Destinations

In our busy lives, holidays can be our lifeline to sanity, therefore treating the family to a trip abroad is an important yearly endeavour. With the warm weather comes the chance to connect with our children and make unforgettable memories.

You don’t need to break the bank however when organising your getaway. From family-friendly beachfront resorts to gorgeous island retreats, we take a look at some of the top locations for a family getaway in 2023 and 2024.

Cancun, Mexico

Mexico is one of the best locations for an affordable family holiday, thanks to reasonably-priced accommodation, delicious cuisine and a wide range of activities.

Cancun is the country’s most beloved holiday destination due to its variety of family resorts. These are often all-inclusive, meaning you won’t need to pay for food and drinks after your initial accommodation fees.

The top areas for families to stay in Cancun are the Isla Mujeres and Riviera Cancun. Isla Mujeres is widely known for its selection of stunning beaches, providing the perfect opportunity for the kids to play in the sand and swim in the sea. Alternatively, Riviera Cancun is where the majority of the resorts are located, ensuring the kids will be entertained for hours on end.

The best time to visit Cancun is between September and November or towards the end of April since there are fewer tourists and the prices tend to be reduced. Public transport is always cheap here, with a variety of buses of taxis to help you get around.

When talking about things to do in Cancun, there are plenty of budget-friendly and free activities. A must-visit attraction is the different Mayan ruins, and you can do this for free without booking a tour.  All you need to do is use public transport to get there and pay the entrance fee.

Porto, Portugal

With smaller crowds, plenty of parks, and all-year-round sunny weather, Porto is Portugal’s slice of paradise that you can visit with the family. Found in the northern part of the country, it is home to plenty of beaches, an incredible food scene, and historic districts.

When it comes to travelling on a budget, Porto certainly accommodates. In fact, the best activities in Porto don’t cost a thing. Whether you’re looking to relax by the golden coastline or head out on a sightseeing tour, the variety is extensive and economical.

We recommend heading out on a free walking tour as this is the best way to explore the city. While you can book without paying, you should tip your guide at the end based on what you think the tour was worth. Additionally, you should consider visiting some of Porto’s museums, which are usually free until 2 p.m. on Sundays. This includes the Tram Museum and the Soares dos Reis National Museum.

Since Portugal is a fairly small country, getting around is much easier – especially with efficient public transport systems. Porto, in particular, has an excellent metro network that is very cheap to use. There is also an old tram service that is as affordable as it is scenic.

Porto’s airport, Francisco Sa Carneiro, is the only international airport in the region, so you’ll find that many low-cost airlines operate here. While it takes approximately 35 minutes to reach the city centre from the airport, you can find a range of airport transfer options for a reasonable price. In addition, you can use a Hoppa promo code at the checkout to receive a further discount.

Menorca, Spain

The Balearic Islands have always been firm family favourites for holidays. Located a mere two hours from most UK airports, not only are they highly convenient but they are also beautiful in all aspects. If we were to choose one for this list, there’s no doubt it would be Menorca.

The beaches here alone are enough to make you visit, featuring some of the best expanses of coastline in the whole of Europe. The island is also one of the safest places in Spain, thanks to its low crime rate, safe beaches, and child-friendly activities.

In Menorca, you’ll find dozens of resorts catering to young families at reasonable prices. These usually include access to pools, on-site restaurants, and plenty of kids’ clubs. To save on your accommodation, consider looking for hotels away from tourist areas, such as Ciutadella and Mahón.

While most families are content with chilling by the beach for the duration of their holiday, some prefer something a little more adventuresome. If you consider your family to be daring, think about heading to the Cova des Coloms, a massive natural cave located in the Binigaus ravine. It is open year-round and is free to explore.

In the summer, Menorca comes alive, so expect lots of celebrations and festivities. This is the perfect opportunity to teach your family about different cultures while having fun. It’s important to figure out when and where these events are so that you don’t miss out on the festivities.

More affordable family holiday destinations

Of course this list can be easily added to and these days are many budget busting websites and travel hacks to help you get the best deals. We took a great trip to Crete a few years ago and another to the Amalfi Coast, both using budget airlines and AirBnB accommodation.

This is a collaborative guest post.  Images are my own or taken from Canva Pro.