Spring Break Ideas for Families on a Budget

When you start talking about budget and travel, things can seem a little dicey. Well, unless someone finds that 100 percent free vacation. If that's the case, let me know because I want in!

Whether you're looking to travel domestically or internationally, these destinations make sticking to your budget easy, while still allowing you to have all the fun you're looking for. The plane ticket may cause a little bit of sticker shock-especially for a family of four-but I recommend researching airfare savings tips or use CheapTickets Vacation Value Finder, who's actually running specials for late Spring Break bookers throughout the month of March.

Everyone should visit our nation's capital at least once in their life. And what better time to take kids than during Spring Break? Their brains are (hopefully) still in learning mode and they can experience much of our nation's history through tours and eye-opening museums.

To keep this cheap, consider staying outside of the city and use D.C.'s metro system to get to the popular tourist spots. To make it even more memorable, look into traveling to the city by train. Yes, it may add to your overall time spent traveling, but oftentimes the tickets are cheaper than what airfare will cost you.

Located just minutes north of Charleston over the iconic Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, Mount Pleasant is the perfect low-country escape. With kayaking on Shem Creek, local seafood, historic sites and close proximity to the Isle of Palms and Folly Beach, Mount Pleasant is loaded with activities without the cost that Charleston can sometimes incur.

Want to give your kids a new cultural experience without breaking the bank? Thailand is the ideal destination. Although flights can add up quickly, you'll find you can get a lot of bang for your buck once you finally arrive. You can even use your spring break to give back to the planet and take care of elephants at an animal sanctuary here.

Funky and eclectic are some of the best words to describe Austin, Texas. With a flair for fun and delicious foodie scene, this is a great option for families still trying to decide on where to visit. From outdoor adventures to museums and the Presidential Library, Austin keeps your little one's mind sharp while on vacation. If you decide this is the perfect vacation for your family, don't forget to 'Keep Austin Weird.'

Loaded with historic buildings and sites, Philadelphia may just inspire your family this Spring Break. Make sure you carve out some time to visit Reading Terminal, a wonderful food market, or indulge in a Philly sandwich from one of the renowned cheesesteak counters.

Looking for a jaunt across the pond? Porto, Portugal is an under-the-radar destination for those who want to travel to Europe-meaning daily expenses will be much less than if you went to, let's say, London or Paris. With so much to do, it's easy to fill an entire week exploring the area. Or, if you're looking for more, it's the perfect starting point for your Eurotrip 2019.

Daytona Beach is rebounding into the Florida spotlight. This fun-in-the-sun beach destination never really went away, but in recent years, it's been overshadowed by other Florida cities. Spend your days soaking up the sun on the beach-where you can drive your car on the sand, walk along the boardwalk, play golf and more on your Spring Break getaway.

Atlanta probably isn't the first place that comes to mind when you think week-long getaway. Although there are tons of activities in and around the city that can occupy your time, this may be a better place for a short getaway. Maybe even a stopping point on your way to Florida or an extended weekend for those who can't take a full week off from work?

Want to give your family a trip they'll remember for the rest of their lives without breaking the bank? The north African country of Morocco is teeming with culture and new experiences. What's more, you can find everything at a great price-once you get there, anyway. Marrakesh, in particular, is full of things to do and can be a great place for kids to practice their French if they're taking it in school.

Flagstaff, Arizona is a great diving board for your venture to the Grand Canyon. Make sure you leave enough time to explore the town before jumping off to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Flagstaff offers a lot, especially for foodies, beer lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Looking for a really incredible 'un-Googleable' experience? Check out Luxury Gold's Nashville experience where you can talk to Charlie McCoy over a glass of bourbon about his life and performing with The King and The Man in Black. Just make sure to add some of these must-do options as well to your itinerary while in the Music City.

Costa Rica is already proving to be a hotspot for family vacations this Spring Break. And with so many unique activities, it's no wonder it's so popular. And despite what you've read, Costa Rica is safe-so no worries on traveling with your family here.

Mardi Gras may be the most well-known festival in New Orleans, but the city actually hosts more than 130 festivals a year, so it's a pretty good bet that something will be going on no matter what time of year you'll be visiting. But due to the hot and humid summers, Spring Break makes it an ideal time visit. I highly recommend taking time to check out The National WWII Museum here-it's ranked as the eighth museum in the world.

The West Coast may not be known for its budget-friendly towns, but it's all in how you travel. These glamping opportunities in Big Sur, California will allow you to explore the area on a smaller budget while still creating unique memories your family will love. Located on the iconic California coastal highway, Big Sur is less than an hour from Monterey and Carmel-By-The-Sea. Or, you can opt to spend your time exploring nearby Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.