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
TikTok’s Lunchbox Craze Pressures Parents to Impress this September
Social media is causing under-pressure parents to spend thousands of pounds on their children’s packed meals in an effort to keep up with the latest trends, new research from Ocado has revealed.
Burnout & Resilience – A Fresh Perspective from Within
Burnout has been steadily rising across the UK, with rates climbing from 51% in 2022 to 65% in the summer of 2024. And while the stats alone could be worrying, they don’t tell the full story, especially for those of us juggling the relentless demands of work and parenting.
Experts advise parents weigh children’s school bags
Carrying a school bag that is too heavy poses a risk to children’s health. Ahead of the start of the new term, M&S have partnered with chiropractor and British Chiropractic Association (BCA) member, Dean Blackstock, to explain the health dangers and share one simple rule parents can follow to protect their children.
Scenic UK Hotels with Breathtaking Views
The selection of a hotel is never only about the bed or the breakfast. Surroundings, atmosphere and location are determinants of the whole experience. Homes built on the edge of a cliff or in a valley or on top of a gleaming lake encourage guests to be more than boarders–they are part of the landscape.
Back-to-School Balance: How Working Parents Can Thrive This September
Discover practical strategies and real-life tips for working parents to achieve back-to-school balance this September. Join the BROOD community for support, inspiration, and exclusive member benefits.
Honoring Loss and New Beginnings: National Rainbow Baby Day
For National Rainbow Baby Day, we spoke with Anastasia Shubareva-Epshtein—mum of one and founder of the Carea App—about her personal journey through loss, hope, and new beginnings. Anastasia opens up about the emotional complexities of pregnancy after loss, the importance of breaking the silence around miscarriage, and how her experiences inspired her to create a support-focused app for women navigating similar paths.
Fun, Affordable Ideas to Keep Kids Entertained at Home
While it’s lovely to have more time with the kids, the constant questions of “Mum, what are we doing today?” or “Dad, can we play Fifa?” can get overwhelming fast.
At Happy Little Owls, we know how important it is to keep little minds and bodies active during the school holidays without exhausting yourself, or your bank account. So, we’ve rounded up some creative, budget-friendly ideas to help you make the most of the summer break at home. These are easy to set up, full of fun and perfect for creating lasting memories.
The Labubu Doll Craze—and What It Teaches Us About Trends through History
The Labubu doll craze took off almost overnight, with social media feeds flooded by fans eager to get their hands on the quirky collectible. But the real story isn’t just about the doll—it’s about our timeless desire to belong and connect. From Beanie Babies to Pokémon cards, trends like Labubu remind us that collecting is more than a hobby; it’s a way to share stories, build community, and rediscover the joy of simple things—both for us and our kids.
Interview with Reshmin Chowdhury
MUM-OF-TWO, RESHMIN CHOWDHURY IS A BRITISH SPORTS JOURNALIST AND BROADCASTER KNOWN FOR HER WORK WITH TNT SPORTS AND talkSPORT, AND MAJOR GLOBAL EVENTS LIKE THE FIFA WORLD CUP, THE OLYMPICS AND THE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE. RESHMIN HAS A BACKGROUND IN POLITICS AND JOURNALISM, AND BEGAN HER CAREER IN NEWS BEFORE MOVING INTO SPORTS BROADCASTING. SHE’S MULTILINGUAL, HAS WORKED WITH TOP ATHLETES, AND IS ALSO A CLASSICALLY TRAINED SINGER. AS A SINGLE MOTHER, SHE ALSO ADVOCATES FOR DIVERSITY AND REPRESENTATION IN MEDIA.
Interview with Entrepreneur Simon squibb – what’s your dream?
If you’re an entrepreneur, or have aspirations to start your own business, and you have a TikTok or Instagram account then you are sure to have heard the words, ‘’What’s your dream?” words that have become synonyms with renowned entrepreneur, Simon Squibb.
