Explore Europe Without Breaking the Bank
By Lolo Stubbs
Visiting dream destinations doesn’t have to break the bank. As a family of six, holidays seemed increasingly costly and out of reach—until we found Eurocamp.
Introduction
Eurocamp is a family-friendly haven that offers a range of accommodation options, including pitches for tents and campervans, mobile homes, and lodges. Each time we visited, we chose one of the three-bedroom lodges, which has a fantastic outside decking space with large seating areas. Inside there’s air con and all the mod cons each family needs (apart from a TV, which didn’t bother us adults—but if your children like to wind down with some TV in the evenings, download some programmes onto your iPad or laptop).
What You’ll Typically Find on Site
- Swimming pools and splash pools for kids
- Restaurants and bars
- Supermarkets and convenience stores
- Playgrounds and entertainment areas for kids
- Wi‑Fi and laundry facilities
We’ve thoroughly enjoyed each site we’ve visited. We’ve been to Italy, France and Spain, and we can’t wait to explore more of Europe in the same way!
Bella Italia, Lake Garda, Italy
Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake, is a breathtaking destination that offers stunning scenery, charming towns, and endless opportunities for outdoor activities. For families looking to explore this beautiful region without breaking the bank, the Bella Italia campsite is an excellent choice. We took our broods to Eurocamp’s Bella Italia for our Dad’s 70th birthday to tick discovering the wonders of Lake Garda off the bucket list, and we certainly did just that!
Located in the picturesque town of Peschiera del Garda, Bella Italia campsite made a brilliant base. It was great to have so much to do on the campsite to keep the children occupied, but equally, it was a fantastic launchpad to explore the breathtaking Lake Garda.
Some of our favourite destinations included:
- Sirmione: This charming town is famous for its Roman ruins, thermal baths, and picturesque harbour. Take a stroll along the lakefront, visit the Sirmione Castle, and enjoy a delicious gelato. We made our trip here extra special by hiring a motorboat for the 15 of us. The kids loved that the captain let them choose their own music, and I’m not sure Sirmione has ever had a group of Mancunians singing an Oasis song so loudly as we came back to shore—we certainly made an impression.
- Bardolino: The ease of getting from one side of the lake to the other is one of the beautiful things about Lake Garda. One of the children’s favourite parts of our day out at Bardolino was the ferry ride over there. The views were stunning, and we enjoyed some fabulous food and wine when we arrived.
- Riva del Garda: This historic town is known for its charming old town, picturesque lakefront, and stunning mountain views. Take a boat ride, visit the Riva del Garda Castle, and enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the local restaurants.
There were many places we didn’t get to visit. Gardaland, for one, is supposedly a must-visit theme park for families, with thrilling rides, shows, and attractions.
Travelling with Other Families
One of the highlights of our trip was travelling with other families. Sharing the experience with friends and like‑minded families made the trip even more enjoyable. We shared meals, explored the lake together, and enjoyed each other’s company. The kids had a blast playing together, and the adults appreciated the social aspect of travelling in a group.
Why Lake Garda Works on a Budget
Lake Garda is a stunning destination that offers something for everyone. With its picturesque towns, beautiful scenery, and endless opportunities for outdoor activities, it’s a perfect spot for families. By staying at the Bella Italia campsite and travelling with other families, we were able to experience the best of Lake Garda on a budget. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or cultural experiences, Lake Garda is a must‑visit destination that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Continuing our Eurocamp journey: France and Spain
Domaine De La Yole, Béziers, France
We had the pleasure of visiting Domaine De La Yole, a Eurocamp park in the beautiful south of France, with our brood. The sun‑kissed region provided the perfect backdrop for a fantastic family holiday.
Domaine De La Yole truly lives up to its reputation as a family‑friendly haven. The park’s layout is designed with families in mind, with the bar and restaurant situated right in front of the playground area. This allowed us to relax and chat with a cold beverage while keeping a watchful eye on the kids as they played to their hearts’ content.
The park boasts two fantastic pool areas that provided hours of fun for our children:
- One pool area featured an array of slides, including thrilling water slides and more gentle options for younger kids.
- The other pool area was a tropical lagoon, complete with sand and a relaxing atmosphere.
Our kids loved splashing around in both pools, and we loved watching them have so much fun.
Playa Joyel, Noja, Spain
As two families—one with two kids and the other with four—we were excited to explore Playa Joyel in Noja, Spain. Our stay at the campsite and lodges was a resounding success, with clean facilities and all the amenities we needed.
The surrounding green hills provided a stunning backdrop to our stay, while the beautiful golden sands beach was a delight for both kids and adults. The beach was perfect for building sandcastles, swimming, and soaking up the sun.
Just a short walk from the campsite, we discovered La Cabaña in Playa de Ris, a picturesque bar that quickly became our go‑to spot. The kids loved playing in the sand while the adults relaxed with a drink, enjoying the breathtaking views. The children even got to dance to their favourite TikTok tunes, making it a highlight of our trip.
We visited Playa Joyel out of season, which meant that not all amenities were open. However, this didn’t detract from our overall experience. The siesta times did pose a slight challenge, as they didn’t quite align with the kids’ tea time schedule. Nevertheless, we adapted and made the most of our time.
Playa Joyel was an excellent choice for our family vacation. The campsite, lodges, and beach provided a relaxing atmosphere, while La Cabaña bar became our favourite spot. We would definitely recommend Playa Joyel to families looking for a scenic and enjoyable getaway.
Wrap‑Up
For families who want to explore Europe without breaking the bank, Eurocamp offers exactly what’s needed: a mix of budget‑friendly accommodation, kid‑pleasing amenities, and brilliant locations. From Italy’s lakeside towns to France’s sunlit pool days and Spain’s golden beaches, we made memories that will last—without the eye‑watering price tag.
Picture: Noja, Spain
KEEP UP TO DATE WITH BROOD:
Featured Articles
Two Manchester PAs Who Couldn’t Find a Networking Group Build One of the UK’s Largest Professional Communities
From a single 2011 event with 50 guests to a 700+ member community raising over £250,000 for charity, the Manchester PA Network celebrates 15 years of connecting support professionals across the UK.
School Holiday Jigsaw: Surviving the Summer Holidays as a Working Parent
School Holiday Jigsaw: Surviving the Summer Holidays as a Working Parent
For school children, the six-week break is a magical expanse of unstructured freedom. For working parents, it marks the beginning of a military-grade logistical operation. Between the skyrocketing costs of summer camps, tag-teaming annual leave with partners, and attempting the ultimate high-wire act of working from home with a laptop on your knee, the math of July and August simply doesn’t add up. We dive deep into the reality of trying to fit a 19th-century agricultural school calendar into a 21st-century digital economy—and explore the progressive workplace shifts needed to save our sanity.
The Cognitive Crutch: Are We Outsourcing Our kid’s Brains to AI?
The Cognitive Crutch: Are We Outsourcing Our Children’s Brains to AI?
Generative AI has transitioned from a novel tech trend to a permanent classroom fixture. But as tools like ChatGPT effortlessly handle the heavy cognitive lifting of writing essays and solving equations, educators and neuroscientists are raising an urgent alarm. True learning is rooted in the cognitive friction of arriving at an answer. By outsourcing that struggle to machines, are we causing intellectual stamina to atrophy, leaving behind a generation of brilliant curators who have lost the ability to think independently? From primary schools to university campuses, the data reveals a stark shift from active learning to passive “cognitive offloading.”
The Big 2026 British Playcation: The Ultimate Free, Low-Cost & Premium Summer Days Out
The six-week school summer holidays are here, but keeping kids entertained shouldn’t break the bank. With new data showing a massive “play gap” across the UK, we’ve rounded up 11 of the absolute best national initiatives, free community festivals, heavily discounted active-play passes, and premium family adventures to help you balance the budget while creating unforgettable summer memories.
Why the UK is Suddenly Going All Out for Graduation Season
Discover why British graduations are becoming massive lifestyle events and explore San Carlo’s new summer menu—the perfect way to celebrate in style.
New ‘xV’ Campaign Launches “The Unspoken Stat” to Expose Hidden Domestic Abuse Spike Around England Matches
A powerful new World Cup campaign introduces “xV” (Expected Violence) to expose a chilling reality: research shows domestic abuse incidents spike by 38% when England loses and 26% even when they win. Backed by survivors, sports figures, and celebrities like Mel B, the campaign demands that this hidden statistic receives the same urgent attention as modern football data.
Banning Social Media Under 16: What the New UK Law Means for Parents
The UK government has announced a landmark social media ban for children under 16. From affected apps to enforcement timelines, here is what the “Australia Plus” model means for busy working parents and family life.
Beat The Heat: Top Tips To Help Your Kids Sleep During A Heatwave
Struggling to get your little ones to sleep in a stifling bedroom? From clever daytime blackout tactics and safe on-the-go shading with SnoozeShade, to expert routine adjustments from pediatric sleep specialist Amanda Marks and soothing audio tracks from Bedtime Story Co, we’ve got your ultimate guide to keeping kids cool, calm, and safely asleep during a summer scorcher.
Beat the Heatwave: Budget-Friendly School Holiday Activities for All Ages
Surviving the summer break shouldn’t have to drain your bank account—even in a heatwave! From air-conditioned national museum hacks and hidden shaded forest trails across the country to creative DIY projects that will actually keep your teenagers engaged, we’ve rounded up the ultimate budget-friendly guide to keeping cool and entertained both out and at home
Why keeping employees hydrated improves productivity
The human brain is roughly 70-75% water. When dehydration kicks in, it isn’t just a physical drain—it causes a direct hit to focus, memory, and spatial coordination. In fact, research suggests that even a small one percent rise in dehydration can result in a worker’s productivity dipping by approximately 12%.
