European Family Travel Adventures

Then we have the perfect list for you. Ultimately, this will not be for everyone. But, for those who want to dip their toes in the pool of adventure and travel to some of the world’s most amazing countries, then take note. There has never been a better time to take yourself and your family on the adventure of a lifetime! Air travel prices are continually falling, and many lesser travelled locations are becoming more accommodating to foreign travellers. This summer should be the one during which you break the mould. Take a read through our list of amazing countries that are perfect for a family adventure, with lots to see and do for the whole clan!

Note: Although these countries will be just as welcoming to younger children, the activities we suggest are typically suited to older children.

Montenegro

Bordering a small portion of Croatia is the slightly more southerly country of Montenegro. Overlooked by many as a potential holiday destination, the country quite simply doesn’t receive the acclaim that it deserves. During the summer, the weather is impeccable, regularly reaching into the 30s (Celsius) and with clear blue skies to boot! Similar to Croatia, most of the action happens on the coast; however, this certainly doesn’t mean you won’t be rewarded for venturing inland. 

Highlights:

On the coast, the towns of Kotor and Budva are personal favourites of ours, sharing some similarities but each with its own character. Kotor’s Bay is perfect for yachting and kayaking for kids that want to do something sporty. Alternatively, there are walks aplenty within the closeby Lovcen National Park. For anyone seeking more of an adrenaline-fuelled thrill, why not head to the Durmitor National Park and strap yourself into the Tara Canyon zipline? 

Guide Price:

Single meal for one person: €5.00
Three-course meal for two: €25.00
McDonalds meal: €3.50
Fruit and veg per KG: €0.50 – €1.10
Domestic and imported Beer: €0.80 – €1.40
Water 1.5L: €0.57
Local transport one way ticket: €0.70 – €1.00
Single accommodation per night: €10 – €25
Double accommodation per night: €25 – €50 

Romania

When dreaming of family holiday destinations, Romania may not immediately spring to mind for many people, but this is precisely why you should take an adventure to this amazing country! Despite common misconceptions, Romania is actually a very large and diverse country with lots to offer foreign visitors. Its size is just 4,000km squared smaller than the UK (measuring 238,000 km²) with mostly land borders and limited coastline. The majority of the attractions are in or close to the major cities such as Bucharest, Brasov, Cluj Napoca or the coastal city of Constanta. 

Highlights:

Bucharest, being the capital, is the busiest city in the country with restaurants, bars, markets and shops around every corner. Our guide to spending two days in Bucharest will give you an idea of how you can spend time there. For families that venture outside of the city, Romania has lots of adventure to offer. The countryside has countless walking and cycling trails that will showcase amazing views of forests, lakes and rolling hills. Additionally, the region of Transylvania is a must-visit, with spectacles such as Bran Castle and the town of Sighisoara. No matter your age, you can’t help but be swept away with the mystery and depth of the country. 

Guide Price:

Single meal for one person: €5.00
Three-course meal for two: €21.00
McDonalds meal: €4.00
Fruit and veg per KG: €0.50 – €1.10
Domestic and imported Beer: €0.70 – €1.20
Water 1.5L: €0.50
Local transport one way ticket: €0.30 – €0.50
Single accommodation per night: €10 – €25
Double accommodation per night: €25 – €50 

Croatia

Croatia is fast becoming one of Europe’s favourite ‘undiscovered’ locations meaning that it will soon become ‘discovered’. The sprawling coastline, crystal clear water and gorgeous towns and cities are all contributing factors to its meteoric rise over the last few years. This has also been helped by the Game of Thrones TV show choosing to film parts of their show in the city of Dubrovnik. These factors have all acted as catalysts for the travel industry to sit up and take notice of this glorious Balkan nation. 

Highlights

The majority of Croatia’s attractions and cities are located on the coast; this is something you should take advantage of. Kayaking, canoeing and boat trips are all great ways to get out on the water and enjoy the tranquillity while exploring somewhere new. Cities such as Split, Zadar and Rijeka are all in close proximity to islands which act as wave breakers. This means that the coastal waters are unbelievably flat, safe and perfect for water activities.

Guide Price:

Single meal for one person: €6.70
Three-course meal for two: €30.00
McDonalds meal: €5.00
Fruit and veg per KG: €0.70 – €1.50
Domestic and imported Beer: €1.00 – €1.50
Water 1.5L: €0.90
Local transport one way ticket: €0.60 – €1.50
Single accommodation per night: €15 – €40
Double accommodation per night: €30 – €75 

Slovenia

Although the countries of Slovenia, Slovakia and Serbia are often grouped into being ‘typical’ Eastern European countries, the geographical location of Slovenia is, in fact, more central. The country has very little coastline, although, thanks to the Schengen agreement, it is possible to drive to the northeast coast of Italy without needing to show passports or ID. You could also drive to Croatia but will need to show a passport/ID when crossing the border. Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, is located in the heartland of the country. Although this is where most of the hustle and bustle happens, there are also lots of reasons to break off on your own and have an adventure! 

Highlights:

The capital itself is fascinating, with museums, galleries and attractions galore! They also have a fantastic open kitchen event every Friday, which is a must for any food fans! If you’re planning on heading to Slovenia, it’s necessary to hire a car to truly experience the country. Lake Bled is a picturesque location with clear and calm water and surrounding banks that are ideal for picnics or catching some sun. Alternatively, Slovenia transforms in the winter as snow falls and covers the country in a soft white blanket. Skiing, snowboarding and husky sledding are all popular activities and will likely cost a lot less than the other well-travelled skiing destinations. This presents a great opportunity to hit the slopes with the family for less! 

Guide Price:

Single meal for one person: €8.00Three-course meal for two: €30.00McDonalds meal: €5.00Fruit and veg per KG: €0.70 – €1.50Domestic and imported Beer: €1.00 – €1.60Water 1.5L: €0.70Local transport one way ticket: €1.20Single accommodation per night: €20 – €40Double accommodation per night: €35 – €80

If you’re looking to head on a family travel adventure that will be memorable for everyone, why not check out our range of experience holidays? Our Romanian experiences will offer a chance to learn about Transylvania, Dracula and the rest of the amazing country!

Visit our Adventure Holidays Europe page

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