European trip end of July that doesn't cost a fortune -Portugal, Spain, Italy?

[Anonymous]

We're looking to make a spontaneous european trip at the end of the July. Where would you recommend? We have a 13 and 16 year old and enjoy beaches and city life. Welcome any recommendations.

[Anonymous]

It will be hotter than the surface of the sun.

How long are you planning to travel?

Italy is not cheap, especially in the summer.

[Anonymous]

Liguria region (Italian Riviera) in Italy. I would fly into Milan, take a train to Genoa and hit up the towns near Cinque Terre (but do not stay in CT, too crowded & too expensive). Check out Tellaro, Lerici, Porto Venere, Nervi, Camogli, etc. You can find lovely air bnbs and small hotels for less $$ and consider renting a car to drive from Genoa around the region. It's really not that hard or expensive. I would make sure you have accommodations with A/C or a pool if you can swing it.

https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/bay-of-poets-ligurian-coast-region-italy

This website has great info on the region: https://www.apathtolunch.com/

[Anonymous]

You are going to need to define “a fortune.” A poster on here once stated a posture on here once stated they thought a typical budget per person was $10k.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It will be hotter than the surface of the sun.

How long are you planning to travel?

Italy is not cheap, especially in the summer.

Not true if sticking to coastal regions, or heading to northern Italy and towards/into the mountains.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Liguria region (Italian Riviera) in Italy. I would fly into Milan, take a train to Genoa and hit up the towns near Cinque Terre (but do not stay in CT, too crowded & too expensive). Check out Tellaro, Lerici, Porto Venere, Nervi, Camogli, etc. You can find lovely air bnbs and small hotels for less $$ and consider renting a car to drive from Genoa around the region. It's really not that hard or expensive. I would make sure you have accommodations with A/C or a pool if you can swing it.

https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/bay-of-poets-ligurian-coast-region-italy

This website has great info on the region: https://www.apathtolunch.com/

Good advice, I would.also look towards the other side of Genoa, to the west. Trains run really often along there. You can also get to Genoa in one stop and avoid the transit from Milan, although Genoa airport is quite small, so fewer flight options. Since it's one stop to that area from DC anyway, nice if you can go straight to the coast.

It will be warm and pretty humid, but not unbearable. Definitely need A/C in bedrooms.

[Anonymous]

Europe in the summer is NOT for the cost conscious OP!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Europe in the summer is NOT for the cost conscious OP!!

This. OP needs ot price out flights this late in the game.

That said, Portugal tends to be the cheapest of those 3, and there are 2-3 direct daily flights from Dulles to Lisbon.

[Anonymous]

Southern Europe is not cheap that time of year, especially on two months' notice. But Portugal or Spain would be more affordable. If willing to go to cooler destinations, perhaps Scandinavia or Ireland.

[Anonymous]

I mean ... summer flights to Europe are going to cost a lot this last minute.But yes, agree that Portugal would likely be the least expensive. If you go to Spain, Madrid would be insufferably hot in July, Barcelona better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It will be hotter than the surface of the sun.

How long are you planning to travel?

Italy is not cheap, especially in the summer.

Not true if sticking to coastal regions, or heading to northern Italy and towards/into the mountains.

This.

[Anonymous]

We went to Spain last year and thought it was more affordable than other European countries. Especially lodging and food.

[Anonymous]

Definitely doable on a budget.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Definitely doable on a budget.

What is?

[Anonymous]

Barcelona has a lot of cool things to see and do, as well as beaches.