With most of the world suffering through a recent recession, many families are looking to take affordable vacations where they can spend some quality time together. These are some of the best choices in North America.
1. Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA
The beautiful Cape Cod area is home to over 100 beaches and is easy to access just about every major city in the north-eastern regions of Canada and America. There are plenty of places to stay as the region has about 20,000 guest rooms available for all types of travel budgets. You’ll find everything from camp grounds to four-star hotels.
There are numerous sites to visit with many of them being free or charging a minimal entrance fee. These include the Sandwich Fish Hatchery, Cape Cod Potato ChipCompany, and the Shining Sea Bike Path. Of course, the area offers plenty of natural beauty and landscapes to enjoy as well.
2. Washington, D.C., USA
Washington is an ideal location for people of all ages and interests due to the number of historical and government sites here. You’ll be able to visit the Smithsonian museums at no charge as well as the National Zoo. There are many other attractions and outdoor sites to visit and the city has some fine dining establishments to choose from.
3. Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
This natural wonder is one of the most affordable sites in Canada, especially between October and early May. There are thousands of hotel rooms here that are on sale during this period. There are many attractions in Niagara including the Maid of the Mist boat ride, a cable car ride over the gorge, several museums, a casino, hundreds of fine restaurants, and the Falls themselves just to mention a few. Two and three-night hotel packages are very popular here.
4. Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
This is one of the most adventurous spots in Canada for outdoors enthusiasts. The wilderness and scenery is spectacular and four-day family vacation packages are available which include hikes,white water rafting, a steak fry, and horseback riding. You’ll also be able to enjoy mountain biking and the park’s natural hot springs.
5. Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, USA
This fantastic park is a wonderful vacation area for families who love camping. There are several campgrounds in the park as well as numerous children’s programs, such as the Volcano Club and the Junior Ranger Program. These are ideal ways to learn about the history of the region as well as enjoy the marvellous scenery and activities on offer.
6. Walt Disney World, Florida, USA
Many people feel the Walt Disney World Resort can be pretty expensive, and it can be if you want it to be. However, there are plenty of options here when it comes to accommodations as there are about two dozen separate resorts to stay in. These vary in pricing and amenities and you’ll find there’s something available in all price ranges. Some packages offer a free dining plan. There are many activities to entertain people of all ages here and you may find it’s not as expensive as you thought.
7. Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
Whistler is a superb place to visit at any time of the year. It’s well known for its excellent skiing in the winter, but you’ll be able to enjoy golf, mountain biking, and white water rafting during the summer. Many of the hotels and chalets are on sale in the warmer months when the crowds are smaller. You’ll also be able to tour some of the venues that were used in the 2010 Winter Olympics.
8. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA
Myrtle Beach and the surrounding area has long been a favourite destination for North American families. Hotels and packages are often on sale and you’ll be able to enjoy free fireworks displays and concerts. Other activities such as bowling and miniature golf can be enjoyed for less than a dollar at some venues. And of course, the beautiful oceanfront is always free.
