When I was growing up, my parents didn't have much money so we didn't do the big family vacations every summer. We'd just go to grandma's for a week which was a big enough adventure for 3 kids under 12 years old and well within my parents' budget. We lived in Philadelphia at the time, so grandma's farm with the horses and cows and chickens and all the natural wonders of northern PA was a big change and a lot of fun. When kids are younger, the destination of your trip isn't as important to them. They don't need to go to Disney World or an expensive resort. Most would be happy to pitch a tent in the back yard and roast marshmallows and listen to their dad tell scary stories.