2025, The Year to Save Money on Travel!

It’s 2025 and travelers have a lot of travel options on their travel menu including transportation, hotels, itineraries and tours to choose from. It’s time to find the perfect travel experience for your family or group.

With the rise in the US dollar and the political strife in the USA, global travelers and US travelers are seeking other vacation destinations — place they wouldn’t otherwise go. And it’s one of those unique periods where American travelers can enjoy a much richer vacation abroad. Of course, selecting a family-safe destination is part of the travel package shopping planning phase too. Your travel agent is a great resource in finding the best for your family or group of friends.

And while keeping costs down, travelers are opening up to many new travel experiences including local cultures, food and activities.  They’ll be going outside their comfort zone, and getting more for their money.

Dream of a unique adventure for your family or group to exotic locales such as Montenegro, Peru or the Philippines and book something new and authentic. Certainly Canada ranks as the most accessible and comfortable destinations, and is among the top travel destinations in the world.

30 Most Affordable Vacation Destinations

Let’s look at this selection of 30 budget-friendly countries, along with estimated costs for accommodations, flights, food, and the overall vacation for a family of four. These estimates are approximate and can vary of course, based on factors such as travel dates, accommodation choices, and personal spending habits.

And of course, travel agencies may have special, economic trip packages with airfare and hotel to help you save even more.

These totals should be seen as the bare minimum spend for a vacation. Contingencies might run an extra $2000 for rental cars, fuel and attraction tickets and park fees.

1. Mexico

• Accommodations: Mid-range hotels average around $70 per night.
• Flights: Round-trip flights from the U.S. average approximately $400 per person.
• Food: Daily food expenses are about $25 per person.
• Total Estimated Cost: Approximately $4,000 for a one-week vacation.

2. Thailand

• Accommodations: Mid-range hotels average around $50 per night.
• Flights: Round-trip flights from the U.S. average approximately $800 per person.
• Food: Daily food expenses are about $20 per person.
• Total Estimated Cost: Approximately $5,200 for a one-week vacation.

3. Vietnam

• Accommodations: Mid-range hotels average around $40 per night.
• Flights: Round-trip flights from the U.S. average approximately $900 per person.
• Food: Daily food expenses are about $15 per person.
• Total Estimated Cost: Approximately $5,000 for a one-week vacation.

4. Indonesia

• Accommodations: Mid-range hotels average around $60 per night.
• Flights: Round-trip flights from the U.S. average approximately $850 per person.
• Food: Daily food expenses are about $20 per person.
• Total Estimated Cost: Approximately $5,400 for a one-week vacation.

5. Cambodia

• Accommodations: Mid-range hotels average around $45 per night.
• Flights: Round-trip flights from the U.S. average approximately $900 per person.
• Food: Daily food expenses are about $15 per person.
• Total Estimated Cost: Approximately $5,100 for a one-week vacation.

6. India

• Accommodations: Mid-range hotels average around $50 per night.
• Flights: Round-trip flights from the U.S. average approximately $700 per person.
• Food: Daily food expenses are about $15 per person.
• Total Estimated Cost: Approximately $4,800 for a one-week vacation.

7. Nepal

• Accommodations: Mid-range hotels average around $40 per night.
• Flights: Round-trip flights from the U.S. average approximately $1,000 per person.
• Food: Daily food expenses are about $15 per person.
• Total Estimated Cost: Approximately $5,300 for a one-week vacation.

8. Sri Lanka

• Accommodations: Mid-range hotels average around $50 per night.
• Flights: Round-trip flights from the U.S. average approximately $900 per person.
• Food: Daily food expenses are about $20 per person.
• Total Estimated Cost: Approximately $5,400 for a one-week vacation.

9. Malaysia

• Accommodations: Mid-range hotels average around $60 per night.
• Flights: Round-trip flights from the U.S. average approximately $850 per person.
• Food: Daily food expenses are about $20 per person.
• Total Estimated Cost: Approximately $5,500 for a one-week vacation.

10. Philippines

• Accommodations: Mid-range hotels average around $55 per night.
• Flights: Round-trip flights from the U.S. average approximately $900 per person.
• Food: Daily food expenses are about $20 per person.
• Total Estimated Cost: Approximately $5,500 for a one-week vacation.

11. Egypt

• Accommodations: Mid-range hotels average around $60 per night.
• Flights: Round-trip flights from the U.S. average approximately $800 per person.
• Food: Daily food expenses are about $25 per person.
• Total Estimated Cost: Approximately $5,200 for a one-week vacation.

12. Morocco

• Accommodations: Mid-range hotels average around $60 per night.
• Flights: Round-trip flights from the U.S. average approximately $750 per person.
• Food: Daily food expenses are about $20 per person.
• Total Estimated Cost: Approximately $4,800 for a one-week vacation.

13. Turkey

• Accommodations: Mid-range hotels average around $70 per night.
• Flights: Round-trip flights from the U.S. average approximately $800 per person.
• Food: Daily food expenses are about $25 per person.
• Total Estimated Cost: Approximately $5,300 for a one-week vacation.

14. Greece

• Accommodations: Mid-range hotels average around $80 per night.
• Flights: Round-trip flights from the U.S. average $700 per person.
• Food: Daily food expenses are about $30 per person.
• Total Estimated Cost: $5,800 for a one-week vacation for a family of 4.

15. Albania

• Accommodations: Mid-range hotels average around $50 per night.
• Flights: Round-trip flights from the U.S. average $700 per person.
• Food: Daily food expenses are about $20 per person.
• Total Estimated Cost: $4,600 for a one-week vacation.

16. Georgia (Tbilisi, Batumi)

• Accommodations: Mid-range hotels average around $45 per night.
• Flights: Round-trip flights from the U.S. average $750 per person.
• Food: Daily food expenses are about $15 per person.
• Total Estimated Cost: $4,500 for a one-week vacation.

17. Serbia

• Accommodations: Mid-range hotels average around $55 per night.
• Flights: Round-trip flights from the U.S. average $800 per person.
• Food: Daily food expenses are about $20 per person.
• Total Estimated Cost: $4,900 for a one-week vacation.

18. Montenegro

• Accommodations: Mid-range hotels average around $60 per night.
• Flights: Round-trip flights from the U.S. average $750 per person.
• Food: Daily food expenses are about $20 per person.
• Total Estimated Cost: $5,000 for a one-week vacation.

19. Portugal

• Accommodations: Mid-range hotels average around $90 per night.
• Flights: Round-trip flights from the U.S. average $700 per person.
• Food: Daily food expenses are about $35 per person.
• Total Estimated Cost: $6,200 for a one-week vacation.

20. Colombia

• Accommodations: Mid-range hotels average around $45 per night.
• Flights: Round-trip flights from the U.S. average $400 per person.
• Food: Daily food expenses are about $15 per person.
• Total Estimated Cost: $3,900 for a one-week vacation.

21. Ecuador

• Accommodations: Mid-range hotels average around $50 per night.
• Flights: Round-trip flights from the U.S. average $500 per person.
• Food: Daily food expenses are about $15 per person.
• Total Estimated Cost: $4,300 for a one-week vacation.

22. Peru

• Accommodations: Mid-range hotels average around $55 per night.
• Flights: Round-trip flights from the U.S. average $600 per person.
• Food: Daily food expenses are about $20 per person.
• Total Estimated Cost: $4,700 for a one-week vacation.

23. Bolivia

• Accommodations: Mid-range hotels average around $40 per night.
• Flights: Round-trip flights from the U.S. average $700 per person.
• Food: Daily food expenses are about $15 per person.
• Total Estimated Cost: $4,600 for a one-week vacation.

24. Argentina

• Accommodations: Mid-range hotels average around $50 per night.
• Flights: Round-trip flights from the U.S. average $800 per person.
• Food: Daily food expenses are about $20 per person.
• Total Estimated Cost: $5,000 for a one-week vacation.

25. Paraguay

• Accommodations: Mid-range hotels average around $40 per night.
• Flights: Round-trip flights from the U.S. average $750 per person.
• Food: Daily food expenses are about $15 per person.
• Total Estimated Cost: $4,500 for a one-week vacation.

26. Guatemala

• Accommodations: Mid-range hotels average around $45 per night.
• Flights: Round-trip flights from the U.S. average $500 per person.
• Food: Daily food expenses are about $15 per person.
• Total Estimated Cost: $4,200 for a one-week vacation.

27. Nicaragua

• Accommodations: Mid-range hotels average around $50 per night.
• Flights: Round-trip flights from the U.S. average $600 per person.
• Food: Daily food expenses are about $15 per person.
• Total Estimated Cost: $4,500 for a one-week vacation.

28. Dominican Republic

• Accommodations: Mid-range hotels average around $70 per night.
• Flights: Round-trip flights from the U.S. average $500 per person.
• Food: Daily food expenses are about $25 per person.
• Total Estimated Cost: $4,800 for a one-week vacation.

29. Honduras

• Accommodations: Mid-range hotels average around $50 per night.
• Flights: Round-trip flights from the U.S. average $550 per person.
• Food: Daily food expenses are about $15 per person.
• Total Estimated Cost: $4,400 for a one-week vacation.

30. Canada

Accommodations:

• Average Cost: Mid-range hotels in Canada typically cost around $176 (CA$256) per night.
• Total for 7 Nights: Approximately $1,232.

Flights:

• Average Cost: Round-trip flights from the U.S. to Canada average between $250 and $500 per person.
• Total for 4 People: Approximately $1,000 to $2,000.

Food:

• Average Cost: Daily food expenses are about $60 (CA$87) per person.
• Total for 4 People Over 7 Days: Approximately $1,680.

Transportation:

• Average Cost: Local transportation costs around $21 (CA$30) per day.
• Total for 7 Days: Approximately $147.

Activities and Entertainment:

• Average Cost: While this can vary, budgeting an additional $50 to $100 per day for activities and entertainment is advisable.
• Total for 7 Days: Approximately $350 to $700.

Total Estimated Cost for a Canadian Vacation for a Family of 4:

• Lower Range: Approximately $4,409.
• Upper Range: Approximately $5,759.

Exchange Rate Consideration: As of February 4, 2025, the exchange rate is approximately 1 USD = 1.442 CAD.

Comparison to a U.S. Vacation: According to our stats above, a one-week vacation in the U.S. for a family of four typically costs between $6,500 and $10,000+, depending on the destination and activities for a savings of $2,000 to $4000 per trip.

Of course, Canada is the most comfortable, safe and diverse country American families can visit. From the beauty of Vancouver Island, to the exciting City of Vancouver, to the Rocky Mountains and Banff National Park to the excitement and entertainment options of Toronto, to a French culture experience in Montreal or Quebec City, there’s an experience for every kind of family or group.

Tips to Maximize Savings:

• Use an Experienced Travel Agent:  They’ll help you plan a great trip that meets all your requirements from tourist spots to outdoors adventures to movie theaters and wildlife viewing.
• Explore Package Deals: Look for travel packages that bundle flights, accommodations, and activities for additional savings.
• Utilize Public Transportation: Opting for public transit can reduce transportation costs.
• Plan Activities in Advance: Booking activities ahead of time and buy CityPasses to save on attractions.

A family vacation to Canada can be both memorable and budget-friendly. Don’t worry about the political situation with the US. Canadians are pretty mild about politics and would prefer to see more American tourists. Help Canada build its tourism industry to pave the way for even better trips next time you and your kids visit.

With the USD/CAD exchange rate so favorable, Canada will be high on US and global traveling family’s list of great vacation choices.

Each country has its own compelling attractions and older kids and teens might enjoy it considerably.  A trip to Greece or Costa Rica ranks as special too and is fairly kid friendly.   Enjoy your travels and make 2025 a special year!

See more on visiting Banff National Park and Lake Louise Alberta and romantic vacations there.