I want to take the kids to compete in a TKD world championship in Italy in July.

What will be the cheapest way of getting the three of them and me there and back. We can be away for 3 weeks at most.

Cheapest will surely be to drive there. 4 in a car is going to cost a lot less than 4 train/plan tickets. Depends how many stops you have en route and whether or not you’re happy to all sleep in the car 🙂 I’ve camped at the wee rest areas on the French Autoroutes. The only downside is being woken at 6am by a convoy of tanks trundling up the road and finding the radio truck parked beside you.

I was worried that this may be the case. 🙁

However, Eurorail passes are looking a fair bit cheaper. 😀

If you haven’t got them already, factor in the cost of passports – not insignificant.