Now our focus may be travelling on a budget and saving money, this doesn't mean that we don't like to experience the 'finer things' in life. From the outside, our travel videos certainly don't give the impression that we are watching the pennies!
We like to think of ourselves more as mid-range travellers, 'Boujee on a Budget'- ticking off bucket list experiences for less and usually with our kids in tow.
Being savvy with what we book and how, means that we get to travel twice as frequently. I mean who doesn't want that!
For instance, we travelled on the Bernina Express, a tour that some travel companies charge in to the thousands for, when in fact the train ride in a panoramic carriage costs just £77 ($100). Did it feel budget? Not at all? We made our own itinerary to suit our needs and got to experience the exact same train for a fraction of the price.
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So you may be wondering what sort of bucket list activities with kids can do in Europe that aren't too expensive? Maybe you have a 'big' birthday or special anniversary coming up that you'd like celebrate in style, without breaking the bank. It is very possible to tick off your own bucket list whilst keeping the kids entertained too!
With many cheap flights to Europe that can be paired with mid range hotels, it's now more possible than ever to have a once in a life time holiday for less than a traditional package deal in the sun. Add in some reasonably priced activities and you're on to a winner.
We've put together a list of 10 Low Cost Experiences in Europe, all for under €100 per person.
The best bit is, that the activities we have chosen, most allow you to book and pay just a few days before the activity AND allow you to cancel right up to the day before, giving you flexibility and chance to spread the cost. Others are free!
So let's check out some of our favourite travel bucket list ideas with kids!
The cost of a private gondola ride in Venice is €80 before 7pm, so if there is a few of you to split the price then the price is very reasonable.
As a family of six, it cost us just €14 per person. Something that had been on my bucket list for some time and my kids were in awe!
The maximum number of people allowed in a private gondola is 6.
After 7pm, the price increases to €120. The fares are set by city and the ride should last around 30 minutes
Definitely well worth the money in my opinion!
To see our blog on 10 things to do with Teens, Tweens and Kids in Paris click here
No trip to Paris is complete without climbing to the top of the Eiffel Tower (well when I say climb, I mean at least taking the lift!).
Tickets are nearly always sold out so it's advisable to book well in advance.
You can choose between visiting the viewing platform on the 2nd floor or going all the way to the summit (weather dependent).
Prices start at around €34pp.
To get a view of the Eiffel Tower against the Parisian skyline, we recommend visiting Montparnasse Tower which is just €18. You can find tickets here
With 2024/25 being a peak time to see the northern lights, now has never been a better time to go on an organised tour and get it ticked off your bucket list!
Other great places to spot the northern lights include Finland, Norway and Sweden. The further north though the better. For the best view avoid cities like Oslo and Helsinki which are further south, where you are less likely to see the northern lights.
Travel from Switzerland to Italy in a panoramic train, costing around £77/$100 per person for the journey and seat reservation.
The journey begins in Chur, Switzerland ends in Tirano, Italy, 4.5 hours later.
On our trip, we sat in a 2nd class carriage, giving us an amazing view.
You can take this train as part of a guided tour from Milan- see below. Many of our readers have taken this option and highly rated it.
To read about our itinerary and get more info on this train click here
Immerse yourself in the echoes of gladiatorial battles and imagine the cheers of ancient spectators as you explore this iconic amphitheatre.
Rome is an amazing place to go if you're looking to tick off some bucket list items- many of which are very reasonably priced. We recommend doing a combined tour of the Colosseum with Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum. You can then also include the 'Spanish Steps' and the Trevvi Fountain in your itinerary- both of which are free to visit.
To read our blog on trips to Rome with kids whilst on a budget click here
Now this is a big one, as it's more like 3 bucket list items in one! The most popular things to do in Lapland for children are to meet the 'real Santa' in the North Pole, take a husky sleigh and reindeer ride. All of these can be done surprisingly for very little!
Of course, there are many more unreal experiences to be had here too, including snowmobiling, ice fishing and playing in the snow to name a few.
It's possible to meet Santa in Santa Claus Village (the main place in Finnish Lapland for activities) for FREE! If you'd like a photo or video there is an extra cost for this, but the meet itself is free.
Again in the same place, you can get a short reindeer or husky ride form just €25 per person. To see our guide on 12 Things to do in Lapland for £25 and under click here
Horseback riding for kids in Spain is a bucket-list experience that combines adventure, culture, and natural beauty. Spain is renowned for its stunning landscapes, from the rolling hills of Andalusia to the scenic beaches of Costa del Sol.
Spain's rich equestrian tradition dates back centuries and you can enjoy a traditional ride through the mountains from just €40.
If you have kids who love horse riding this is a must!
Disneyland Paris needs no introduction I'm sure! The only Disney theme park in Europe, it's compact enough to explore in 2-3 days, yet is still brimming with that Disney magic we all know and love.
Not a traditional bucket list item- but I know it's on many kids (and adults lists), so we've decided to include it here, being massive fans ourselves.
A day ticket for entrance to either the main park or the Studios (now re-named Disney Adventure World), costs around €56pp depending on the season.
The Giant's Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring thousands of interlocking basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity. Kids can climb the hexagonal rocks, explore the coastal paths, and learn about the local legend of the giant Finn McCool who supposedly built the causeway.
Access to the causeway itself is free if you skip the visitor center and park nearby.
There are lots of tours available from Belfast for a small charge.
As the birthplace of LEGO, Legoland Billund is a dream come true for kids who love the iconic bricks. It offers a variety of attractions, including themed rides, Miniland (with miniature replicas of famous landmarks), and interactive play areas.
Not only that but Billund is also home to 'Lego House' which is interactive museum offering a hands-on experience where kids and adults can unleash their creativity.
The house features over 25 million LEGO bricks spread across various themed zones, including areas for building, experimenting, and storytelling.
Highlights include the Tree of Creativity, the Masterpiece Gallery showcasing incredible LEGO creations, and an impressive rooftop playground.
As you can see, it's perfectly possible to be able to experience 'bucket-list' holidays for less, when you are willing to put your own trips together.
There are many bucket list experiences suitable for kids in Europe and we could easily list 50- hopefully if time allows we will re-visit this blog and update it with another 10.
To find the cheapest flights and hotels don't forget to check out our holiday page!
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