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I’ve done enough trip planning to know convenience doesn’t always come easy. But these days, it can, especially when you take advantage of travel package deals built for real families. Whether you’re wrangling toddlers, traveling with teens, or bringing grandparents along for the ride from Harrisburg, York, Lancaster or anywhere else in central Pennsylvania, the right family-friendly vacation packages make a huge difference. These providers know how to plan a trip that keeps everyone happy and makes it feel more like a vacation from start to finish.
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Are Travel Packages Worth It?
What makes family-friendly travel packages so appealing is their simplicity. Transportation, hotels and activities come bundled in one clear price. That means no last-minute scrambling, no surprise costs and much less stress.
However, before you book, it’s worth remembering that not all travel packages are created equal. The best place to start is your own crew. Think about what works for your family, not someone else’s.
Are you up for a guided group trip with a full schedule, or do you prefer the flexibility to go with the flow? Do you have little ones who need naps and wiggle room or older kids who want to pack in as much adventure as possible? Packages come in all shapes and sizes, so it pays to ask the right questions upfront and know what kind of pace and structure fits your needs.
At the end of the day, the right vacation package is the one that works for your family’s rhythm and budget. A little extra research now can mean smoother travel and better savings later. When in doubt, look for packages that include:
- Clear departure points from central PA: Some companies don’t advertise this clearly, so double-check for departures from spots like Harrisburg or Lancaster.
- Family-friendly accommodations: Rooms with space to spread out, beds that work for your group, and bonuses like breakfast or a pool can make all the difference.
- Transparent pricing: Watch for fine print. Some “great deals” don’t include taxes or service fees. Look for upfront costs or clearly listed extras.
- Built-in savings: Many packages include discounts on multi-day trips, attraction tickets and meals. Some even offer free or reduced rates for younger kids.
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The Ultimate Services for Package Family Vacation Deals
Plenty of travel providers offer family-friendly deals, but not all of them depart conveniently from central Pennsylvania or understand what makes a trip work for kids, parents, and other relatives and friends. The following have curated offers that combine convenience, savings and thoughtful extras to make a big difference for family travel.
1. AAA Travel
AAA has more than once helped us out when travel arrangements felt overwhelming, and every time, they’ve delivered some fantastic package family vacation deals. While most people know it for roadside assistance, the travel services are surprisingly robust. The team bundles flights, hotels, transportation and activities into well-organized packages, which means less decision fatigue for us and more time to get excited. Since many trips depart from central Pennsylvania, we’ve been able to head out from Harrisburg and Lancaster without any extra travel chaos.
With memberships starting at $59, you get access to exclusive rates, seasoned travel agents, and extra perks like hotel upgrades and cruise credits. We’ve explored everything from Disney vacations to scenic train rides and national park tours, all with the confidence of knowing AAA has our backs if anything goes sideways.
Whether you’re navigating airports with toddlers or coordinating with grandparents, AAA’s vacation packages are set up to be low-stress and high-reward. The curated group tours are especially great when you want a little more structure and a guide who knows where to find the best food stops. For us, the peace of mind alone has been worth it.
The top packages we’ve explored include:
- Discovery Group Travel: These have escorted motorcoach tours with hotels, meals, and sightseeing included. The pacing is great, and the itineraries balance fun with downtime.
- Disney Vacation Packages: Explore customizable trips to Disney World®, Disneyland®, Aulani or Disney cruises. Park tickets, dining plans and insider help can make it all smoother.
- AAA Amtrak Vacations: Multi-city train journeys with hotel stays, tours and built-in transfers are a fun, screen-free way to see the country with kids.
- Seasonal tours and adventures: From Ireland with the Steelers to African safaris, autumn getaways and Christmas markets, there’s something for every family’s travel style.
2. Boscov’s Travel
We first heard about Boscov’s Travel through friends who swear by the family cruises, and after visiting the office in Lancaster, we got it. It’s been a trusted name in central PA for over 50 years, and the in-person service is a big part of the appeal. You can talk to someone face-to-face in Lancaster or Camp Hill or go the online route if that’s easier, and the team helps plan a vacation that fits your lifestyle, budget and schedule.
Their specialty is all-inclusive vacations with built-in value. Whether it’s a Caribbean cruise, a beach resort in Mexico or a tour of Italy, the advisors take care of every detail. Group rates, added perks and early booking bonuses make it easier to stretch your dollar without sacrificing experience.
We love how Boscov’s Travel combines the charm of a local agency with the access of a national travel network. From flexible payment options to little extras like onboard credits or room upgrades, the consultants helped us personalize trips that feel both effortless and exciting.
Some highlights worth checking out are:
- Disney vacations: Boscov’s Travel is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner helping families build custom packages to visit multiple parks and cruises. We loved having a dedicated advisor for everything from dining plans to which parks to prioritize.
- Adventures by Disney®: These guided group trips are incredibly detailed — perfect if you want someone else to handle the logistics.
- Rockies and National Parks Tours: The package includes flights, meals, guided tours, and amazing stops like Banff, Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway, all departing with full support from central PA.
- Custom group travel: Whether it’s a school trip, milestone birthday, or wine weekend with family and friends, Boscov’s Travel can put together a group getaway that checks all the boxes.
3. Lowee’s Group Tours
If you’ve ever wanted to hit the road with everything handled for you down to the last detail, Lowee’s Group Tours is a hidden gem we’re glad we found. Based in Harrisburg and serving central PA since 1984, it specializes in motorcoach travel with a personal, small-agency feel. No flights to juggle, no rental cars, no last-minute scramble — just show up at one of the many local departure spots like Harrisburg, Waynesboro or Mechanicsburg, hop on the bus, and go.
The trips are thoroughly planned, from transportation and lodging to meals and attraction tickets. Some tours are geared toward mature travelers, and others offer a solid lineup of family-friendly adventures that are especially great for multigenerational travel. Think amusement parks, seaside festivals, cultural heritage stops and nostalgic Americana all bundled into one upfront price with no hidden fees.
What we love about Lowee’s Group Tours is the ease, comfortable buses, friendly guides and no driving stress. It’s a relaxed way to see the U.S. and Canada while bonding with your loved ones.
Some of its standout options include:
- Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon: This 20-day epic explores 13 states, complete with visits to Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon Skywalk, Route 66 icons, Mount Rushmore and more. It also includes 19 nights lodging, 32 meals and unforgettable Western charm.
- Myrtle Beach Escape: Try a breezy coastal getaway with oceanfront views, a saltwater marsh eco cruise, a luau dinner and show and time to relax by the water. There are no planes — just pure vacation mode from central PA to the shore.
- Custom group trips: Planning something special? Lowee’s Group Tours can arrange custom tours for schools, churches, clubs or family reunions, with perks like fundraising support, private guides and themed excursions.
4. Klein Transportation
Klein Transportation is a name to keep on your radar for an easy, friendly, no-stress way to travel with your loved ones or friends. In Southeastern PA, Klein Transportation has been offering day and overnight motorcoach tours since 1957, and the family-owned team knows how to make the journey feel like part of the adventure. We appreciate the warm customer service, local pick-up spots, and the variety of trips that blend sightseeing, entertainment and affordability.
What sets Klein apart is the flexibility. It caters to all group sizes — from families to scout troops to church groups — and they make travel feel simple, even if you’re planning for a dozen people. Full itineraries include deluxe coach transportation, hotels, meals, attraction tickets and even gratuities. The staff goes the extra mile literally and figuratively to keep things running smoothly, and the trips often feature thoughtful extras like scenic routes or VIP access.
One thing we love is the tours are genuinely fun and not overly rigid. There’s enough structure to keep things easy and plenty of free time to explore, shop, or just relax with your crew. Whether you’re after a quick weekend away or a big bucket-list destination, Klein Transportation makes group travel feel personal and stress-free.
Some favorite options are:
- Virginia Beach Neptune Festival: Experience sand sculptures, live music, local art and oceanfront hotel stays during one of the East Coast’s most celebrated beach festivals — ideal for families who love a blend of fun and downtime.
- Niagara Falls in the U.S. and Canada: This scenic escape is packed with major attractions like the Hornblower boat ride, Skylon Tower dinner and winery visits, if you have a sitter. Passports are required, and memories are guaranteed.
- Holiday and show-themed trips: Seasonal favorites like Noah at Sight & Sound or a holiday escape to the Von Trapp Lodge make for magical multigenerational getaways.
5. Globus Family of Brands
If your idea of a great family trip involves cultural immersion, smooth logistics and zero planning stress, Globus delivers that and then some. With nearly 100 years of experience, the Globus group has perfected the art of escorted travel, and it’s not just for retirees or big group tours anymore. We’ve seen firsthand how flexible and enriching the packages can be, especially for families craving meaningful time together in iconic destinations.
Globus’s commitment to creating “wow” moments makes it stand out. The tours are designed to blend must-see sights with authentic, local experiences, all while taking the pressure off your shoulders. From airport transfers to hotel bookings to line-skipping at major attractions, the team handles the details so you can soak up the scenery and focus on the memories.
Whether you’re into slow travel, independent exploration or curated group itineraries, Globus has something for everyone. For the perks, think VIP access, charming boutique hotels, included meals and insightful guides who make each location come alive. It even offers special discounts for groups of eight or more and seasonal sales that can shave hundreds off your total cost.
Some standout options for families and groups include:
- Choice Touring: Customize your daily excursions with multiple activity options like wine tastings, bike rides or walking tours, all included in the price.
- Small groups: Tours are capped at 18 guests for a more intimate, flexible experience across Europe, North America and beyond.
- Undiscovered Series: Explore off-the-beaten-path towns and regions for a quieter, deeper travel experience.
- Independent tours: These are perfect for families who want a guided structure with plenty of room to roam on their own schedule.
- Featured Trips: Options like Captivating Spain, Enchanting Italy or Legendary Greece pair iconic sites with immersive moments without the overwhelm of DIY planning.
6. Funjet Vacations
We’ve booked with Funjet Vacations for beach getaways and family resort trips, and what keeps us coming back is how easy it makes everything. Flights, transfers, hotels and excursions are all bundled in. It’s basically plug-and-play for your vacation, and it works whether you’re planning a romantic escape or a full-blown group trip with kids and grandparents in tow.
Funjet partners with top all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America, from laid-back options to luxury brands like RIU, Hyatt Ziva, Iberostar and Bahia Principe. Every property has its own vibe, so whether you want infinity pools and adult-only suites or kids’ clubs and beachside games, you can find the perfect fit. What we especially liked was the VIP Inclusions — welcome wine, spa discounts, family breakfasts — the kind of extras that make you feel like you’re getting a bit more for your money.
Speaking of money, you’ll choose from two payment plans, so you can book now and pay over time with Uplift. The brand will even match lower prices if you find the same vacation cheaper elsewhere. That kind of flexibility really helped us plan with less financial stress.
Funjet also shines when it comes to group travel. You can book five rooms or 50, and the team helps you customize the experience, from airport transfers to private tours. We’ve seen them work magic on destination weddings and big reunions, especially in spots like Cancun, Jamaica and Punta Cana.
Standout options to explore with Funjet Vacations are:
- RIU Hotels and Resorts: It’s a longtime favorite for all-inclusive comfort and great service
- Hyatt Inclusive Collection: This is family-friendly and adult-only luxury across the Caribbean and Mexico.
- Bahia Principe Resorts: The resorts are a great value with VIP perks like spa discounts and welcome amenities.
- Iberostar Resorts: Enjoy eco-conscious beachfront escapes with generous extras.
- Xcaret Hotels: Families may love the action-packed, eco-luxe stays with park access and exclusive dinner credits.
How to Stretch Your Travel Budget Without Sacrificing Fun
Family trips don’t have to drain your bank account if you know where to look for savings and plan strategically. Here’s how to get more vacation for your money while keeping everyone from children to grandparents happy.
Book Bundle Packages Early and Watch for Group Perks
The biggest savings often come from all-in-one vacation packages, especially when booking for multiple people. Some providers offer lower per-person rates when you book five or more rooms, so your sister’s family or your in-laws might actually save you money. Booking early can also get you early-bird pricing or room upgrades before these are gone.
Look for Local Departures
When based in central PA, look for tour providers that depart from nearby towns or have a local collection bus to eliminate airport parking fees from your budget. This also might help you skip some airfare and pricey baggage check fees. Coach tours often include meals, attractions and hotels at one flat rate, making budgeting easier.
Use Payment Plans to Your Advantage
Companies may offer buy-now-pay-later options that let you lock in prices without paying everything upfront. This frees up your funds for travel insurance or splurging on a nicer room. You can also use this to set savings goals.
Maximize Value, Not Just Discounts
Instead of chasing rock-bottom deals, look for trips that include more meals, entrance tickets, on-site entertainment and transportation. Those built-in extras often cost more when you book them separately, and not having to plan on them can make for a great deal.
FAQs on Travel Packages
Ready to Book Affordable Family Vacation Packages?
A well-chosen travel package can take the guesswork out of budget-friendly family vacations, especially when juggling everyone’s needs. With options departing right from central Pennsylvania, you don’t have to travel far to kick-start your next adventure. There’s something for every budget and travel style.
Just remember to ask the right questions, compare your options and look for value beyond the sticker price. The right trip is out there, and with a bit of planning, it can be just as fun to book as it is to depart.
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