Best Places to Visit in July with Family on a Budget

May 28 , 2024 · 13 min read

When summertime rolls around every year, it can feel like everyone is going on vacation! Whether it’s to a national park nearby or an idyllic beach halfway across the world, everyone deserves to take a break and enjoy summer vacation. But what do you do if you have a whole family and a budget to consider? Don’t worry, you can still make summer travel possible, so you and your family can make those precious memories and enjoy summertime. Start by going over this list of the best places to visit in July! Then, once you’ve decided where you want to go, head over to Trip Support to find the best deals!

Benefits of Family Travel in July

When you’re planning around a busy family, July can be one of the best times to take a vacation. For many, this coincides with summer vacation at schools. Since the kids won’t be in school, you can travel near or far without worrying about setting them behind in school. In fact, summer travel can be an incredibly enriching experience for kids to have in the summer, as well as an important bonding experience for families. Vacation time, away from the hassles of everyday life, gives families the opportunity to build special memories for years to come. It’s a win-win!

Beyond the benefits of the kids being out of school, July is also a great chance to enjoy warm weather in many destinations. Since it is the summer in the Northern Hemisphere, you’ll find wonderful weather for enjoying the outdoors in many locations. Whether that’s swimming at the beach or hiking through the mountains, the summer gives you a perfect opportunity to get outside! Plus, because of the late sunsets, your vacation will feel even longer since you’ll have more hours of daylight to go out and explore. With all of this in mind, there is no better time for a family vacation than July!

Domestic Destinations: Affordable Family-Friendly Destinations in the United States

For families that really want to travel on a budget, one way to save money is to stay closer to home. While it may feel less exciting to vacation within a few hours of home, the United States has loads of wonderful places to explore! In fact, some of the best places to visit in July may be in your backyard. Check out this list to see a few of the wonderful, family-friendly vacation spots in the United States!

San Antonio, Texas:

while some cities in the US can be extreme expensive to visit, San Antonio, Texas gives you all the benefits of traveling to a city without the crazy price tag. In contrast, San Antonio is a historic city with plenty of modern amenities and activities for families. You can explore the Alamo and learn about Texan history or spend the day at SeaWorld or the local zoo. Even going out to eat in San Antonio is cheaper than you’ll find in high-traffic destinations, such as Orlando. It is a great option for families who want a city experience, without the city price tag.

The Smoky Mountains:

for an outdoor adventure on a budget, head to the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and North Carolina! Since the Smoky Mountains take up a good chunk of these two states, there are plenty of small towns you can explore, with more affordable options for accommodations, from camping to cabins and hotels. The area is stunning, with mountain views, wildlife, and activities. The best part? Many activities, such as hiking or visiting the state parks, are completely free. Because the weather in the mountains is cooler, this is one of the best places to visit in July to escape the heat elsewhere!

The Wisconsin Dells :

for those in in the mid-west, the Wisconsin Dells is a great alternative to big, resort towns. It is a classic, family-friendly vacation spot with plenty of theme parks, waterparks, and outdoor activities to enjoy. You can seek a thrill at the theme parks or settle in for a more natural adventure, seeing popular attractions such as the Wisconsin River Dells. There are also lots of affordable places to stay, from camp sites to hotels and resorts.

All-Inclusive Waterparks:

if you’re looking for a shorter, affordable place to go nearby, consider all-inclusive waterparks in your area! Many cities in the United States have lodges with indoor, kid-friendly waterparks included in the ticket price. At these resorts, kids can enjoy the water without a need for close adult supervision, meaning the adults can get a little break too. If you’re interested in a getaway not too far from home that won’t break the bank, check out one of these resorts! A few examples include the Cape Coddler Resort and Spa and the Coco Key Resort and Waterpark.

These destinations bring all the July, family travel fun close to home! As a bonus, keeping your travel closer to home allows you to save on transportation costs and make it easier to get there and back, if you don’t have that much time off from work.

Beach Escapes: Sun, Sand, and Sea Without Breaking the Bank

For many people, a summer vacation means you must go to the beach! With the warm weather, it’s no wonder playing in the surf and sand is at the top of families’ vacation wish lists. However, lots of people believe that to have a good beach experience you must leave the country. This just simply isn’t the case. There are plenty of wonderful beach vacation spots right here in the United States, and they all make our list of the best places to visit in July!

Outer Banks, NC :

this beautiful section of North Carolina’s coast will have you wondering why you ever went abroad to go to the beach. The Outer Banks is collection of barrier islands famous for iconic lighthouses, beautiful beaches, and family-attractions. Kids will love climbing up the lighthouses, visiting the beaches, and tromping through the nature reserves. It has been a notable destination for a long-time, so there are plenty of hotels and vacation rental options to fit the needs of any family.

Myrtle Beach, SC :

for a more classic, beach destination, consider Myrtle Beach, SC! This beach has been a draw for families around the country for decades, with its fun beach boardwalk, putt-putt golfing spots, waterparks, and more! Of course, you can always enjoy the beach, but there are also plenty of other activities to add variety to your visit, including thematic (and delicious) restaurants. Whether you want to rent a house, stay in a resort on the beach, or grab a budget-friendly hotel, you can make Myrtle Beach a great destination, even on limited resources.

Destin, FL:

with jewel-toned waters and white sand baches, you might think you’re in the Caribbean in Destin, FL! This beautiful destination along Florida’s coastline boasts bunches of fun activities, such as fishing, swimming, and snorkeling. If you want a more resort-experience, you can also check out the boardwalk or Big Kahuna’s, a water and adventure park. Attracting many different types of families, Destin has pricing that makes it accessible to everyone, whether you’re staying in a budget-friendly hotel or a resort on the water.

Galveston, TX :

if you’re picturing a beach vacation in Mexico, Galveston can give you a similar feel without breaking the bank! Along the Gulf of Mexico, Galveston has loads of family-friendly beaches, with fun complementary activities like dolphin-spotting excursions and fishing outings. You can get in a rental property, beachside resort, or affordable hotel since there are tons of options. If you get bored of the beach, you can also visit the Schlitterbahn Waterpark or Moody Gardens. There’s so much to do here, you’ll be blown away!

When you’re thinking about a July vacation, chances are your mind goes to a beach vacation somewhere. While lots of beach vacation options are too expense for the average family, there are plenty of places in the United States that provide the same experience for less. There’s no excuse to not take the beach vacation your family has been dreaming of!

Cultural Immersion Opportunities: Experience a Different Culture on Your July Vacation

As we said earlier, summer vacation can be a great opportunity to introduce your kids to other cultures and broaden their minds. If you want to remain budget-friendly, but get your family out into the world a bit more, consider these destinations:

Mexico City, Mexico :

the capital city of Mexico is a super culturally rich destination, full of history, art, and interesting sites. Just outside of the city, you can see the ancient ruins of Teotihuacan and many important artifacts from the site in the city’s anthropology museum. There is also an incredible presence of art, notably the home of Frida Kahlo, and many bustling markets. Plus, since the US dollar tends to have great buying power in Mexico, you may find you can afford to splurge more here than you may in other parts of the world.

Toronto, Canada :

as one of the most multi-cultural cities on the globe, Toronto provides a wonderful opportunity to expose your kids to other cultures and experiences. It is a lively city, with plenty of attractions and cultural sites to keep you busy, such as the Royal Ontario Museum and the Ontario Science Centre. Since the city is so diverse, there are also pockets of Toronto, such as Little Italy, Chinatown, and Greektown, that allow you to (literally) get a taste of several different cultures. It is a great place to visit, since it isn’t too far away or too expensive.

Costa Rica :

For budget-conscious families looking to get further from home, consider Costa Rica! This country has beautiful rainforests and national parks, filled with gorgeous views and rare animals that the kids are sure to enjoy. You can do adventurous activities as a family, such as zip-lining and hiking, all while taking in the extraordinary scenery. It’s also a wonderful opportunity for your kids to be immersed in the Spanish language, if you’re looking for an educational opportunity!

Transportation Tips: Getting Around on Your Vacation

Once you’ve decided where you’re going to go and where you’re going to stay, the next thing you’ll need to figure out is how you’ll get there. Your transportation options will vary depending on your family circumstances, such as how many people you need to transport, how far away you’re going, and more. However, there are some transportation alternatives we can suggest for budget-conscious families. Read through these options and see if they’ll be a fit for your family on vacation!

Rent a Car :

While you may think renting a car is an expensive option, it can be a great way to save money in some cases! If you plan to go from destination to destination or spend a lot of time crisscrossing in a single area, having your own rental car can give you more freedom and flexibility. Without the need to pay for rideshares or put wear and tear on your own car, you can move around more freely. To make this expense even lower, make sure that you check if your insurance policy covers rental cars. If it does, no need to pay an additional insurance fee once you’re there. If you do plan to rent a car, think about where you’re going to park it overnight and account for those (potential) fees in your budgeting.

Take Public Transportation:

if you’re not dealing with lots of little ones, public transportation can be a great way to save money on a family vacation! Depending on where you are vacationing, there may be buses, trains, or subways that can help get your family where you’re going. Using public transportation is a cheap alternative to renting a car, bringing your own car, or constantly paying for ride shares. If you plan to use this option, however, make sure that you’ve done some research on your destination. Oftentimes, in the US especially, public transportation is more limited than you might think. So, evaluate the transportation options against what you want to do and make sure it’s a good fit.

Drive Your Own Car :

Many of the best places to visit in July may be in your backyard! If that’s the case, consider driving your own car if you have one on hand. This can be beneficial, since your family will already be used to the vehicle, and you’ll have great knowledge on what/how much you can pack into it reasonably. Driving your own car saves you on a car rental, if you’re headed somewhere nearby, and gives you a more comfortable experience.

If you do plan to go somewhere far from home, flying can often be the best option to get there. We know that flying can be extremely expensive, especially when you start adding kids to the mix. To get the best deals on flights, leverage Trip Support’s Book Now Pay Later Flights tool to confirm your desired flights and get more flexibility on payment timelines.

Budgeting and Financial Planning: How to Manage the Costs

If you’re trying to plan a family vacation on a budget, it can be challenging! Costs can seem to pop out of nowhere, and you want to be able to say yes to everything (you’re on vacation, after all). When you’re planning your vacation, stick to these tips to help manage the expenses!

Start Saving in Advance :

Family vacations can be expensive, so stretching the costs out over time can make the financial blow less painful when it comes time to pay. If you have a vacation on the horizon, guess at how much money you’ll need to pay for it and start saving up every month, leading up to your trip.

Minimize Eating Out & Snacks :

just like at home, the cost of eating out every day can pile up on vacation. If you want to cut down on food costs, consider staying at a rental where you can cook some nights. While you’re out and about, bring your own snacks and drinks to avoid paying high prices for convenience!

Get the Best Deals & Discounts :

it’s no surprise, but the best way to get more out of your vacation is to spend less and get more. If you’re looking for great deals on hotels, all-inclusive packages, and flights, check out Trip Support for the latest offerings!

These are just a few tips to help as you plan for your family vacation! Remember, that creating a budget can feel limiting, but really it will help you feel freer on your vacation. If you’ve already budgeted that money and set it aside, you won’t feel guilty when you spend it!

Planning and Booking Strategies: Finding the Best Deals on Family Travel for July

After looking over all the best places to visit in July, we hope you’ve landed on your perfect July vacation location! Now that you know where you want to explore, you’ll want to find the best deals possible. To do that, you should head over to Trip Support to get the best deals on flights and all-inclusive travel packages. If you need to cut down on the hassle of planning, all-inclusive vacation options can be a great deal, since the food, activities, and accommodations are all wrapped into one! Trip Support is also an amazing resource if your destination requires you get further from home. With their excellent Book Now Pay Later Flights tool, you can find the best deals of air travel and lock in your travel itinerary without having to pay anything up front. So, go ahead and get planning! You won’t regret it!