Europe is an expensive place to travel, especially with a family. Food, accommodation, sightseeing--each of these things adds up to cost a lot of money. Thankfully, there are ways to save money without cutting back on travel or missing out on anything. Budget travel takes planning, but can save you both money and time.
Rather than paying several hundred dollars a night for a hotel room big enough for a family, look into participating in a homestay. Websites such as homestayweb.com can help travelers find English-speaking households willing to host an American family for a fraction of the cost of a hotel. Staying at a home can also give travelers a local's perspective on the city or country, and sometimes forge lifelong friendships. For example, as of April 2010, a one-week homestay in Rome is available for 220 Euros ($291.39 USD).
Transportation can be one of the most expensive factors in traveling. Taking pricey trains, buses and airplanes, while convenient, also adds up to a lot of money. Renting a car allows travelers to get off the beaten path and see the sights at their own leisure. Fees such as mandatory insurance can raise the price, but it is still the more economical option. Travel guru Rick Steves recommends comparing prices on American websites such as expedia.com and travelocity.com, or consulting with your hotel concierge. In most European countries, drivers only need to present their American driver license.
Many museums and attractions offer discounted tickets (often called "concessions") or family rates. The Tower of London, for example, offers a family ticket that is valid for two adults and up to six children. Also, don't be afraid to ask about discounts even if none are listed. In Paris, many of the museums and monuments are free to people under age 18.
Rather than constantly spending money on souvenirs your kids demand, give each child a small allowance that is theirs to spend on the trip. Explain that this is the child's spending money and whatever souvenirs he wants must be purchased with this money. There should be less whining for toys and presents, and the child will also learn about budgeting and responsible spending. This suggestion won't work with very young children.
Enjoy being in a new country without paying for pricey tours every day. The best way to explore a new city is often to walk around, which is completely free. Get a map from the hotel or an information stand and see the city on foot. Check the Internet for free concerts and festivals, find out which attractions have no entrance fee and wander through local markets, which offer a glimpse of local life away from the tourist scene. Some of the best architecture in Italy is inside its churches; leave a couple of Euros if you enjoy the visit.
