Most would-be travelers imagine Miami as a place where people in expensive clothes party the night away at exclusive, beachside nightclubs.  True, anyone (who meets the dress code and has the cash) can party on South Beach, but Miami is not known as a budget destination.

But there are actually plenty of cheaper offerings in this city of sun and sand.  Travelers just have to know where to look.

There are a number of hostels with shared rooms located near central locations.  These rooms might have to be shared with as few as two or as many as ten other travelers.  But a bed can be had for only $10 or $20 dollars per night.  South Beach Hostel and Jazz on South Beach are two such venues that will put you within shouting distance of the party scene without relieving you of all your cash.

Choosing to stay away from the beach, even a few blocks, can lead to cheaper rates.  The Continental Downtown Bayside, for example, has plenty of rooms under $100 per night.

The good thing about Miami is that one of the biggest attractions is people watching.  Whether that means heading to the beach to check out the fit bodies or wandering through the city’s vibrant Cuban neighborhoods, it costs nothing to stroll and check out local life up close.

Heading away from the tourist spots will lead to plenty of good, cheap local eating and drinking spots.  Little Havana is a great place to find meals with good value.  The Cuban neighborhood is also a good spot to find a party on the weekend.  Sometimes the dancing and music spill out onto the street in the form of local concerts and block parties.

There are also natural attractions.  Hiking and biking around the Everglades can be enjoyable, though for only $15, you can find an hour-long boat tour that will undoubtedly include some alligator viewing.

While eco-tourism trekking and hostelling through Europe are still popular travel trends, unique vacations via the river cruise are also on the rise.  River cruises allow you to set sail through a city and take in a fresh perspective of the skyline.  Not only is a river cruise an attractive choice for a romantic getaway, but can also fit in easily with your budget-friendly travel plans.  Riverboats offer a comfortable, even luxurious trip for both locals and visitors, and can give you a chance to take in the local scenery and discover new sights and attractions.  Many riverboat operators are now offering discount tickets and packages as more people look for alternative and unique vacation ideas for their itinerary.  Some popular choices include:

Eco-friendly River Cruises

When you want to explore the Amazon River or head off to an exotic locale to take in the environment, an eco-friendly river cruise down somewhat unchartered territory may be the best match for you.  These river cruises will take you through stunning landscapes and historical sites across some of the world’s most noteworthy attractions.  From the Nile River to the waterways in China, you’ll find several eco-friendly cruises that offer a fresh perspective.

River Cruises Down the Mississippi

If you’re looking for a Mark Twain-inspired trip, select a river cruise that weaves its way down the Mississippi River.  These cruises can take you through several historical sites and riverside towns, many of which are mentioned in the famous author’s books.  Some cruises make pit stops at several riverside towns and locations along the route, so you can explore and discover new territory during the trip.

Escape to Europe’s Waterways

If you’re tired of the usual bus and train sightseeing tours, making your way through Europe on a riverboat is one way to break out of the monotony of European travels.  Riverboats can make their way through canals, barges and city waterways for some amazing views of the local area.  Expect to stop at several historic sites and take in the skyline in each city from a fresh perspective.

It is important (albeit not easy) that you travel with children to as many places as you can AND that you travel by a variety of transportation modes.  The formative years can be the most important ones when it comes to developing a desire to travel.  Take your children for a trip and make the whole experience one that they will treasure.

1.    Taking children on travel adventures will expose them to new people.  The more types of people that you children are exposed to when they are growing up the more likely they are to be accepting of people from different backgrounds than their own.  This will help them through life in business and in social situations.
2.   Taking children to new places will expose them to different cultures and different ways of doing things.  It is easy to believe that your family’s way is the only right way around.  Learning new ways to eat, sleep and live will broaden the minds (and hearts) of your children.
3.   Taking children to new locations will give them the chance to try new foods.  Every state, every region and especially every country will have unique cuisine.  Starting your children experimenting with new types of food from an early age will open doors throughout their lives.
4.   Taking children around the globe (or around the state) will open them up to educational opportunities that might otherwise be missed.  A drive to Florida could include a detour to watch the launch of the space shuttle.  Include a little history, science or trivia in each of your family trips and you may spark an interest in you children that might otherwise go dim and be forgotten.
5.   Taking children on family outings will create memories for the whole family that will carry over for lifetimes.  It will help to build family bonds and individual relationships.  Traveling can open doors to communications in the future that might be the thing that saves your children’s lives.
6.   Taking children on trips can teach them patience and understanding as they learn through seeing.  Being crammed together for any length of time can try the nerves of parents and watching you remain calm and find fun ways to deal with the close locations will help your children cope in the future.

Traveling can be an important addition to the memories and experiences of your children.  Take the challenge and travel with your children.  It may be that you get as much out of the experience as they do.