7 European destinations ideal for a cheap family vacation
If you're ready to get back to Europe with your family after the pandemic temporarily paused travel, you're not alone. All signs point to a very active tourist season this year on the European continent. According to the European Travel Commission, 3 out of 4 Europeans want to travel to another European country this summer, and data from Allianz shows that travel from the U.S. to Europe is up over 600% from last year.
Prices for airfare and hotels have already been skyrocketing for summer travel both within and outside of the U.S., so choosing an affordable destination is more important than ever, especially if you have your heart set on Europe. If you have a stash of points and miles, you can use them to fly and stay. But most importantly, being in a cheaper European destination ensures you can save money on food, activities, drinks and more for the whole crew.
The destinations on this list are both family-friendly and on the more affordable side, allowing you and your whole family to enjoy a summer vacation in Europe on a budget — even during what may just be a record-breaking tourist season.
Related: Traveling to Europe this summer? Here's what to expect
Porto, Portugal
Portugal is one of Western Europe's most affordable countries, and Porto, located in the north, is the perfect destination for families on a budget. The city is easily walkable, with colorful tiled buildings and art nouveau architecture to admire. Kids will enjoy free activities like walking across the river via the double-decker Dom Luís I Bridge or taking the city's funicular and cable car (for a low price).
The stunning Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world, costs 5 euros to enter (free for children 3 and under) but the ticket price will go toward your purchase if you buy a book. And when the kids need a break, you don't have to feel guilty about taking them for a cheap and easy meal at a McDonald's when traveling abroad — Porto's McDonald's is frequently dubbed "the most beautiful McDonald's in the world," complete with stained glass and chandeliers.
Related: The US dollar and euro are almost equal: What that means for travelers
Seville, Spain
If your family loves castles and horses, a sunny getaway in Seville, Spain, makes for a great vacation without overspending. Although tickets to the famed Alcazar palace are 14.50 euros per adult (1 euro for children under 13) — kids will love the massive gardens where they can run and play after touring the inside of the castle — you could make this a full-day activity. Afterward, riverside strolls and wandering the winding streets of the city center are free. In and around Seville and nearby city Jerez, there are plenty of stables and farms to ride and view purebred Spanish horses.
Dining in Seville can be cost-effective as well. Some local spots will give you free tapas when you order a drink, and a glass of wine can cost as little as 2.50 euros. Renting bikes is another affordable activity that can keep the whole family occupied. And children and adults alike will love visiting the fairytale-like Plaza de Espana, complete with footbridges and towers (free). Between the square and its neighboring park, there's lots of space for the little ones to explore while parents enjoy the sunset. Just note that it gets extremely hot during the summer — but the upside is that Seville is usually cheaper during this time.
Related: These are the best times to visit Spain
Rhodes, Greece
Visiting the Greek islands with a family takes a bit of patience and organization. Budget travelers might want to avoid expensive islands like honeymoon-oriented Santorini or party island Mykonos, but may not want to stray too far off the beaten path. Rhodes is an easy answer. It's more cost-effective than other islands and visitors can fly there from hubs like Athens, London and Munich. For the best hotel rates, consider traveling outside of the summer high season.
Rhodes has many beaches with shallow waters like Tsambika Beach, complete with ample parking and amenities. The island offers many activities besides just enjoying the sun and sand. Ticket prices for nature reserve Valley of the Butterflies, complete with waterfalls, a petting zoo, a monastery and a museum, range from just 3-5 euros per adult and are free for children under 12. And kids can check out vintage toys and play with many of them at the Rhodes Toy Museum, where entrance is free.
Related: 7 things no one tells you about the Greek islands
Budapest, Hungary
One of the most affordable capital cities in Europe, Budapest features some interesting and educational activities for traveling families. And if you've already made it to Europe, consider flying Hungarian low-cost carrier Wizz Air to Budapest from a number of European hubs. The airline is no-frills, and I wouldn't recommend it for long-haul flights, but it's a cost-effective way to get the whole family to Budapest.
When it comes to activities, the Children's Railway is one of the most distinct: a train that runs along about 7 miles of track through the Buda Hills that's entirely operated by children. Ticket prices are less than $2 (800 Hungarian forints) for adults and less than $1 (400 forints) for kids. The Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden is reasonably inexpensive with adult tickets costing around $9 (3,339 forints) and kids tickets $6 (2,225 forints). Complete with a butterfly garden and a petting zoo, families can spend the whole day here.
Dordogne, France
Paris and the French Riviera can be expensive for families on a budget. If you're dying for a jaunt to France but can't afford some of the most popular spots, consider an alternative French region like the Dordogne, which is northeast of Bordeaux.
Parents can still indulge in that coveted French wine and cheese, but there's also plenty for kids to enjoy. The region has hundreds of castles, as well as a number of prehistoric caves to explore. And when it comes to castles — you don't always have to pay to go in. Sometimes, spotting them from the town or the car is just as fun. During your French road trip, plan to stop in some of the area's quaint riverside villages like Beynac-et-Cazenac or La Roque-Gageac. There are also plenty of nature activities like easy hiking, kayaking, fishing and even camping offered throughout the region.
Sicily, Italy
Popular Italian family-friendly destinations like Tuscany and the northern lake district can be easily explored with the kids in tow, but they can also be expensive. Instead, consider a visit to Italy's largest island, Sicily. With two main airports on opposite sides of the island, Catania (CTA) and Palermo (PMO), fly into whichever one has the better deal and plan your trip around that particular area.
Sicily has it all: incredible, affordable, delicious cuisine, beautiful villages in the Val di Noto, rich Italian culture and traditions, stunning beaches and even the volcanic Mount Etna. Speaking of Mount Etna, it's free to climb up to 2,500 meters (or drive up to 1,800 meters, if your kids are small), an activity that can be done year-round. You'll need to take a tour to go any higher or summit.
Children will love the cable car in Taormina, and there are affordable agriturismos, or Italian farm stays, around the island that the whole family will love — complete with pools, farm-fresh cuisine and sprawling outdoor space. If that's not enough, locals basically eat ice cream for breakfast (granita), so your kids will definitely be sugared up and happy on a family trip to Sicily.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Your kids might not be able to properly pronounce Slovenia's capital, but they'll love visiting it thanks to the gorgeous bridges spanning the Ljubljanica River and the greenery of Tivoli Park.
This is a destination where getting a tourist card can really make sense. The Ljubljana tourist card offers cardholders a free guided city tour, a free funicular ride and entrance to the castle, a free riverboat cruise, four hours of bike rental, free travel on public transport and admission to more than 20 different attractions (including the arboretum, various museums and the zoo) and even bus transport between the airport and city center. Prices range from 16 euros for a child's 24-hour card to 40.50 euros for an adult's 72-hour card when purchasing online.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.