As seasoned family travelers with years of experience exploring the world with our kids, we've mastered the art of keeping costs down without sacrificing fun. Transport and accommodation are the biggest expenses, but realistic strategies—like avoiding hitchhiking or couchsurfing—make all the difference. Here are the practical tips we've used successfully on trips near and far.
Transport eats up the budget whether you're flying, taking the train, or driving. Instead of going far, explore nearby: a neighboring region or country. Rediscover destinations through your children's eyes—perfect for day trips or weekends away.
For instance, day trips to the Audomarois marshes in northern France or Gruissan's pink salt flats in the south. For longer escapes, we loved Whitstable in Kent, the windmills and tulips of the Netherlands, or Spain's Bardenas desert. Border countries offer exotic vibes on a dime!
The tulip fields of Keukenhof, Netherlands
Heading farther afield affordably? Stay flexible with dates, fly from nearby airports, pack light, consider stopovers, and don't buy impulsively. Check our full guide: How to Book Plane Tickets Cheaper.
Craving culture and new horizons? Skip pricier spots like Nordic countries or North America—low fares won't offset high on-site costs. Opt for Asia or Latin America, where lodging and meals are bargains. Dine for ~€3 in India or stay for €20-40 in Cambodia or Costa Rica. No skimping required!
Browse Numbeo's comprehensive database for global cost comparisons on food, rent, transport, and more—it's invaluable for planning.
Compare: 10 Days in Iceland vs. India
Iceland tops cost-of-living charts.
Flights: €1,000 round-trip from Paris (holidays); €250 from London.
Accommodation: €150-180/night on Airbnb/guesthouses.
Transport: Car rental €130-180/day + fuel.
Activities: Free nature sites; Blue Lagoon ~€98 (family, 2018); Secret Lagoon ~€40.
Meals: €15 burgers; €30-40 upscale. Supermarkets still pricey.
Total: €4,800-€5,000 minimum (plane €1,000, lodging €1,500, car €1,500, activities €150, meals €700).
Vala house on the backwaters of Cherai Beach, Kerala
Now, Kerala, India—world's lowest cost of living.
Flights: €2,300 from Paris; €1,800 from London (winter).
Accommodation: €40-€120/night (decent to charming with pools).
Transport: Tuk-tuks/taxis/trains/drivers: €1-40 per leg.
Meals: €3 street food; €10 mid-range; €50 upscale.
Total: €3,500-€3,800 (plane €2,300, lodging €1,000, transport €100, meals €400).
Crunch your own numbers!
Modern hostels welcome families. In Madeira's Funchal, we stayed at Santa Maria Hostel—a converted school in the historic district with family rooms and shared spaces at great value.
Santa Maria Hostel, Funchal, Madeira
More tips: Request extra beds; skip hotel breakfasts. See our guide to kid-friendly stays.
Ditch tourist traps—street food in Thailand (~€3) beats hotel prices. Follow hygiene basics (bottled water, cooked food). Our rule: Eat where locals queue; it's always a win!
Tico breakfast in Costa Rica: plantain, local cheese, rice, beans, eggs
Opt for trains, buses, boats—slower sometimes, but cheaper and scenic. Laos buses or Thai trains are highlights in themselves!
Prioritize no-cost fun: nature hikes, beach play, land art. Kids thrive outdoors.
Our hiking guide: Praise of Family Walking.
Beaches: waves, shells. Cities: free museums (London all; China/France specials; Berlin tip tours). Farms/workshops often gratis—buy if you love it. We adored Hutte goat farm in Perche, France.
Walk in Norway among sheep and fjords
In bargaining cultures, negotiate fairly—excursions, rooms, rides. Book on-site in Bali; compare online rates for upgrades or freebies.
Tuk-tuk in India: Negotiate before boarding
Minimize flights: We crossed China-Laos-Thailand-Cambodia by land, flew to Bali then India—€20,000 for 6 months with 4 people.
Happy travels!
