Best bang for the buck in summer ?

I think you have to factor in weather for July-August, which makes this question much harder. A lot of cities in Europe can be pretty hot in the summer, especially for a little kid. Hungary and Spain are good values but they can be really hot and many places do not have air conditioning. I think you could check out the Bavaria area, so Austria and southern Germany. Perhaps western France, Brittney and Normandy? I've never been but, I've heard Scotland and Ireland are reasonable, and it'd be cooler there.

How about the Polish Baltic Coast, not as brutal in the summer as some of the more southern countries and relatively inexpensive.

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/travel/destinations/poland-one-of-europes-best-kept-secrets-for-a-seaside-getaway/article24243114/

@JC, great idea! I was thinking of Poland. The Baltic coast and then maybe through in Krakow? Poland is on my bucket list, but I've heard that Krakow is similar to a less crowded Prague, which sounds very appealing to me.

Krakow is less crowded than Prague, but do not expect it to be undiscovered. It is gorgeous. However, it can be quite hot in the summer. Gdansk is a much better bet if you want to reduce the chance of hot weather. I think Warsaw (many museums related to 20th-century history) is sort of on the borderline, weather-wise.

If you stay at considerable altitude in any mountain region (including Italy's Dolomites), you're highly unlikely to have to worry about high temperatures.

Another possibility not yet mentioned is the stretch of northern Spain from Galicia in the west to the Pyrenees. There's a strip along the coast that tends to be far cooler than the rest of the country and overcast. As you move away from the coast, you are getting into much riskier territory from a weather standpoint. Leon, for example, is a really nice place but can be quite hot. And Zaragoza--just no.

I don't have children, so I cannot tell you which areas the might especially enjoy. However, the Picos de Europa area in northern Spain has some really dramatic scenery. And of course other mountainous areas do, too.

Yes, Krakow is a less busy alternative to Prague and more compact too. It's been a while since I was in Prague but I'm there this weekend so it'll be interesting to see if much has changed.

Italy is not a “bargain” but it is not crazy expensive, either. The Dolomites offer great fun with hiking and dramatic lifts and cool, fresh air. You can rent an apartment and save a bundle on lodging and food. Or check out the agriturismo options at www.redrooster.it. Some have apartments while some are B&Bs.

Wales has lots for kids and people to do including steam, water, and slate.

I found Helsinki and Stockholm much less expensive than Oslo or Bergen. I didn't get into the countryside of Norway, Sweden, or Finland, so I can't comment on those directly. Norway was indeed very expensive. But don't write off all of "Scandinavia" without checking on specifics.

In summer, the hotels in the Nordic countries can have specials (most travel there is business travel, which tails off in the summer). So, a summer visit can be a good deal. I remember that I used a package for Stockholm (found in Rick's book) which covered my hotel, transportation, and admissions to most sights. When I combined that with the lunch specials at restaurants, I found Stockholm not only wasn't particularly expensive for a city, but was actually cheaper than some allegedly cheaper destinations.

London is more expensive than Edinburgh, and Edinburgh in turn seems more expensive than much of the rest of the UK. In particular, I found Glasgow and Liverpool to be quite inexpensive and very worthwhile. I didn't get outside the cities (see the theme here?), but northern England and Scotland certainly have lots of nature to see.

While restaurant meals and museums in Switzerland are very expensive, accommodations need not be, and supermarkets are very reasonable. With a decently priced apartment and a train pass (remember kids can get a free rail pass when the parents buy one), Switzerland can be affordable, and you can't beat it for natural wonder and fun for kids.

In regards to Switzerland, I agree with Harold. Savvy thinking can go a long way. I love the Coop grocery stores for snacks, breakfast and lunch supplies and if you have a place where you can cook, dinner. With kids, it was often easier to cook meals in on vacation than to go to restaurants, wait and sometimes deal with hungry, restless kids. Also attractions in Switzerland if you disregard transportation costs, can be free--hiking, playgrounds, etc. I made good use of the Swiss Travel Pass and visited many of the attractions included with that. And, wine was very inexpensive of the Coop stores, too!

Poland is cheap and the Baltic Coast needs to be visited during the summer.

If you stay in Gdansk, you can take a 45 minute train ride to Malbork castle, which was the headquarters for the Teutonic crusade against the pagan Lithuanians. Trains are dirt cheap in Poland.

Hi !
thanks for those answers (keep them coming !)

My wife and I have already been in Poland (Gdansk, Malbork, krakow, Warsaw and Wroclaw) for 14-17 days in 2005. It was a long time ago but we dont feel the need to go back there. On that trip we've also stay in Czech republic for more or less the same amount of time. I dont Know if Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia could be good too.

About Switzerland, maybe it's ignorance from me, but it,s not very appealing. It will be expensive because eating out in restaurant is a big part of the pleasure we have while travelling (for the kids too).

About Wales,. See England and Scotland was in our plans. But midges in summer is question mark. And London and Edinburh are very expensive.

Germany : already been there 3 years ago with the kids.

Northern Spain; We have been in Catalonia and Portugal two years ago and had a very fun time. The northern part seems a bit meh. And more than three week in that region is a bit much we think.

Britanny: not a bad idea. We are french speking so that would be more easy on the kids but a bit less different for us.

About Wales,. See England and Scotland was in our plans. But midges in summer is question mark. And London and Edinburh are very expensive.

There's no problem with midges in Wales, the only place they're an issue is in the Scottish Highlands. London is expensive although it can equally be done on the cheap. Edinburgh is, in my opinion, reasonably cheap. I've eaten very well quite inexpensively when the quality of the food is taken into account compared to London. When you also factor in the free entry to many museums you can appreciate the cost savings in comparison to other European destinations.

The Swedish coastline (or lakes but I'm not a lake person) would be my choice. Sweden is not as expensive as people claim, if you plan a bit. I found it less expensive than London, Paris, Italy, Boston, etc. I would rent a little cottage on the coast, coastal river, or on an island. Swedes are very much into outdoor activities at all times of the year. Personally, I would chose a spot up near Umeå, rent some bikes, so you could get into town, etc. Take the train to the Arctic Circle and/or to Lulea. Also, in Umeå it seems everyone rides bikes there with many paths. They have a nice outdoor museum, and a guitar museum (haven't been there), churches also many shops, restaurants, and parks along the river's edge. Like old cars? Well it is Saturday night! Only a few miles from the sea, etc. On your way to or from you could stop in Stockholm and also plan Vimmerby into the mix (Pippi Longstocking). I'd say you get a lot of bang for your buck in Sweden as it is a beautiful country and there is lots to do. Personally, even when I stayed in Stockholm, I found it less expensive than other major European cities, but I suppose it is what you chose to do. And it is unlikely you will have unbearable heat like much of the rest of Europe. Or head to Southern Sweden and do the same. Stop in Gränna for candy and a cut town on the lake, etc. Much, much to do in Sweden to get your money's worth and for the kids to enjoy running around outside as summer is supposed to be. Just IMO.

I doubt that Brittany has as much variety as the stretch of northern Spain that has been suggested, but I have not yet seen much of Brittany and have spent about 40 summer days in northern Spain (excluding Catalunya). No children, though.

Bang for your buck ?

The greek islands !! Obviously avoid Santorini or Mykonos ( they tend to be more expensive) but on Naxos you can get a nice big room or even a suite for 150 bucks a night , food is cheap , beaches are amazing , Island is large so rent a car and visit villages and sights !

Paros , Crete and about a dozen other islands are worth looking at too

I would add 2 or 3 days in Iceland. Before everyone piles on and says that it is too expensive, the scenery is spectacular and appeals to kids. According to friends who have been recently, they stayed in an AirBnB, etc., it is possible to minimize your costs.

I agree with Judy on Iceland. I enjoyed Iceland and it with some flexibility, it can be made less expensive, and talk about natural wonders! I also would add that I have been watching video clips on Basque Spain and Basque France. I think you may want to give it a second look. From all I see, its amazing with lots of variety in activity. Also, the whole history of the Camino de Santiago, is compelling. If time permits, add in Dordogne. I think the weather in that area of Spain in the summer looks to be near ideal.

I was in Greece this past August and would recommend it. Yes, it is hot - but air conditioning wasn't hard to find, and it's perfect beach weather. Athens is interesting for kids and adults - my 11 year old, at least, found the mythology and stories very cool. After, or before, Athens, head to an island or beach. The famous islands like Santorini will be expensive and crowded, but there are a million islands with nature, history, and beaches. Pick a less famous one and you will have a great time. We went to Nafplio (on the Pelopponese, not an island but on the coast) - from there you can go to great archaeological sights as well as beaches and hiking.

Iceland is amazing but it really is expensive. The flights there are cheap which can offset a lot of the cost, and you can save money by getting apartments and eating in, but it doesn't qualify to me as a budget destination. However, it is worth it if you can swing it. It has fun things to do, more natural wonder than anywhere else in Europe IMO, and if you are concerned about hot weather in mainland Europe...not an issue in Iceland ;)

Going in the summer you would get the most for the money in Poland...my suggestion too. Both Krakow and Gdansk are well worth it. Expect it to be hot, both my visits to these two cities were in the summer.

In both Gdansk and Krakow you'll see evident examples of history in the churches and palaces. My grandson was just a month shy of his 11th birthday when he was last in Europe, ie, in southwest France and Paris in July 2011, was basically too excited to be bored in any way.

If you want to choose an unknown place to you, then I would suggest Klaipeda since you mentioned Lithuania and the interest in history. That place is historical. Until 1945 it was Memel. The hinterland was Memelland. From 1815 to 1918 it was part of Germany, the most northeasterly city in East Prussia. Like Danzig (Gdansk today), it was a Free City from the end of WW1 to 1923.

Best Bang for the Buck, all year round; Eastern Europe. Unspoiled (compared to Western Europe, but changing fast). For cooler weather look for altitude in Romania, Bulgaria, Montenegro. Then come down out of the mountains for the sights. Right now Montenegro is among my favorite places to go and July/August wouldn't scare me. Cheap! Full of unique culture and beauty. Zip line across Tara Canyon, Fish in the mountain rivers, head for the Budva on the Adriatic coast and dip in the water, parasail, fish... Drive down the coast to Ulcinj and see Muslim Montenegro. Visit the Stari Bar ghost town... See the Ostrog Monastery built into the side of a cliff. Drive amazing mountain roads. Head to the fortress town of Kotor on beautiful Kotor bay and if you are lucky see a great sailing ship. All for a fraction of the cost of Western Europe and probably half the cost of Switzerland.... Good connections to Rome and Budapest.