AD Guest Post
Traveling is one of those things that just fills your stomach with excited butterflies and puts a smile on your face with the mere thought of seeing and experiencing new things. But how does one travel on a budget and with kids? Well, there are quite a few answers to this question and you know the saying: where there’s a will there’s a way. Families can opt to travel in shoulder season as opposed to mid summer and can choose countries and cities that have budget-friendly options. Let’s look at the three best cities to visit on a budget.
Rome, Italy
Italy has many wonderful spots that you can visit on your next trip over, and the beauty here is that you can expect to meet the most interesting and open people. The Italians are a very welcoming people, full of great stories and anecdotes, with an unmatched passion for food and always happy to share a recipe with you. If you are traveling in the months between April and May, and September and October, you can expect shoulder season prices that can be up to 50% less than peak times. This applies to accommodation and activities alike: Sistine Chapel tickets and passes to the Colosseum can be cheaper for kids and pensioners in the shoulder season.
Another way to save money if you’re on a budget? Don’t rent a car, because there’s no car needed in the Eternal City. Italy, like the majority of European cities, is beautifully and conveniently networked in terms of public transport. As a tourist though, the ideal way to get around and not miss anything because you’re having to drive, is the Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Tour. Not only is the service friendly and you’ll be blessed with all the historical details of the city, it’s honestly the perfect way to travel in Rome as visitors can get on and off at any stop they choose (hence the name), and then walk around, take pictures, bask in the environment and grab a slice of pizza, before getting on to the very next bus and continuing the journey. This is the ideal way to travel with your little ones because they’ll be kept busy by all the sights and things to see.
The beauty of being on a budget is that you get a real feel of the city from various perspectives depending on where you choose to stay. Think about a home stay with an Italian family, something that you’ll think of fondly forever. It’s safe to say that Italy is one of those countries that once you’ve had the fortune of visiting, you’ll never be able to forget—and you definitely won’t want to.
Prague, Czech Republic
While places like Rome, Paris and Berlin are well known to almost every person who likes to travel, Prague isn’t – and that’s a travesty. Prague has a reputation of being a cheap European travel destination popular with backpackers and young families. The reason for this is that you get the beauty of Europe, but at the price of some Asian cities. You can also travel from Amsterdam to Prague by sleeper train, an unparalleled experience that you and your family will never forget (in the best way).
Another reason why Prague is great for budget-conscious travelers is that it’s perfect for kids and first-timers, not least because of the mesmerizing medieval buildings, tiny streets and incredible, affordable food. On practically every corner, you can smell sweet chimney cakes being made. Prague even has its very own Eiffel Tower called the Petřínská rozhledna. It’s a lot smaller than the original, but it’s actually at the same elevation as the original. The Czech people have a running gag that they don’t need to go visit Paris because they have their own tower and the views are better.
Amiens, France
Amiens is an absolute must-see and far removed from the touristy places one envisions when thinking of France. This captivating city is part of the Haut-de-France region in northern France, divided by the River Somme. There are shops and cafes lining the Quartier St.-Leu’s narrow streets that you will love exploring. Another highlight are the unique floating market gardens that dot the city’s canals, and it wouldn’t be Amiens without the fascinating Amiens Cathedral full of French history and culture, as well as being a UNESCO World Heritage site.
You could honestly spend days just sitting around, sipping coffee and eating croissants, watching the people walk by and pondering life and what it means. This is a city made for those who love the slower part of life and can enjoy simplicity and complexity at the same time, for example at Les Hortillonnages d’Amiens, which is a network of canals and floating gardens right in the heart of Amiens. This natural site is so special and is often referred to as the “Little Venice of the North” thanks to its labyrinth of waterways and lush vegetation. Most definitely worth a visit.
Traveling isn’t only about ticking items and places off your bucket list, it’s about exploring and learning, about opening your mind and heart to new things, different cultures and ways of living. Taking a road, be it alone or with others, that leads you into the unknown can’t be compared to anything else in the world, and Europe is the ideal place to take a journey like this.
