Besides embarking on a road trip or staying at a beach resort, one increasingly popular idea for a family getaway is to go on a walking holiday. A previous post highlighted reasons to walk instead of driving while on holiday, including cost savings, health and wellness benefits, family bonding, and stress management.
While you can plan a walking holiday anywhere in the world, Europe offers a wide range of sights and attractions best enjoyed on foot. Depending on the type of experience you’re looking for, you can choose from urban centres with walkable streets in Italy or immerse yourself in natural trails in Spain’s countryside. What’s more, planning a European walking holiday doesn’t have to be ridiculously expensive. Through the following budget-friendly tips, your entire family can visit European destinations while still having the budget for other vacations.
Travel off-season
One of the tried-and-tested tips for budget travellers is to travel off-season to not only avoid crowds but also get affordable prices for less in-demand flights. Many destinations, including Europe, see an influx of tourists during summer months like June and July.
As such, it’s highly recommended to plan your trip during the general off-season, which in this case is November through March. This way, you’re more likely to find cheap flights from airports in the UK to the top walking holiday destinations in Europe, such as the diverse and historical landscapes of Pula, Croatia, and the pulsating and picturesque city of Copenhagen, Denmark. Whether you’re a savvy traveller or a first-timer, tools like a low-fare finder can also provide an overview of flight prices to your chosen destination so you can better compare flights across different dates and times.
Opt for free or self-guided walking tours
While it’s convenient to book a walking holiday with a tour guide, you get to save money by opting for free walking tours. Travel website FreeTour.com has compiled a list of the best free tours worldwide, including European countries like Spain and Malta. For instance, Tourstilla Madrid offers a free tour that takes you on a journey through the Old Town. Meanwhile, BenGoodTour’s walking expedition allows you to experience the rich culture and Baroque landmarks of Malta’s capital, Valletta.
Of course, you also have the option to arrange your family’s own walking tour. Just make sure to do ample research and plan ahead so you can maximise your time, whether you’re on a city break or a week-long holiday. It’s also best to consider every family member’s walking capacity based on age, lifestyle, and health needs when mapping out your journey and stopovers.
Pack smart
Lastly, you can cut down unnecessary expenses by ensuring you’ve packed all the travel essentials. Once you’ve arranged your transport and accommodation, create a packing list, which may include everything from clothing and toiletries to first-aid supplies and sun protection gear. Let everyone know if you’re combining the walking tour with other family activities like cycling in Tuscany or hiking Mount Zas on the Greek island Cyclades, as these excursions need appropriate athletic wear and accessories.
Additionally, you can bring travel snacks to avoid having to buy food from every food stall or restaurant you may pass by while walking. Nutritionist-approved holiday snacks include protein-rich trail mix to help you fuel up and roasted chickpeas to keep you fuller, especially on particularly long walking trails. While your ultimate goal is to save money, remember that there are other travel essentials you simply can’t skimp out on, such as travel insurance, to ensure a safe and stress-free European holiday. Continue reading PackThePJs for more travel ideas and recommendations.
