Europe is a continent with the richest culture, history, and magnificent beauty. While the long European timeline may look intimidating at first, delving deeper into the continent’s historical culture and current architecture will put you at ease.
Europe helps you find coherence in the journey of civilization.
Many nations have distinct traditions and ways of life, making it difficult to choose the best approach to see Europe on a budget.
However, it is critical to realize that there is no one “best” location or approach for traveling in Europe.
Each place is worth investigating because of its unique culture. Regardless of where or how you choose to travel inside Europe, there are a variety of affordable possibilities.
Even those with limited funds may experience Europe without going overboard.
Here are our top tips for traveling through Europe on a budget without sacrificing adventures or fun!
Try the European eSIM for Regional Connectivity
When traveling abroad, staying connected with your family and friends is a must. Sending photos, reassuring that you are ok or simply sharing the good vibes is an important part of the connectivity that all tourists are looking for. One easy and affordable way to stay connected and save some money is getting a data travel eSIM for Europe. You can buy it, for example, from MobileSIM.com. This will help you stay in touch with your loved ones without buying a new SIM for every country you visit.
Plan Before Your Trip
A good Europe trip requires 6 months prior planning. Or a year may be even better. This ample time will help you to plan for the trip of your life.
However, dates, locations and fees are the three major elements to care for while planning a Europe trip.
Having enough savings in your account will make your travel much easier. Plan your expenses, save enough for travel (and shopping), and keep some cash separately for emergencies.
Whether you need to work overtime or cut down some costs at home, you’ll be content when these difficult financial choices will be fruitful once you reach overseas.
Pick The Right Travel Time
When you have enough savings and are planning your trip to Europe, it’s important to consider the best time to travel. Several factors influence this decision.
Cost is a significant consideration, especially for those traveling on a budget. If you’re a budget traveler, planning your trip during the off-season when there are fewer tourists is advisable, as this can help you save money.
Europe During Summer
Summer is the prime season for traveling to Europe. The weather is pleasant now, making it a popular tourist destination.
However, it is crucial to note that travel expenditures, such as airfare, lodging, and other expenses, are often greater during the summer.
At the same time, summer opens up a jolly Europe where you can indulge in fun activities, fairs, and merriment.
Tip: Budget travelers must avoid June, July, and August when traveling to Europe.
Europe In the Winters
Due to the cold weather during winter, the cheapest flights to Europe are in December, January, and February.
If you want to experience pleasant Europe on a budget, opt to travel during the “shoulder season,” which includes spring and autumn, between the peak and off seasons.
Traveling during the winter months is very uncomfortable. However, you must weigh your priorities. If you want to save money, buy appropriate clothing to keep you warm and simply power through the cold.
With a positive mentality, you can still make the most of Europe in winter. You will be satisfied with its icy beauty.
Nevertheless, many European countries are more beautiful in winter. Imagine skiing amid the stunning Alps, visiting Christmas in Austria, Denmark, or Germany, or dog-sledding in the heart of Scandinavia. You can also see the gorgeous snow-clad villages in Transylvania.
There is never a ‘bad time’ to visit Europe, so research for cheap flights and make the most of your time in the beautiful continent.
Research How to Travel Europe on A Budget
Here are some affordable ways you can travel through Europe on a budget:
Reaching Europe
With a simple Google search, you can find cheap flight options to Europe. Check for different travel companies that offer discounts on flights and price matching.
The best way to enter any European city is through an international airport. Starting your explorations from the airport gives you the opportunity to find everything you’ll need, from accommodation to food.
Airports offer cab services and tourism guides to help you plan your stay, visit the attractions, and explore the city better.
You just need to keep your eyes open and research. You’ll be surprised at how much money you’ll save with extra research.
Within Europe
There are some major cities that you cannot miss when on a Eurotrip!
Cities like Paris, London, Berlin, Barcelona, Madrid, Amsterdam and Rome are unmissable. However, planning is a necessity when we are talking about such great distances within the continent.
Once you have booked your flight tickets to Europe, it’s time to plan your travel within Europe.
Planning all your transportation before time is unnecessary, but it’s always better to be aware of all options.
Many tourists believe the best travel option from country to country is by train. However, it is vital to consider every transportation option before you settle for one.
Flight
Surprisingly, it is sometimes cheaper to travel to European countries by plane. Europe boats of budget-friendly airlines like Norwegian, easyJet, and RyanAir will take you to countries faster and more affordable than trains. While budget airlines charge quite a high amount for baggage, with attractive prices, the baggage amount seems fair.
Tip: Carry only a carry-on bag while traveling on these flights.
Bus
Bus travel is one of the most cost-effective ways to travel throughout Europe. OuiBus, MegaBus, and FlixBus are among Europe’s moderately priced and trustworthy bus operators.
MegaBus, for example, can transport you from London to Brussels for as low as $20, and OuiBus provides a comparable rate from London to Paris.
The main disadvantage of bus travel is its long length. If time is of the essence, consider taking the train or flying.
However, if you have flexibility in your schedule, choosing bus travel is the most cost-effective option (unless you are walking everywhere).
Train
While train travel is the most popular travel option, its affordability varies from country to country.
You can choose apps such as Trainline, which offers thousands of destinations across 45 European countries.
In the United Kingdom and Western Europe, trains are much more expensive than buses. However, trains can be very affordable in East and South Europe.
You’ll just have to look up train prices in each country, and websites like Omio, Rome2Rio and GoEuro are excellent resources. These websites evaluate the costs of train, bus, and airline tickets between two locations to find which is the cheapest.
To be sure, research all your options and compare before you set foot in Europe.
Walk Whenever Possible
If your destination is nearby, taking public transport will just add to your existing costs. Hence, choose to walk wherever possible. You’ll get a good workout while exploring the local culture.
Exploring a foreign city on foot is truly a magical experience, and you get to do it for free! If you must pay for travel, opt for public transportation rather than a cab. Riding a local bus is always feasible, especially when you do it with locals for that authentic experience.
Eat On a Budget
Remember to be mindful of your expenses regarding eating and drinking. There are several effective strategies to save money on food and beverages:
Cook When You Can
One of the most expensive things on a trip is buying food and drink. You must enjoy it all in Europe, where so many of the world’s great cuisines, wine, and beer are at your fingertips.
But to keep your money from being drained quickly, you can do so very cautiously.
Start by shopping at the local food market, which almost every European city has. Here, you’ll find fresh food for cooking and unique local products, usually at reasonable prices.
Try to cook more often than eating out at expensive restaurants. This way, you can save money without breaking the bank!
Eat Like Locals
When dining out, it is advisable to avoid overpriced, tourist-oriented restaurants that may serve more generic fare. Instead, consider seeking out authentic local establishments, where traditional dishes often offer higher quality at more affordable prices.
These hidden gems are typically situated away from popular tourist areas and lack ostentatious external advertising.
To discover such dining venues, consider soliciting recommendations from residents who can direct you to their preferred establishments.
Moreover, embracing local cuisine can be a rewarding experience!
With European delicacies such as Bacalhau a Gomes de Sá from Portugal, Goulash or Gulyás from Hungary, and the classic German dish Sauerbraten, you can immerse yourself in the culinary diversity that awaits exploration.
Drink Like Locals
The same logic applies when choosing a place to drink.
Go to the liquor shop instead of buying your drink at a bar. You’ll save a lot of money and still find local beverages in the shop. If you’re going out for drinks, drink what local people are drinking.
Choose local wines in Spain, Italy, and France. Try the most popular local beer from Germany, Belgium, or the Czech Republic. Try Brennevin in Iceland, Vodka in Poland, Port of Portugal, or Rakija in Croatia and Serbia. Just do what the locals are doing!
Traditional alcoholic drinks are not just an element of local culture but also cheaper due to local demand.
Opt For Cheap or Free Attractions
Touristy cities like Paris or London offer multiple attractions that cost money (sometimes too much). The travel handbook does not state that you have to engage in every activity.
Opt for activities that genuinely interest you, and you know it will be your money’s worth. Moreover, you can research for ‘free things to do’ to get insights about what you can do for little money in these cities.
Many cities offer free walking tours, and you must definitely check them out. Curiously, Erin has information about the best free walking tours in Europe.
Tip: If you are a student, bring your ID card with you wherever you go to receive student discounts.
Many Italian cities provide free access to its attractions on the first Sunday of each month. For example, you may go to the Colosseum and Roman Forum in Rome or see Michaelangelo’s David for free.
You only need to research and find surprising ways to save money.
Research Affordable Accomodation Options
Accommodation is one area where people often overspend when trying to save money while traveling. Here are some useful tips to help you choose cost-effective accommodation.
Hostels
Remember that, while staying in a fancy hotel might be enticing, staying in a hostel can be a more cost-effective alternative when traveling. Consider if you came to Europe to enjoy a deluxe hotel stay, which is available in your city, or to travel and immerse yourself in the beauty of a new nation.
We know it’s the latter!
Europe is brimming with budget hostels catering to travelers. You may easily locate a hotel dorm room for $15 to $30 per night. In cheaper places, the price might be as low as $10 per night!
Check out HostelWorld for low-cost accommodations in your desired city.
Couchsurfing
Next, consider using Couchsurfing to reduce your accommodation expenses. This online platform connects travelers with locals, offering free couches or spare beds. It’s important to note that female solo travelers should prioritize their safety when using this service.
Tip: Check reviews before agreeing and leave immediately if something is wrong.
Work Exchange
Another great way to save money on accommodation is to work in exchange for free accommodation or meals.
Check out hostels, small businesses, or farms that offer many employment options weekly or daily in exchange for accommodation or free meals. This is a great way to get an authentic taste of the culture and live like a European local.
Make The Best of Europe On A Budget
We realize the importance of staying within your budget when planning a vacation to Europe. Our thorough guide strives to give useful ideas to help you create remarkable encounters without going overboard.
With careful planning and a desire to explore, you may make your goal of visiting Europe a reality. Hence, it’s time to pack your luggage, remember these guidelines, and start on your budget-friendly trip to Europe. Safe travel!
