With a meager budget of 1000 us. Where can I go in Europe for 2 weeks

If you could go off season it would save on airfare and hotels. Summer is high season so there won't be many bargains. If you could go for a week on your daughter's school break in winter or fall you might get better prices.

Keep saving and you'll find some way to do it.

Some money-saving ideas are:

1) Limit yourself to 2 destinations max. The more you move around, the more money it costs (on transportation).

2) Try to rent apartment instead of staying in hotels. That way, you can buy food from supermarkets and eat-in as much as you want. You can definitely eat breakfasts and dinners at the apartment; as for lunch, you can make sandwiches in the morning and take them with you.

3) Central Europe in general will be cheaper than Western Europe.

4) Off-season is a great time to go. Fewer people and better deals.

I would recommend starting a budget and see how many days your $1000 will last. Possibly your biggest expense would be lodging - so start there. For example - if you have done some research and know hotels in France for 2 will cost approximately $100 per night (which I don't think is realistic, by the way) then you will chew through $700 of your budget in 7 nights. Then is 300$ enough to do what you want to do for those 7 days (including eating, transportation, museum entrances, etc. etc.) ? My guess is you are looking at a 5 day trip at the max on that budget - assuming the airfare is outside of that.

Sharpen the old pen and pencil (or excel file!) and see where you can get on the money you have saved.

Luisah gives good advice on traveling in the off season so save money.

Also keep in mind fluctuating exchange rates can play havoc with even the best planning

Good Luck.

I want to clarify:
Renting an apartment will be a lot cheaper than staying at hotels, cost-wise, if you're not needing a luxury apartment. In addition, you can save money on meals since you'll have access to fridge, stove, microwave etc in the kitchen.

Just as an example, we are heading to Berlin soon and I found a studio apartment for 315 euros/week. There is NO WAY I can find any hotel that is comparable in rates, unless we stay at some fleabag places outside of the city; or a dorm room at hostels.

At the present exchange rate, $1,000 is only 684€. That doesn't buy much. You could probably pay for an inexpensive hotel for a week(or preferably a studio apartment) - but that would be about it. You would still have transportation costs, food, etc. You could find enough free things to do in Paris to keep you busy, but you still have to eat even if you buy your food at the grocery. You may be able to get a break on a rental as August is supposed to be slow in Paris.

I think I would start by trying to find an apartment. I don't think you will have money for transportation to other countries as that would really add to your expense. Also, although you might find a cheaper rental in the outer areas of Paris, then you would have the transportation to pay for. But a week's metro cost might be cheaper in the long run.

See what you can find - and good luck!

You and your daughter could stay at the youth hostel and even have some meals there to help stay within budget in Paris.

http://www.mije.com/index_individuels.asp

Another destination that would be very interesting and is well priced is the Rhein -Mosel area. Tons of castles to see and bike and ferry rides. B+B's are VERY reasonable and meals abundant and cheap.

I think you need to stay in one place only, and rent an apartment as inexpensive as you can find. Try to locate it so you can walk to things. I would try for Paris, since it would be easy to get to and offers the most to see and do in one place. Basically if you locate centrally you can walk to everything. That said, your budget may be prohibitively low.

(I assume you want to go to France since that's how this post is tagged.)

Hi

Pheow, tough ask! As suggested, getting an apartment and doing your own cooking is a good start. I also suggest going in the second half of September - prices are easing and crowds are thinning. What about Tuscany? For eg. http://www.rent-holiday-homes.com/Holiday-Apartment-A-Gavorrano-Italy-d283.html. What about Andalusian Spain? Check out www.vrbo.com. What about homestays? In Spain try http://www.venamicasa.com. Try - http://rentals.loquo.com/english or http://www.idealista.com or http://www.easypiso.com. Check out Greece and its islands and Turkey - maybe start with VRBO. Good luck

The best way to meet your budget -- go for ONE week. I don't think you could manage anyplace in Europe for the 2 of you for 2 weeks. Rent a studio apartment, and eat most meals in.

One week would be doable in lots of places - but $500 a week for 2 (even though she is young, shes will still eat) would be totally impossible.

Here is an apartment that looks nice and rents for 550€ for a week: http://www.vrbo.com/43745

And a hotel for 51-60€ per night: http://www.parisluxhotel.com/

Thank you everyone for your help. As I am a teaching assistant I can only go in the summer months. Cant really do Christmas, however I do have until August to save some more money. I really want to visit Europe so I will make it work by saving and eliminating some other bills. I also have a cousin in the area of Hethrow London so I might look into that. I will looking into studios. Worldinabag thanks for the ideas. I might just go to Spain or Italy, sounds good. I am still trying to figure things out.
Thanks everyone.. Keep the suggestions coming, thanks

Thanks blh

I think you can eke out a week in Paris on a very small budget. Your daughter will have free admission to the museums and there are plenty of nice parks and public spaces.

An apartment is definitely the way to go, like others have said you can eat breakfast and dinner at home and even pack lunch if you had to. Neighborhoods that are slightly off the major tourist track- like arr 11, 12, 14- will have cheaper apartments, shops and cafes.

There is one super low-budget apartment where I stayed about a year and a half ago, where I was quite happy- another poster has stayed here as well....It's in the 11th, a very small simple studio and it's on the french 6th floor with no elevator. That means there are about 80 or 90 stairs to climb- a big winding staircase with shallow, low-rise steps. It's very close to a metro station and there is a discount grocery store nearby. The owners are wonderful. It may not be suitable for you but I thought I'd suggest it - price is 300 euro/week.

http://www.slowtrav.com/cl/detail.asp?l=1208

http://www.vrbo.com/201433

(it is much brighter than it looks in those photos- but it is small and simple make no mistake)

Do participate in any rewards programs through your bank or CC ? It may help on the flights or even hotels.
And it sure would help if family members would think of gift cards that apply to travel.

homelidays.co.uk is a good site for budget flats. They list a LOT of apartments in Paris. It is sort of like vrbo - you make the first contact w/ the owner through homelidays and after that you deal w/ the owners directly.

They have a lot of lower price flats that still have nice amenities/locations.

Some agencies recommended on here for Paris tend to be fairly posh/expensive.

How are you getting to Europe??

Because you have not figured airfare into your budget.

For the hell of it, I went to Expedia and plugged in two tickets from JFK to Fiumicino (Rome) for August 6-13, 2010 and the cheapest flight was Swiss Air at $2130 for both tickets.

Now, who knows if the airfare will drop the closer you get to buying the tickets, but you get my drift.

You are worrying about a $1000 budget when you haven't even figured out what your airfare will be (and could be TWICE your budget).

Thin

If you have a cousin in the vicinity of Heathrow, I would definitely see if you can come to an arrangement to visit -- perhaps during the time they are off on holiday and you'll promise to water the plants? Although it's not an idea spot for touring London, it's a pretty good base for castles and other fun things -- and London is not out of reach. One great thing about London over Paris as a destination is all the museums are free.

You and your daughter can make an adventure of being super-budget picnic travelers.

You don't have to answer this question publicly but: Is there a grandparent anywhere in this picture who might kick in $100 for treats?

I live in Europe and travel super-cheaply all the time. Still, I can't think of any way you are going to be safely, cleanly located in a major European capital for two weeks on that budget.

Also, depending on your location, this may not work but: Have you checked out going to the French-speaking parts of Canada? Sounds less romantic, I know, but you won't get killed by the exchange rate and the food and art offerings can be remarkably good.

Hi my name is Bertrand,
Try these hotel-chains :
hotelformule1.com
etap'hotel.com
b&bhotel.com
premierclasse.fr
They are similar as motel6, cheap and not too far from the city center. Present in the major european countries.

It's me, once again.
Cheap but very good and safe airlines : easyjet.com and airberlin.com

Another option might be to see if you can do a home exchange? You don't say where you live, but you might find people who want to go there or near there. Exchangers are often people in a similar situation to you, or retired people. There are plenty of websites all about it, mostly subscription-based but some free. There have been several threads about it on Fodors.

bertrand took the words right out of my mouth. We have stayed in etaps ( I think it's etaphotels.com, part of accor) , b&bhotel.com, premier classe, also villages-hotels ( most of which were absorbed by the B&B chain). You can find most of these in France, a few in Germany and can get them for as little as 40 Euro/night. I would stay away from Formule1, though- that one does not have a bathroom ensuite and is a little too budget for my taste.

Rick

HI rs899, you are right about formule 1 , I agree with you.
For me the best deal is Hotel b&b Paris Malakoff, easy accessible by subway (station is within 500 ft), clean and nice surroundings. I always stay there. All you can eat breakfast buffet (as in the other hotel chains I mentioned)
1 or 2 "n" in mentionned ? Help me, I try to improve my english.

How to visit Paris, Rome, Venice, Monte Carlo, NYC, Egypt and many more during the same trip ? And all these spots within walking distance ? Go to Vegas !!!

Thanks all. I've already started looking into the apt. and B&B breakfast. I also started making suggestions for birthday and Christmas gifts and also vacation gifts. Think I will be ready when the time comes. Vacation fund started with our first gift of 100 bucks.

When I budget for a trip I exclude those items I would be paying for at home anyway. If you are going to be eating most of your meals in your apartment, I would only budget the amount above what you would spend for food at home. My wife and I eat at least half of our lunches and dinners in restaurants so I only include the added cost of eating in Paris restaurants, etc. Also, if we subtract the cost of gas (both of us have significant commutes), the cost of dry cleaning and other costs we would incur at home, it makes the trip seem less expensive. Now sticking to the budget.... that's a discussion for another day.

If you really want to watch your budget you may want to consider staying outside of a city (although you would have to spend some money for transportation). Germany, as a rule of thumb, is usually cheaper than some of the other western European countries. We've stayed in beautiful ferienwohnungs (vacation apartments) in the Mosel area and southern Bavaraia for under $50.00 per night. Then, as mentioned above, you could save money but eating a lot of your meals in. It's fun to shop at the local grocery stores or markets. I also agree that you may have to cut down your time to just one week since your budget will go fast after you factor in the exchange rates.

Good luck!
Tracy

Easy Jet doesn't fly from the US.

Air Berlin is not that cheap. I plugged in two round-trip tickets from JFK to Tegel for next week (one adult, one child) and the fare is $1800.

It is more if you fly from LA.

I would like to know why the OP is being evasive and not tell us how he plans to pay for two plane tickets to Europe from the US.

Thin

I meant easyjet and airberlin to fly inter-cities in Europe.

<<So far I've saved up 1000 us dollars. I really want to go to France with my daughter for about 10 or 12 days. What can I do with that and where can I really go. Airfare is Not included in the 800.>>

I don't understand this. What 800?

And FWIW, the only Formule1 I've ever stayed in, in the Loire, had a bathroom ensuite.

Our least expensive trips to Europe, and where we got the best value for our money, were in Greece and Portugal.

My Formula 1 in Alicante had no ensuite, either.
Never again. Someone had told me they were "OK" for a night..

We crashed a Formule1 in Dreaux. It was baaad. Very dodgey neighborhood. I felt like I needed to wipe down everything with rubbing alcohol.

Do you live somewhere that a European family or couple would want to visit? If so, get information on home exchanges and see if anyone wants to swap dwellings with you. My parents do this about 2-3 times each year and it saves a TON of money on lodging costs.

If you can stay with family in the Heathrow area, you should strongly consider London -- most major museums are free, and there are dozens of places to eat good quality inexpensive meals throughout the tourist areas (EAT, Pret-a-Manger, M&S Simply Food). Plus it has excellent parks and a good transportation system.

The worst thing for you is really the exchange rate. The dollar is in the tank. When we went to London in April/May, the dollar was 1.44-1.48 to the pound and in the high 1.20s to low 1.30s against the Euro. Now the exchange rate has added 15% or more to the price of whatever you want to buy.

I read the original thread as saying that the airfare is not included in her budget (perhaps she put 800 instead of 1000 by mistake)? Otherwise, obviously, the airfare to any city in Europe in August would cost more than the OPs entire budget.

Tracy

The airfare is separate from the 800-1000USD budget according to the original post.

You need to shorten your time &/or up your budget.

$800 will simply not cover 2 people for a 12 day trip. That's only 45 euro per day! No way can that pay for even the cheapest apartment & food even if you only eat bread & cheese and don't spend a cent on anything else.

I would suggest one week, all in Paris, and try to save so you have at least $1200 (or maybe fly thru London if you can spend a few days with the relative for free).

Another thing to consider, OP, is that you bringing along your 8-year-old daughter. You just can't take her into some dodgy boarding house or hostel in a bad neighbourhood.

I certainly wouldn't want to stay in a place that did not have an en suite toilet with an 8-year-old.

Also, a little girl, described as a "princess" on another thread is going to want Amorino gelato and hot chocolate from Angelina if in Paris. She is going to want something from the gift shop at the Orsay or Louvre. Add this to the budget.

I can't see going to Paris and eating sandwiches and soup all the time. You aren't going to want to go to a cafe and eat some of the food that France is famous for? You aren't going to want to stop at a cafe and have a coffee or a coke when you are tired? These things add up.

Add in museum entrance fees. Fees to get into palaces and some churches (like Ste Chapelle). Metro tickets. Bus tickets. Transportation fare from CDG to Paris and return.

Now, you don't have to take a taxi from CDG to Paris, you can take the RER, but taxi fare is about 60 euros one way (that is $88).

I was in Paris in November and my hotel bill was 800 euros, which exceeds your budget, for a two-star single in the Latin Quarter.

I am just trying to give you an idea of what a trip to Europe really costs.

Thin

One more thing that can eat up some of your budget. We don't know if you've traveled before, if you have passports. Now you must have a passport to go to Europe. You will need 2: for you and for your daughter.

This is from another thread:

natlove on Sep 24, 09 at 10:52 PM
Never really traveled outside of the US.

If you will be applying for the first passport, it will be $100 for adult, $85 for a child.

Maybe you want to look into going to French Canada instead, you can get cheaper Passport Cards, and the trip may be affordable?

As of yesterday the budget was 1000 dollars. The 800 was a mistake. I've contacted my family in London so we will be staying with them. The budget now is $1000 saved and still saving until August 2010. By then we will be ok as family and friends will give money instead of gifts.
Thanks all for your advice.

So you're staying for free with your family in London the entire time?

Well that's an entirely different story!! And definitely do-able on $1000.

Great news, natlove. You can have a great time in England doing what you listed as your favortie things (except beaches).

If your savings swell, check out the possibility of several night stay in Paris, taking the train -- or, since you'll be so close to Heathrow, a budget flight.

Check out Bavaria Ben's last 2 trips on his website www.bensbauernhof.com. He emphasizes going cheaply and details his expenses

Thanks guys.. definitely looking into a flat for a few nights in Paris. a place to stay for free and money in my pocket.. still saving. maybe I can go to one other city/country for a night or two.. you never know right..
I appreciate all your inputs.

Try Vacation in Paris for an apartment---they have some studios for $99 a night.

You can take the Eurostar train directly to Paris from London. If you travel to another country in addition to France, that will eat into your budget. Moving around is expensive.

Why is airfare not figured into your budget?

Because it isn't relevant maybe to getting input on the issue she asked about? Maybe somebody else is paying for it. Maybe a bank has been robbed. Who cares?

Why is this poster getting the third degree? And why the sexual stereotyping of what a kid will enjoy?

I think the poster has been quite upfront about being new to Europe and not having as much money as affluent, retired suburbanite. Being a high-consuming, not-out-of-my-comfort-zone tourist isn't the only enjoyable way to travel, and little girls in Paris don't inevitably have to be dragged into Angelina's for their unpotable hot chocolate and boys don't have to be marched by Napoleon's tomb and the armor exhibits (right, Thin? There's more ways to be a boy than that, oui?)

Which isn't to say that some of you aren't being helpful, but the poster is being pretty rudely treated and insulted in several posts simply for asking for ways to have a safe, clean fun trip with a child on a very tight budget.

natlove,

Before you invest a lot in travel books, check out what the travel websites have to offer. Look up Lonely Planet and Rough Guide, because although they are geared toward backpacking youth, they have a lot of budget saving tips. Likewise, Rick Steves and his message board posters can be very good on public transportation details and other money savers.

Last but not least, see if being a teaching assistant allows you to plug into travel deals and discounts available to teachers.

Have a great trip.

I am NOT a retired affluent suburbanite.

Don't you EVER condescend to me, Miss Thing.

I will read your beads.

Thin

Go to one city and enjoy. Paris is a very good city that offers the option of seeing London in one day.

zeppole---I only asked because if her budget is so limited, she has to consider travel expenses if she wants to travel to several destinations. With a place to stay in London already, her best way to keep within her budget is to limit her travel to one other place, which she has said she wants to be Paris. The suggestion I made for a Paris apartment is a good and realistic one, especially for a first-timer in Europe who doesn't want to deal with wiring euros into a stranger's bank account.

www.VacationInParis.com

The apartments are available for short stays (less than a week) and the company is very easy to deal with.

If for some reason she can fly without considering that cost, she could include another destination as well. If not, that is, if she also has to include travel costs between destinations in her $1000, then going to "one other country for a night or two" is going to be difficult.

" . . . offers the option of seeing London in one day."

One cane visit London in 1 day, but see only a tiny bit of it.

natlove: Don't be adding any more cities/travel. The travel between places will add a lot of $$/££/€€ to your expenses. Even getting from London to Paris on the Eurostar is relatively expensive - easily equal to a nights hotel or more.

Flats in Paris can be found at quite low rates. So
IF you have a free place to stay in/near London, you maybe CAN squeeze in 10 days or even 2 weeks. Free accommodations in England and a cheap apartment in Paris would stretch your budget quite a bit. But don't add a 3rd place. And if staying w/ the cousin doesn't pan out - just stick to Paris and plan on a week-ish.

Do you know exactly where your cousin lives?

Hi, I repeat myself : Hotel b&b Paris Malakoff (500 ft from the subway station) 65 Euros/night/room and 5.65 all you can eat breakfast. The best deal in Paris, believe me. I always stay there.

65 euro is $93.35 at today's rate. Staying in a hotel, they will still have to pay for restaurant or bistro meals.

For only $5.45 more per day, they can stay in a studio apartment and cook most of their meals in, which is not only a huge saving, but includes the fun of shopping in the local markets for their food.

When we took our daughters to Paris they tired of going out to dinner after the first 2 nights. And they loved going to the different markets---one for chicken, one for cheese, one for vegetables, and then of course the boulangerie---to select and buy food for dinner. For lunches, we stoked up on yogurt, more good bread, and fruit.

You should definitely go to Paris and you should rent an apartment instead of taking an hotel room. The company I use has several studios in Montmartre and some of them are really convenient, especially for August when it is low season and you could ask for a discount. The apartment also gives you the opportunity to save some money by cooking some meals by yourself.
10/12 days in Paris will be really intense so much you have to see in this city.
Here is the link to the company I use to rent apartments in Paris, they always gave me very good service: http://www.paris-apartment-rent.com/index.html

natlove - Here's my 2 cents worth.
Coming from South Africa we have a very very baaaaaad exchange rate - something like 12 to 1 euro! So when we see a decent bargain we go for it. Our top bargain in Paris is staying at the Ibis Hotel Esplanade La Defense in a twin en-suite room for 49euros. This rate can only be booked on the internet on their website & is valid from Friday to Monday morning. It does not include breakfast but a 3min walk to the metro station and you will find a tiny coffee bar that serves croissants, baguettes and the like at reasonable prices.
I agree with you Bertrand - that is quite a bargain if it is any day of the week and includes breakfast because the lowest price I have encountered in a hotel for breakfast is around 6euros and that is tea/coffee & a baguette with butter & jam.

I wish I could thank you all individually but there is a lot of inputs..thanks all.
Zeppole thanks a lot.
bertrand thanks.
blh thanks for the information. I have contacted the apt. and is dealing with the owners. I appreciate it.
For those who wanted to know why I did not mention flight cost that is because they are being paid for by someone so there was no need to include it in the post. Make sense.
My princesses will be treated like a princesses not matter where we go. She is very mature and knows it cost a lot to do this trip. She was the one that said no gifts just money in the bank because she really wants to see Paris. She sees it on TV all the time.
Thank you for all your information. I took them seriously.

I would consider both apartments and well regarded but inexpensive hotels. I often like to meet other hotel guests and ask for restaurant recommendations or other information from the hotel staff so usually prefer to stay in a hotel unless I know the city well. You can find some relatively inexpensive hotels in Paris which will include a small breakfast.

I think you will have a wonderful trip if you combine staying with relatives and visiting London with a trip to Paris. I wouldn't try to do anything more as both cities have plenty to offer. You might consider an "open jaw" flight where you fly into Heathrow and out of Paris thus saving you the cost of the return trip to Heathrow although sometimes the open jaws are more expensive.

Happy planning!

natlove---that is a lovely apartment. But just so you know, it is over $800 for a week, plus a deposit of 400 euro, which is another $580 that you will have to pay, in advance. You should get the deposit back, but you still need to include it in your budget calculations.

natlove, be sure to take a look at the apartment Apres_Londee suggested. http://www.slowtrav.com/cl/detail.asp?l=1208
http://www.vrbo.com/201433. At 300€ for the week, it would be a really good deal for you. That would really help your money situation. Since other posters have stayed in this apartment, that is a plus. They could answer any questions you have about the apartment, location, etc.

If you can find good lodging for a low price, this will enable you to stay longer and do more. We can all recommend many free and inexpensive things for you and your daughter to do. There are many discounts for teachers and children. You can eat inexpensively by buying most of your food at the grocery - there's lots of pizza for takeout, etc. You can pack a lunch or buy an inexpensive sandwich and have picnics in the parks - the parks are everywhere! And there are people everywhere eating on benches, etc. Your daughter will love the parks.

"At 300€ for the week, it would be a really good deal for you. "

That's a great deal - but that is still nearly $450 (and who knows what the exchange rates will be next year). So - $450 for your room (plus deposit) clearly shows - you really need to think of ONE week unless you get totally free accommodations for another week in the UK.

Even if you were to save an additional $500 - it would be hard to manage 2 weeks if you have to pay for all accommodations.

Your trip budget (especially if it will be growing) sounds much more doable if you can stay for free near London for part of the trip. I will add another vote for the idea of limiting yourself to two destinations. WE found that our kids at that age really enjoyed staying in a few places and getting to know each one. (They still do, for that matter, as young adults.) Also, they tended to like to go back to places we had already seen and enjoyed--makes sense, just not consistent with many adults' desire to see as many new sights as possible.

If you and your daughter love castles be sure to visit Windsor Castle during the London part of the trip

I am a big fan of David Macaulay's books, Cathedral and Castle, and of the PBS series based on them. Great background information for your daughter. In Paris, be sure to climb the tower of Notre Dame to see the gargoyles, the bell and the wonderful view of the city.

Thanks again to everyone for your information and support. I appreciate it. The trip is a working progress thanks you you guys.

1. I went to Croatia, along the Adriatic coast, and it was MUCH less expensive than other parts of Europe since they were not yet on the Euro. You can have a similar (not the same however) climate, history, cuisine, etc to parts of Italy at a lower cost. Prices in their version of the B&B, the "sobe" are quite affordable.
2. Ireland can be done cheaply with research to locate B&B's. You cannot have a bad time in Ireland no matter how short or long the stay or where you go. When you arrive in a city, immediately go the Tourist Information Center and they will help you find a place and sometimes will help to negotiate a better price for you. In low season, the B&B's are happy for customers. The Tourist Center also has all the info you need for buses, trains, day-tours, etc.
3. Travel in Europe between mid-October and early December or between January and end of March for best prices.
4.If you want to go to Rome, this link has convents that are clean and affordable. http://www.santasusanna.org/comingToRome/convents.html
Some take families.
5. I think you can travel to other locations in a country without spending too much money. Use local bus or Megabus in Britain. If you want to use the train, try to buy your pass before you go. Fly out of a different city rather than trying to get back to the city of arrival.
6. Check out Ryan Air for super cheap fares between cities in Europe. They will use the airports outside the cities but if you plan your itinerary, you may find a great deal. Easy Jet is also an option but not as cheap as Ryan Air.
7. Have your main meal "out" at lunch when the prices are cheaper and buy your cheese and bread, etc at local markets for dinners.
8. another website to search for accommodation is Venere.com

You can do this! Your daughter is lucky. And people in Ireland love kids so you may be able to get some deals with her sweetest smile.

Hi there,

well you can find very lovely hotels in northern spain including meals for approx €75 per night each in from sept 1st so weather still nice, in august a bit more pricy, in france you can find cheap hotels that are not nasty, or stay in jites, or even go to some of the lovely campsites and your daughter will make friends as well. i think you will do a week to 9 days basic unless you camp, or go in august. cost for site seeing etc can be expensive, maybe look up an all inclusive package from a holiday company, if the recession keeps up you could be lucky.
best of luck

Going to France. Well, even if you rent a cheap apartment, that is, if you can find such a thing in France. I still don't think a $1,000 will do it. We do a trip every year to Europe and have rented apartments and stayed in hotels. Even in Eastern Europe the apartments aren't cheap unless you can find a room in someone's house. The hotels are expensive almost everywhere in Europe except some of the two and three star ones. Yet, some of these hotels are scary. My advice is to keep saving your money. If you go off season, it is always cheaper but the weather isn't the best for walking around. We were once in Provence in November. A mistake as the Mistrals (heavy winds) were blowing and it was cold. But the apartment we rented in St. Remy was about 60% less. No wonder as it is better to have someone paying you rent then no one.

Maybe you could go to TheLake District in northern England. Alot of natural things to do. Not many museums. We always eat a good breakfast buy lunch locally pot pie, pasties or things like that. Get a drink or try something locally made, cheaper.
1000.00 will not go far. I have just been to Europe and food is the one thing that is unbelievable.
Good luck.

I forgot. B&B's in England Scotland and Wales are very interesting ways to see the countries and are very inexpensive and safe for you and your daughter.

I agree with bgoodwin. The food isn't cheap to buy to cook at home. All the different little food shops have wonderful food and so fresh and good, but the prices are high. Your best bet in France is lunch with price fixed meals: salad, entree and dessert. Most super markets in France are out a ways and you sometimes need transport to get to them. They are a little more reasonable then the small food shops. Oh, bring your own bag to haul your purchases home as a lot of supermarkets and small markets don't provide bags. This goes for Germany as well. Sticking to a grocery budget when renting an apartment in Europe can often be a tough proposition. Plan on spending more for groceries if you are cooking in then you planned on. The difference in the Euro can make it a real challenge. Many French people eat lunch out from 11 to 2 only (restaurants close after two to get ready for dinner)because a price fixed meal can be cheaper then the hassle of buying, looking and cooking the food at home. Eat lots of breads, cheeses, fresh veges, plus wine is their star products and filling. Go early in the am to shop to get the best products. The breads go fast. Every town has a produce and some have fish markets. Shop them for the best bargains.

Always try your teaching credentials for free entry in
France = museums, etc.

Another option for lodging is dorm rooms in the colleges - especially in summer. Safe neighborhoods, inexpensive meals around etc.

This may be the beginning of something big in a 8 year olds life.