If you’re dreaming of a family getaway in 2026 but your budget is doing the “absolutely not” dance, good news: there are still plenty of bargains out there. The trick is picking the right destinations and traveling a bit smarter.

Here are some of the best bang-for-your-buck options for family vacations in 2026, and how to keep costs down once you’re there.

Orlando, Florida is still the unofficial capital of family vacations thanks to Disney, Universal, and LEGOLAND. But 2026 doesn’t have to mean $10,000 theme park trips. Visit during shoulder seasons (late January, early May, September) and stay at off-site hotels or vacation rentals instead of on-property resorts. Orlando also has tons of free or low-cost extras (hotel pools, splash pads, and nearby springs so you’re not paying for park tickets every single day).

San Diego, California is another great value if you want beaches, zoos, and kid-friendly museums all in one place. Skip oceanfront hotels and look for lodging a short drive away; you’ll usually get better amenities for less.

National parks are still one of the best bargains in travel, especially for families who love being outside more than standing in lines. Yellowstone and Grand Teton offer geysers, wildlife, and incredible hikes for the price of a park pass and a cabin or campsite. Book lodging early and consider staying in gateway towns just outside the parks to save even more.

If you’d rather stay closer to home, look for state parks within driving distance; many have cabins, lakes, and ranger programs that feel like “camp plus” without the airfare.

If you’re up for international travel, 2026’s best bargains may be outside the typical Caribbean loop. Northern Albania, parts of the Philippines, and Sri Lanka are all flagged as particularly cheap destinations in 2026, with low day-to-day costs for food and lodging once you arrive. These obviously work best for families with older kids who can handle longer flights and a bit more adventure.

Want something simpler? Look for all-inclusive packages in Mexico or the Caribbean through major travel sites; traveling in late April/early May or late August/September can dramatically cut prices compared to peak school-break dates.

Hawaii can even be surprisingly doable for West Coast families, especially to islands like Kauai, thanks to more direct flights and growing competition that helps keep airfares in check.

One of the easiest ways to hunt down a bargain is to bundle flights and hotels. Sites like Expedia and Travelocity often advertise savings of up to around 20%–22% when you book your lodging and airfare together, especially for family packages. Airlines and carriers like JetBlue also offer family-focused vacation bundles that include flights, hotels, and sometimes transfers or resort credits, with special budget sections just for families.

No matter where you go in 2026, a few guidelines will help keep your trip in “bargain” territory:

You don’t have to skip the family vacation this year; you just have to get a little more strategic. With off-season timing, smart destination choices, and a willingness to bundle, 2026 can still be the year of big memories on a smaller budget.

Hey, don’t forget to check out all my resources! Thanks for reading, I’ll talk to you next week!

-Catie