Self-catering is a great way to keep the costs down on your European holiday and to really live like a European! One of the great things about travelling in Europe, is being able to experience the local food and wine and just because you are self-catering doesn't mean you have to miss out.
For centuries Europeans have perfected the art of cooking, and a meal is not just a slap-up affair, but a time to spend with family and friends, whilst savouring the delights on offer. Markets are full of fresh fruit and vegetables so make sure you sample the local produce, with a bottle of vino to accompany it, of course, and enjoy!
The bakery is the central point in any European town or village and it's the norm for Europeans to head down to the local bakery each morning for fresh bread, croissants and rolls for the day. Why not buy your own fresh bread rolls and make up a picnic lunch? It's easy and cheap to pack some rolls, bottles of water, and perhaps a couple of the local specialities, like a Danish or a Berliner (a sugar doughnut with apricot jam inside), into your backpack before heading off for your day’s exploring.
Taking your own ‘picnic’ also gives you the chance to really make the most of your surroundings – our family picnicked in a Swiss cow paddock with views of the alps all around us; on the steps of a 400 year old church in Austria; on Lake Garda's shores, and at a German theme park on another occasion; amongst other places. If you are planning on self-catering for at least a part of your holiday, it's a good idea to write your favourite recipes in the back of your travel journal or diary.
No matter how many times you've cooked that meal at home, get inside a foreign supermarket and the ingredients just go right out of your head! Of course you may still have to substitute the odd ingredient here and there but there is usually a close alternative and no-one will be any the wiser!
Many supermarkets in Europe require you to weigh and price your own fruit and vegetables. Each variety has its own number which you punch into the scales located in the fruit and vegie section, and a price sticker prints out. When you get to the checkout, the operator then just has to scan the prices. You will also find that most supermarkets charge for shopping bags so it's a good idea to take some of your own from home. And don't expect the checkout operator to pack your groceries into bags - that's for you to do!
Doing the laundry can also be an experience when self-catering. Whilst most apartments, villas and cottages provide washing facilities, camp grounds usually require you to lug your dirty washing to the communal laundry. A large drawstring bag made of rubber-backed curtain material is really handy for this purpose. Plastic supermarket bags tend to tear or break when they are full of wet washing, and you don't want the bag bursting on your way to the clothesline! Your drawstring bag can be packed away when not in use, and it also comes in handy for storing shoes or other goods when you are travelling.
TIP: Zip-lock sandwich bags are great for travellers and are very light and easy to pack. They can be used for storing everything from lollies to loose change to spare batteries, and much more.
Article courtesy of Carolyn Schonafinger. Carolyn is the founder of holidaystoeurope.com.au Australia's only online European travel directory and resource centre. Carolyn is passionate about travelling in Europe and has holidayed with her family on numerous occasions. She is a big fan of self-catering holidays and says there are many affordable options available to families looking to embark on a European holiday - you just need to know where to look!
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