Europe’s top budget-friendly destinations for a half-term getaway

• Frankfurt is the most affordable city for a family of four to visit during the October half-term, with a total stay costing £656.

• Krakow and Budapest rank as top alternatives, offering budget-friendly breaks for under £750.
• Reykjavik and Athens are the most expensive, with total costs reaching £1,982 for Reykjavik and £1,634 for Athens. 

New data from travel experts Disneyland Tickets has named Frankfurt as the number one budget-friendly destination for families looking to jet off during the October half-term.  

The study crunched the numbers on Airbnb stays and flights for a five-day getaway (from 28th October to 1st November) for a family of four departing from London. It revealed the cities that offer the best value without breaking the bank. 

Taking the top spot is Frankfurt, where a family of four can enjoy a half-term break for an average of just £656.04. 

With return flights as cheap as £116 and reasonably priced Airbnb options costing £540 for four nights, the German city is the most affordable destination for families looking to get away this half-term. 

The city might not be the most obvious choice for a family break, but it offers plenty of child-friendly activities and attractions. Families can explore the city’s historic old town, take a boat trip along the River Main, or pay a visit to Frankfurt Zoo. 

Next up is Krakow, Poland, where the whole family can enjoy a short break for a total of £723.72. Thanks to budget-friendly Airbnb rates of £259.72 for four nights and affordable return flights costing £464, it’s the second cheapest city to visit this half-term. 

Budapest, Hungary isn’t far behind, with a total trip price of £724.88. An Airbnb stay in Budapest for the whole family averages just £252.88, while return flights cost £472.  

Surprisingly, Venice comes in fourth place for affordability. Families can visit its famous canals for a relatively cheap price tag of £968.92 this half-term. 

An Airbnb stay in Venice will cost £512.92 for four nights, while return flights come in at £456. It’s also likely to be less crowded in late October, making it the ideal time to explore the city with little ones in tow. 

In fifth place is Bergen, Norway, where families can see the stunning fjords for a total of £1,013.68. Bergen’s natural beauty comes at a surprisingly reasonable price, with Airbnb costs at £553.68 for four nights and return flights at £460. 

Table 1: The top 10 most affordable half-term city breaks

Not every destination is easy on the wallet. Reykjavik in Iceland tops the list as the most expensive half-term getaway, with a total cost of £1,982.36—more than triple the price of the cheapest destination, Frankfurt.  

With return flights alone costing a staggering £1,088, families on a budget may want to avoid this breathtaking yet pricey destination for a half-term break. 

Athens, Greece, takes second place, with a total cost of £1,634.40. While accommodation in Athens is quite affordable at just £314.40 for four nights, return flights from London are steep, averaging £1,320 for a family of four. 

In third place is Barcelona, Spain, where families can expect to spend £1,576.64 in total. While return flights come in at £820, it’s the Airbnb costs—£756.64 for four nights—that make Barcelona a pricier option compared to other European cities. 

Next up is Prague, Czech Republic, at £1,504.40. Prague’s flight prices, averaging £1,064 for four people, make it one of the most expensive destinations this half-term. 

Rounding out the top five is Amsterdam, Netherlands, with a total cost of £1,432.12. Families will find flights at £632 reasonably priced, but the Airbnb cost of £800.12 for four nights pushes this city higher up the expense ladder. 

Table 2: The top 10 most expensive half-term city breaks

Magdalena Petrusic, Travel Expert from Tours & Tickets at Disneyland Tickets, commented on the findings, “This data shows that there are still plenty of options for families looking to travel during half-term without spending too much – and they avoid the penalty of up to £160 for taking kids out of school during term time. 

“Frankfurt is an excellent choice for those on a budget and can be a gateway to exploring the rest of Germany. As a half-term destination, Germany has so much to offer families—fairytale castles, theme parks, and plenty of cultural experiences. 

“October also falls into the shoulder season for many European destinations despite a rise in demand during the half-term, and it may be the last chance to grab some sun before winter. The milder temperatures are often preferrable for young children too as opposed to facing sweltering heat abroad, so it’s a great time to get away.”