In the shadows of popular bucket list destinations like Paris, Tuscany and Santorini are some lesser-known places that make family travel on a budget easy—and are equally dream-worthy.
Freshen up your travel wish list with my eight top picks for off-the-beaten-path family-friendly countries, regions, and islands you might never have heard of (or considered), that will keep your wallet happy and might even leave you 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 geographical location covering both Europe and Asia. Regions 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 be immediately awestruck by its otherworldly landscape and sky dotted with colorful hot air balloons. Hot air balloon rides, a staple Cappadocia activity, offer the best views of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Round out the experience by staying in one of the region’s famed cave hotels.
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Since Cappadocia is more off the beaten path, 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 a great value for your money in a country that is already relatively affordable to visit.
2. Sao Miguel Island
Some say the places that are hardest to reach offer the greatest rewards. That’s partly true for Sao Miguel Island, a slice of volcanic paradise in Portugal’s small Azores archipelago. It’s actually more accessible—and affordable—than a lot of families might presume. Frequent flight deals to Lisbon coupled with cheap domestic flights to the island’s capital city of Ponta Delgada make this one of the most value-packed routes out there.
Your rewards are “Jurassic Park” landscapes like Sete Cidades; geological marvels such as that of Furnas; whimsical architecture, including the island’s famous “Upside Down House” kids will love; hot springs and natural pools; and more. The roads that connect them all are sites within themselves, lined with hydrangeas and shade trees and enveloped by bucolic hills.
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It takes only a couple hours (give or take) to circumnavigate Sao Miguel without stopping, but you’ll want to give yourselves at least five days to experience the island in all its glory. Affordable accommodations and other travel costs can make this easy to accomplish.
3. Kyrgyzstan
Most are familiar with the Silk Road, but one of the ancient trade route’s key countries in western Asia is seemingly unknown to many U.S. travelers. Despite its mystique, Kyrgyzstan is among the best destinations for families seeking a unique family vacation where culture and nature comingle effortlessly.
Rife nomadic herding can make Kyrgyzstan feel like one big petting zoo, while jaw-dropping mountain landscapes abound. Horseback riding, hiking and whitewater rafting are among the adventurous activities available. Other family-friendly experiences include learning how to build a yurt and make traditional handicrafts, as well as spa treatments that utilize natural springs and materials believed to have healing powers.
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The cost of travel in Kyrgyzstan is pretty cheap; getting there is the challenge. Airfare is generally on the high end, but flight deals do pop up from time to time, so we recommend waiting until you can snag one at a lower price.
4. Pantanal region of 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 gain a deeper appreciation of the world around them. While safari tours (especially those in Africa) are known to be quite expensive, you can cut costs in South America’s Pantanal region.
In the shadows of the Amazon, the world’s largest freshwater wetlands area makes for some of the best wildlife spotting, where jaguars, maned wolves, South American tapirs, giant anteaters and more call home. Most safari tour operators are based out of Brazil, and several of them cater to families with the perfect balance of fun, educational opportunities, adventure and down time in their programming.
Families can choose from land or boat tours, and many include complementary activities such as a visit to the famous Iguazu Falls, piranha fishing, horseback riding and a day trip to Brazil’s cosmopolitan city of Sao Paulo.
5. Laos
Picture Southeast Asia, but without the hustle and bustle of more populated destinations like Thailand or Vietnam. Laos is one of the region’s slowest paced countries, and it’s not as congested as many of its neighbors, so families can more freely soak up its unspoiled scenery, historic landmarks and vibrant culture.
Getting around Laos is incredibly affordable; even with flights, it’s still possible to stay within a budget. The value for your money in the form of experiences is unbeatable, too.
Families can revel in natural attractions such as some of the country’s many breathtaking waterfalls, caves and caverns. Must-see spiritual sites include the Pha That Luang and Vat Phou temples, Buddha Park and Luang Prabang during the alms-giving ceremony (recommended only for older kids who are able to respect this sacred ceremony).
6. Tunisia
If you’re dreaming of a luxury hotel stay with your family, affordable vacations are not out of your realm in Tunisia. This melting pot of culture nestled on Africa’s northern coast offers a chance to truly pamper yourselves at a fraction of what you typically see in the U.S. and other tourist hot spots.
That includes big-name hotels like The Four Seasons, which is an excellent option for families with littles thanks to its extensive kids’ programming. If you’d rather be in the heart of all the action, consider a traditional bed and breakfast in the capital city of Tunis or a boutique hotel overlooking the Mediterranean Sea in the nearby, postcard-picture towns of Sidi Bou Said or La Marsa.
Wandering the medina, visiting a traditional Berber village, walking through the ancient archeological site of Carthage and splashing around the Carthage Land water park are just a few of the many things to do in Tunisia for families who want to stay close to the city. Those willing to venture further should consider a desert tour (some of which include overnight campouts), as well as a “Star Wars” filming location excursion.
7. Dominica
Not to be confused with the Dominican Republic, this small island tucked away in the Lesser Antilles is a melding of pristine beaches and rugged, mountainous terrain—with far from your typical Caribbean feel.
You won’t see any Senor Frogs-type chains, sprawling resorts or beaches packed liked sardines. Instead, family-run restaurants, cafes and guest houses serve up genuinely laidback vibes paired with Dominica’s best Creole cuisine using locally sourced ingredients. Families who immerse themselves in its natural beauty also will quickly see why the island was used as one of the filming locations for the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series.
While Dominica is small and easy for families to wander on their own, some might find it worth linking up with a tour guide—at least for one day. Only the locals can lead you down “secret” hiking trails to Narnia-like swimming holes, or the best waterfalls for rappelling. Traveling around Dominica is cheap, and you can often snag low-cost flights from major airports along the U.S. east coast.
8. Albania
Yes, Albania is the country whose mafia is portrayed in the movie “Taken.” Though not based on any specific true events, the thriller and its notorious characters like Marko from Tropoja still gave the country a bad rap, especially since many Americans hadn’t heard of it until then.
This Blockbuster “blunder” was enough to propel Albania’s tourism board to release a hilarious spinoff campaign entitled “Taken by Albania,” which even includes a cameo by the actor who played Marko.
Families certainly will be taken by Albania’s world-renowned beaches, charming towns and dramatic landscapes such as those found in the Osumi canyon and throughout Theth National Park. Greater affordability and fewer crowds compared to neighboring countries like Greece and Croatia also make this hidden Mediterranean gem a desirable destination for family travel on a budget.
