A vacation tip, from About.com's Guide for Travel in Germany: have fun and an unusual experience, staying in a barn in the German countryside.

Some of the bonuses, besides low price: fresh air, country settings often with horses and farm animals, great breakfasts, and the chance to meet your German hosts in a personal way that's very different from staying at a city hotel.

Think of it like camping, with some nice amenities. Pick a place with horse-riding or cycling, if that suits your family. (And by the way, rooms and bungalows are available at some "hay hotels", for the less adventurous.)

 | more about Hay Hotels  | more Europe Trip Ideas for families