Traveling with kids is a great way to create lasting memories and bond as a family. But let’s face it, family trips can also come with their fair share of stress. By choosing less crowded or more affordable destinations can make the experience more enjoyable for everyone. Opting for quieter spots means easier sightseeing, fewer headaches, and a smoother time with a buggy or little legs.

Anther reason why a destination dupe is worthwhile - travelling as a family can get pricey fast, so why add extra strain to your budget? Opting for second cities and less touristy destinations can help lower costs on everything from activities to dining and hotels. By choosing a spot that’s off the beaten path, you not only save money but also discover hidden gems and unique experiences. Plus, you’ll be supporting local businesses and communities that aren’t overwhelmed by mass tourism, making your trip a more sustainable and responsible choice. Win Win!

Dubrovnik, Croatia > Pula, croatia

When planning a family trip to Croatia, Dubrovnik often gets the spotlight—but for those traveling with kids, Pula is a hidden gem worth considering. With its budget-friendly options, kid-friendly attractions, and laid-back atmosphere, Pula offers a fantastic alternative to the tourist-heavy (and expensive) Dubrovnik. In contrast, Pula offers a more affordable experience, with reasonably priced hotels, family-friendly restaurants, and lower entrance fees to attractions. Plus, the beaches in Pula are free to enjoy, unlike some of Dubrovnik’s exclusive beach clubs.

Pula is packed with things to do that kids will love. The city’s well-preserved Roman amphitheater, the Pula Arena, offers a fascinating (and budget-friendly) way to explore history. Families can also visit Brijuni National Park, where little ones will love spotting dinosaurs’ footprints and visiting the safari park. We spent a week here in 2019 with a 2 year old, read more about our trip to Pula here

Capri > Ischia

Capri is often packed with tourists, cruise ship passengers, and long lines for attractions like the Blue Grotto. Navigating narrow streets with strollers can be a challenge. Ischia, on the other hand, is far less crowded, allowing families to explore at a relaxed pace.

Families can spend the day at Cartaromana Beach, where the shallow, warm waters are perfect for little swimmers. Poseidon Thermal Gardens and Negombo Thermal Park offer family-friendly pools and relaxing spots for parents. Kids will love exploring the medieval Aragonese Castle, and nature-loving families can take an easy hike up Mount Epomeo for breathtaking views. Unlike Capri, which has steep cliffs and limited space for active kids, Ischia offers wide beaches and open spaces to play.

french alp ski resorts > Isola 2000

The big ski resorts are great and offer plenty to do for families - but they can be expensive and take a long time to get to. Still in the French Alps, Isola 2000 is a hidden gem that offers a more affordable, family-friendly, and convenient ski experience—perfect for those traveling with children.

One of Isola 2000’s biggest advantages is its accessibility. Located just 90 minutes from Nice Airport, families can reach the resort quickly via shuttle or rental car. Tignes/Val d’Isere/Meribel in contrast, requires a much longer transfer (around 3–4 hours from Geneva or Lyon), which can be exhausting for young children after a flight.

With gentle slopes for beginners, fewer crowds, and a much shorter transfer time, it’s the perfect destination for a relaxed and enjoyable ski holiday with children.

Greek Island Hopping > Sicilian Island Hopping

The Aeolian Islands in Sicily remain a hidden gem with a relaxed, uncrowded atmosphere. Families can explore charming villages, enjoy quiet beaches, and experience authentic Sicilian culture without the stress of overcrowded streets or packed attractions. Made up of 7 islands just north - west of Sicily Panarea, Vulcano ( yes its really called Vulcano and the whole island smells of sulphur! ), Alicudi, Filicudi, Lipari (my personal favourite) and Salina with the most famous being Stromboli.

TThe islands are well connected by ferries operated by companies like Liberty Lines and Siremar. These ferries run regularly from the Sicilian mainland (Milazzo, Messina, and Palermo) and between the islands themselves. During peak summer months, multiple daily services make it easy to explore at your own pace. Even more exciting - and time affective - are the hydrofoil ferries which reach up to 35 knots and lift out of the water!

The Aeolian Islands are packed with exciting activities for kids. Families can explore black sand beaches on Vulcano, take a boat ride to see Stromboli’s erupting volcano, or enjoy calm, shallow waters at Canneto Beach in Lipari. For adventurous families, easy hikes to panoramic viewpoints and boat trips to hidden caves make for unforgettable experiences. Unlike some Greek islands, which have steep cliffs and limited family-oriented activities, the Aeolians offer a great mix of adventure and relaxation.

Read more on the Aeolian Islands here

Marbella > Mojacar

Marbella is known for its glitz and glamour. From upscale beach clubs to designer shopping and fine dining, it caters to a high-end crowd. Accommodation prices, restaurant bills, and activities tend to be on the pricier side. Mojácar, in contrast, is much more affordable. This Andalusian town offers reasonably priced accommodation, inexpensive dining, and lower-cost activities.

The whitewashed Mojácar Pueblo sits on a hilltop with stunning views, winding streets, and historic charm. For nature lovers, the Playa de los Muertos beach and the rugged beauty of Cabo de Gata provide incredible landscapes with fewer tourists, even in peak season.

GREECE > ALBANIA

Its no secret that Albania is having a moment. As we have seen with Croatia and Montenegro in the last 10-15 years, this is a great time to visit before it becomes a holiday hotspot.

Albania’s tourism boom has led to major improvements in its airport facilities, making travel smoother and more convenient for families.

Tirana International Airport (TIA) has been modernized with family-friendly amenities, improved baggage handling, and faster immigration processing.

The new Vlora International Airport (opened in 2024) will offer better access to Albania’s stunning coastline, reducing transfer times for beach-loving families.

One of the biggest reasons Albania is a fantastic option for families is its affordability. Compared to other European destinations, such as Greece, everything from accommodation to dining and activities is significantly cheaper.

If you're seeking a relaxed beach holiday, Ksamil on the Albanian Riviera is an excellent choice for families. With its calm, shallow waters, sandy beaches, and welcoming atmosphere, it’s the perfect destination for a stress-free getaway with children.

Not ready to give up a Greek holiday? Conveniently, Albania is accessible by ferry from Corfu. Head over to Saranda, Albania for a day trip to see if your vibe. Perhaps it will convince you to book a holiday if not, who doesn’t love to visit multiple countries in one holiday!?

LAKE COMO > LAKE BLED

Lake Bled in Slovenia and Lake Como in Italy are two of Europe’s most stunning destinations. But which one is the best choice for families with children? Let's compare them based on kid-friendly activities, accessibility, affordability, and overall family experience?

For families with young children, Lake Bled is the better choice due to its smaller size, affordability, and child-friendly attractions. However, if you're looking for a luxurious Italian getaway with cultural experiences, Lake Como may be the right fit.

In terms of travel time, Lake Bled is conveniently only 40 Minutes drive from Ljubljana Airport, making it easy to reach with kids. With its compact size, safe swimming areas, budget-friendly options, and adventure-filled activities, Lake Bled offers a stress-free and fun-filled holiday for families.

There is plenty to do for big and little kids including Straza Bled Toboggan Run, Triglav National Park, Pletna Boat Ride to Bled Island and Bled Castle.

ALGARVE > MADIERA

Portugal is a fantastic destination for family travel, and while the Algarve is often a top choice, Madeira offers a more unique, off-the-beaten-track experience for families. If you’re looking for a trip filled with hidden gems, cultural experiences, affordability, and adventure, Madeira is your next destination.

In terms of cost and affordability, Madeira often comes out ahead. Accommodations, whether hotels, guesthouses, or Airbnbs, tend to be more budget-friendly than those in the Algarve. With fewer crowds, excursions, dining, and transportation are also more reasonably priced. Public transport is efficient, and Madeira’s compact size makes it easy to explore without the added cost of renting a car.

Driving around the entire island of Madeira without stops takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on the route and traffic. However, because of Madeira’s mountainous terrain, winding roads, and scenic viewpoints, most travelers take much longer to explore the island properly.

For a full exploration of Madeira by car, including stops at key attractions like Porto Moniz, Santana, Ponta de São Lourenço, and Funchal, it’s best to spread your trip over 2 to 3 days to fully enjoy the sights.

DESTINAtion dupes for family travel