Savvy Travel & Family Time

5 Cheap International Family Vacations You and the Kids Will Love

We found 5 of the best cheap international family vacations that you can start planning for today.

Are you looking for a change of pace from the typical trip to the next state over?

Bringing your kids out of the country is a great way to broaden their worldviews. It also opens their minds to other cultures and makes them realize that the world is so much bigger. 

However, a lot of mainstream vacation destinations cost big money. In this guide, we listed 5 cheap international family vacations for everyone. Keep reading to see where you can plan your next family trip for you and the kids.

1. Dubai City

Let’s begin with someplace that your kids won’t think is fun at first. In actuality, they might not even know about it yet, which is always an interesting thing to see. Let’s talk about Dubai for kids and the rest of the family.

If you’ve tried snowboarding before, you will love sandboarding. First, you won’t get as much restriction from thick and warm clothing. Second, it’ll be fun and easy to do on the dunes of the Dubai desert.

It’s also great to get some Turkish ice cream when the family gets tired from sandboarding. Turkish ice cream involves a bit of showmanship too, so enjoy the show while you wait for it. Afterward, get back into the sand but this time with seawater.

The beautiful beaches in Dubai offer a lot of great fun. You won’t expect it since it’s in the Arabian Desert but there they are. Try hanging out at the Jumeirah Beach Park, which has a children’s playground, cafes, and barbecue areas.

As you get around, you’ll notice the transportation system in Dubai has a few unique features too. Hop on a water bus or water taxi to reach your next few family destinations. Bond with your kids as you go on a yacht fishing trip.

Those are the many things to do in Dubai with kids. 

2. Egypt

Do you want your kids to be more knowledgeable about ancient history? Egypt is a great place to check into on the next family trip. It’s also the ideal place for the intrepid Egyptian mythology lover to see.

Take your kids to Giza and ride camels with them to see the famous Pyramids. Afterward, check out a real mummy in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. On another day, see what it’s like to be in Aladdin’s cave at Khan al Khalili bazaar in Cairo.

The desert landscape can make anyone yearn for something blue and clear to swim in. Egypt has many water parks and resorts for your family budget. Show them the wonderful marine life under the Red Sea by heading to the Grand Aquarium in Hurghada.

3. Cambodia

Are you looking for cheap international family vacations in Southeast Asia? In that case, let’s talk about planning a family trip to Cambodia. It offers tons of fun activities for the kids and relaxing spaces for adults.

Experience how it’s like to be in a stilt village on the massive Tonlé Sap Lake by weaving around it on a boat. Did you know that the Tonlé Sap Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia? Also, it’s the only lake in the world where the waters change directions.

If you want land-based activities, see the Angkor Wat temple. It’s the largest religious temple complex in the world, which means your kids have a massive space to explore. Since it’s one of the most popular destinations in Cambodia, expect lots of tourists. 

When the kids tire of the temple, head to the nearby eco-park. They can zipline through the forest canopy and experience what it’s like to be Tomb Raider. Also, the amazing jungle experience is a big plus.

Cambodia also has tons of cheap family resorts for those who want to take it easy. Museums like the Landmine Museum are great introductory spots for the country’s history. The bamboo train near Battambang is also an experience your kids shouldn’t miss.

4. Bolivia

Do you want your kids to learn about the South Americas?

Take them to visit salt flats, see llamas, and sky-reaching mountains ranges. Bolivia has all these and offers more. This landlocked South American country imparts lessons in culture to visiting families.

Fewer people pay attention to Bolivia thanks to its more popular neighbors. Brazil, Peru, and Chile often get more visitors compared to Bolivia. Yet, compared to other South American countries, it offers the cheapest family destinations.

La Paz City is full of interesting things that your kids are sure to enjoy. You won’t find its public transportation system underground or on the street. Instead, it uses a cable car system, which is a cheap and fun way to get a bird’s eye view of the city.

When you plan for the trip, May to October is the best time to see it for the dry weather. Look for local guesthouses, which are much cheaper than hotels. Often, you won’t find ads for these guesthouses on the internet so you might have to wander around till you find them.

Try the local food from the many street stalls throughout the city. There’s a big variety to choose from at a very affordable price. Note that most of the foods here are for meals and fewer are desserts.

5. Cheap International Family Vacations at Curaçao

How big a fan of Pirates of the Caribbean is your child? Tell them you’re bringing them to the actual Caribbean for the best international vacation ever. This year, bring the whole family to Curaçao.

It’s an affordable and sunny island to stay during the family’s winter break. Last year, 27% of people who visited the country were from North America. Most of this is because US and Canadian visitors needed a break from the winter.

To avoid breaking hearts and dreams, make sure you stress you’re going to the Caribbean, not to Disney by the Sea. You don’t want your child thinking they’ll meet Jack Sparrow when you get there. Better yet, it might be best not to lead with a question relating to the Pirates of the Caribbean.

Get your kids to try out diving at Hell’s Corner or Mushroom Forest. The Curaçao beach offers tons of vivid marine life for them to see.

If you’re looking for your first or last family destination on Curaçao, check out the Hato Caves. They’re near the airport, which means they’re great for a short and quick visit. They’re over 300,000 years old and offer a great escape from the heat of the day.

Enjoy Your Family Trips Abroad

It’s always a good thing to break from the typical travel destination. This way, your kids experience more of the world than what they often see. Make sure you practice safety and observe a buddy system with your family, especially with the kids.

Now you know how to find cheap international family vacations! We hope you found a fun and affordable place to bring your family to this year. If you want to read more content on affordable travel, don’t hesitate to check out our other guides today!

One Comment

  • Melissa Smith

    The hubs & I were just talking about taking the kids on an international vacation in a few years. We might be able to do it sooner than planned though & visit one of these places!