How to Travel Europe on a Budget: Tips and Tricks

Traveling to Europe can be an exciting and enriching experience, but it can also be expensive. If you’re planning a trip to Europe, it’s important to know how much it will cost so you can budget accordingly. In this article, we’ll explore the average cost of a trip to Europe and provide tips on how to save money while traveling. We’ll also discuss the cheapest countries to visit in Europe and provide tips on how to find cheap flights, accommodation, food, and drinks. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better idea of how much it costs to travel to Europe and how to do it on a budget.

• How to plan a budget trip to Europe
  • Planning a budget trip to Europe requires careful research and preparation. Here are some tips to help you plan your trip:
    • Set a budget: Determine how much you can afford to spend on your trip and create a budget. Be sure to include all expenses, such as airfare, accommodation, food, transportation, attractions, and souvenirs.
    • Choose your destinations: Research the countries and cities you want to visit and determine which ones fit your budget. Keep in mind that some countries and cities are more expensive than others.
    • Decide on your travel dates: Traveling during the off-season can save you money on airfare, accommodation, and attractions. However, keep in mind that some attractions may be closed during the off-season.
    • Book your flights and accommodation early: Booking your flights and accommodation early can save you money. Look for deals and discounts online, and consider staying in hostels or vacation rentals instead of hotels.
    • Pack light: Packing light can save you money on baggage fees and make it easier to get around. Be sure to check the baggage restrictions for your airline before you pack.
    • Research free and cheap attractions: Many cities in Europe have free or cheap attractions, such as museums, parks, and historical sites. Research these attractions before you go and plan your itinerary accordingly.
• What is the average cost of a trip to Europe?
  • The average cost of a trip to Europe varies depending on several factors, such as the countries you visit, the duration of your trip, your travel style, and your spending habits. According to a survey by ValuePenguin, the average cost of a 12-day trip to Europe for two people is around $5,000, including airfare, accommodation, food, transportation, and attractions¹. However, you can travel to Europe for much less if you plan carefully and make smart choices.
• How to save money while traveling in Europe
  • There are many ways to save money while traveling in Europe. Here are some tips to help you save money:
    • Use public transportation: Public transportation is usually cheaper than taxis and rental cars. Look for deals on public transportation passes, such as the Eurail Pass, which allows you to travel by train in multiple countries.
    • Eat like a local: Eating at local restaurants and markets can be much cheaper than eating at touristy restaurants. Look for street food and local specialties, and avoid restaurants with menus in multiple languages.
    • Stay in hostels: Hostels are usually much cheaper than hotels, and they offer a great opportunity to meet other travelers. Look for hostels with good reviews and amenities, such as free breakfast and Wi-Fi.
    • Travel during the off-season: Traveling during the off-season can save you money on airfare, accommodation, and attractions. However, keep in mind that some attractions may be closed during the off-season.
    • Book in advance: Booking your flights, accommodation, and attractions in advance can save you money. Look for deals and discounts online, and consider using a travel rewards credit card to earn points and miles.
    • Use free Wi-Fi: Many cafes, restaurants, and public places offer free Wi-Fi. Use this to your advantage to avoid expensive data charges.
• The cheapest countries to visit in Europe
  • If you’re traveling on a budget, it’s a good idea to visit the cheapest countries in Europe. Here are some of the cheapest countries to visit in Europe:
    • Bulgaria: Bulgaria is one of the cheapest countries in Europe, with affordable accommodation, food, and attractions. You can visit the capital city of Sofia, the Black Sea coast, and the Rila Monastery for a fraction of the cost of other European destinations.
    • Romania: Romania is another affordable destination in Europe, with beautiful landscapes, medieval castles, and charming towns. You can visit the capital city of Bucharest, the Transylvania region, and the painted monasteries of Bucovina without breaking the bank.
    • Poland: Poland is a great destination for budget travelers, with a rich history, beautiful architecture, and delicious food. You can visit the capital city of Warsaw, the medieval town of Krakow, and the Wieliczka Salt Mine for a reasonable price.
    • Hungary: Hungary is a hidden gem in Europe, with stunning architecture, thermal baths, and delicious cuisine. You can visit the capital city of Budapest, the wine region of Eger, and the historic town of Szentendre without spending a lot of money.
    • Czech Republic: The Czech Republic is a popular destination in Europe, with beautiful cities, castles, and beer. You can visit the capital city of Prague, the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov, and the spa town of Karlovy Vary without breaking the bank.
• How to find cheap flights to Europe
  • Finding cheap flights to Europe requires some research and flexibility. Here are some tips to help you find cheap flights:
    • Use flight search engines: Flight search engines like Skyscanner, Kayak, and Google Flights can help you find the cheapest flights to Europe. Be sure to search for flights in incognito mode to avoid price hikes.
    • Be flexible with your travel dates: Traveling during the off-season or on weekdays can save you money on airfare. Use a flexible date search to find the cheapest dates to travel.
    • Consider budget airlines: Budget airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air offer cheap flights to Europe, but be sure to read the fine print and factor in additional fees for baggage and seat selection.
    • Book in advance: Booking your flights early can save you money. Look for deals and discounts online, and consider using a travel rewards credit card to earn points and miles.
    • Fly into alternative airports: Flying into smaller airports or secondary cities can be cheaper than flying into major airports. Be sure to factor in the cost of transportation to your final destination.
• How to save money on accommodation in Europe
  • Accommodation can be one of the biggest expenses when traveling in Europe. Here are some tips to help you save money on accommodation:
    • Stay in hostels: Hostels are usually much cheaper than hotels, and they offer a great opportunity to meet other travelers. Look for hostels with good reviews and amenities, such as free breakfast and Wi-Fi.
    • Consider vacation rentals: Vacation rentals like Airbnb and HomeAway can be cheaper than hotels, especially if you’re traveling with a group. Look for rentals with good reviews and amenities, such as a kitchen and laundry facilities.
    • Stay outside the city center: Accommodation in the city center is usually more expensive than accommodation outside the city center. Consider staying in a nearby town or suburb and taking public transportation into the city.
    • Use hotel loyalty programs: If you frequently stay at hotels, consider joining a hotel loyalty program to earn points and rewards. You can use these points to save money on future stays.
    • Book directly with the hotel: Booking directly with the hotel can sometimes be cheaper than booking through a third-party website. Be sure to compare prices before you book.
• How to save money on food and drinks in Europe
  • Food and drinks can be expensive in Europe, especially in touristy areas. Here are some tips to help you save money on food and drinks:
    • Eat like a local: Eating at local restaurants and markets can be much cheaper than eating at touristy restaurants. Look for street food and local specialties, and avoid restaurants with menus in multiple languages.
    • Cook your own meals: If you’re staying in a hostel or vacation rental, consider cooking your own meals. You can save money by shopping at local markets and grocery stores.
    • Drink tap water: In most European countries, tap water is safe to drink. Bring a reusable water bottle and fill it up at public fountains and taps.
    • Avoid bottled water: Bottled water can be expensive in Europe.
• How to save money on transportation in Europe
  • Transportation can be a significant expense when traveling in Europe. Here are some tips to help you save money on transportation:
    • Use public transportation: Public transportation is usually cheaper than taxis and rental cars. Look for deals on public transportation passes, such as the Eurail Pass, which allows you to travel by train in multiple countries.
    • Walk or bike: Walking or biking is a great way to explore a city and save money on transportation. Many cities in Europe are pedestrian-friendly and have bike-sharing programs.
    • Use ride-sharing apps: Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft are available in many European cities and can be cheaper than taxis.
    • Book in advance: Booking your transportation in advance can save you money. Look for deals and discounts online, and consider using a travel rewards credit card to earn points and miles.
    • Avoid toll roads: Toll roads can be expensive in Europe. Be sure to factor in the cost of tolls when planning your route.
• How to save money on attractions in Europe
  • Attractions can be a significant expense when traveling in Europe. Here are some tips to help you save money on attractions:
    • Research free and cheap attractions: Many cities in Europe have free or cheap attractions, such as museums, parks, and historical sites. Research these attractions before you go and plan your itinerary accordingly.
    • Buy attraction passes: Attraction passes like the Paris Pass and the London Pass can save you money on admission fees and skip-the-line access to popular attractions.
    • Visit attractions during off-peak hours: Visiting attractions during off-peak hours can save you money and time. Be sure to check the hours of operation for each attraction before you go.
    • Look for discounts: Many attractions offer discounts for students, seniors, and families. Be sure to bring your ID and ask about discounts before you buy your tickets.
    • Take advantage of free days: Some attractions offer free admission on certain days of the week or month. Be sure to check the attraction’s website for details.
• How to save money on shopping in Europe
  • Shopping can be a fun and rewarding experience in Europe, but it can also be expensive. Here are some tips to help you save money on shopping:
    • Shop at local markets: Local markets are a great place to find unique souvenirs and gifts at a reasonable price. Look for markets that sell handmade items and support local artisans.
    • Avoid touristy shops: Shops in touristy areas are usually more expensive than shops in local neighborhoods. Be sure to compare prices before you buy.
    • Take advantage of sales: Many shops in Europe have sales throughout the year, especially during the off-season. Look for deals and discounts online and in-store.
    • Buy tax-free: If you’re a non-EU resident, you can get a refund on the value-added tax (VAT) you pay on your purchases. Be sure to ask for a tax-free form when you make your purchase and get it stamped at the airport before you leave.
    • Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees: Using a credit card with no foreign transaction fees can save you money on currency exchange fees.
• How to save money on currency exchange in Europe
  • Currency exchange can be a significant expense when traveling in Europe. Here are some tips to help you save money on currency exchange:
    • Use an ATM: Using an ATM is usually the cheapest way to get cash in Europe. Be sure to check with your bank to see if they have any partnerships with banks in Europe to avoid ATM fees.
    • Avoid currency exchange booths: Currency exchange booths usually charge high fees and offer unfavorable exchange rates. Be sure to compare rates before you exchange your currency.
    • Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees: Using a credit card with no foreign transaction fees can save you money on currency exchange fees.
    • Exchange currency before you go: Exchanging currency before you go can save you time and money. Be sure to compare rates before you exchange your currency.
    • Avoid exchanging currency at the airport: Currency exchange at the airport usually offers unfavorable exchange rates and high fees.
• How to save money on travel insurance in Europe
  • Travel insurance can be a significant expense when traveling in Europe. Here are some tips to help you save money on travel insurance:
    • Shop around: Be sure to shop around for travel insurance and compare prices and coverage. Look for policies that offer the coverage you need at a reasonable price.
    • Consider an annual policy: If you travel frequently, consider an annual travel insurance policy instead of a single-trip policy. This can save you money in the long run.
    • Check your credit card benefits: Some credit cards offer travel insurance as a benefit. Be sure to check your credit card benefits before you buy travel insurance.
    • Consider a higher deductible: Choosing a higher deductible can lower your travel insurance premium. Be sure to choose a deductible that you can afford to pay if something happens.
    • Avoid duplicate coverage: Be sure to check your existing insurance policies, such as health insurance and homeowner’s insurance, to see if they cover travel-related expenses. You may not need to buy additional travel insurance if you’re already covered.

Traveling to Europe can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. By planning carefully and making smart choices, you can save money and still have a great trip. Be sure to set a budget, choose your destinations wisely, and take advantage of free and cheap attractions. Use public transportation, eat like a local, and stay in hostels or vacation rentals to save money on transportation and accommodation. Shop at local markets, avoid touristy shops, and take advantage of sales to save money.

What are some tips for finding cheap accommodation in Europe?

• Stay in hostels: Hostels are usually much cheaper than hotels, and they offer a great opportunity to meet other travelers. Look for hostels with good reviews and amenities, such as free breakfast and Wi-Fi.
• Consider vacation rentals: Vacation rentals like Airbnb and HomeAway can be cheaper than hotels, especially if you’re traveling with a group. Look for rentals with good reviews and amenities, such as a kitchen and laundry facilities.
• Stay outside the city center: Accommodation in the city center is usually more expensive than accommodation outside the city center. Consider staying in a nearby town or suburb and taking public transportation into the city.
• Use hotel loyalty programs: If you frequently stay at hotels, consider joining a hotel loyalty program to earn points and rewards. You can use these points to save money on future stays¹.
• Book directly with the hotel: Booking directly with the hotel can sometimes be cheaper than booking through a third-party website. Be sure to compare prices before you book.