25 Pro tips for budget family travel in Europe
TABLE OF CONTENTS
25 Pro tips for budget family travel in Europe:
Picture this: sipping cappuccinos as your kids enjoy their first real gelato, picnicking by the Eiffel Tower, and exploring ancient castles where their imaginations run wild—all while embracing budget family travel in Europe. Traveling with kids doesn’t mean giving up on your dream destinations; it’s about creating magical moments while keeping costs in check.
Ready to plan a budget family travel adventure in Europe?
We're heading from Vancouver, Canada, to London, and will be traveling to multiple spots across Europe. This is not my first time making this trip, but it is my first time as a family of five. I need to stretch those pounds and euros further than ever before and this is how I plan on doing it.
Family exploring iconic landmarks, enjoying beach views, and capturing travel memories throughout Europe.
A Family Trip To Europe On A Budget: The Ultimate Guide for Families
I’m excited to share how we’re making our family trip to Europe on a budget. Follow along as I walk you through our step-by-step plan for the cheapest way to travel to Europe with family.
Flight Strategy
1. Fly Economy Class with Points
We’re flying economy class from Vancouver to London using our credit card points—a huge win for our budget family trip to Europe. If you don’t have a points card yet, consider getting one that offers travel rewards to cut costs on flights.
2. Watch for Travel Tuesday Deals
Keep an eye on Travel Tuesday deals for big savings on flights and accommodations. This is a great day to score discounts and stay on budget.
3. Track Prices with Google Flights
I recommend using Google Flights to track prices. Set up alerts to get notified when prices drop and snag the best deals for your budget family travel in Europe.
Traveling During Shoulder Season
4. Travel in Shoulder Season
We’re planning our trip during spring. The weather is also pleasant in fall, and the crowds and prices are lower. This helps keep the budget intact while enjoying everything Europe has to offer.
Accommodation Choices for Budget Family Travel in Europe
5. Stay in Family Hostels
We’ve chosen a combo of hotels and family hostels in Europe. Hostels are clean, affordable, and have a great community vibe. Many offer private family rooms, providing hotel-like comfort without the high cost.
6. Consider Vacation Rentals or House Swapping
If hostels aren’t your thing, vacation rentals or house swapping are great alternatives. Rentals often include kitchens, allowing you to save on meals. House swapping lets you live like a local while cutting accommodation costs.
Transportation Tips for Budget Family Travel in Europe
7. Book Economy Flights Early
To maximize your European vacation budget, book your economy flights early.
8. Use Budget Airlines Within Europe
For inter-European travel, budget airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air are perfect for hopping between cities without breaking the bank.
9. Use Public Transportation
In London, we’ll rely on public transportation. We’ll purchase an Oyster card for the Tube and buses, offering cheaper fares and daily caps—ideal for budget family travel.
Most European cities offer city passes that provide unlimited public transport, free entry to museums and galleries, and discounts on many attractions. This may be a great option, depending on where you are going and what attractions interest you.
10. Walk or Bike Whenever Possible
Bike rentals are often easy to find.
11. Skip Big Cities and Explore Lesser-Known Neighborhoods
We are researching lesser-known European neighborhoods and smaller cities. These areas offer a more authentic experience with lower prices on everything from food to accommodations.
Travel adventures with kids, colorful streets, and packed suitcase for a family trip to Europe.
Budgeting for Spending Money During Our Trip
12. Monitor Exchange Rates
We’re watching exchange rates as we plan. We’ll bring a small amount of cash, but most spending will be on the Wise card, which offers great exchange rates and low fees.
13. Avoid Costly ATMs
We’re avoiding independent ATMs like Travelex due to high fees. Using the Wise card ensures we pay in local currency without bad conversion rates.
14. Save Your Change
We save spare change months before traveling. It’s a small habit that adds up for small purchases like snacks, souvenirs, or tips—stretching our budget further.
15. Use Money-Saving Apps
Use apps like Checkout 51 or Flipp to find grocery deals, even abroad. This keeps food costs low and our budget intact.
16. Use Airalo for Affordable Connectivity
To stay connected without high roaming fees, we’re using Airalo. It’s an eSIM app with affordable data plans, perfect for staying online without blowing our budget.
Dining In Europe on a Budget: Enjoying Local Cuisine
17. Street Food, Markets, and Picnics
We plan to enjoy street food and shop at local markets for fresh produce. Picnicking in parks is a budget-friendly way to experience local cuisine.
18. Bring Snack Bags and Cook Some Meals
We’ll bring reusable snack bags for leftovers and day trips. Cooking some meals in our hostel will help us stay on budget and ensure healthy options for the kids.
19. Carry Reusable Water Bottles
We’re bringing reusable water bottles to avoid buying expensive bottled water. Europe has public fountains where we can refill for free, saving money and reducing waste.
Activities and Attractions: Making the Most of Our Time
20. Explore Free Attractions
These are perfect for family entertainment without spending a dime.
21. Take Advantage of Free Walking Tours
We’ll join free walking tours to learn about the city’s history and culture. They’re informative, fun, and budget-friendly. Remember to tip your guide!
Additional Tips for Budget Family Travel in Europe
22. Pack Essentials Smartly
We’re packing essentials like reusable water bottles, snacks, and entertainment for the kids to avoid overpriced purchases while exploring. Consider traveling carry-on only to Europe, and if you need help with editable packing lists, I’ve got you covered!
23. Prepare with Travel Gifts
We’ve asked for practical travel gifts like new luggage, Euros, or travel games. These thoughtful gifts lighten our financial load and prepare us for budget family travel.
24. Protect Your Trip with Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential. We’ve always chosen BCAA for a great prices and reliable coverage.
25. Plan for Slow Days
We’re scheduling slow days into our itinerary to relax and explore at our own pace. This approach helps us avoid burnout and saves money. This is a quick and funny read with expert tips for traveling with kids.
Final Thoughts: Ready for Your Family Traip To Europe?
Traveling on a budget with your family in Europe is all about smart planning and making the most of what’s available.
From using points for flights to choosing budget-friendly hostels and taking advantage of free attractions, we’re set for an incredible adventure that won’t break the bank.
I’ll be sharing more tips as we go in our Facebook community for women who love to travel. It’s the perfect place to share experiences, get advice, and be inspired by fellow travelers.
I hope you Travel More & Pack Less!
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