Kyle McCarthy – The News Desk

1/34Plan an affordable getaway to one of these stunning stretches of sand.Many of the world's best places to visit are beach destinations – and for good reason. Nearly twice as many people prefer relaxing vacations to active ones, according to travelers in 17 countries surveyed by market research company GfK. To help you find the beach vacation that best suits your needs, U.S. News selected several cost-effective locales around the world known for their gorgeous scenery, budget-friendly amenities and ample activities. (Note: Room rates and activity costs may vary depending on season and availability.)Next:Clearwater Beach, Florida2/34Clearwater Beach, FloridaAn incredibly popular shoreline among locals and visitors alike, Clearwater Beach overlooks the Gulf of Mexico and Clearwater Bay fr...

From shores to slopes, many top waterfront, mountaintop and urban destinations welcome families with special experiences, affordable lodging, and sophisticated dining and entertainment. These 25 top weekend getaways across the country guarantee enriching activities for all ages and will inspire your family to enjoy some quality time together.Sleep in a Pullman train car in Indianapolis(Courtesy of Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Downtown Union Station)All ages will be wowed by the vintage trains inside the Crowne Plaza Indianapolis – Downtown Union Station. This Indianapolis hotel was built around 13 restored Pullman cars parked in the steel-girded rail shed, and those carriages have been converted into 26 guest rooms you can book for a unique weekend away in the Midwest.Rest up before heading ...

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32 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

25 Top Family Weekend Getaways in the U.S.