Both psychologists and researchers agreed that family vacation boosts the bond among families taking that time off at work and enjoying each other companies. It is also proven to relieve stress and can pose a positive impact on our health.
In a recent poll that was conducted by Reader's Digest, 58 percent of Americans are always planning on a family trip and a huge 75 percent of those are willing to travel as far as 250 miles away from home, allotting, at least, $1,000 for the getaway.
But what if you are short on the budget?
We got that for you! Here are the top 5 travel destinations for the whole family without hurting your wallets, based on travel experts from Reader's Digest:
1. If you're a clan of baseball fan, head over Cooperstown, New York, and St. Louis, Missouri: "If baseball is your passion, plan a trip to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, or make your way to St. Louis during the all-star break for the Major League Baseball All-Star FanFest (July 10 to 14). This five-day family event gives you a chance to live out your baseball fantasy by pitching against life-size video images of your favorite sluggers or recording your own play-by-play," recommends Family Traveler's co-owner, Lauren Goldenberg.
2. According to Matt Gross, a foodie's haven will be the South as you enjoy Southern barbecue in various food places that is sure to satisfy your cravings and won't leave you in full credit debt: "There's the Blue Mist Barbecue in Asheboro, North Carolina, and the Dreamland Drive-Inn Bar-B-Que in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Dreamland has two locations, but make sure you go to the one at 5535 15th Avenue E: It's a real shack, and the ribs are zesty and juicy. Mop up the sauce with sliced white bread," he adds.
3. If you have toddlers who want to experience the wildlife, then go to Wassaw Island, Georgia and enjoy the trip at the Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge which is part of Georgia's barrier islands. You can also help tag a loggerhead sea turtles as they crawl out of the sea to lay their dear eggs. "Cost is $750 a week, including transportation to and from the island, a bunk in a rustic cabin, and all meals. Plus, you can sleep late: Beach patrols take place at night. Don't forget to write off your experience as a charitable contribution," explains Pam Grout, author, The 100 Best Volunteer Vacations to Enrich Your Life.
4. Have you always been wanting to go to the city of lights but can't afford that European getaway? Why not go to Montreal and Quebec, Canada? They usually have light shows ala Paris "Consider Quebec and Montreal. They're Paris in North America, at one-fourth the price," says Pauline Frommer, creator, Pauline Frommer's guidebooks.
5. Have you been waiting for the perfect outdoor family picture to be taken while on a vacay? San Francisco, California is the place to be! From the wonderful view of the Ferry Building Marketplace and the views of the bay from the hills, this is a sure hit to make those lovely memories. There's a lot to see in this place that is easily accessible by foot; you can go spend the day in the new California Academy of Sciences building in Golden Gate Park that features an aquarium, a planetarium, and a four-story rainforest. "And it's an exceptional food city, with great eateries like Michael Mina and Restaurant Gary Danko-named after their chefs and the pleasures of picking oysters at the counter of Swan Oyster Depot in Nob Hill," says Laurie Werner, contributing editor, ForbesLife.
