Affordable Family Beach Getaways: 9 Must‑Visit Destinations
Panama City, Panama
For cheap beach vacations that get you out of town and invite you and your family to dive into culture, consider a trip to Panama City. Here, you will enjoy equal parts beach and city exploring, with many hotels offering views of the famous Panama Canal, and also within a short taxi ride to downtown where you can explore the scene. Book your stay at The Westin Playa Bonita, where you can either book a room starting at $222 a night, or upgrade to the “Family Package” for a second room at 50 percent off and free meals for children under 12 when you order one for yourself. On site, there are programs designed for kiddos and adults alike, including beach Olympics, stargazing, Spanish lessons, and scrapbooking. It doesn’t hurt to end your day in a make-your-friends-envious oceanfront infinity pool, either. Don’t miss these other family beach vacations you have to take before the kids are grown.
Curaçao
As the ‘C’ in the ABC islands, tourism is growing in Curaçao thanks to newly added non-stop flights from the east coast. Before the word spreads about these cheap beach vacations, book your stay at the Hilton Curacao. Here, average nightly rates are still inexpensive, beginning at a mere $135 a night. Or, when you book a package, you can even score a rate as low as $99. In addition to splashing in the pools or taking a short drive to the beach, there are plenty of experiences to share with your family on this island. Renting a car is the best way to get around, so you can beach-hop to some of the most beautiful spots in the world, hike, tour around the brightly painted 18th-century buildings of downtown, and of course, dine on local fare, including iguana stew!
Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya
Send your clan packing to Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, Mexico, where a stay at Sandos Playacar Beach Resort will keep your babes happy and occupied. Here, the $292 a night per person rate includes everything—from food to booze and beyond—and your first child will stay for 50 percent off, while your second is free. As you drift away in relaxation mode, your kiddos can enjoy the kid’s club, age-appropriate entertainment, and plenty of ice cream for all! Don’t miss out on these 10 essential items you need to make your family beach day a success.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
For a more affordable kid-friendly experience than Disney World with just as much of a fun factor for your tiny travelers, consider heading south to Punta Cana. Here, you can book a stay at Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana for $199 per person, per night, where children three to 12 are included free of charge. In addition to all meals, beverages (alcoholic and otherwise), and the 24-hour room service included in the price of your stay, you’ll see big ol’ smiles as your children meet Dora the Explorer, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and other beloved characters from Nick. These are other clear water beaches you’ll want on your bucket list.
San Diego, California
The West Coast is a great spot for cheap beach vacations, so tell your family to pack their bags for a visit to San Diego. As one of the best places in the United States for year-round idyllic temperatures in the 70s, a cheap $10 Uber ride from the airport will have you pulling up the Kona Kai Resort & Spa. Here, a family of four can stay in a Deluxe Guest Room with two queen beds starting at $159/per night. Your kiddos can practice cannonballs at the on-site pool after a day of hiking in the many desert trails in the area, or a visit to the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
Koh Samui, Thailand
While it might be a long trek to make it to the culturally rich islands of Thailand, once your toes dig into the sand, you won’t look back. During the holiday season, you can score the Samui Garden View Suite at Mantra Samui Resort, which sleeps four folks, starting at $230 a night. A quick jaunt leads you to the shore, where you can waste away your days indulging in cocktails, local culinary fare, and taking plenty of Instagram-worthy sunset photos. If you book through their site, you’ll also score free two-way airport transfer, complimentary cocktails at their daily cocktail hour, buy-one-get-one-free treatments at the spa, and 25 percent off beverages and their on-site restaurants. If you want to experience some more exotic spots, consider the best budget travel destinations for 2018.
Jupiter, Florida
This oasis offers you the seclusion and quality time you crave to have with your loved ones. Book your stay at the only oceanfront place in town, Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa, with rates for a family of four starting at $207 a night. Here, you can shoot hoops at the basketball courts, practice your serve at their tennis courts, take a dip in the pool or teach your children about finding their inner zen with complimentary beach yoga. For when you want to steal away a moment with your number one, grab a cocktail and head to their adults’ only hammock garden.
Kihei Maui, Hawaii
For West Coasters who are growing bored with their backyard, jet to the islands of Hawaii. Your first instinct is probably that Hawaii vacations are on the pricier side. But in November to January, rates are lower than average and it’s a great spot for cheap beach vacations. While a first-time trip to this one-of-a-kind state should be spent touring the various terrains and islands, if you only have time for one, consider the breathtaking Kihei Maui. Stay at the Aston at the Maui Banyan, with a nightly charge of $179 a night for a family of four. It’s only a few steps to Kamaole Beach Park II, where you’ll witness some of the best sunsets of your life while your kiddo splashes in the Pacific. And if you’re set on cooking a fancy meal, you’ll enjoy the one and two-bedroom suites that come complete with a full kitchen and washers and dryers. Here’s everything you need to know before you book your Hawaii vacation.
Key West, Florida
Enjoy fun-in-the-sun, fresh seafood, and plenty of time to throw a football on the beach with your MVPs. One smart option for your stay is The Reach, with rates starting at $203 a night. Make your vacation extra nice when you book their “Another Day in Paradise” package, which gives you a fourth night for free when you book three. From kayaking in the mangroves or visiting the nearby islands of Dry Tortugas, you’ll come back home glowing with many happy memories. Next, check out these other budget-friendly spots ideal for cheap beach vacations.
