15 Best Affordable Family Holiday Destinations (2026): Real Costs and a Taste of Nomad Life

Where Our Travels Started

Twelve years ago, Marty and I landed in Bangkok with backpacks and no real plan. That was the start of two years on the road, long before Louie and Leo. 🌏

Those two years gave us something we didn’t expect. They showed us that living differently was possible, and that it didn’t have to cost a fortune.

Now we’re doing it again, this time as a family of four. As I write this in September 2026, we’re travelling north through Vietnam with Louie (9) and Leo (2). Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Island are next.

This list mixes places we know with places we’ve researched. Every destination is clearly labelled, so you’ll always know which is which.

The short answer: for the lowest daily costs on a month-long stay, look at Nepal, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and Ecuador. For an easy first trip with young kids, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam are hard to beat. For families based in Europe who want a shorter flight, Bulgaria and Albania are the best value.

Why a Holiday Can Be Your Practice Run

Thinking about travelling long term with your kids, but not sure you could actually do it? You don’t have to sell the house to find out.

A three to six week trip somewhere affordable is one of the cheapest ways to test the idea. You’ll learn more in a month than in a year of reading blogs (including this one).

What a practice trip can tell you:

• How your kids cope with new food, heat, sleep changes and a lot less routine.
• What it really costs. Track every euro, and you’ll have real numbers rather than guesses.
• If learning on the road works for your family, even for an hour a day.
• How you and your partner feel. If one of you isn’t sure yet, a trip is a gentler conversation than a one-way ticket.
• What you miss from home, and what you don’t.

Our own practice run was a month in Australia at the start of 2026. We rented an apartment and lived as if we were already on the road. Later that year, we spent a month living in Da Nang.

A word on working while you’re away. Entering a country as a tourist doesn’t automatically mean you can work there, even remotely for an overseas employer. The rules vary by country and change often. Check the official immigration website, and check your employer’s policy too.

Our guide to starting worldschooling covers what happened when we made the bigger leap. If you’re already weighing up the money side, our digital nomad family guide shares our real income and costs.

How We Worked Out These Budgets

Every daily budget on this page is for a family of four: two adults, one school-aged child and one toddler. Each destination shows two figures.

• Month-long stay: a modest but comfortable month in a family-sized rental, with groceries, some meals out, local transport and everyday spending. This is the kind of practice trip we recommend.
• Shorter holiday: the same, plus 50% for nightly accommodation rates and more paid days out. A one or two week holiday usually costs more per day than a slower month.

For 10 destinations, the month-long figure comes straight from our cost of living comparison for 50+ destinations or our Laos guide. That keeps the numbers consistent across our site. Only Chiang Mai and Da Nang use Numbeo’s own family figure for that city. The rest are estimates built from Numbeo’s crowdsourced data, so each box tells you what it’s based on.

Not included: flights, travel insurance, visa fees, school fees and big one-off trips like a Galápagos visit or a Ha Long Bay cruise.

We checked these figures in September 2026. Costs are in euros, with Australian and US dollars alongside (€1 = about A$1.62 and US$1.16, mid-September 2026). Treat them as a starting point for your own planning, not a guarantee. Prices and exchange rates move quickly.

🌏 Southeast Asia

1. Thailand

📍 We’ve been here: as a couple, 12 years ago. Chiang Mai with the boys is next.

Thailand is where our long-term travel began, with Bangkok as the very first stop. Later on that trip we hid away in the jungle outside Phuket, which we still talk about. We’re heading to Chiang Mai with Louie and Leo at the end of this year, then back to Bangkok in early 2027.

For a first trip with kids, Thailand is hard to beat. Transport, private hospitals and family-friendly places to stay are easy to find in the main tourist areas. Chiang Mai is pleasant in the cool season and has a big community of travelling families.

For beach time, Koh Lanta is calmer than Phuket or Koh Phi Phi and works well with young kids. Thai food ranges from mild to fiery, and vegetarian dishes are easy to find.

🌤️ Best time to visit: November to February, the cooler and drier months for most of the country.

Top family experiences

• A Thai cooking class for parents and kids together
• Night markets in Chiang Mai, especially the Sunday Walking Street
• Snorkelling trips to the small islands off Koh Lanta, in the Andaman Sea
• Waterfalls and short trails in Doi Inthanon National Park
• Elephant visits at sanctuaries that don’t offer riding or shows

Why families like it: Easy logistics, warm welcomes for kids and very good value for food.

Watch out for: Real heat from March to May, and smoky air in the north from roughly February to April during burning season. The Andaman coast is wet from about May to October.

Getting in: From 15 September 2026, many passports, including Australian and Dutch, get 30 days visa-exempt, for tourism only. Our Thailand visa guide covers longer stays, and our Thailand vs Vietnam comparison helps if you’re choosing between the two.

2. Vietnam

📍 We’re here now, as a family of four.

We spent a month living in Da Nang earlier this year, and it worked beautifully for us with a toddler. We’d also passed through Saigon on our two-year trip, long before the boys. Since then we’ve taken Ninh Binh slowly and made our way north to Hanoi. Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Island come next, before our visas run out, and next year we’re coming back to live in Hoi An.

The budget box below shows a typical month-long family budget for Da Nang, about €63 a day. Our own month there came to about €75 a day, because we chose a serviced stay and ate out most nights.

Vietnam is long and thin, so pick a region rather than trying to see it all. Hoi An is under an hour from Da Nang, and its old town is lovely for young kids. In the north, the limestone scenery around Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh is spectacular.

🌤️ Best time to visit: It depends on the region. February to April suits central Vietnam, and the south is driest from roughly December to April.

Top family experiences

• A lantern-making workshop in Hoi An’s old town
• A day or overnight cruise on Ha Long Bay, or quieter Lan Ha Bay from Cat Ba
• Cycling through the rice fields around Hoi An
• Early beach mornings at My Khe in Da Nang
• The Cham ruins at My Son Sanctuary, best for older kids

Why families like it: Very good value, food everywhere and a lot of variety in a short distance.

Watch out for: Traffic, and footpaths blocked by parked scooters, which makes prams hard going. We took Grab cars everywhere with Leo. Central Vietnam gets heavy rain and storms from about September to December.

Getting in: There’s no nomad visa. Australian passport holders need an e-visa, which allows stays of up to 90 days. UK and Dutch passport holders get 45 days visa-free (the Dutch exemption currently runs until 14 August 2028). Check what your passport needs, and apply only on the official e-visa portal.

3. Bali, Indonesia

🔎 Researched, not visited yet

We looked seriously at Bali, and the villas we found were beautiful for the price. That’s not something we could say about many places. We haven’t made it there yet, so everything below is researched.

Families usually split their time between Ubud, for rice terraces and culture, and a beach base. Sanur has calm, shallow water that suits young kids. Canggu and Seminyak are busier, with more cafés and much more traffic. Our Chiang Mai vs Bali comparison explains why we chose Chiang Mai, and when Bali wins.

🌤️ Best time to visit: April to October, the dry season.

Top family experiences

• Rice terrace walks at Tegallalang or Jatiluwih
• A traditional Balinese dance performance in Ubud
• Beginner surf lessons on a gentle beach break
• Tirta Empul water temple, with shoulders and knees covered
• Ubud’s Monkey Forest, with snacks and sunglasses packed away, as the monkeys grab and can bite

Why families like it: Private pools at fair prices, an established family community and a strong culture.

Watch out for: Heavy traffic in the south, crowds in peak season, dengue and rabies. Keep kids away from stray dogs and monkeys.

Getting in: Many passports need a visa on arrival or an e-visa, and Bali charges foreign visitors a separate tourist levy. Tourist visas don’t cover remote work. Check current rules and fees on Indonesia’s official immigration website.

4. Malaysia

📍 We’ve been here: Kuala Lumpur, as a couple.

Our few days in Kuala Lumpur were mostly spent eating. The markets and food stalls were the highlight, and we’d happily go back just for those. Malaysia runs in the family too, as my mum spent part of her teenage years in Penang.

English is widely spoken and healthcare in the big cities is good. The mix of Malay, Chinese and Indian food makes eating easy, including for vegetarians. George Town in Penang is UNESCO-listed for its heritage streets. Kuala Lumpur has big parks, museums and a simple train network.

🌤️ Best time to visit: It’s hot and humid all year. The east coast islands are best from roughly March to October, outside the monsoon.

Top family experiences

• Hawker centre dinners in Penang
• The long, colourful staircase up to Batu Caves
• KLCC Park, right under the Petronas Towers
• The orangutan rehabilitation centre at Sepilok in Sabah, Borneo
• Rainforest walks in Taman Negara

Why families like it: English everywhere, good healthcare and some of the best food in Asia.

Watch out for: Year-round heat and humidity, haze from regional fires in some years, and cities built more for cars than walking.

Getting in: Australian and Dutch passport holders can visit visa-free for short stays. Complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card online before you arrive, and check current rules first.

5. Cambodia

📍 We’ve been here: as a couple, overland from Thailand to Vietnam.

We crossed Cambodia by land, with stops in Siem Reap and on Koh Rong. The Koh Rong treehouse gave us one of our best travel stories (it’s in our Asia guide, and it involves a lizard). Siem Reap is where most families start, with the Angkor temples right on the doorstep.

Angkor makes history real for kids. Go early, take breaks in the heat and consider a multi-day pass rather than cramming. Beyond Siem Reap, Kampot is a quiet riverside town, and Phnom Penh has the best hospitals and schools. Our Cambodia guide has more on each base.

🌤️ Best time to visit: November to February, the cooler dry season.

Top family experiences

• An early-morning start at Angkor Wat, before the heat and the crowds
• Tuk-tuk rides between the temples
• Phare, the Cambodian Circus in Siem Reap, a social enterprise show
• Beach days on Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem
• A pepper farm visit near Kampot

Why families like it: Some of the lowest costs in Asia, and a slower pace than its neighbours.

Watch out for: Limited healthcare outside Phnom Penh, fierce heat from March to May and patchy internet on the islands.

Getting in: Most visitors get a 30-day tourist visa, which can be extended once. Apply through Cambodia’s official e-visa website or on arrival, and check current rules first.

6. Laos

🔎 Researched, not visited yet

Laos is right next door to us in northern Vietnam, and it’s high on our list. An old school friend of mine lives in Vientiane with her family, and her stories are a big reason why. There’s more in our Laos guide.

Luang Prabang is small, walkable and UNESCO-listed, with golden temples and a gentle pace. The Laos–China Railway links it with Vientiane in about two hours, which is an adventure in itself for kids. Vang Vieng works best as a short nature break.

🌤️ Best time to visit: November to January, before the heat and the smoky burning season in the north (roughly February to April).

Top family experiences

• Swimming in the turquoise pools at Kuang Si Falls, about 30 kilometres from Luang Prabang
• The train between Vientiane and Luang Prabang
• Early market walks, and watching the morning almsgiving quietly from a distance
• Gentle river trips in Vang Vieng, with life jackets for the kids
• The COPE Centre in Vientiane, with older kids, to learn about the war’s legacy

Why families like it: A slow, gentle pace, kindness towards children and nature close to every town.

Watch out for: Basic healthcare outside Vientiane, so evacuation cover is essential. Unexploded ordnance remains in parts of rural Laos, so stay on marked paths.

Getting in: Most visitors, including Australian and Dutch passport holders, need a 30-day tourist visa, either an eVisa or on arrival. Everyone also completes a free online arrival and departure form (the LDIF). Check current rules on the official Lao eVisa portal.

🏔️ South Asia

7. Nepal

🔎 Researched, not visited yet

Nepal is where many families first see the Himalayas up close, and you don’t need to trek for days to do it. Pokhara is the easiest family base: a lakeside town with mountain views on clear days, boat rides and short walks.

Kathmandu is busy and often polluted, but its temples and old squares are fascinating. Nepal’s cost is its big draw. On paper, it’s the cheapest destination on this list.

🌤️ Best time to visit: October to November, and March to May. The monsoon runs from about June to September.

Top family experiences

• A rowing boat on Phewa Lake in Pokhara
• The walk up to the World Peace Pagoda above Pokhara
• Boudhanath Stupa and Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple) in Kathmandu
• Chitwan National Park for rhinos, with operators that don’t offer elephant rides
• Short teahouse walks in the Annapurna foothills, for older kids

Why families like it: Mountain scenery, very low costs and a strong, welcoming culture.

Watch out for: Altitude on higher treks, slow and bumpy roads, air pollution in Kathmandu and basic healthcare outside the cities.

Getting in: Tourist visas are available on arrival or online, and Nepal limits tourist stays to 150 days per calendar year. Children under 10 get a free visa, except US passport holders. Check current details with Nepal’s Department of Immigration.

8. Sri Lanka

🔎 Researched, not visited yet

Sri Lanka packs a lot into a small island. In two weeks you can see wild elephants, climb Sigiriya, ride the hill-country train and still have beach days.

Distances look short on a map, but roads are slow. With kids, fewer moves and longer stays work much better. The food is excellent, and rice and curry is easy to order vegetarian.

🌤️ Best time to visit: December to April for the west and south coasts, and roughly May to September for the east coast.

Top family experiences

• Wild elephants at Minneriya or Kaudulla, especially in the dry season
• Climbing Sigiriya Rock, which has a lot of steps, so bring a carrier for toddlers
• The hill-country train from Kandy to Ella
• The Nine Arches Bridge near Ella
• Whale watching from Mirissa, roughly November to April

Why families like it: Huge variety in a small space, great wildlife and warm hospitality.

Watch out for: Slow roads, strong heat on the coast, and healthcare and internet that vary a lot outside Colombo.

Getting in: Most visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arrival. Sri Lanka also launched a digital nomad visa in February 2026. Our Sri Lanka visa guide has the details.

🌴 Latin America

9. Mexico

🔎 Researched, not visited yet

Mexico is huge, so choose one region. Mérida in the Yucatán is calm and walkable, and it’s surrounded by cenotes (natural swimming holes), Mayan ruins and flamingo lagoons.

For a big-city stint, Mexico City has world-class museums and parks. San Miguel de Allende is slower and prettier, with cobbled streets and art classes.

🌤️ Best time to visit: November to April, the dry season. Hurricane season runs from June to November on the coasts.

Top family experiences

• Swimming in the cenotes around Mérida
• Chichén Itzá, or quieter Uxmal
• Flamingos at Celestún, on the Gulf coast
• Snorkelling at Akumal, following the local rules for turtle areas
• The National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City

Why families like it: Regional food worth travelling for, deep history and a lot of variety in one country.

Watch out for: Safety varies a lot between states and cities, so check your government’s travel advice. The Yucatán is very hot from April to June.

Getting in: Australian and EU passport holders can visit visa-free as tourists. The immigration officer decides how many days you get, so ask for the stay you need and have your onward ticket handy.

10. Colombia

🔎 Researched, not visited yet

Medellín has mild weather all year, a clean metro and cable cars that climb the hillsides, which kids love. The Coffee Region is green and relaxed, and Cartagena adds colonial streets and Caribbean water.

Colombia has changed a lot in two decades, but safety still varies by neighbourhood, so local advice matters. Some Spanish makes daily life much easier.

🌤️ Best time to visit: December to March, and June to August, the drier months.

Top family experiences

• The Metrocable up to Parque Arví, a nature reserve above Medellín
• Parque Explora, an interactive science museum in Medellín
• A coffee farm tour in the Coffee Region
• The wax palms of the Cocora Valley near Salento
• Cartagena’s walled old town

Why families like it: Mild weather in Medellín, friendly people and good value.

Watch out for: Petty theft, neighbourhoods that change quickly block by block, and altitude in Bogotá.

Getting in: Many passports, including Australian and EU, can visit visa-free for up to 90 days. Complete Colombia’s online Check-MIG migration form before you travel.

11. Ecuador

🔎 Researched, not visited yet

Ecuador fits a lot into a small country: the Andes, the Amazon, the Pacific coast and the Galápagos Islands. On the mainland, Cuenca is a calm colonial city that suits slow travel. Ecuador uses the US dollar, which keeps budgeting simple.

The Galápagos is the big-ticket extra. The park entry fee alone is US$200 per adult and US$100 per child under 12 (under-2s are free), plus a US$20 transit card each. For a family like ours, that’s around €500 before any flights, boats or tours.

🌤️ Best time to visit: June to September is drier in the highlands. The Galápagos is warmest from December to May.

Top family experiences

• Snorkelling with sea lions in the Galápagos
• Quilotoa, a turquoise crater lake at almost 3,900 metres
• The Otavalo market, north of Quito
• A jungle lodge stay near Tena in the Amazon
• The Devil’s Nose train, if it’s running, so check before you plan around it

Why families like it: Four very different regions in one small country, and the US dollar.

Watch out for: Altitude: Quito sits at about 2,850 metres and Cuenca at about 2,500 metres. The security situation has changed in recent years, so check your government’s travel advice.

Getting in: Many passports can visit visa-free for up to 90 days as tourists. Check current rules before you travel.

🏰 Eastern Europe and the Balkans

12. Bulgaria

🔎 Researched, not visited yet

Bulgaria is one of the most affordable countries in the EU. The Black Sea coast has sandy beaches, warm summer water and old towns like Sozopol and Nesebar. Inland, the Rila and Rhodope mountains are great for walking.

Sofia and Plovdiv are easy, walkable cities with good museums. Bansko adds a ski season and a well-known community of nomad families. Since 1 January 2026, Bulgaria has used the euro.

🌤️ Best time to visit: June to September for the coast, and December to March for skiing.

Top family experiences

• Rila Monastery, set in forested mountains
• Plovdiv’s Old Town and Roman theatre
• Beach days around Sozopol
• The Seven Rila Lakes walk, with a chairlift for part of the climb
• Skiing or mountain walks in Bansko

Why families like it: EU standards at some of Europe’s lowest prices, and a short flight for Europe-based families.

Watch out for: Less English in rural areas, and busy beaches in July and August.

Getting in: Bulgaria joined the Schengen area fully in 2025, so time there counts towards the 90 days in any 180-day limit for non-EU passports. EU families like ours can stay freely.

13. Albania

🔎 Researched, not visited yet

Albania’s Ionian coast has clear water and small beach towns, and ferries run from Sarandë to Corfu. Gjirokastër, a UNESCO-listed stone town, is a great history stop.

Albania isn’t the bargain it was, though. Numbeo’s figures for Tirana now put it well above Thailand for a family, and coastal rents climb in summer. It’s still good value for Europe, especially outside July and August.

🌤️ Best time to visit: May to June, and September. The sea is warm and prices are lower than in peak summer.

Top family experiences

• Beach days around Ksamil and Himarë on the Albanian Riviera
• Gjirokastër’s castle and old town
• The ancient city of Butrint
• The Blue Eye spring, but check current access rules, as swimming has been restricted
• A day trip to Corfu from Sarandë

Why families like it: A beautiful coast, strong hospitality and lower prices than neighbouring Greece or Croatia.

Watch out for: Rough mountain roads, private healthcare is recommended, and the coast gets crowded and pricier in July and August.

Getting in: Albania is outside Schengen, so days there don’t count towards the Schengen 90-day limit. Australian and EU passport holders can visit visa-free. Check current rules first.

14. Romania

🔎 Researched, not visited yet

Transylvania feels like a storybook, with medieval towns, fortified churches and forested mountains. Brașov and Sibiu are compact and easy with kids.

Bran Castle is marketed as Dracula’s castle, and kids tend to either love it or find it small. Romania costs more than its reputation suggests, but it’s still good value for the EU.

🌤️ Best time to visit: May to September. The Transfăgărășan mountain road is only open for part of the year, roughly early summer to autumn.

Top family experiences

• The Libearty Bear Sanctuary near Zărnești, home to rescued brown bears
• Brașov’s old town and the Black Church
• Bran Castle
• A drive over the Transfăgărășan road, when it’s open
• The painted monasteries of Bucovina, UNESCO World Heritage-listed

Why families like it: Castles, forests and road-trip freedom at EU standards.

Watch out for: Long, cold winters, rural roads in poor condition and long driving days between regions.

Getting in: Romania joined the Schengen area fully in 2025, so time there counts towards the 90 days in any 180-day limit for non-EU passports. EU families can stay freely.

15. Montenegro

🔎 Researched, not visited yet

Montenegro is small, so you can combine the coast and the mountains in one trip. The Bay of Kotor is ringed by steep mountains, and Kotor’s old town is UNESCO-listed.

Inland, Durmitor National Park has lakes, canyons and cooler summer air. Montenegro uses the euro. If you’re combining it with the coast next door, our Croatia guide is a good companion.

🌤️ Best time to visit: May to June, and September, before and after the summer crowds.

Top family experiences

• A boat trip around the Bay of Kotor to Our Lady of the Rocks near Perast
• Climbing Kotor’s city walls early in the morning, as it’s steep
• The Black Lake in Durmitor National Park
• Rafting the Tara River Canyon, for older kids, so check the age limits
• Beaches near Budva and Sveti Stefan (the island itself is a private resort)

Why families like it: Dramatic scenery in a compact country, and easy to pair with Croatia or Albania.

Watch out for: Busy, pricier summers, fewer direct flights outside peak season, and steep, winding roads.

Getting in: Montenegro is outside Schengen, so days there don’t count towards the Schengen 90-day limit. Australian and EU passport holders can visit visa-free. Check current rules first.

💡 How to Make Your Budget Go Further

Stay longer, move less

Monthly rentals usually cost far less per night than short stays. Every move also costs money and energy. With young kids, fewer moves also means fewer meltdowns (yours included).

Choose a kitchen over a hotel room

A two-bedroom apartment often costs about the same as two hotel rooms, and a kitchen makes breakfasts and snacks much cheaper. It also helps a lot with fussy eaters and toddler routines.

Eat where locals eat

Busy local places are usually cheaper and fresher than restaurants on the main square. Markets are great for fruit, snacks and letting kids try something new.

Check the weather before chasing low season

Shoulder season falls in different months in different places. May and June are lovely in Albania, but they’re wet season in Thailand’s Andaman coast. Our month-by-month guide to the best time for families to travel helps you plan around it.

Budget properly for flights

For a family of four, flights are often the biggest single cost, especially from Australia. Flexible dates help. For long flights with little ones, our story of flying to the other side of the world with a toddler has practical tips.

Don’t skimp on insurance

This is the one place to spend properly. Look for medical evacuation cover, especially for Laos, Cambodia and Nepal. Our health insurance guide for nomad families compares the options.

Get a local SIM or eSIM

Mobile data is cheap in most of these countries. Maps, ride-hailing apps and translation make everything easier with kids in tow.

Avoid bank fees

Card fees and poor exchange rates add up quickly on a long trip. Here’s how we manage money across borders as a family.

FAQs

What is the cheapest family holiday destination on this list?

Nepal comes out cheapest, at about €41 a day for a month-long stay, but that figure is an estimate. Of the destinations based on our comparison data, Cambodia (about €60 a day) and Vietnam (about €63 a day) are cheapest. Our own month in Da Nang cost about €75 a day.

Can a family of four holiday for under €100 a day?

Yes, in 12 of these 15 destinations, if you stay for a month in a rental. Shorter holidays cost more per day. Budget for about half as much again.

How long should a practice trip be?

Three to six weeks is a good test. The first week always feels like a holiday. It’s in weeks two and three that routines, tiredness and real costs start to show.

Can I work remotely while on holiday abroad?

Not automatically. Tourist entry usually covers holidays, not work, and each country sets its own rules. Check the official immigration site of each country, and your employer’s policy, before you plan to work. Our guide to staying longer without a digital nomad visa explains the legal options.

Which destinations are easiest with a toddler?

In our experience, Vietnam has been easy with Leo, especially using Grab cars rather than juggling a pram. From our research, Malaysia and Thailand are also strong for toddlers, with good healthcare and easy transport in the cities.

Do we need vaccinations?

It depends on where you’re going and your family’s history. Book a travel health clinic six to eight weeks before you leave. Our travel vaccinations guide for families explains what to ask.

Are these destinations safe for families?

Safety varies by region within most countries, not just between them. Check your government’s travel advice before booking, such as Smartraveller for Australians or Nederlandwereldwijd for Dutch travellers.

Which destinations help with Schengen days?

Albania and Montenegro sit outside the Schengen area, so non-EU families can spend time there without using their 90 days in any 180. Bulgaria and Romania joined Schengen fully in 2025, so time there now counts. Since April 2026, the EU’s Entry/Exit System also records fingerprints and a photo on your first entry. Details are on the EU travel website. EU citizens, like our family, aren’t affected.

Do the budgets include flights?

No. Flights can be the biggest single cost for a family, especially from Australia. We’ve left them out because they vary so much by where you start.

Is this the same as the cost of living abroad?

Not quite. This page is about holidays and practice trips. Planning to live somewhere for longer? Start with our monthly family budgets for 50+ destinations and our 18 affordable countries for nomad families.

Our Takeaways

When Marty and I set off 12 years ago, we had no idea we’d end up here, doing it all again with two kids. A holiday doesn’t have to be a big life decision. It can just be a few weeks of finding out.

Pick one place from this list. Go for a month if you can. Watch how your kids handle it, and notice how you feel on day 20, not just day two.

Maybe you’ll come home glad to be back. Maybe you’ll start looking at school calendars differently. Either way, you’ll know a lot more than you do now. ✈️

Discover more destinations around the world