Traveling with your family can feel overwhelming, especially when balancing flights, accommodations, and activities. Luckily, affordable travel in Europe is easier than you might think. Europe is full of budget-friendly destinations that offer rich history, vibrant culture, and plenty of kid-friendly activities — all without breaking the bank.
If you’re looking for budget family destinations in Europe, these 5 countries should be at the top of your travel list, offering unforgettable experiences for children and parents alike!
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Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia is a fantastic option for affordable travel in Europe with families. From the historic streets of Sarajevo to the scenic rivers and bridges of Mostar, families can enjoy kid-friendly activities, cultural experiences, and budget-friendly accommodations, making it an ideal spot for a memorable family vacation.
Often overlooked by travelers, Bosnia and Herzegovina is a gem filled with stunning countryside, historical sites, and warm hospitality—perfect for families on a budget.
Bosnia is also the cheapest country we have ever traveled to!
Popular Things to Do
Discover the charm of Sarajevo by exploring Baščaršija, the historic marketplace, where you can browse local crafts and taste delicious traditional foods like ćevapi. For families who enjoy outdoor adventures, Sutjeska National Park boasts breathtaking landscapes, with ample hiking trails suitable for all ages. You might even spot wild animals or enjoy a picnic by the river.
Other places to visit:
- Mostar
- Kravica Waterfalls
- Medjugorje
- Una National Park
- Banja Luka
- Jajce
Costs
- Food: Meals in local restaurants typically cost between $5 and $10. A family of four can expect to spend about $40–$50 on groceries each week.
- Accommodation: Family-friendly hotels and guesthouses charge around $30 to $60 per night, offering comfortable stays that won’t strain your budget. We have personally stayed in 1-2-bedroom apartments right inside the city center for only $20 to $30 per night. We found these apartments on Airbnb.
$24.47 USD
This is how much we averaged per night of accomodation while traveling in Bosnia.
- Activities: Outdoor activities are often free or low-cost, making it easy to fill your days with enjoyable experiences without overspending.
Check out these videos from Bosnia & Herzegovina:
Albania
Albania offers affordable travel in Europe with a mix of beaches, mountains, and historic towns perfect for families. With kid-friendly beaches, cultural sites, and budget accommodations, Albania is an ideal destination for a fun and stress-free family adventure.
Popular Things to Do
Families can visit Butrint, an ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage site, to explore its incredible ruins. The Albanian Riviera also has beautiful beaches where kids can play, and parents can relax. In Tirana, the capital city, you’ll find engaging parks like the Grand Park, which features playgrounds and open spaces, perfect for a family picnic.
Other places to visit:
- Shkoder
- Shala River and Komani Lake
- Kruja
- Berat
- Gjirokaster
- Apollonia
- Blue Eye National Park
- Durres
- Sarande
- Vlore
- Dhermi
Costs
- Food: Enjoy affordable meals at local restaurants, with costs ranging from $5 to $15 for a family. Groceries are budget-friendly too, allowing a family of four to spend about $30 weekly.
- Accommodation: Budget accommodations like hotels and hostels range from $25 to $50 per night, making family travel easier on your wallet. In most 1–2-bedroom Airbnb’s, you will pay around $25 to $35 nightly to be in or near the city center in most places.
$26.22 USD
This is how much we averaged per night of accomodation while traveling in Albania.
- Activities: Many cultural sites and natural attractions have low entry fees, ensuring you can explore without financial worry.
Check out our Albania video series below:
- Exploring Shkodër, Albania!
- Day Trip to Shala River: Albanian Road Trip
- Krujë, Albania: Balkan Road Trip
- What to See in the Beautiful Tirana, Albania
- Exploring the Historic City of Berat, Albania
- Albania: Llogara Pass & Dhermi
- Walking the Sarandë Promenade in Albania
- Day Trip to Corfu, Greece
- The Blue Eye – Albanian Road Trip
- Strolling Through Gjirokastër, Albania
- Exploring the Ruins of Butrint | An Ancient City in Albania
Kosovo
Kosovo is an underrated gem for budget family travel in Europe. Families can explore the vibrant capital of Pristina, discover historic monasteries, and enjoy affordable meals and family-friendly activities, all while experiencing a warm and welcoming local culture.
Popular Things to Do
In Pristina, the capital, you can visit the Newborn Monument and the unique National Library. For nature lovers, Rugova Canyon offers breathtaking hiking trails suited for families. A trip to the historical town of Gjakova can provide insights into local traditions, perfect for curious minds.
Other places to visit:
- Prizren
- Peja
- Lake Leqinat and Leqinat Village
- Bear Sanctuary Pristina
Costs
- Food: Dining out typically costs between $5 and $10 for a family meal, while a week’s worth of groceries is about $40.
- Accommodation: Family-friendly options are available for around $30 to $70 a night, ensuring a comfortable stay for everyone. A typical 1–2-bedroom Airbnb costs between $30 and $40 per night.
$33.08 USD
This is how much we averaged per night of accomodation while traveling in Kosovo.
- Activities: Many museums have low entry fees, and exploring Kosovo’s national parks is often free, enhancing a budget-friendly travel experience.
Check out our Kosovo Video Series:
- What to Do in Prizren in 24 Hours! (With Kids!): Old Town, Fortress Views & Local Food
- Is Peja Worth Visiting? | Quick Stop in Kosovo’s Mountain Gateway | Family Vlog
- Is This the BEST Hike in KOSOVO?! Family Hike to Lake Leqinat + Rugova Valley Scenic Drive!
- Visiting Bear Sanctuary Pristina with Kids | Family Day Trip from Kosovo’s Capital
- Is Pristina Worth Visiting? 🇽🇰 | 1 Day in Kosovo’s Capital City with Kids | Family Travel Vlog
Bulgaria
Bulgaria is perfect for budget family destinations in Europe. From the Black Sea coast’s family-friendly beaches to Sofia’s historic streets and Plovdiv’s charming old town, Bulgaria provides affordable accommodations, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences for families traveling on a budget.
Popular Things to Do
Families can visit Sofia to see historical landmarks, including the stunning Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. For beach lovers, the Black Sea coast is inviting during summer months, while the ski resorts in Bansko are perfect for winter fun, making it easy for families to choose the right season for their trip.
Other places to visit:
- Veliko Tarnovo
- Plovdiv
- Belogradchik
- Varna
- Burgas
Costs
- Food: Eating out starts as low as $6 to $15 for a family meal, and grocery prices usually average around $30 to $50 per week.
- Accommodation: You can find affordable stays anywhere from $25 to $60 per night across Bulgaria. A typical 1–2-bedroom apartment on Airbnb will cost $40 to $50 per night.
$50.35 USD
This is how much we averaged per night of accomodation while traveling in Bulgaria.
- Activities: With many natural attractions and museums charging little to no entry fees, Bulgaria makes family vacations both enjoyable and affordable.
Check out our Bulgaria Video Series:
- 2 Days in Sofia, Bulgaria 🇧🇬 | Family Travel Vlog & Top Things to Do
- What to Expect at Sofia Zoo 🇧🇬 | Family Vlog + Drive to Bulgaria’s Most Beautiful Fortress
- Is This the BEST HIDDEN GEM in Bulgaria!? | Inside Bulgaria’s Most Impressive Fortress
- Exploring Devetashka Cave Bulgaria 🇧🇬 | Family Travel to One of Europe’s Largest Caves
- Plovdiv, Bulgaria Family Travel Guide 🇧🇬 | 2 Days Exploring Europe’s Oldest City
- Explore the BEST of Veliko Tarnovo in 2 Days 🇧🇬 | Family Travel Vlog in Bulgaria’s Medieval City
Georgia
Georgia, straddling Europe and Asia, is an emerging favorite for affordable family travel in Europe. Families can explore Tbilisi’s colorful neighborhoods, hike in the Caucasus Mountains, and enjoy budget-friendly meals and kid-friendly adventures, making it a unique and memorable family destination.
Popular Things to Do
In Tbilisi, explore the charming Old Town, with its colorful buildings and intriguing street art. Families can take day trips to Kazbegi to admire breathtaking mountain views or visit the Black Sea coast at Batumi, known for its amusement parks and beaches.
Other places to visit:
- Kutaisi
- Batumi
- Stepantsminda
- Svaneti
- Kakheti
Costs
- Food: Dining is quite affordable, costing between $5 and $15 for a family meal. A week’s grocery bill is around $40.
- Accommodation: Budget-friendly hotels and guesthouses generally charge between $30 and $70 per night, catering well to family needs.
- Activities: Many of Georgia’s natural attractions and cultural sites don’t charge entry fees, making it easy to explore without financial worries.
Embrace Affordable Travel Destinations
Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing quality enjoyment. With beautiful landscapes, significant histories, and wallet-friendly prices, Bosnia, Albania, Kosovo, Bulgaria, and Georgia serve as excellent, affordable travel destinations for creating unforgettable family moments.
Whether you are hiking in the lush mountains of Kosovo or relaxing on the serene beaches of Albania, these countries ensure memorable experiences for both kids and adults without overspending. Start planning your next family vacation where adventure meets affordability!
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