If you think travelling with kids has to be expensive or means taking time off school, it really doesn’t. One of my favourite ways to travel is by booking cheap weekend city breaks across Europe, leaving on a Friday evening and coming back Sunday night. It’s quick, it’s fun, and it can be surprisingly affordable.
The key is simple: do your research and book smart.
Step 1: Always Start with Flights
Flights should always be the first thing you book. Everything else like hotels and activities comes after.
I always start with Skyscanner because it’s one of the easiest ways to find cheap flights.
Here’s exactly how I do it:
- Departure: London (or your nearest airport)
- Destination: Select “Explore Everywhere”
- Dates: Flexible or specific depending on your plan
This lets you see the cheapest destinations available, which is perfect if you’re not too fussed about where you go.
Sometimes I’ll:
- Do a day trip
- Book Saturday to Sunday
- Or go Friday to Sunday for a proper weekend break
I also always check:
- School term dates
- INSET days (teacher training days)
- Bank holidays
This can give you an extra day without taking time off school, which is ideal.
Best London Airports for Cheap Flights:
- Stansted (usually cheapest)
- Luton (sometimes good deals)
- Gatwick (my personal favourite overall)
- Heathrow (never the cheapest)
If it’s cheap and cheerful (under £50pp return), I’ll book it. I’m not too picky on destination, but sunshine is always a bonus.
Step 2: Book Your Hotel
Once flights are secured, I move on to accommodation.
I mainly use:
These are great because:
- You can filter by family-friendly options
- You can check reviews easily
- Many offer free cancellation
My tips:
- Look for central locations to save on transport
- Check if breakfast is included
- Always read recent reviews
For quick weekend trips, I usually prioritise location over luxury.
Step 3: Plan Activities (Don’t Overbook)
Once flights and hotel are sorted, I’ll look at what to do.
My go-to platforms are:
- Klook
- Tiqets
- Fever – change the location to the country you’re visiting!
- Viator
- GetYourGuide – use code KIDDOADVENTURES5 for a discount
These are perfect for:
- Skip-the-line tickets
- Family-friendly activities
- Last-minute bookings
I don’t overplan though. For a short trip, I’ll usually pick:
- 1 or 2 main activities
- Leave time for exploring, food and walking around
Step 4: Keep It Cheap and Simple
The whole point of these trips is to keep them:
- Affordable
- Easy
- Fun for both you and your child
A few things I always keep in mind:
- Travel light (avoid baggage fees) – this Decahtalon hand luggage is my go to!
- Use public transport where possible
- Book attractions in advance where it saves money
Final Thoughts
Cheap weekend breaks in Europe with kids are 100% doable. You don’t need a huge budget, and you don’t always need to take time off school. With the right tools and a bit of flexibility, you can find some amazing deals.
It’s all about:
- Finding cheap flights first
- Booking smart accommodation
- Keeping plans simple
Once you start doing it, you’ll realise just how easy it is to travel more often without spending loads.
