Fun without breaking the bank: The average vacation cost for families
We’re breaking down the average vacation cost for families as they plan upcoming travel. Read on to learn more about how to plan some family fun without breaking the bank!
When we first invested in our Dream Vacations™ franchise and the creation of Magic Journeys, one of our Founding 4 joked that we’d be our own best customers. It was funny and too possible; as smart & savvy as we are with finding deals and making our budgets stretch its more likely our vacation-days from our real jobs will run out before the money we’re willing to reallocate for trips does.
As we’re in the process of mapping out our own 2024 travel plans, our family (the R family) set a budget and gave ourselves the challenge of taking an AMAZING 1-week summer vacation within $5,000. While the temptation of Europe is haunting us and we often find ourselves day-dreaming about the pink sands of Bermuda, we are keeping our minds (and vacation funds) focused on bigger trips for the end-of-year Christmas break and Spring break 2025.
“Which left me wondering, how does our $5,000 budget stack up compared to the average vacation cost for families? How much does the average family spend on travel each year?”
For normal people not plagued by constant wanderlust, how much are they actually looking to spend when they ask us to plan their dream vacations? Outside of the world-of-deals we score through Dream Vacations™, how much does the average family vacation actually cost?
Our research found that in 2023, the average 1-week vacation ran a solo traveler just under $2,000 and families of 4 nearly $8,000. Depending on how and when you like to travel, that budget can take you very far or leave you coming up short.
Thankfully, the destination and vacation we’re planning fall well within that and our $5,000 budget — lots more on that to come. But if you’re still considering your options for a summer vacation, we thought we’d share some ideas for fantastic 1-week family vacations you can take for $8,000 or less.
Great Vacations under $8K
WALT DISNEY WORLD
BELIEVE IT! While Disney doesn’t have a reputation of being the most affordable vacation, there are a number of great promotions and deals running through the summer which could help you squeeze a whole lot of Disney Magic into an $8,000 budget. If you’re a Disney Visa Card Holder (or willing to open a card) you can even score free Dining plans with your stay. We priced out a Disney Visa Cardholder trip: A 1-week stay at Disney’s Carribean Beach Resort (Beautiful Moderate Resort with Skyliner Access), with Park Hoppers and the Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan will top at at $5,600. That leaves ample room for flights while still leaving money for extra snacks and souvenirs.
2. ALASKAN CRUISE
If you’re anything like us, this trip has been on your bucket list for some time. Well, let this be your excuse to check it off! Through our Dream Vacations™ franchise we researched the cost for 1-week trip through the Glaciers on Princess, Royal Carribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian and Carnival Cruiselines and saw ocean-view staterooms for as low as $550/person! With your food and onboard entertainment already covered, that leaves a lot of room for flights, excursions and even a couple of extra nights in a hotel at the point of Embarkation.
3. DUBLIN, IRELAND
Got the bug to go abroad? Us too (always). We researched a bunch of Europe’s top destinations and found Dublin came in as the clear winner for a week-long trip within $8,000. With our Dream Vacations™ access and rates, we found at least a dozen hotels & vacation-packages we’d love to try ourselves — all of them coming in for $6,000 or under. That leaves lots of room for pints at the pubs and Viator Day Trips to take you to some of Ireland’s highlights outside of the city.
4. TULUM, MEXICO
Mexico is not just for spring break! While there are a number of safe, family-friendly and all inclusive options across Mexico, its Tulum we’re dreaming of. With the gorgeous sand beaches, Mayan Ruins, beautiful boutique resorts and great restaurants, Tulum really has it all. There are a number of great options available for families including BESPOKE — a beautiful, beach-front hotel with great options for family-sized accommodations. At the time of our research, a week vacation at BESPOKE with hotel & flight (from New York) came in at $5,200.
Now we’d love to hear from you! What’s on your vacation bucket list? How much are you budgeting for a family summer vacation? Which of these options would be your pick?
Not yet decided on where to travel this summer? We can help! Reach out to help plan your perfect summer vacation!
Hey there, travel lovers! We're gearing up for an "Adventures by Disney" tour through the stunning Canadian Rockies, sharing everything we learned from the experts on what to pack for a mountain vacation.
From hiking in Banff National Park to exploring charming mountain towns and savoring gourmet meals, our ultimate packing guide covers it all. We've got the top tips and must-have items for a trip that's both exciting and comfortable. Whether it's versatile clothing for varying weather, the best trail runners, or chic outfits for those fancy dinners, we’ve got you covered.
Discover how to keep your packing light yet versatile, ensuring you’re ready for any adventure. Join us as we experience the magic of Disney in the great outdoors, and make your mountain getaway as enchanting and hassle-free as possible. Let’s get packing and create some incredible memories!