Ideas for Family Travel in Europe

One of the coolest features for kids when it comes to family travel in Europe are the castles. Castles are everywhere. Imagine the look on your children's faces as they realize they're going to be sleeping in a castle. Many castles have been repurposed as hotels and have rooms to fit most budgets. With prices starting at around 100 euros per night, deciding to spend some time in a castle full of history, culture and mystery can be one of the best decisions of your European adventure.

Another great travel idea when vacationing with your family in Europe is Eurocamps. Eurocamps are RV and tent campgrounds that are spread throughout Europe from Holland to Italy to Croatia. Most Eurocamps look more like resorts than campgrounds, and there are plenty of activities to keep the entire family busy. Most properties include pools and kids' programs, and most are also located close to water with direct beach access for water activities.

Whether your family is interested in art or would rather see mummies and dinosaurs, there are literally thousands of museums throughout Europe. Keep in mind that many museums have free or drastically reduced entrance fees for children under the age of 12. Many museums also offer free admission on specific days of the week. However, you may be charged a fee for guided tours, audio tours and special exhibits.

The West End of London is one of the most exciting places for a family to visit while in Europe. The West End is London's version of Broadway in New York. With musicals and plays ranging from "The Lion King" to "Mary Poppins" (as of the 2009 season), your kids will stay entertained and so will you.Try the TKTS discount ticket booths in Leicester Square for up to a 50 percent discount on ticket prices for many available shows.

If you are spending any time in Switzerland, you will certainly want to tour one of the world-famous Swiss chocolate factories. The Lindt and Sprüngli Chocolate Factory is one of the best choices for this tour. Not only do you get to see how the chocolate is made, you also get to try it fresh off the factory line. The tour is also free, which is ideal for families on a travel budget. You can't leave the factory without visiting its downstairs gift shop, where you can buy gourmet chocolate for less than anywhere else in the world.

When looking for family travel options in Europe, there is no better choice than the rail system. In most cases, you will only pay half fare for your children to travel with you. However, in many cases, such as the BritRail system, one child under the age of 15 per parent can ride for free. Europe's rail system also travels much faster than a bus or car, meaning your children will spend less time whining, "Are we there yet?"