Top 10 Budget Travel Destinations for Families with Babies and Toddlers

Traveling with babies and toddlers can be an incredible adventure, and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Whether you’re dreaming of a relaxing beach vacation or an exciting city escape, there are plenty of budget travel destinations for families that offer both affordability and fun.

Here are our top 10 picks for budget travel with little ones, equipped with travel tips and things to do in each destination.

1. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is a captivating city that beautifully blends history, culture, and affordability. With its mild climate and family-friendly attractions, it’s one of the top 10 budget travel destinations for families with babies and toddlers.

Travel Tips for Lisbon, Portugal:

• Accommodation: Look for family-friendly apartments or guesthouses in neighborhoods like Alfama or Baixa.
• Transportation: Lisbon’s trams and buses are cheap travel options that make it easy to explore the city.

Things to Do in Lisbon, Portugal:

• Explore Alfama: Wander through the colorful, narrow streets of this historic district.
• Oceanário de Lisboa: Visit one of the largest aquariums in Europe, perfect for little ones.
• Parque Eduardo VII: Enjoy a picnic or a stroll in this beautiful park.

2. Krakow, Poland

Krakow is a hidden gem for budget travel with families. This historic city offers a wealth of cultural experiences at a fraction of the cost of other European destinations.

Travel Tips for Krakow, Poland:

• Accommodation: Opt for budget-friendly apartments or hostels in the Old Town.
• Food: Try local Polish dishes like pierogi and bigos at affordable prices.

Things to Do in Krakow, Poland:

• Wawel Castle: Explore this enchanting castle and its beautiful gardens.
• Main Market Square: Enjoy street performances and local markets.
• Wieliczka Salt Mine: Take a day trip to this UNESCO World Heritage site.

3. Bali, Indonesia

Bali is a tropical paradise that’s perfect for budget travel with families. With its beautiful beaches, lush rice terraces, and vibrant culture, there’s something for everyone.

Travel Tips for Bali, Indonesia:

• Accommodation: Stay in cheap family-friendly villas and guesthouses in Bali.
• Transportation: Rent a scooter or use local buses for cheap travel.

Things to Do in Bali, Indonesia:

• Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: Visit this lush forest filled with playful monkeys.
• Tanah Lot Temple: Marvel at this stunning temple perched on a rocky outcrop.
• Beach Days: Relax on the beautiful beaches of Kuta or Seminyak.

4. Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is a budget travel destination for families that offers a rich history and stunning architecture. Explore the historic Buda Castle, relax in the thermal baths, or take a stroll along the Danube River.

Travel Tips for Budapest, Hungary:

• Accommodation: Look for affordable apartments in Budapest or hostels in the city center.
• Food: Enjoy hearty Hungarian dishes like goulash and langos.

Things to Do in Budapest, Hungary:

• Buda Castle: Explore this historic castle and its beautiful views.
• Thermal Baths: Relax in the famous Széchenyi or Gellért baths.
• Danube River Cruise: Take a scenic boat ride along the river.

5. Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech is a vibrant and exotic budget travel destination for families. With its bustling souks, beautiful gardens, and rich cultural heritage, it’s a fantastic place to explore with little ones.

Travel Tips for Marrakech, Morocco:

• Accommodation: Stay in a budget-friendly accommodation riad in the Medina.
• Transportation: Use horse-drawn carriages or local buses for cheap travel.

Things to Do in Marrakech, Morocco:

• Jemaa el-Fnaa: Visit this lively square filled with street performers and food stalls.
• Majorelle Garden: Explore this beautiful garden designed by Yves Saint Laurent.
• Souk Shopping: Wander through the bustling markets and pick up local souvenirs.

6. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik is a stunning coastal city that’s perfect for budget travel with families. With its medieval walls, beautiful beaches, and crystal-clear waters, it’s a fantastic and affordable destination for families traveling with babies and toddlers.

Travel Tips for Dubrovnik, Croatia:

• Accommodation: Look for affordable apartments or guesthouses in the Old Town.
• Food: Enjoy fresh seafood and local Croatian dishes.

Things to Do in Dubrovnik, Croatia:

• Old Town: Explore the historic streets and alleys.
• Cable Car Ride: Take a cable car for breathtaking views of the city.
• Beach Days: Relax on the beautiful beaches of Banje or Lapad.

7. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai is a budget travel destination for families that offers a mix of culture, adventure, and relaxation. With its ancient temples, bustling markets, and lush countryside, there’s plenty to explore.

Travel Tips for Chiang Mai, Thailand:

• Accommodation: Stay in family-friendly guesthouses or apartments in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
• Transportation: Use tuk-tuks or songtaews for cheap travel.

Things to Do in Chiang Mai, Thailand:

• Elephant Sanctuary: Visit a sanctuary to interact with these gentle giants.
• Cooking Class: Learn to cook traditional Thai dishes.
• Temple Hopping: Explore ancient temples like Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.

8. Valencia, Spain

Valencia is a vibrant city that’s perfect for budget travel with families. With its beautiful beaches, stunning architecture, and delicious food, it’s an ideal destination for cheap travel with babies and toddlers.

Travel Tips for Valencia, Spain:

• Accommodation: Look for affordable apartments in Valencia or hostels in the city center.
• Food: Enjoy paella and other local Spanish dishes.

Things to Do in Valencia, Spain:

• City of Arts and Sciences: Explore this futuristic complex with museums and aquariums.
• Bioparc Valencia: Visit this innovative zoo designed for animal welfare.
• Beach Days: Relax on the beautiful beaches of Malvarrosa or Patacona.

9. Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi is a bustling and vibrant budget travel destination for families. With its rich history, delicious street food, and affordable accommodations, it’s a fantastic place to explore with little ones.

Travel Tips for Hanoi, Vietnam:

• Accommodation: Stay in budget-friendly apartments or guesthouses in the Old Quarter.
• Transportation: Use cyclos or motorbike taxis for cheap travel.

Things to Do in Hanoi, Vietnam:

• Temple of Literature: Visit this historic temple dedicated to Confucius.
• Old Quarter: Explore the bustling streets and markets.
• Hoan Kiem Lake: Take a stroll around this beautiful lake.

10. Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana is a charming and picturesque budget travel destination for families. With its beautiful riverside setting, historic castle, and family-friendly attractions, it’s an ideal destination for cheap travel with babies and toddlers.

Travel Tips for Ljubljana, Slovenia:

• Accommodation: Look for affordable apartments in Ljubljana or villas in the city center.
• Food: Enjoy hearty Slovenian dishes like žganci and štruklji.

Things to Do in Ljubljana, Slovenia:

• Ljubljana Castle: Explore this historic castle and its beautiful views.
• Ljubljana Zoo: Visit this family-friendly zoo with a variety of animals.
• Lake Bled: Take a day trip to this stunning lake with a fairytale castle.

Share Your Budget Travel Experiences

Here we come to the end of our Top 10 Budget Travel Destinations for Families with Babies and Toddlers.

We’d love to hear about your budget travel experiences with babies and toddlers! Share your favorite destinations, tips, and stories in the comments below. Happy travels!