Europe is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Full of rich culture, historical landmarks, and beautiful natural landscapes, it’s no wonder so many people around the world want to visit this continent at least once in their lifetime. However, fulfilling this dream can be very expensive, so you should consider budget options.
Traveling Europe on a budget involves more preparation time and more care taken with finances, as well as plenty of research. Alternative transport choices should be considered, as should cheaper accommodations. Off-season travel is encouraged for popular destinations.
Are you planning a trip to Europe? Check out this guide to see how you can travel Europe on a budget.
What to Do Before You Leave
When planning a budget trip, the preparation stage is essential. You have to make sure you make a strong budget and stick to it, and that starts from the moment you decide to go on the journey. So let’s take a look at what to do before you arrive in Europe.
Work on Your Savings
The most important part is to start saving as soon as possible. You should begin to put funds aside for a European trip from the moment it’s just a potential plan in your mind. The more you save in the months leading up to the trip, the less pressure you’ll have when the time comes.
You can use savings accounts for your trip, or a specific space in your primary bank account to send money to if your bank supports that. In addition, several apps can fulfill the role of a virtual piggy bank that you can easily use for your savings. These can motivate you to stick to your savings goals, and you’ll be able to keep track of your finances for the upcoming trip.
Choose a Cheap Time to Travel
To make sure you get the most out of your budget for the trip, you should spend some time finding out the cheapest time to see the places that are on the list. You should avoid the summer months as much as possible, and travel in the off-season (November-April) to save money.
Winters can bring plenty of cold and rainy weather to Europe, so you should be prepared for that if you go in the off-season, but it won’t all be sacrifices. Winter can be a very photogenic time to see Europe, and there are still plenty of activities and attractions open, like the Christmas markets that you’ll find in most countries.
Traveling at the end of February will also allow you to enjoy the Carnival season, which takes over Western Europe in particular. Prices might go up in places like Venice during this time, but the Carnival celebrations in these beautiful locations are a sight to behold.
If you’d like to get the best of both worlds in terms of weather and savings, you could consider traveling in what’s known as the ‘shoulder’ seasons: spring (April-June) and fall (September-November). You should still be prepared for considerable variations in weather, but you’ll get to enjoy warmer temperatures and more sun than you would in winter.
Some cities, like Rome (Italy), are cheaper in particular months. It usually indicates that locals are escaping from the city to holidays on the coast. Other cities can be more crowded, more expensive, and overbooked in some months, like Edinburgh (Scotland) in August, during its world-famous Fringe Festival.
Research Transport Options
Transport to Europe will usually be one of the costliest parts of your trip, so you should take the time to research which will be the cheapest options, especially when it comes to plane tickets. If your schedule permits, you should always be on the lookout for flash sales from budget airlines.
You can get amazing deals for flights long before you’re planning to take your trip, which will get it ticked off the list early and also allow you to organize everything with concrete dates in mind.
No matter when you’re buying plane tickets, you should always use search engines that allow you to see the best deals at any given time. Websites like SkyScanner, Kayak, and Momondo are some of the best tools to find excellent solutions for plane tickets.
If you’d like to keep an eye on what the budget airlines have to offer, check out WizzAir, Ryanair, and Easyjet. If you subscribe to their newsletters, you’ll be among the first to know about upcoming sales and deals.
Non-Plane Travel
If you plan to stay in continental Europe during your trip, you may be able to avoid further travel by plane unless you find cheaper deals to connect countries, or if it’s more convenient. Make sure to look at all the options to organize getting from one location to the next.
Trains are always a great option, mainly because they allow for scenic travel, but they can be pretty expensive, especially if you can’t book them well in advance. This will depend on the countries you visit. For example, trains in Northern Europe tend to be more expensive than in Southern Europe.
There are also plenty of coaches available that you can hop on to take you from one country to another or various cities in the same one. Across Europe, there are plenty of comfortable and practical options for this type of travel that can make your life easier by getting you where you want to go while not draining your wallet.
Whether you’ll opt for trains or coaches to assist you on your trip, you should also use search engines to get the best offers. Omio and Rome2Rio will show you options for coaches, buses, and trains, while Trainline will focus mostly on train travel but still give you some bus options too.
If you’ll be traveling in England and Scotland, check out Megabus for the cheapest coach deals. Another excellent option for those is Citylink, which also links locations in Ireland. If trains are your passion, you should consider getting a Eurail pass. There are several choices, but they are all practical and can save you money in the long run.
It’s best to make a comprehensive travel plan before you book transport options because you will have to make sure you can link them. Researching transport will allow you to fully organize your trip so that you won’t have to improvise when you’re already there.
Research Accommodation Options
Traveling Europe will require accommodation options that won’t break the bank and, luckily, there are plenty of those to find when you take the time to research before leaving. Hotels are, of course, always convenient, but they can be on the expensive side unless you opt for a budget one or if you find really great deals for them.
If you’re looking for a cheaper option, hostels should be on your list. There are numerous choices, they’re present in most locations, and they cater to everyone, from backpackers looking to get a bed in a shared dorm to those looking for a more comfortable experience in a ‘luxury’ option that gives you the privacy of a room to yourself.
You should check HostelWorld for the best deals on hostels per location and to discover the ones that feature plenty of amenities. You can find a choice that’s right no matter where you go. Hostels have even started catering to families now, so if you’re doing a group trip with your loved ones, you can still keep this accommodation option in mind.
If there are locations you’ll be staying in for longer than a night, you will be able to save money if you rent an apartment. Airbnb has taken Europe by storm, and you’ll find unique places that are practical and affordable no matter where you go. This will also give you access to a kitchen so it will save you money on food, one of the most sneakily expensive necessities on a trip.
Something you might not be aware of is that many European universities take advantage of student-free summers to rent out dorm rooms to tourists for affordable rates. So if you’re going to university towns, make sure to check out what’s available on campus. You may find a great deal right in the heart of things.
Choose Cheaper Destinations
Everyone knows about the hottest destinations in Europe, but they’ll also be the most expensive, and not always the most representative of the countries you’ll be visiting. Many of them can also be tourist traps, and everything will be charged at a premium. If you have the time, we recommend visiting cheaper destinations that are off the beaten path but worth it.
Northern European destinations like Scandinavia and the United Kingdom can take a toll on your funds, and cities like Venice and Barcelona will be charging higher prices. Although the popular destinations are popular for a reason and always worth seeing, there are many others with the same charm that aren’t as known.
Here are some gorgeous European destinations that you may not have considered visiting before but that are just as interesting and full of attractive features as the more popular ones:
- Porto, Portugal: This picturesque coastal town in northwestern Portugal is packed with gorgeous locations and fabulous restaurants that are made for travelers on a budget. Walk through the riverside district and enjoy the rich history without the ‘rich’ prices.
- Varna, Bulgaria: This is a resort city on the shores of the Black Sea known for its golden sand beaches and its rich archaeological history. Indulge in its beauty and enjoy its low prices.
- Sibiu, Romania: This Transylvanian city is in a gorgeous location full of colorful architecture. It is known for its large squares and its Germanic architecture, particularly in the old town.
- Nîmes, France: This city in southern France was once part of the Roman Empire, and you can still visit monuments from that time, like the striking arena, dating back to around 70 AD. One of the cheapest cities in France to visit, and with some of the most attractions.
Book Travel Early
To save as much money as possible, you should always book transport as early as you can, especially the plane tickets. While much has been said about Tuesdays being the cheapest days to book flights, this hasn’t been a consistent rule.
When using the search engines we recommended above to look for flights, check the routes for the whole month. This will give you an indication as to which days are cheaper for travel to that particular destination.
If you notice that there are layovers on your preferred flight, you should consider booking two flights instead of one. You’ll typically get both flights much cheaper than the one with the layover, and you’d usually spend the same amount of time in the connecting airport, perhaps even less. Just make sure you have time to go from one flight to the other.
Book Tours and Tickets Early
If there are specific tours or events you’d like to attend while in Europe, you should check if you can book them early. Most events will be more expensive when you buy them on the day and in person, so buying online in advance will usually save you a bit of money.
This is a good idea for guided tours of museums and collections, ghost tours, theatre plays, concerts, and evenings at the opera or the ballet.
What to do During Your Trip
You’ve made it to Europe! Now it’s time to enjoy the result of all that preparation and immerse yourself in everything Europe has to offer while still keeping your budget in mind. Here’s how to travel Europe on a budget while taking care of your finances.
Stick to the Plan
While some improvisation will most likely happen, you should stick to the itinerary and to the original plan you’ve made as much as possible. This will prevent overspending on unnecessary expenses, especially if you’ve given yourself a set budget per day.
Try to stay within the limits of that, and if you do have something extra left over after that, treat yourself to something nice that won’t exceed the set budget.
Walk as Much as Possible
Many European locations have lots of pedestrian access. Take advantage of this to avoid spending a lot of money on public transport if you can avoid it. It’s not only a great way to save money, but it’s also going to allow you to immerse yourself into the atmosphere of a location while getting a lot of good exercise if the weather allows.
Explore the beaches, parks, gardens, and old towns of your preferred destinations on foot while watching your step count go up! This way, your experience of the location becomes richer than it would if you’d skipped the walking.
If circumstances make public transport necessary, you should always choose buses, subways, or trams if they’re available. These will always be far cheaper than taxis, and you won’t have to miss out on the local flavor.
Use Overnight Travel to Avoid Hotels
The best method to see as many locations as you can while avoiding the pile-up of accommodation fees is to spend some of the nights you’re on your European trip traveling between places. Trains and buses are great for overnight travel, and you’ll be able to sleep while covering distances between destinations, making the most of your money and your time.
Overnight trains or sleeper trains are ubiquitous in Europe, and they’re ideal for longer connections between cities or countries. Many train companies stop in several countries, like the SparNight service provided by the German railway service DeutscheBahn. This will take you from Amsterdam in the Netherlands to Copenhagen in Denmark for affordable prices.
Here are some other sleeper train options:
- Milan to Palermo: This sleeper train is the Intercity Notte, and it is a remarkable experience as it is the last passenger train in the world that crosses the Strait of Messina to Sicily via ferry. If you travel at night, you won’t be able to go on the ferry deck, but it is still a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- Stockholm to Narvik: A treat for the Scandinavian lovers, this 20-hour journey will take you from the Swedish capital to the Narvik, in Norway, crossing the Arctic Circle. If you’re going in the summer, this is an excellent way to enjoy the sight of the midnight sun.
- Paris to Venice: If you’d like to travel from France to Italy, the Thello night train will take you from the French capital to Milan, where you can take a connecting train to Rome, and then onwards to the beautiful city of Venice. This is another scenic train travel option, as you’ll get to cross the Alps.
- Nice to Moscow: If you’re looking to cover as much ground as possible, this two-night sleeper train will take you from France to Russia, with stops in Berlin, Germany, and Brest in Georgia. This is the longest sleeper train in Europe and a great (and shorter!) alternative to the Transsiberian.
Choose Where to Eat and Drink With Care
When it comes to eating and drinking, the most often-heard rule while traveling applies: avoid central areas and tourist traps. Instead, you should seek out places frequented by locals, which will not only be far cheaper but also much more likely to deliver on outstanding traditional cuisine and authentic flavors.
These bars and restaurants will most likely be tucked away, but you should ask the locals where they eat and follow their example. You will pay much less for drinks and food while getting a much better time. Even if the locals don’t speak fluent English, you will still be able to share in the universal love of food and alcohol in a mix of gestures and languages.
The traditional food will be a delight, and so will the traditional alcohol options. You’ll be able to experience new things in a way that won’t be provided by the touristy restaurant in the middle of town that costs triple.
If you’re renting an apartment or have access to a kitchen, you should also consider cooking as much as possible. The local produce will be cheaper than eating out, and you’ll be able to enjoy what the area has to offer. You can even learn about new recipes and experiment with new ingredients.
If you want to save money on alcohol, go to a local liquor store and inquire about their traditional options. This will get you more for your money, and you’ll be able to sample the new spirits without overspending, especially if you’re reaching the limits of your daily budget.
Visit Tourist Information to See What’s On Offer
The tourist information office is a great ally for the budget traveler. Of course, you’ll be able to find out about hidden gems, local restaurants, and popular events, but you’ll also be able to see what attractions can be visited for free and even get a pass that gives you discounts and other benefits.
Many of the more popular attractions in a location will charge a fee, but that depends on the country and even the city. The tourist information office can give you a more detailed insight into what you can do for cheap or for free, and they can even help with directions and maps so that you can get your bearings.
While there, you can get a glimpse into the life of the locals and find out more about what they do and where they go for fun. This will teach you more about the location than what’s available on the internet.
You will also be able to find out if the city you’re in has discounts or free events on particular days. For example, public museums in the United Kingdom tend to be free of charge, but attractions like castles fall under National Heritage and have an entrance fee.
If your visit to Italy takes place on the first Sunday of the month, you’ll be able to gain free access to some of the most popular attractions across its cities, from the Colosseum in Rome to the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. These are the sort of tips and tricks you’ll be able to find out at tourist offices.
Try Out Alternative Transport Options
If you’re looking for other ways to get from one location to the other, you can consider some alternative options such as:
- Hitchhiking: This is a common option in Europe, especially for short distances between cities.
- Ride-sharing/carpooling: Websites like BlaBlaCar connect drivers taking journeys with potential passengers. If drivers have an empty seat in their car, they’ll advertise it, and you can get a seat while usually paying a small fee for gas. Carpooling has become one of the best ways to journey long-distance by car when you can’t bring your own to Europe.
Avoid Unnecessary Fees
When traveling Europe on a budget, it’s best to use ATMs instead of converting cash to local currency. Make sure to have a card that works abroad and to let your bank know you will be the one using it in foreign countries so that it doesn’t flag as a security alert. You should also try to use a debit card or make sure that your credit card doesn’t charge huge fees.
You are better off using your card at an ATM because you’ll avoid the mark-up that currency converting offices like to charge, and you’ll have more money to spend on the go. This is extremely important if you have a currency that isn’t as strong as the euro. You’ll have to stretch your budget as much as possible, and this will help.
Share Expenses
You can get cheaper accommodations and significantly cut on expenses if you’re traveling with a friend or a partner. You will also usually get much better rooms or apartments if you’re bringing someone else along, and you get to share the experience with them, which will make it even more magical.
You’ll be able to cook together and share a drink for cheaper too, and you may get more discounts at popular attractions when traveling as a duo. You also have a higher chance of getting compartments to yourselves on trains, and you can sit next to someone you know and trust on long bus rides or during carpooling or hitchhiking.
Conclusion
You can travel Europe on a budget by preparing in advance with enough time to save and research all the best options for accommodations and travel. While in Europe, you can walk as much as possible to explore locations and make use of sleeper trains or overnight coaches to save on accommodations.
If you’d prefer a bed, hostels and Airbnbs are increasingly offering rooms that compete with hotels not just in price but also in comfort. The additional advantage of staying somewhere with a kitchen is that you can save your money cooking local flavors yourself instead of going out to eat at a potentially pricy restaurant.
Sources:
https://www.worldpackers.com/articles/how-to-travel-europe-on-a-budget
https://budgettraveller.org/my-75-tips-to-save-money-when-travelling-in-europe/
https://www.tripsavvy.com/tips-for-first-euro-vacation-459798
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2020/feb/06/10-best-sleeper-trains-in-europe-night-trains