European Travel Tips on a Budget | Family Travel

Family trips to Europe are exciting and offer a number of different aspects for a family. The food, the scenery, the new play places, the celebration of culture and the memories created cannot be traded, but it can get expensive. However, it's easy to take the whole family to many locations all over Europe, including Paris, London, or Rome, with planning and a handful of family travel tips. Don't forget the passports, if the family is not already in Europe. Passports take up to two months to process, and adult passports cost more than passports for children. 

1. Consider the Family

Consider the family and the ages of the children. Many small children cannot handle the excitement of a big city, so families choose to vacation in the countryside, such as the coasts of Ireland or a calm Italian beach area. These areas still offer the culture of the people, but are often cheaper than a stay in a city. When planned correctly, a country stay can provide a day trip to a city, especially when the family rents a Peugeot for the duration of the stay. Older children might fare better in a city, but the cost will be higher. Consider staying on the outskirts of the city if country living is not ideal for your family.

2. Consider Airfare

Research frequent flier miles accumulated by the family. If there are none, research flights to Europe fully. Airlines offer lower fares during specific times of the year, such as spring or fall. March through April and September through November find many European countries in fair weather, which will not freeze or overheat any family member. Midweek flights are also cheaper, as the airline typically has more seats to fill in airplanes that aren't full. 

Look into airlines that offer discounts for younger children, and find out which ones might give discounts to your specific age group. These discounts can be harder to find, but they exist, so ask for them specifically. Summer time is the most expensive time to fly, and trips to the West Coast of Europe typically offer more discounts.

3. Staying in Europe

The go-to hotel stay is not the only European option, and it certainly is not the cheapest. There are a number of European stay options; a short list of cheaper-than-hotel options are:

• Bed and Breakfasts: A number of European B&B's offer family rooms with bunks for kids. The advantage is the full breakfast included in the cost, and many are either in the country or on the outskirts of cities.
• Homes: If the European stay is more than a week, it's wise to look into renting a home. In addition to the conveniences, a home is often less than a hotel when the cost is divided per person/per night. Pairing a home rental with a Peugeot car rental is a logical, economical option for an extended European stay. It’s probably one of the best ways to live life fully immersed like a local.
• Farms: There are working farms in Europe that offer rooms to vacationing families. This option is economical, offers in-depth culture, and the kids get to witness a real working farm.
• Eurocamps: This is a resort-style cabin for cheaper than a European resort. The private building includes bedrooms and a kitchen, and the camp community offers activities for the kids. This is an exciting option for the whole family, renting a car is an option for day trips, and families have the option to stay for activities or head out for sight seeing.

Traveling to Europe doesn't have to break the bank. In fact, many families successfully see the sights without having a six figure income. Research and diligence will get your family there, and when you're ready, contact us to rent your European Peugeot for the duration of your stay.