Traveling around Europe is a dream for many, but the high costs often deter people from embarking on their European adventure. With some planning, budgeting, and savvy traveling tips, it is possible to explore Europe even on a shoestring budget. The key is being strategic with your time and money to maximize your experience.
Backpackers, students, solo travelers, and adventurous couples would greatly benefit from tips on affordable European travel. By using budget airlines, staying in hostels, traveling by train or rideshare, and cooking your own meals, you can discover Europe’s top destinations like London, Paris, Rome, and more without breaking the bank.
Plan Your Route Carefully
To make the most of your budget European trip, carefully map out your route ahead of time. Focus on a specific region rather than trying to see all of Europe in one trip. For example, target Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean, or Western Europe. Choose destinations that are close together by train or bus to minimize transportation costs between cities.
Also look at the price differences between countries. Eastern and Southern Europe tend to be more budget friendly compared to Western Europe. Places like Prague, Budapest, Krakow, and Lisbon offer good value for money on food, accommodation, and attractions – while still being amazing European cities to explore.
Use Budget Airlines and Airpasses
To cover longer distances between cities and countries, research budget airlines like EasyJet, RyanAir, and Vueling. Look for their ticket sales and off-peak travel times to score deals. Budget about $100 USD for a one-way flight.
If you plan to do extensive travel by air, also consider a multi-stop airline pass which allows a set number of flights over a certain period of time. For example, Air Europa’s Global Pass allows 4 flights in one month for around $250 USD.
Get a Rail Pass for Train Travel
For traveling shorter distances overland, trains are often the best option. A rail pass offers unlimited train travel in a region and can save you a ton of money if you plan to see several places. The Eurail Global Pass provides travel in up to 33 European countries, while regional passes cover a smaller area.
Do some calculations beforehand to determine if a rail pass makes financial sense based on your itinerary. They can be purchased for a certain number of travel days within a set timeframe. If you plan to be on the move a lot, it is likely worth investing in.
Accommodation Tips
One of the biggest expenses during European travel is lodging. But with some savvy tricks, you can reduce these costs substantially.
Stay in Hostel Dorms
One of the most budget friendly types of accommodation is hostel dormitories. You can often find beds for around $10-20 USD per night by sharing a room with other travelers. Hostels also have communal kitchens to prepare your own food.
The social environment of hostels also makes it easy to meet other travelers and find people to explore with. Hostelworld, Booking.com, and Hostelz are good sites to search and compare hostel options.
House Sitting
If you don’t mind a little responsibility on your trip, house sitting allows you to stay for free in exchange for tasks like taking care of pets, watering plants, etc. TrustedHousesitters is a good house sitting network to find opportunities posted by European homeowners.
You can find house sits ranging from a few days up to a few weeks. It’s a fun way to live like a local and have a European homebase in cities you want to explore more in depth.
Couchsurfing
Similar to house sitting, Couchsurfing connects travelers with hosts willing to provide free accommodation and local hospitality. You can request to stay with hosts for a night or longer. It’s free to sign up and create an in-depth profile.
Make the effort to personalize your requests – hosts want to know about your interests, background, and travel plans. Be sure to give back by bringing a small gift, cooking a meal, or offering insightful conversation.
Camping
If you really want bottom barrel rates, camping is always an option too. Parks, campgrounds, and even private backyards are available across Europe for under $10 USD per night. All you need is a tent and sleeping bag. Camping is more common in summer – but be ready for cold nights if traveling in shoulder seasons.
Save Money on Dining
Food is one of the best parts of European travel, but eating out for every meal is an easy way to blow through your budget. Use these tips to keep your food costs low without sacrificing delicious European cuisine.
Grocery Shop
Stop by local markets and grocery stores to stock up on staples like bread, cheese, fruit, sandwiches, and other grab-and-go items. Having food on hand for breakfasts and light meals will cut down on costs. Don’t miss out on European bakeries and fresh produce!
Pack a Travel Cookset
Consider packing a small pot, pan, utensils, plates, and cups – especially if staying in hostel dorms. You can whip up pasta, stir fries, omelets, and other quick meals using hostel kitchens. It’s way cheaper than eating out for every meal.
Eat Street Food and Fast Casual
When you do want a meal out, choose street food vendors and small takeaway joints for authentic European food on a budget. Things like kebabs, falafel, crepes, tapas, and pizza slices can be found for just a few Euros if you know where to look.
Sit-down restaurants are much pricier. But you can occasionally treat yourself to a nice French bistro or Italian trattoria without breaking the bank.
Watch Alcohol Spending
Beverages like wine, beer and cocktails can really inflate your budget. Limit alcohol spending by pre-drinking or splitting a bottle of wine rather than ordering expensive drinks out. Also take advantage of happy hours when available.
Use Public Transportation
Europe has excellent public transportation systems making it easy to navigate cities without needing taxis or ride shares that cost money. Buy metro, bus, and tram passes to get around town. Also walk or rent a bike – it’s a great way to experience European cities!
Use Ride Sharing Apps
When public transit can’t get you everywhere, use ridesharing apps like BlaBlaCar. You can often find very cheap rides by carpooling with locals headed the same direction. It’s an affordable way to cover ground between cities and countries.
Bottom Line
With proper trip planning using these budget tips for transportation, accommodation, food, and more – it’s possible to explore Europe without going broke. You may need to sacrifice some conveniences. But the thrill of backpacking Europe, making new friends, and discovering off-the-beaten path destinations makes it worthwhile.
Embrace the nomadic budget travel lifestyle, and you’ll enjoy an unforgettable European adventure you can reminisce on for years. What are you waiting for?
