Europe

Europe

Make It Happen For: $6,500-7,000 for a week (The exchange rate for the euro and the pound is the best it’s been in more than 10 years, making your trip at least 15 percent cheaper.)

Set aside $2,400-$3,000 for airfare. Ireland is one of the lowest-cost European destinations to fly to—it’s common to find flights from the East Coast under $600 per ticket even in the summer. Consider a European carrier, such as British Airways or Virgin Atlantic, because seats for kids ages 2 to 11 are typically 75 percent of the adult fare, saving you $150 on a $600 flight. Fares to London, Paris, and Rome can drop to less than $750 per ticket in the fall, if you’re flexible on dates.

Plan on at least $2,000 for accomodations that will sleep a family of four for a week.

But also consider staying in an apartment or home within a resort complex since they’re often a better value, offering more amenities than a stand-alone rental, says Amie O’Shaughnessy

“If you want to vacation in Italy, spend a week at a resort in Tuscany—some places have use of a pool and offer kids’ cooking classes—and then take the train to Rome for a few nights. A family of four could do this starting at about $4,000 before airfare.”

Allow $500 for transportation. Use public transportation to get around the city—kids ride free or at a reduced rate in most of Europe. Figure on $100 each way to get from the airport (reserve transportation in advance rather than hopping in a taxi) and another $200 or so for day trips outside the city. 

Stay under $1,500 for food and attractions. Museum cafeterias, street markets, food trucks, and supermarkets (go for prepared foods if you don’t have a kitchen) are good bets for reasonably priced eats. Space out paid attractions with visits to parks and museums