How to plan a vacation to Europe on a budget
I can proudly say that I pulled off Europe on a budget. Well, to be fair, I didn’t really know what I was doing. I kind of just booked my flight and went for an adventure of a lifetime. As my trip went on, I learned from other travelers, and used general travel budget tips and read any blog post that I could find on the topic. Now I'll pass what I learned on, so that you can make it through Europe without spending a fortune.
Go off-season
As you may discover real fast, Europe gets expensive during the busy summer season. I saved money by going in September. It was still warm out and busy at night. The prices were just lower. Try going at a random time of the year to save yourself some money. The lines will be shorter at popular tourist attractions, too.
Book your accommodations in advance
I have friends who swear by last minute deals. I believe in booking flights and accommodations in advance. You don’t want to be stuck scrambling for a place to sleep because you waited for a deal that never came.
Don’t visit the most expensive places first
Certain cities, like Paris, are pretty difficult to do on a strict budget. It’s important that you check out average prices in advance so that you don’t end up in a country where you can’t afford a coffee and a bagel for breakfast. Try to balance it out. Hitting London, Paris and Rome in quick succession will not be cheap.
Find cheap lodging
Hotels can be pretty expensive, especially during the busy seasons in Europe. This is why I suggest checking out hostels, AirBnB, and CouchSurfing. You want to find cheap lodging so that you have more money to spend on other, more interesting purchases (like that fancy drink or cool souvenir).
Take night trains
A unique way to save money is to take night trains when you’re moving around. It will save you money because you don’t need to book a place for the night. You fall asleep and wake up at your destination, combining transportation and lodging into a single bill.
Try cooking your own meals
One way to save money is to cook your own meals. Food can get pretty expensive in Europe. My trick is to cook as often as possible without compromising the experience. You can still head out for lunch and bring along a sandwich you made in your hotel. Cooking your own food can help you stay healthy, as well.
Don’t forget to post lots of pictures on Instagram of your trip to Europe. And remember to get travel insurance before you depart.
“The gladdest moment in human life, me thinks, is a departure into unknown lands.” – Sir Richard Burton