Europe on a Budget

Families traveling to the U.K. this summer may find it costs them 40 percent less than last year

Let’s face it: There will always be good reasons not to travel to Europe. Those would-be travelers looking for an excuse to stay home have plenty of reasons to choose from — some more factually based than others. Remember a few years ago, when a handful of government officials tried to convince us it was unpatriotic and snobby to go to Europe? Then, there was the weak exchange rate and, suddenly, all talk revolved around how expensive it had become.

Yet, despite all the negativity, European countries top the list of the most popular international destinations for U.S. travelers year after year. Whether it’s Italy, France, the United Kingdom or others, the fact of the matter is that Americans have a fascination with Europe; those who have been want to go back, and those who have yet to go are dying to visit.

These days, consumers have a worldwide recession as a reason to stay home. All things considered, however, for most U.S. citizens, there is no better time than this summer to take a family vacation to Europe. In fact, there may not be a better opportunity for years to come. The combination of a stronger dollar, incredibly inexpensive airfare and abnormally low hotel rates, should make those who travel across the pond this summer very happy indeed.

“These are once-in-a-generation prices, and they are not going to last,” said Christopher Rodrigues, chairman of VisitBritain, the national tourism office of the U.K. “You’ve got the currency in your favor and great deals. You put those together and you are talking about a trip that is 40 percent less than last year.”

The Basics

Most experts suggest separating your travel budget into four categories: transportation, lodging, food and entertainment/activities.

When it comes to finding low-cost deals on transportation and lodging, a traveler’s best bet is a tour operator or wholesaler. Because most operators negotiated for a block of airline seats and hotel rooms last year, before the downturn in the economy, many companies now find that they have too much supply for the demand, and what results are serious discounts.

Next, there are a couple of basic principles to keep in mind when trying to save money on food. First of all, shopping where the locals shop will not only save your family money, but it is also a fun way to experience the culture. Also, many hotel rooms will come with complimentary breakfast. Don’t be shy: Load up on the free breakfast, and save money on a lighter lunch.

Finally, when it comes to entertainment and activities, the best method is to plan ahead. Separate activities into “must-do” and “would-like-to-do” items. Then, do some research to find the least-expensive way to experience your must-do activities — while still making them enjoyable. This last point is key: It’s not worth saving a few dollars if you ultimately ruin the enjoyment of the activity. Throughout the trip, your goal should be value, not simply the lowest price.

Since nobody knows the ins and outs of saving money better than the locals, we asked representatives at some of Europe’s visitors’ bureaus for their best insider tips.

France

Certainly, year after year, one of the most popular destinations for American travelers is France. According to Jessie Latham, media relations coordinator, for Maison de la France, the French Government Tourist Office, a key to experiencing the country on a budget is researching alternative accommodations.

“If you’re interested in something more nature-oriented and you’ve decided to rent a car, staying in a gite could be a great option,” she said. “These are small, country guesthouses, usually in beautiful locations, and they can house a whole family at a fraction of what rooms for everyone at a hotel would cost.”

Latham said another bonus to this option is that these guesthouses often have kitchens, which will allow visitors to experience local markets’ fresh produce and regional products.

“This way you can try your hand at French cooking,” she said.

Another suggestion Latham had was to spend some time outside of Paris.

“Paris is generally much more expensive than the surrounding regions, which are often both cosmopolitan and charming, with cute places to stay, great things to see and do and without the crowds you’ll find in the city,” she said.

As is the case in so much of Europe, regional rail lines give budget travelers more options.

“Since rail travel throughout France is so easy, fast and comprehensive, it’s entirely possible to make your base city Tours or Reims and take a day trip or two into Paris,” Latham pointed out. “The cities are only about an hour or an hour and a half from Paris.”
www.franceguide.com/us

Germany

Tim Rosenkranz, public relations coordinator for the German National Tourist Office, said that one often overlooked option for families are city cards.

“Most German cities offer ‘city cards’ and these usually include public transportation and free or reduced admission to the major tourist sites and museums,” Rosenkranz said. “You can get these cards for a family and up to three kids, under 14 years, are included for free. The Berlin Family Welcome Card, for example, gives one adult and three children five days of public transportation and up to 50 percent reduced admission to more than 140 attractions.”

Like other countries, Rosenkranz also stressed the importance of using the national rail system discounts for families. He pointed out that train travel in Germany is not only a great way to get around, but is also very green.

“German Rail offers special fares for groups and families,” he said. “If you buy one full-price ticket you can take up to four people with you for half the price. Those offers are even combinable with the special fares if you book early. In this way, for example, a family of four would be able to go from Hamburg to Munich for less than $100 if they booked ahead of time.”
www.cometogermany.com

Norway

It’s not only the larger countries of Europe that have special deals for visitors. Even smaller Scandinavian countries, such as Norway, reach out to travelers.

In particular, according to Harald Hansen, public information manager for Innovation Norway, the country’s official tourism office, visitors should look into getting the Fjord Pass, which offers substantial discounts on accommodations at 170 hotels, guesthouses, cottages and apartments all over Norway.

A single Fjord Pass costs about $17 and, with it, guestrooms can be booked for around $55 per night and cabins and apartments for about $64 per night. The pass is valid for two adults and any children under the age of 15 through Dec. 31 of the year in which it is purchased. Fjord Pass holders can also book accommodations online free of charge, and it entitles card-holders to free breakfasts at most accommodations. The same company, Fjord Tours, also offers train tour packages.

“With these passes, children ages 4 to 15 pay half price, and they are free for kids under 4 years,” said Hansen.

The company’s Highlights of Norway itinerary is a two-day rail tour that runs around $250 for adults and $125 for kids.
www.visitnorway.com/us

United Kingdom

Rodrigues, of VisitBritain, said there are some deals that most travelers overlook when it comes to traveling to the U.K.

For one thing, he said, most of the museums are free, which generally makes for a more enjoyable experience — especially for families traveling with young children. Also, there are many low-cost theater options in London, including tickets at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre for around $20. There are deals on transportation and tour buses as well — including savings on River Thames cruises.

“There are many great day-trips within two hours of London, but it’s best to purchase BritRail passes ahead of time,” Rodrigues said. “The fares are significantly lower that way — about 60 to 70 percent lower.”

In addition, travelers who buy a BritRail pass before June 1 will receive an extra day free. One tip Rodrigues offered is for travelers to look into discounted lunch and pre-theater offerings at some of London’s top restaurants. In some cases, a three-course, fixed menu at one of the city’s top restaurants may be as little as $20 to $30 per person.

Finally, Jeremy Viray, media relations executive for VisitBritain, suggested having some fun — and saving a few “quid” — by expanding the typical choice of accommodations.

“Families can have a bit of fun with their choice of accommodation by staying at places like Durham Castle in the north of England,” Viray said. “The castle dates back to the 14th century and doubles as a residence hall for college students. When school’s out, travelers can stay at the castle for as little as $40 a night.”
www.visitbritain.org

A Sample of Tour Operator Deals

Globus Family of Brands
Save $100 per person on air-inclusive Globus Family of Brands’ Europe vacations booked before June 2. This includes Globus’ London & Paris: A Tale of Two Cities; Ciao, Italia; and From the Colosseum to the Eiffel Tower.
www.globusjourneys.com

Pleasant Holidays
Four nights in London, including air from New York, is priced at $832.50, per person, for travel before June 15.
Four nights in Paris, including air from Washington, D.C., is priced at $950.75, per person, for travel before May 26.
www.pleasantholidays.com

Tauck Bridges
For larger family trips and family reunions, whenever a group books eight family members on any Tauck Bridges trip, the ninth family member travels free. This offer applies to all five of the Tauck Bridges trips in Europe.
www.tauckbridges.com

Travel Bound
Travel Bound’s apartments available in Europe, which give families the convenience of a kitchen and more space, include Paris ($293 per night); Florence, Italy ($79 per night); Barcelona, Spain ($238 per night); and Edinburgh, Scotland ($184 per night).
www.booktravelbound.com