Spending a family holiday in Europe can be an exciting opportunity to explore the continent’s diverse cultures and sights. However, the potential expenses of European travel can be intimidating, especially with the rising inflation rates. Research by Post Office Travel Money revealed that 75% of Brits who travelled in 2022 blew their weekly budget by 38% on average. Nine out of 10 parents surveyed spent an average of £310 over a week on food, significantly higher than their £145 budget.
Family Holiday in Europe
Although Europe may not be the friendliest of places when it comes to your budget, there are still ways to enjoy its beautiful landscapes and cuisines without breaking the bank. All you need is careful planning so you can create a pocket-friendly itinerary while soaking up the full travel experience in popular destinations. That said, here are 4 ways to maximise your budget on a European family trip:
Opt for budget-friendly activities
Going on a trip to tourist hotspots like Barcelona and Paris can be an exciting way to tour popular attractions, but entrance fees to famous landmarks and museums can eat up your budget, especially considering costs per head. You can visit a couple of famous sights on your bucket list, but you can also try family- and budget-friendly activities that won’t paralyse your finances during your trip. For example, try spending time with your family at the Nova Icària beach in Barcelona, where you can do recreational activities and watch the sunset or sunrise, all for free. When in Paris, instead of a pricey visit to Disneyland Paris, opt for some peaceful downtime with your family at Parc Monceau, where you can do birdwatching or set up a nice picnic with your kids.
Book affordable flights
The cost of your flight is one of the biggest expenses to take into consideration when budgeting for a European holiday. For reference, plane tickets from London to Switzerland can cost around £206 to £234 per person. Luckily, easyJet’s low fare finder can help you easily search for cheap flight tickets to popular destinations like Rome or Zürich, where you can enjoy family-friendly spots like the Piazza Navona and Zoo Zürich, respectively. As long as you have flexible destinations and travel dates, you can save a significant amount on your plane expenses, especially since you’ll be paying per head. You can also score cheap tickets when you book outside of peak periods, like opting for an Italian autumn instead of an Italian summer.
Purchase public transport passes
Heading from one destination to another may cause you to go over your budget, especially since families tend to rely on taxis that typically charge more. Thankfully, European countries like Germany and Hungary have public transport passes that let you use their more affordable bus lines and metro rail transits for a fixed price. You can avail of the Germany Ticket for €49 (£41) by signing up for the online subscription or visiting a service centre once you arrive. Hungary’s National Travel Card also costs the same for foreign travellers, and foreign students can even avail of up to a 90% discount on the ticket, so be sure to bring your children’s school ID to help you save costs. Doing so lets you explore many destinations for a cheaper price, helping you maximise your budget.
Look for pocket-friendly hotels
Another way to save money while travelling is to choose budget-friendly accommodations. There are plenty of pocket-friendly hotels across Europe, such as the Praktik Garden in Barcelona, which lets you enjoy a sleek and spacious bedroom and an outdoor AstroTurf garden where you and your children can bask under the shade of trees. You can also opt for an Airbnb instead of a hotel, especially if you’re looking for roomy apartments and separate bedrooms that are perfect for a family trip. Plus, many Airbnbs allow you to cook, which can help cut down on restaurant costs. Budget chain hotels like EasyHotel in Budapest, Hungary, that offer relatively small but comfortable rooms can also help you save money.
Wandering around Europe with your family need not be expensive. Proper planning and being more flexible will allow you to enjoy a European holiday and create lifelong memories with your family without breaking the bank.
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