Europe is seen as an expensive destination for travelers especially when it comes to the big cities like Paris, London or Rome. But with a little planning you can experience Europe without breaking the bank.

This article will guide you through the steps to plan a budget friendly European trip including ideas on how to save money without sacrificing the quality of your travel experience.

Choose the Type of Trip

First step is to decide what kind of European trip you want. Are you more into historical landmarks, beach relaxation or experiencing Europe’s culture? This will help you focus on specific regions that fit your budget. For example:

  • Southern Europe (Spain, Portugal, Greece) is generally more affordable than Northern or Western Europe (France, Germany, UK).
  • Eastern European countries (Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic) offer cultural experiences at a lower price.

Being specific about your interests and preferences will help you narrow down your route and find destinations that fit your budget.

Travel During Off-Peak Seasons

One of the best ways to save money is to travel during the off-peak or shoulder seasons. Europe’s peak tourist season is during the summer months (June to August) where prices for flights, accommodation and attractions go through the roof.

Instead travel during:

  • Late September to November: Autumn has mild weather, beautiful scenery and fewer crowds.
  • March to May: Spring in Europe is blooming with flowers and cities are less crowded. Traveling during these periods can save you a lot on flights, accommodation and tourist attractions.

Set a Real Budget

A budget is crucial for a budget friendly trip. Start by calculating how much you’re willing to spend overall. Break down your expenses into:

  • Flights and transportation
  • Accommodation
  • Food and dining
  • Sightseeing and activities
  • Souvenirs and shopping

Having a rough estimate in each category will prevent you from overspending. Use online budgeting apps or spreadsheets to track your expenses. Also, set aside some extra for unexpected expenses.

Book Flights Early

Flights are one of the biggest expense for a European trip but booking early can save you a lot. The best time to book flights is usually 6-8 months in advance where you can find good deals. Consider using budget airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet or Wizz Air which often have cheaper fares than the bigger carriers.

Compare prices from different airlines and set up price alerts. Also, flying into lesser popular airports (for example, London Gatwick instead of Heathrow) can help you save. Flexible travel dates can also get you cheaper tickets.

Choose Budget Accommodation

Accommodation is another area where travelers can save big. While luxury hotels may sound appealing, they’re not necessary to enjoy Europe. Consider these more affordable options:

  • Hostels: Europe has clean and well-maintained hostels with budget friendly dorms or private rooms.
  • Airbnb: Renting an apartment or room can give you more space and kitchen to save on food.
  • Guesthouses and B&Bs: Many family run guesthouses or bed-and-breakfasts offer a local experience at a lower cost.

When booking accommodation, compare rates across different platforms like Booking.com, Hostelworld, or Airbnb to find the best deals.

Use Public Transport

Getting around Europe is easy and cheap if you use public transport. Most European cities have great bus, tram and metro systems. Consider buying city transport passes which give you unlimited rides for a set number of days and save you money on individual tickets.

For longer distances trains are the way to go. You can travel across countries using the rail network and budget travellers can buy a Eurail Pass which allows you to travel on trains across multiple countries.

For even cheaper options use buses like FlixBus or BlaBlaCar which offer low cost routes between cities and regions. These services often have discounts and promotions so keep an eye on their websites for deals.

Eat Like a Local

Food is one of the joys of travelling but eating at touristy restaurants can quickly blow your budget. To save money:

  • Eat at local markets or food stalls: You’ll find fresh local food at affordable prices.
  • Grocery shopping: Many Airbnb apartments and hostels have kitchens so you can cook meals from local supermarkets. This is not only cost effective but allows you to try the local cuisine on your own terms.
  • Lunch specials and street food: Many restaurants offer set lunch menus or “menu del dia” at a fraction of the dinner prices. Street food is another great way to enjoy local delicacies without breaking the bank.

In some countries tipping is not obligatory or is already included in the bill. Research tipping customs beforehand so you don’t over tip.

Save on Attractions and Activities

There are many ways to save on sightseeing and activities:

Free walking tours

Some cities offer free walking tours of key attractions with a guide. These tours are tip based so you pay what you can afford.

City passes

Some cities have tourist cards that include entry to main attractions and discounts for restaurants and public transport.

Museum days

Try to get free or discounted entry into museums and galleries on offer days. Research these before you plan your itinerary.

Nature

Europe has many parks, mountains and coastlines which are free to explore. Hiking, swimming or cycling in nature can be a enriching experience without any cost.

Plan Your Route Smart

One of the key to keeping your trip affordable is to avoid unnecessary travel costs. Instead of zigzagging across the continent, plan a logical route that minimises long distance travel. For example, explore nearby cities or countries by overland travel and reduce your need for flights.

Grouping destinations that are close to each other will save you time and money. For example you can travel between Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic without expensive flights. Or stay within a region like the Mediterranean to reduce travel costs.

Buy Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is an essential part of any trip especially when travelling to a region like Europe. It covers medical emergencies but also trip cancellations, delays or lost luggage.

When travelling to Europe travel insurance is mandatory. Schengen travel insurance covers you for unexpected medical expenses, trip interruptions or cancellations.

Protect your trip by getting travel insurance before you depart. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind and to avoid out of pocket expenses. Look for providers that offer customised plans at affordable rates so you can focus on enjoying your holiday without worry.

Conclusion

Travelling Europe doesn’t have to break the bank. With some planning, smart budgeting and flexibility you can have an amazing European holiday without overspending. From choosing the right travel dates to eating at local markets there are many ways to travel Europe on a budget. Research, book early and use cost saving techniques wherever possible.

Get travel insurance and happy travels!󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿