Is it realistic to travel on $200 a day for a family?

Yes, if you avoid major capitals and stick to apartment rentals. If you try to stay in central Rome or London on this budget, you will run out of money in three days.

How do I deal with laundry?

Look for 'lavanderia' or 'laundry' shops near your apartment. Avoid hotel laundry services at all costs; they charge per item and will double your daily budget.

Should we get a rail pass?

Only if you are traveling between many cities in a short time. For most families, buying point-to-point tickets in advance is cheaper.

Stretching Your Family Budget Across Europe

Stick to a daily budget of $200 for a family of four by prioritizing apartment rentals with kitchens, using regional trains instead of flights, and limiting paid attractions to one per day. Focus your travel on Central and Eastern Europe where purchasing power is significantly higher than in the Eurozone capitals.

Choose your geography wisely. Avoid London, Paris, and Scandinavia. Base your trip in countries like Poland, Hungary, or the Czech Republic, where the cost of a restaurant meal or a public transit ticket is often 40-60% lower than in Western Europe.
Use apartments over hotels. Book accommodations with a kitchen via platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com. Preparing breakfast and dinner at home saves a family of four roughly $70–$100 per day compared to eating out.
Master the supermarket picnic. Stop at local markets for bread, cheese, fruit, and cured meats. Use these for lunch every day. It’s cheaper, faster, and lets you eat in a park rather than a tourist-trap restaurant.
Book transport in advance. Use Omio or Trainline to book intercity trains 60-90 days out. Buying tickets on the day of travel can cost three times as much.
Focus on 'free' sightseeing. Look for walking tours that operate on a 'pay what you wish' model, explore public parks, and visit historic cathedrals that don't charge an entry fee.

Is it realistic to travel on $200 a day for a family?: Yes, if you avoid major capitals and stick to apartment rentals. If you try to stay in central Rome or London on this budget, you will run out of money in three days.
How do I deal with laundry?: Look for 'lavanderia' or 'laundry' shops near your apartment. Avoid hotel laundry services at all costs; they charge per item and will double your daily budget.
Should we get a rail pass?: Only if you are traveling between many cities in a short time. For most families, buying point-to-point tickets in advance is cheaper.