menu
HomeHome & FamilyFamily Travelmost affordable family vacation spots in the usa

most affordable family vacation spots in the usa

When planning a family vacation on a budget, several destinations in the USA offer both affordability and a wealth of activities. Destinations like the Great Smoky Mountains, Myrtle Beach, and the Wisconsin Dells provide a mix of natural beauty, entertainment, and family-friendly accommodations that won't break the bank.

Advertisement

The Great Smoky Mountains, straddling North Carolina and Tennessee, offer a plethora of free and low-cost activities, such as hiking, wildlife viewing, and picnicking in the national park. Myrtle Beach in South Carolina is renowned for its affordable beachfront accommodations, free public beaches, and a variety of inexpensive family attractions like the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade. The Wisconsin Dells, often called the "Waterpark Capital of the World," boasts an array of waterparks, many of which offer package deals and discounts for families. Additionally, the Dells' natural attractions, like Mirror Lake State Park, provide opportunities for low-cost outdoor adventures such as kayaking, fishing, and hiking. These destinations ensure that families can create lasting memories without a hefty price tag.

  • Great Wolf Lodge
    Great Wolf Lodge

    Great Wolf Lodge - Family-friendly indoor water park resort with themed lodges.

    View All
  • KOA (Kampgrounds of America)
    KOA (Kampgrounds of America)

    KOA (Kampgrounds of America) - Nationwide network of family-friendly campgrounds and RV parks.

    View All
  • Holiday Inn Express
    Holiday Inn Express

    Holiday Inn Express - Efficient, comfortable lodging for business and leisure travelers.

    View All
  • Drury Hotels
    Drury Hotels

    Drury Hotels - Drury Hotels: Comfortable, affordable accommodations with exceptional service.

    View All
  • Red Roof Inn
    Red Roof Inn

    Red Roof Inn - Affordable, pet-friendly hotels with essential amenities.

    View All
  • Choice Hotels
    Choice Hotels

    Choice Hotels - Affordable, diverse accommodations for travelers worldwide.

    View All
  • La Quinta Inns & Suites
    La Quinta Inns & Suites

    La Quinta Inns & Suites - Comfortable, budget-friendly accommodations with convenient locations.

    View All
  • Motel 6
    Motel 6

    Motel 6 - Affordable, no-frills lodging with essential amenities.

    View All
  • Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
    Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

    Wyndham Hotels & Resorts - Global hospitality company with diverse hotel brands and services.

    View All
  • Best Western
    Best Western

    Best Western - Reliable, mid-range hotel chain with global presence.

    View All

most affordable family vacation spots in the usa

1.

Great Wolf Lodge

less
Great Wolf Lodge is a renowned family-friendly resort chain known for its expansive indoor water parks and themed accommodations. Catering primarily to families with children, the brand offers a variety of activities including water slides, wave pools, interactive games, and character meet-and-greets. With locations across North America, Great Wolf Lodge combines the excitement of a water park vacation with the comfort and convenience of an all-inclusive resort, making it a popular destination for memorable family getaways.

Pros

  • pros family-friendly atmosphere
  • pros indoor water park
  • pros themed rooms
  • pros variety of activities
  • pros convenient dining options

Cons

  • consexpensive rates
  • cons crowded during peak times
  • cons limited outdoor activities
  • cons additional fees for some attractions
  • cons noise levels can be high

2.

KOA (Kampgrounds of America)

less
Kampgrounds of America (KOA) is a premier network of privately owned campgrounds in North America, offering a range of outdoor accommodations including tent sites, RV sites, and cabins. Established in 1962, KOA is renowned for its family-friendly amenities, clean facilities, and exceptional customer service. With over 500 locations across the U.S. and Canada, KOA provides diverse camping experiences, from rustic to luxurious, making it a popular choice for campers seeking convenience and quality.

Pros

  • pros Variety of locations
  • pros Family-friendly amenities
  • pros Consistent standards
  • pros Pet-friendly
  • pros Organized activities

Cons

  • consCan be crowded
  • cons Higher prices
  • cons Limited wilderness experience
  • cons Strict rules
  • cons Noise levels

3.

Holiday Inn Express

less
Holiday Inn Express is a global hotel brand under the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), known for offering comfortable, modern accommodations at an affordable price. Aimed at both business and leisure travelers, the brand emphasizes convenience with amenities like complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and 24-hour business centers. With a focus on efficiency and simplicity, Holiday Inn Express ensures a seamless stay experience, making it a popular choice for travelers seeking value without sacrificing quality.

Pros

  • pros Convenient locations
  • pros Free breakfast
  • pros Comfortable beds
  • pros Reliable Wi-Fi
  • pros Friendly staff

Cons

  • consLimited amenities
  • cons Basic room decor
  • cons No full-service restaurant
  • cons Inconsistent quality
  • cons Higher price during peak season

4.

Drury Hotels

less
Drury Hotels is a family-owned and operated chain of mid-scale hotels known for exceptional hospitality and value. Founded in 1973, Drury Hotels offers a range of complimentary amenities including hot breakfast, evening snacks and beverages, Wi-Fi, and 24-hour business and fitness centers. With over 150 locations across the United States, the brand emphasizes comfort, quality, and customer satisfaction, making it a preferred choice for both business and leisure travelers.

Pros

  • pros Excellent customer service
  • pros Free hot breakfast
  • pros Clean and comfortable rooms
  • pros Free evening snacks and drinks
  • pros Pet-friendly policies

Cons

  • consHigher prices
  • cons Limited locations
  • cons No loyalty program
  • cons Standard amenities
  • cons Basic room decor

5.

Red Roof Inn

less
Red Roof Inn is a popular budget-friendly hotel chain known for providing comfortable and affordable lodging across the United States. Established in 1973, the brand focuses on delivering clean, modern accommodations with essential amenities such as free Wi-Fi and pet-friendly policies. With a commitment to guest satisfaction, Red Roof Inn caters to both business and leisure travelers, offering convenient locations near major highways, airports, and attractions. Their loyalty program, RediRewards, further enhances the value for frequent guests.

Pros

  • pros Affordable rates
  • pros Pet-friendly
  • pros Free Wi-Fi
  • pros Convenient locations
  • pros Clean rooms

Cons

  • consLimited amenities
  • cons Basic breakfast options
  • cons Inconsistent service quality
  • cons Noise issues
  • cons Older properties

6.

Choice Hotels

less
Choice Hotels is a renowned global hospitality company with a diverse portfolio of hotel brands, catering to a wide range of travelers. Founded in 1939, it operates over 7,000 properties across more than 40 countries. Its brands include Comfort, Quality, Clarion, Sleep Inn, and upscale options like Cambria Hotels. Known for delivering reliable and affordable accommodations, Choice Hotels also offers a robust loyalty program, Choice Privileges, enhancing guest experiences with exclusive rewards and benefits.

Pros

  • pros Loyalty program rewards
  • pros Wide range of locations
  • pros Affordable pricing
  • pros Pet-friendly options
  • pros Free breakfast at many properties

Cons

  • consInconsistent quality
  • cons Limited luxury options
  • cons Basic amenities
  • cons Outdated decor in some locations
  • cons Customer service can vary

7.

La Quinta Inns & Suites

less
La Quinta Inns & Suites, a reputable hotel brand, offers comfortable and affordable accommodations for both business and leisure travelers. Known for their welcoming atmosphere, La Quinta provides modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast, and fitness centers. Many locations also feature pools and pet-friendly options. With convenient locations across North America, La Quinta ensures a pleasant and hassle-free stay, making it a popular choice for those seeking quality and value in their travel experiences.

Pros

  • pros affordable rates
  • pros convenient locations
  • pros pet-friendly policy
  • pros complimentary breakfast
  • pros free Wi-Fi

Cons

  • consinconsistent room quality
  • cons dated decor
  • cons limited amenities
  • cons noise issues
  • cons variable customer service

8.

Motel 6

less
Motel 6 is a well-known American budget motel chain, founded in 1962 by William Becker and Paul Greene. Headquartered in Carrollton, Texas, the brand is recognized for its affordable lodging and no-frills accommodations. Famous for its slogan, "We'll leave the light on for you," Motel 6 offers essential amenities such as free morning coffee, Wi-Fi, and pet-friendly rooms. The chain operates over 1,400 locations across the U.S. and Canada, providing reliable and economical stays for travelers.

Pros

  • pros Affordable rates
  • pros Pet-friendly
  • pros Convenient locations
  • pros Free morning coffee
  • pros Consistent brand standards

Cons

  • consBasic amenities
  • cons Limited luxury
  • cons Potential noise issues
  • cons Inconsistent room conditions
  • cons Basic breakfast options

9.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

less
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is a leading global hospitality company with a diverse portfolio of over 9,000 properties across approximately 95 countries. Renowned for its wide range of brands, from luxury to economy, Wyndham offers accommodations that cater to various traveler needs and preferences. The company's commitment to exceptional service, quality, and value makes it a preferred choice for both business and leisure travelers. Their loyalty program, Wyndham Rewards, further enhances guest experiences by offering valuable perks and rewards.

Pros

  • pros Wide variety of locations
  • pros loyalty rewards program
  • pros family-friendly options
  • pros pet-friendly hotels
  • pros budget to luxury accommodations.

Cons

  • consInconsistent service quality
  • cons additional fees
  • cons limited luxury amenities
  • cons outdated facilities in some locations
  • cons mixed customer reviews.

10.

Best Western

less
Best Western is a renowned global hotel brand offering a diverse range of lodging options, from economy to upscale accommodations. Founded in 1946, the brand operates more than 4,700 hotels in over 100 countries. Known for its commitment to quality, comfort, and exceptional service, Best Western provides modern amenities and a welcoming atmosphere for both business and leisure travelers. The brand's loyalty program, Best Western Rewards, enhances guest experiences with exclusive benefits and rewards.

Pros

  • pros Wide range of locations
  • pros Affordable rates
  • pros Rewards program
  • pros Pet-friendly options
  • pros Complimentary breakfast.

Cons

  • consInconsistent quality
  • cons Limited luxury amenities
  • cons Outdated decor in some locations
  • cons Noisy environments
  • cons Limited dining options.

Similar Topic You Might Be Interested In