It is possible to take your family on the trip of a lifetime to Europe without depleting your life savings. Visiting Europe with little children is a fine idea and an excellent choice, even for families on a tight budget, and it can provide young children with a magical experience and the best things to do and see. Regardless of how long you plan to stay, here is some information on the best European holiday spots you must see when you are abroad.
Where and When To Go
If you do not have a particular destination or that perfect place in mind and are open to visiting anywhere in Europe, go where the best deals are, particularly the best airfare. If there’s an incredible airfare to Hungary, go for it. You can use the rail system if you want to move around. Families should carefully consider the timing of their visit abroad. If possible, travel during the off-season of October through April because airfares, hotel costs, food, and other trip essentials are usually lower. This is the best time to find affordable European vacations.
Where to Stay
Select a hotel that offers the amenities you need, but remember you will likely just use the room for sleeping. Be aware that some budget hotels have communal bathrooms, so you will want to ensure that you have a private bath if that is important to your family.
Don’t be afraid to be innovative when it comes to lodging. Bed and breakfasts can provide a charming cultural experience at a reasonable rate. Hostels are another option for travellers on a budget and often have family rooms. Inclusive resorts are also good for families looking for a hassle-free experience.
Where to Eat
Before you leave, create a food plan for the whole family. Determine which meals you are willing to spend more money on and which are less important. If you are looking forward to fancy dinners with wine and dessert, you might be happy to have grab-and-go sandwiches in a park for lunch to help balance the costs.
If you are in a city for several days, you can find a shop or market and stock up on food in your room or backpack. Avoid restaurants catering to tourists because you will spend too much money on a less authentic dining experience. Instead, explore local markets and try street food for a more immersive culinary experience.
How to Get Around
Once you reach your destination, use public transportation as much as possible. This is a great way for families to cut costs, get a taste of local culture, and for children to build their map skills. Europe has an extensive rail service, which allows a family to visit multiple cities or countries during a single visit. Buses are an even more economical way to travel, although bus travel is more time-consuming.
Finally, discount European airlines can provide an inexpensive way to country-hop and ferries. Many travel guides have walking tours that provide clear paths for touring particular neighbourhoods in popular tourist destinations, so bring comfortable walking shoes and a good guidebook.
Best Places to Travel in Europe
Oftentimes, the most popular places in Europe (e.g. Paris, London, Rome) are not the best to visit because of the number of tourists that fill the streets, restaurants, and hotels. To truly experience European cultures and lifestyles and see the best the continent offers, visitors must look beyond the primary cities and attractions and discover the aspects of smaller yet intriguing towns.
Vienna, Austria, Is One Of The Best Destinations
Vienna can be a recommended year-round destination and one of the major cities to see, but the city shines in an especially romantic light during Christmas. The small streets and alleys in the city centre are decorated with Christmas lights and other ornamentation that put visitors in the holiday spirit. The many Christmas markets sell speciality items from the region, and Christmas punch gives the city a magnificent atmosphere.
But Vienna is worth a journey anytime, with its numerous coffee shops, many of which are more than 200 years old, its palace of the Habsburg monarchs, and various art museums. Coach rides are a fun way to admire the city’s beautiful architecture and blooming parks in the day, and there are plenty of things to do in Vienna at night. And for those looking for nature, a cruise on the Danube or a trip to a vineyard, where local wine and food are served, can be a nice change.
Cinque Terre, Italy, Is The Perfect Destination
Cinque Terre is a national park along the Italian coast with rich history and plenty of things to do north of the city of La Spezia, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in Europe. The park stretches along five picturesque fishing villages looming on ledges over the sea; many houses are over 700 years old. Tourists can hike from town to town along hillsides filled with lemon trees, vineyards, and little beaches and cliffs.
The cuisine is a highlight of Cinque Terre. Fresh seafood is offered in addition to traditional Italian food and, of course, regional wine. The main villages are easy to reach by train, bus, or car from the Genoa or Pisa airports. Hotels, apartments, and small guesthouses can be found in all towns.
Patmos, Greece, Is For The Entire Family
Patmos is a little one in the Greek islands belonging to the Dodecanese Island group in the Aegean Sea. The island has a long, historic religious tradition. It’s been said that’s where John the Apostle wrote the Book of Revelation, the last canonical book of the New Testament. The island consists of two main towns that are characterised by typical Greek houses.
One is located uphill, overlooking the bay and its Historical Centre, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Monastery of Saint John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse are located there. In addition to these cultural sites, the island has many marvellous beaches and small fishing villages to visit, all built in the traditional Greek architectural style. The island doesn’t have an airport but can easily be reached by ferryboat from the neighbouring islands of Samos, Kos, and Rhodes.
The United Kingdom and Ireland Can Be Great For Budget Travelers
A great place to start a European vacation for those travelling from the US is the United Kingdom, which consists of England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. The United Kingdom was one of the first settled areas with some of the most diverse history. There are obvious places you should visit, like London, Edinburgh, Cork, and Dublin, but there are lesser-known places that will expose you to the culture even more.
The beautiful city of Bath, England, is one of the most beautiful cities in the United Kingdom. It is home to the Roman Baths, considered one of the first spas in the world. The town is full of Georgian architecture that dates back centuries. Another claim to fame for the small village is that Jane Austen’s literature is based on this city. Brighton, England, is another small town, but this one is on the sea.
Brighton Beach is one of the most famous beautiful beaches in the United Kingdom, mostly for the unique stones that lay where sand normally would. Brighton Pier juts into the sea and is a great joy for people and children of all ages. Do not forget to stop by one of the many restaurants lining the sea for the best fish and chips in England!
Norway And Sweden Are One Of The Most Popular Attractions
Scandinavia is another great spot to stop while touring Europe. Norway is popular because many Americans come of Norwegian descent, and throughout Norway, you can see how proud they are of their culture, big cities and historical sites. Oslo is one of the cleanest cities in Europe, full of many museums and heritage sights for your enjoyment. Some of the most popular museums include The Viking Ship Museum and Holmenkollen (A museum dedicated to skiing).
Another popular attraction is the Vigeland Sculpture Park, where you can witness the life cycle before your eyes. In the winter, you can enjoy many outdoor activities, such as skiing and snowboarding; in the summer, you can enjoy the rivers and waterfalls throughout the country. An eight-hour drive from Oslo, you will find Stockholm, Sweden. Going to the north, you may even see the northern lights.
Stockholm is a great place to visit because the city stretches across 14 islands. Looking at the city is enjoyable itself because the architecture is very old and you find a body of water around most corners. Stockholm is home to the original Absolut Ice Bar, which is just that- a bar made of ice, and even the glasses are ice. Other points of interest include The Vasa Museum and The Royal Palace, which is located in The Old Town. This is a great place for a short walk just to enjoy the scenery.
Barcelona, Spain, Is The Best European Destination
Barcelona, Spain, is one of the most beautiful European cities you will find in Europe for your next family trip. Spain with kids can be full of architectural amazement, like Sagrada Familia and Casa Batlló by Antonio Gaudí. The colourful buildings that line the streets and the Mediterranean Sea make the trip worth it. The Barcelona Cathedral is breathtaking, with one of the most well-kept courtyards in Europe.
Not only will you find museums dedicated to important artists like Picasso and beautiful Catholic churches, but there is also a Gothic-style part of the city that is great for shopping, walking, and getting a bite to eat.
Europe is a continent full of early history, the most popular destinations, world-famous attractions, historic sites, world-class museums, natural wonders, and delicious food, and it is a melting pot of culture. A summer holiday from America to Europe with young kids can be quite pricey, and often times it is hard to choose just what location should ultimately be your destination. Many travellers choose to backpack across the continent, taking in as many cities and countries as possible in a few weeks.