From Teresa Plowright,
Your Guide to Family Vacations.
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Many parents fear that travel to Europe will be terribly expensive. In fact, you can easily spend more per day at an all-inclusive resort; and if you can buy airfares from eastern US cities --or better still, use frequent flyer rewards-- even airfare isn't prohibitive.

Two budget-minded ideas for summer:

Eurocamp "camping resorts"-- no tents needed! Stay in a bungalow; enjoy pools, waterslides, restaurants, many sports on-site, kids programs; resort-style amenities at reasonable prices. Better still, your family will have a home base, from which to explore surrounding areas.

Similarly, Center Parcs family resorts can provide a great home base, with spacious cottages, outdoor recreation, and an indoor domed area with waterpark, restaurants, spa, and more.

And don't be afraid to stay in "pensions" in Italy or modest hotels in Paris: your trip's about having fun in Europe, not room decor.

Five Summer Vacations Ideas for Families - Stay in a Castle; Bike Trips; Barging; Villa Rental; Cottage Holiday

London Sightseeing - the best kid-friendly museums are free!

London: The Athenaeum - family-friendly luxury hotel

Legoland Windsor- day trip from London; fun theme park for ages 2 to 12

Horse-Drawn Caravans in Ireland - think of a gypsy "carvan"

Paris with Kids - so much fun, in the City of Light

Italian Hill Towns - step into medieval times

Venice with Kids - practical tips

^{*photo (c) Teresa Plowright}