I’m a Travel Agent: 4 Cheap Vacations That Feel Expensive for Middle-Class Families
If you’re a middle-class family, luxury travel was probably never an option, but with the price of airfare alone up by 25% — the biggest year-over-year increase on record — taking even an economy-class vacation probably feels harder now than ever before.
The good news is that with a little planning, inexpensive getaways don’t have to feel cheap.
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GOBankingRates spoke with Rob Burley, a travel tour operator with a niche specialty that makes him an expert in sniffing out low-cost, high-class destinations wherever they might be hiding. His tour company, GP Travel, focuses on the global Formula One (F1) circuit. His customers want to spend every possible dollar on their passion for the world’s highest level of open-wheel, single-seat racing, so it’s Burley’s job to find them cheap accommodations that feel expensive, from Abu Dhabi to Austin, Texas.
He outlined four vacations that are within reach of the typical middle-class family but will make you come home feeling like you just returned from a getaway worthy of an Instagram influencer.
Out West: Yosemite National Park
The National Park system safeguards the most majestic and ecologically significant natural landscapes in the country. They exist in every corner of America, and, when done right, all of them can provide a luxury experience on a budget — but one in California stands out above all the rest.
“Yosemite National Park is breathtakingly beautiful,” said Burley. “While not inexpensive, camping or rustic cabins keep costs down, so you can fully appreciate the natural beauty.”
Budget Your Trip says the park’s 1,200 square miles of waterfalls, glaciers, forests, unique geological features and High Sierra landscape usually cost about $900 per person for a whole week. For shorter trips, Yosemite.com offers three-day packages for $300 to $400.
“Staying just one night at The Majestic lets you soak in the luxury and history of the location,” Burley said of the famous four-star Ahwahnee hotel. “I also recommend private tours for a more intimate exploration of the stunning landscapes compared to large groups.”
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The Southeast: St. Petersburg, Florida
Florida is America’s premier vacation destination, and when you think of soaking in the sun and taking in the sights there, cities like Boca Raton, Palm Beach and, of course, Miami, probably come to mind — but who can afford to bring their family to those expensive cities?
The better question is: When you have all the same amenities on the inexpensive central Gulf Coast, who needs to?
“St. Petersburg, Florida offers lovely beaches and arts alongside less busy areas of the state,” said Burley. “Renting places near the beach provides nice amenities for less than hotels.”
Expedia lists St. Pete vacation packages starting at $356, which leaves a little left over to enjoy the city’s finer things.
“Treat yourself one night to the rooftop views and atmosphere at The Birchwood,” said Burley. “The Dalí Museum is a unique cultural outing in a gorgeous building.”
The Southwest: San Antonio
If you’re more into rich cultural and historical heritage than surf, sun and sand, consider a vacation just south of the expensive destination city of Austin.
“San Antonio captivates with its history and charm,” said Burley. “Hotels on the Riverwalk have reasonable rates where you can feel pampered.”
A Florida tourism agency recently named San Antonio as one of the seven least expensive vacation destinations in America. The average price of a seven-day vacation for a family of four is $3,594 — flights included.
“Budget allowing, a spa day at Mokara relaxes without high the prices found elsewhere,” said Burley. “Biga on the Banks also provides an elegant dining ambiance for reasonable costs.”
Up North: Visit Europe Just Across the New York Border
A trip to Europe will not be in the cards for many middle-class families in 2024, but a little slice of Old World history and mystique is within driving distance of much of the Northeast, New England and the Upper Midwest.
“Montreal’s Old City captures you with architectural beauty,” said Burley.
The city was founded in the mid-1600s, and many of its oldest buildings and features remain. That, along with Montreal’s French colonial history, gives the largest city in Quebec an Old Europe feel that’s virtually unrivaled in North America — outside of maybe the 1500s-era Spanish fort city of St. Augustine, Florida — and none of it has to break your budget.
“Boutique hotels there seduce you with character and charm for sensible prices, while lunch specials allow indulging [in] the gourmet scene without going over budget,” said Burley.
If it’s too far to drive, Kayak offers four-day, three-night packages for less than $400, including flights.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I’m a Travel Agent: 4 Cheap Vacations That Feel Expensive for Middle-Class Families