Budget family destinations · Multiple countries · What it costs, in plain terms
Five places that look expensive and are not
Ha Long Bay in Vietnam, Bali in Indonesia, Chefchaouen in Morocco, the Cocora Valley in Colombia and Tbilisi in Georgia look like expensive trips but cost far less than Greece, Switzerland or the Maldives once you land. In each, accommodation, food and local transport cost a fraction of European levels. Flights are the main expense, so choose the one closest to home.
Where the money goes
- 1
None of them are expensive
The places that look the most expensive in photos are often cheap on the ground, because what you pay for in Europe is labour, rent and resort fees. In these destinations, rooms, meals and local drivers cost a fraction of what they do in Greece or Switzerland. The catch is flights, which do not shrink, so the trip is best for families who stay a week or more. Compare the cost of getting there against the saving on each night.
- 2
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Ha Long Bay is a bay of limestone islands rising from green water, and families usually see it on a boat cruise. Day trips cost less, overnight cruises give calm mornings, and prices rise with the boat's standard, so read recent reviews rather than picking the cheapest. Many travellers head to Lan Ha Bay, quieter and reached via Cat Ba island. It is about three hours by road from Hanoi, which makes it an easy add-on to a city stay.
- 3
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is the clearest example of the pattern: villas with private pools, daily breakfasts and a driver cost far less than a comparable beach stay in Europe or the Maldives. The money goes further inland, in the Ubud area, and in the quieter east and north than in the busiest beach strips. Hire a driver rather than a scooter for children. The one big cost is the flight, so plan for at least a week to spread it.
- 4
Chefchaouen, Morocco
Chefchaouen is a small mountain town in northern Morocco, known for blue-washed walls in its old medina. Guesthouses, called riads, are inexpensive, meals in small cafes cost little, and the town is best on foot, with no need for a car. It is about three hours by road from Tangier, with buses and shared taxis running there, and farther from Fez. Visit in spring or autumn, since summer is hot and winter nights are cold.
- 5
Cocora Valley, Colombia
The Cocora Valley, near the town of Salento in Colombia's coffee region, is famous for its tall wax palms rising out of green hills. Salento is a cheap base, with small hotels, local food and coffee farms. Jeeps run from the main square to the valley, and a loop walk takes a few hours, with mud in wet weather. Go early, as clouds roll in later in the day. Bring layers and waterproofs for the changeable weather.
- 6
Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, has an old town of wooden balconies and winding streets, sulphur baths, a cable car to the fortress, and a food scene built on khachapuri, a cheese-filled bread, and khinkali, soup dumplings. Eating out, taxis and guesthouses are inexpensive by European standards, and the city is compact enough to walk. Late spring and autumn are the best seasons. Add a day trip to the mountains or the wine region.
Plan it
- Best time
- It depends on the place: Vietnam and Bali in the dry months, Morocco and Georgia in spring and autumn, and Colombia's coffee region from December to March and June to August.
- How long
- Plan a week at minimum for each, since long flights are the main cost. Two weeks lets you pair two places on one trip.
- Getting around
- A driver or guide is cheap and easy in most of these places. Taxis and ride-hailing work in cities, and shared transport links smaller towns.
Good to know
- Compare flight prices first, since they decide whether the trip is cheap.
- Check each country's current entry rules and health advice before booking.
- Travel outside school holidays, when prices and crowds rise even in cheap countries.
Frequently asked
What are the cheapest beautiful places to travel with a family? +
Places such as Bali, Vietnam's Ha Long Bay, Morocco's Chefchaouen, Colombia's coffee region and Georgia's Tbilisi look expensive but cost far less on the ground than Greece, Switzerland or the Maldives.
Is Bali cheaper than Greece? +
On the ground, yes, by a wide margin. Villas, food and drivers cost far less. Flights from North America or Europe are long, so Bali is best for stays of a week or more.
Is Tbilisi good for families? +
Yes. It is compact and walkable, with a cable car, parks, easy food and friendly locals. The old town has steep, uneven streets, so a carrier suits toddlers better than a stroller.
What is the best way to visit Ha Long Bay? +
On a boat cruise from Hanoi, either a day trip or one night on board. Choose a reputable operator with recent reviews, and consider Lan Ha Bay for fewer crowds.