How to Find Cheap Family Vacation Packages in Europe

Planning a family vacation to Europe on a budget? It might seem challenging, but with the right approach, you can explore breathtaking destinations without breaking the bank. Whether you’re dreaming of exploring historic cities, relaxing on sunny beaches, or enjoying theme parks with your kids, affordable travel options are available.

Here, you’ll discover practical tips to find cheap family vacation packages in Europe. From setting a smart budget to booking during off-peak seasons, I’ll help you save money while ensuring an unforgettable experience for your loved ones.

Let’s dive in and unlock budget-friendly ways to make your European family adventure both fun and affordable.

Why Finding Affordable Family Vacation Packages in Europe Matters

Traveling as a family can be expensive, but finding cheap family vacation packages in Europe doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or fun. Whether you’re planning a short getaway or a long holiday, sticking to a budget allows your family to enjoy an unforgettable trip without worrying about overspending. By choosing cost-effective packages, you’ll have more freedom to explore, eat out, and enjoy extra activities during your trip.

Choosing cost-effective travel options allows your family to:

• Experience More: Save money on travel essentials and spend more on attractions, dining, and memorable experiences.
• Travel Stress-Free: Having a pre-planned, budget-friendly package takes the hassle out of trip planning and lets you focus on enjoying your time together.
• Stay Longer: Stretch your budget to extend your trip and explore more destinations without worrying about exceeding your financial limits.

Now, I’ll show you how to find great deals on family vacation packages, where to look, and how to save on costs while ensuring a fun and memorable experience for an European adventure. If you want more budget-saving tips, also check out our guide on How to Set a Family Travel Budget.

1. Set a Realistic Budget

Before diving into booking, it’s important to set a realistic budget for your trip. Planning a budget is the first and most important step to finding affordable family vacation packages in Europe. Without a clear spending plan, costs can quickly add up, making it harder to enjoy your trip stress-free. Here’s how to create a smart travel budget:

Estimate Your Major Costs

Consider the key expenses while planning and calculating your total cost:

• Transportation: Flights, trains, buses, and car rentals. Research budget airlines, train passes, and car rentals to find the best deals.
• Accommodation: Hotels, family-friendly resorts, or vacation rentals. Look for family-friendly hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels with kitchen facilities to save on meals.
• Food & Dining: Research the costs of dining out and exploring attractions. Plan for a mix of dining out and preparing simple meals in your accommodation.
• Attractions & Activities: Check the costs of must-see places and look for family discounts or free-entry days.
• Miscellaneous Extra Expenses: Make a budget for shopping, souvenirs, or unexpected expenses.
• Track Your Expenses: Use travel budgeting apps like Trail Wallet or Splitwise to monitor your spending and stay on track during your trip.
• Be Flexible:
  If a particular destination or activity is too expensive, consider alternatives. Many lesser-known European destinations offer similar experiences for a fraction of the cost.

Once you have a total budget, make sure to allocate an appropriate amount for each category. Setting clear financial expectations will help narrow down your options and keep you focused on finding deals that fit your budget.

Tip: For more guidance on budget-friendly travel planning, check out our post on How to Set a Family Travel Budget. Also, check out our guide on Budget-Friendly European Destinations for Families to explore hidden gems within your budget.

By carefully planning your finances, you’ll enjoy your European family trip without worrying about unexpected expenses.

2. Use Deal-Finding Websites and Apps

The internet has made finding affordable family vacation packages in Europe easier than ever. By using the right websites and apps, you can compare prices, track discounts, and book the best options for your trip. Here are some of the best platforms to find great deals:

Best Websites to Find Family Vacation Deals

• Skyscanner: A popular search engine for flights, hotels, and car rentals, Skyscanner allows you to compare prices across multiple providers and book the cheapest options. They also feature package deals, which can be especially useful for families looking for bundled options.
• Expedia: This website offers vacation packages that include flights, hotels, and sometimes car rentals, often at a discounted price when bundled together. Look for special family deals and last-minute offers that can make your vacation more affordable.
• Travelzoo: Travelzoo is a great resource for discovering limited-time promotions and exclusive family deals on vacation packages. Subscribe to their newsletter to stay updated on the latest offers for Europe.
• Kayak: Known for its flexible search options, Kayak helps you find package deals by comparing a wide range of providers. Kayak’s Price Alerts feature allows you to track fluctuating prices and snag a great deal when it’s at its lowest.
• Airbnb & Vrbo: If you’re looking for alternative accommodations, Airbnb offers family-friendly rentals, including entire homes and apartments, at a fraction of the cost of hotels. You can often find properties with kitchens, which will save you money on dining out.
• Google Flights: A great tool to track airfare trends and book flights at the lowest rates. Use the “flexible dates” feature to find the cheapest days to fly.

Tips to Get the Best Deals Online

• Be Flexible with Dates: Traveling mid-week or during off-peak times can save you a lot.
• Use Price Comparison Tools: Always compare prices across multiple platforms before booking.
• Check for Hidden Fees: Some budget deals may have additional costs, such as baggage fees or resort taxes.
• Sign Up for Alerts: Enable notifications from deal-finding apps to grab the best offers as soon as they go live.

Pro Tip: To stay up-to-date on the latest deals, set price alerts on platforms like Skyscanner or Google Flights. You’ll receive notifications when prices drop for your desired routes. Explore our guide on Best Family Travel Apps to discover more tools that can simplify your trip planning.

3. Book During Off-Peak Seasons

One of the best ways to find cheap family vacation packages in Europe is by traveling during off-peak seasons. Traveling during Europe’s off-peak seasons can save you a significant amount of money. Planning your trip at the right time can help you save money on flights, accommodation, and attractions while avoiding large crowds. Here’s when to plan your trip:

Best Off-Peak Seasons to Travel in Europe

Spring (April to early June)

• Pleasant weather without the summer crowds.
• Lower prices on flights and hotels compared to peak summer months.
• Ideal for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and exploring famous landmarks with fewer tourists.

Fall (September to early November)

Excellent times to visit Europe, especially if you want to avoid the crowds and high prices of the summer months.

• During these seasons, flights, accommodations, and attractions are often less expensive, and you can still enjoy pleasant weather.
• Mild temperatures perfect for city tours and countryside adventures.
• Great discounts on family-friendly vacation packages.
• Festivals like Oktoberfest in Germany can still offer unique experiences without the high-season price tags.

Winter (January to March)

A great time to find affordable family vacation packages in Europe.

• Europe’s winter charm brings lower rates on accommodations and flights (excluding holiday periods, Christmas and New Year’s).
• Perfect for budget-friendly skiing trips in the Alps or cultural experiences in cities like Prague and Budapest.
• Some attractions and resorts offer off-season family discounts.
• If your family enjoys winter sports, consider booking a ski package in the Swiss Alps, Austria, or France, where costs tend to be lower in the early winter months.

Tips to Save More by Traveling Off-Peak

• Avoid Major Holidays: Christmas, New Year, and Easter tend to have higher prices due to increased demand. Instead, plan your trip just before or after these peak times to enjoy better deals.
• Check School Breaks: If possible, plan your trip outside school holidays to take advantage of lower prices.
• Consider Shoulder Seasons: Late spring and early autumn still offer great weather but with fewer tourists and lower costs.
• Look for Off-Season Packages: Many travel agencies offer special deals for families traveling during non-peak times, which may include free child stays or complimentary activities.
• Avoid traveling during peak summer months (June to August) unless you find deeply discounted packages, as prices tend to skyrocket during these times.

Helpful Tip: For a more budget-friendly European adventure, consider visiting countries like Portugal, Spain, and Eastern European destinations such as Czech Republic and Hungary, where prices remain affordable even during the high season. Discover the Best European Resorts for Families during off-peak seasons for an affordable and enjoyable trip.

4. Take Advantage of Family-Friendly Discounts and Deals

Traveling with family can be cheap if you know where to find the right discounts and deals. Many services and destinations in Europe offer family discounts or family packages and deals specifically designed for families. It helps you cut costs on attractions, accommodation, and transportation without compromising on fun. Here’s how to make the most of them:

Where to Find Family Discounts

Attractions and Sightseeing Passes

• Family tickets for attractions: Many European museums, theme parks, and sightseeing tours offer family tickets at a reduced rate. Some offers free entry for children under a certain age.
• Look for city passes that cover multiple attractions at a bundled price. For example, the Paris Museum Pass or London Pass, which give you access to several sites at a discounted price.
• Some attractions provide free admission days or discounts for advance online booking.

Hotels and Resorts with Family Offers

• Accommodation deals: Some hotels and resorts offer special deals for families, such as “kids stay free” deals or discounted rates for children. If you book a family room or suite, inquire about discounts for children in the package.
• Resorts often offer all-inclusive family packages that include meals, entertainment, and childcare services, making them a budget-friendly choice.
• Consider accommodations with kitchen facilities to save money on dining out.

Public Transportation Discounts

• Travel passes: Several cities in Europe offer city cards or transportation passes for families, which provide unlimited access to public transportation and discounts on attractions. For example, the Berlin WelcomeCard or Roma Pass offers family rates that can help save money on travel and sightseeing.
• Children under a certain age often travel free or at a reduced fare on buses, trains, and subways.
• Rail services like Eurail offer special family passes that allow children to travel for free with adult ticket holders.

Money-Saving Tips for Family Travel

• Bundle Your Bookings: Many travel websites offer family vacation bundles that include flights, hotels, and attractions at a lower price than booking separately.
• Sign Up for Loyalty Programs: Airlines, hotels, and travel agencies offer reward points or discounts for returning customers.
• Look for Group Discounts: If traveling with extended family or friends, group rates can provide additional savings.
• Book in Advance: Planning early often unlocks early-bird discounts, especially for popular family destinations.

Bonus Tip: Always check for group discounts if you’re traveling with extended family or friends. Many attractions and tour operators offer group rates, which can help you save on ticket prices. Check out our guide on Budget-Friendly Travel Planning for more ideas on saving money while traveling with your family.

5. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates and Destination

Flexibility is key when it comes to booking cheap family vacation packages in Europe. The more flexible you are, the more likely you are to find a great deal. Try the following:

How to Save Money with Flexible Travel Dates

Use Flexible Date Search Tools

• Many travel booking websites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Kayak offer flexible date options that show the cheapest days to travel within a month.
• Flying mid-week (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) is usually cheaper compared to weekends.
• Consider traveling during off-peak hours, such as early mornings or late nights, when demand is lower.

Take Advantage of Shoulder Seasons

• Visiting Europe in the spring (April–May) or fall (September–October) offers better prices and fewer crowds.
• Winter months (excluding Christmas and New Year) often have great deals on flights and accommodations, especially in colder destinations.
• Research festivals and local events in different destinations to avoid price hikes during busy periods.

Set Fare Alerts for Price Drops

• Websites like Hopper and Google Flights allow you to set alerts for your preferred destinations, notifying you when prices drop.
• Being patient and monitoring prices for a few weeks can result in major savings.

How to Save by Choosing Less Popular Destinations

Explore Hidden Gems in Europe

• Instead of expensive cities like Paris or London, consider Porto, Valencia, or Kraków, which offer rich culture at a fraction of the cost.
• Eastern European destinations such as Hungary, Poland, and Bulgaria are often more affordable yet equally charming for family vacations.
• Look for towns and villages near major cities that provide budget-friendly stays and authentic local experiences.

Consider Alternative Airports

• Some budget airlines fly into smaller, nearby airports that offer cheaper fares compared to major hubs.
• For example, flying into Brussels Charleroi instead of Brussels Zaventem or Beauvais instead of Paris Charles de Gaulle can save you money.
• Public transport from these airports to the main city is usually convenient and affordable.

Stay Open to New Destinations

• If your main goal is to explore Europe on a budget, let flight deals determine your destination instead of having a fixed location in mind.
• Follow budget travel blogs and social media pages for real-time deal alerts and unique destination suggestions.

Final Tips for Finding Cheap Family Vacation Packages in Europe

Finding budget-friendly family vacation packages in Europe takes careful planning, flexibility, and a bit of insider knowledge. Here are some final tips to help you save even more and make your trip unforgettable without breaking the bank.

1. Consider All-Inclusive Packages

Opting for all-inclusive family vacation packages can often save you money in the long run. These packages typically include:

• Accommodation, meals, and drinks
• Entertainment and kids’ activities
• Transportation to and from the airport

Many resorts in destinations like Spain, Greece, and Turkey offer budget-friendly all-inclusive deals, which simplify your trip and reduce unexpected expenses.

Pro Tip: Compare different providers to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Websites like Expedia and TUI often have discounted family-friendly packages.

2. Utilize Credit Card Rewards and Loyalty Programs

If you frequently travel, signing up for a travel rewards credit card can earn you points that help cover flights, hotels, or activities. Some tips include:

• Use cards that offer bonus points for travel-related purchases.
• Redeem points for flights with airline partners or free hotel stays.
• Check for special promotions that provide double or triple points on travel bookings.

Pro Tip: Many airlines and hotel chains offer family-friendly loyalty programs with perks like free child stays or early check-in options.

3. Leverage Travel Forums and Social Media Groups

Join online travel communities and forums where travelers share:

• Exclusive discounts and promo codes
• Reviews on family-friendly hotels and destinations
• Hidden travel hacks to save money

Platforms like Reddit, Facebook travel groups, and TripAdvisor are great for getting real-time tips and learning from other families’ experiences.

Pro Tip: Follow airlines and travel deal sites on social media to stay updated on flash sales and limited-time discounts.

4. Book Attractions in Advance

Many popular tourist attractions in Europe offer:

• Early bird discounts when booked online in advance
• Skip-the-line tickets, saving both money and time
• Bundle deals, which include multiple attractions at a discounted price

For example, booking tickets for attractions like the Colosseum in Rome or the Eiffel Tower in Paris in advance can help you avoid peak-season price hikes.

Pro Tip: Check out our Essential Travel Checklist to ensure you don’t miss any important bookings.

5. Stay in Family-Friendly Accommodations

When choosing where to stay, consider:

• Apartments or vacation rentals with kitchen facilities to save on meals.
• Hostels with private family rooms offer affordable stays with communal kitchens and play areas for kids.
• Family-friendly hotels that offer complimentary breakfast and child-friendly amenities.

Websites like Booking.com and Airbnb have filter options to find accommodations that suit your family’s needs and budget.

With these final tips, you’ll be fully equipped to plan an affordable, enjoyable family vacation in Europe.

Pro Tip: Look for properties that offer free cancellation to keep your plans flexible. Need more planning advice? Check out our Travel Planning Tips to get started!

Grab Cheap Family Vacation Packages in Europe!

Planning an affordable family vacation in Europe doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. Finding cheap family vacation packages in Europe is possible with the right strategies.

By setting a realistic budget, staying flexible with travel dates, and making use of travel rewards, your family can enjoy a fun, memorable trip that fits within your financial goals.

Using deal-finding platforms, booking during off-peak seasons, and taking advantage of family discounts, you can enjoy an unforgettable European adventure without breaking the bank.

Remember: The key to a successful budget-friendly trip is planning ahead, staying informed about the best deals, and being open to new experiences. It’s all about being flexible and making the most of available resources.

Ready to start booking your budget-friendly European family vacation? Check out our other travel tips and more budget-friendly travel ideas that help you plan smartly:

• How to Save on Family Travel: Budget-Friendly Tips
• Best Family Vacation Packages in Europe
• Top Affordable European Destinations for Families

Start planning your affordable family getaway today and create unforgettable memories without breaking the bank!