6 Affordable Summer Vacations Perfect for Middle Class Families

With summer less than a month away and school nearly out for the season, middle-class families across the U.S. are starting to prepare for their summer vacations.

While many people have already finalized their travel plans, others are still looking for last-minute deals to places both abroad and internationally.

If you have some discretionary funds but aren’t necessarily looking to spend a ton of cash on your next vacation, here are some options to consider.

• Average daily price: $142
• Average weekly price: $1,993

If you’ve never been to Wisconsin Dells, you could be missing out on an affordable summer vacation destination your family will enjoy.

“Wisconsin Dells is one of those hidden gems that’s the perfect summer destination for the whole family,” said David Ciccarelli, the founder of Lake, an online vacation rental platform.

“Growing up, it was also the first ‘friend trip’ that my parents let my brother and I each bring a best friend.”

As for what to do, Ciccarelli said, “Water parks galore! There must be a dozen water parks, both indoor and outdoor.

“The major hotels, which are resorts in themselves, all have indoor waterparks, and not just a single slide. I’m talking Olympic size pools, epic wave pools, lazy rivers — the works!”

If you’re trying to keep costs low, you can stay at a local campground. Depending on where you live, you can save money on flights by making a road trip out of it.

• Average daily price: $118
• Average weekly price: $1,656

Costa Rica is also fairly economical for those who live in North America, and summer is the prime time to go.

“Summer is their ‘green season,’ which brings afternoon rain, but the mornings are sunny, the landscape is lush and sea turtles nest on the beaches,” explained Tracy Thomas, a travel trendsetter and the president of T. Thomas Group.

“Prices are typically a bit lower and if you’re into birding, wildlife, adventure and/or sustainable tourism, you’ll be especially thrilled with a trip that combines the jungle and the beach.”

• Average daily price: $261 (for organized tour packages)

South America, and specifically Colombia, comes highly recommended by Maya Kapoor-Miller, a travel manager at Dreamport.

She added, “Surrounded by the Caribbean and Pacific coastlines in the north and west, and the Amazon rainforest in the south, it contains some of South America’s most picture-perfect views and breathtaking adventures.”

There’s so much to do in Colombia, much of which is free or low-cost. You can explore Playa Guachalito, visit Caño Cristales, check out the Amazon rainforest, go kayaking and so much more.

“A budget hotel in Colombia goes for around $16 per night, while during the high season, most places start from $35,” said Kapoor-Miller.

“For an entire home or apartment, prices average close to $65 per night. A nice meal at a local restaurant costs around $5.”

• Average daily price: $218
• Average weekly price: $3,050

Denver can be expensive, but it’s still possible to take your family there and keep to a budget.

“Red Rocks Amphitheatre is free if you’re visiting to hike, bike or tour the venue,” advised travel expert and Seven Corners Travel Insurance content marketing strategist, Becky Hart.

“Concerts are incredible, thanks to the natural acoustics, so if you have the funds and there’s a good show on the schedule, you won’t regret splurging on tickets.”

If your family is into art, history, natural sciences, aquariums and the like, there are also plenty of affordable museums and similar attractions to check out. Plus, the public transit system is budget-friendly.

• Average daily price: $93
• Average weekly price: $1,303

“Hungary’s capital city is a no-brainer for frugal travelers,” said Oliver Winter, the CEO of a&o Hostels.

As Winter went on to explain, “Visitors can walk around the city to their hearts’ desire, taking in the picturesque and unique architecture.

“Additionally, many of Budapest’s top attractions are free to visit! Sites like Fisherman’s Bastion, Castle Hill and the Széchenyi Chain Bridge are all free of charge to visitors.”

• Average daily price: $132
• Average weekly price: $1,847

You might not immediately think of Ohio when planning your summer vacation, but if you want to go somewhere with your family and don’t want to stretch your finances too thin, Cleveland is worth checking out.

“Because it’s not typically top of mind when people are deciding where to go on vacation, Cleveland can be quite easy on your wallet,” said Hart. “There’s also lots to do, no matter where your interests lie.”

Cleveland boasts plenty of art and nature. This includes the Cuyahoga Valley National Park where you can go hiking for free. It also includes the Cleveland Cultural Gardens and the Cleveland Museum of Art — both of which are also free.