Budget-Friendly Travel Tips for Traveling Through Europe

As any seasoned explorer will tell you, Europe can be a notoriously costly travel destination. As dreamy as sunning yourself on the Greek islands or exploring the Old Town of Dubrovnik sound, these experiences are typically not the kindest to your wallet. That being said, there are a surprising number of ways to cut down your costs a little if you have your heart set on a European getaway, from strategic planning to practical things you can do when you arrive. Read on to uncover some of our tried-and-tested tips for a budget-friendly European trip.

Travel Outside of the High Season

Although this piece of advice can apply to pretty much any destination, it particularly pertains to Europe and, more specifically, to sought-after spots like Italy, Spain, and Greece. Rather than be faced with soaring accommodation costs and increased entry fees for attractions from June to August, plan your visit for the shoulder months of April, May, September, and October. Better still, you'll be rewarded with smaller crowds and cooler temperatures.

Consider Lesser-Known Destinations

Among the best ways to save those precious pennies is to venture a little further afield from ever-popular locations such as France or Portugal. Even during the summer months, the likes of Albania, Montenegro, Bulgaria, and many other stunning Eastern European nations are considerably more affordable than their southern counterparts.

Travel Light

Europe is home to a lengthy list of low-cost airlines, meaning that cheap flights can be quite easy to come by for money-conscious travelers. More often than not, though, these budget airlines balance out their inexpensive airfares with exorbitant baggage fees. To make the most of these economical tickets, keep your packing to a minimum and stick to hand luggage. This will save you the heartache of shelling out more cash for your bags than your flight and is even more feasible for those traveling during the warmer months.

Avoid Eating in the Most Touristic Areas

While an evening meal overlooking the Colosseum or brunch along the waterfront in Barcelona are experiences that you'll likely want to splash out once or twice during your trip, it's best to limit these outings. Simply move two or three streets away from the busy tourist hubs and landmarks, and you'll usually notice significant shifts in prices at cafes and restaurants. Moreover, these hidden gems tend to have tastier and more authentic food!

Travel by Train or Bus

If you're traveling from afar and planning to check a few countries and cities off your bucket list, take advantage of Europe's excellent bus and train connections. Europe has some wonderful transport links, making pretty much all the major spots that you’ll want to see incredibly accessible. Not only is it more inexpensive than opting for flights, but in most cases, you also won't need to worry about baggage fees and can soak up some fabulous scenery along the way.

Hit the Grocery Store

Depending on your preferences, cooking may not be your ideal vacation activity, and with so many delightful gastronomic offerings to sample, you can't come to Europe and not indulge in the local cuisines. However, rather than forking out for three meals a day, pick up some groceries to keep you satisfied for breakfast and lunch and limit dining out to an evening meal. If you're keen to whip up your own dinners on occasion, too, you'll be able to curb your spending further.

Explore on Foot

There are some pockets of Europe where you'll require a car to get around, but you'll quickly notice that cities across the continent tend to be very walkable. A host of key sights in spots like Florence, Madrid, and Bruges are confined into relatively compact areas, eliminating the need for transport. If you're keen to move a little outside the center, you'll often be able to rely on public transport to get you there, with affordable metros, trams, and buses in operation in most major cities. This way, you won't need to worry about high-priced taxi fares adding up.

Consider Accommodation Outside of the City Center

This tip is especially relevant to destinations like larger European cities with high-quality transport links. Naturally, you'll want to secure accommodation in the most convenient location. Yet, there can be quite an astounding variance in hotel costs when comparing those in downtown areas to those on the outskirts of the center. If you're happy to spend a little time on public transit, you'll save yourself a serious amount of cash by moving a short journey away from the most popular locations.

Check Ticket Prices Online

You'll more than likely have a bunch of attractions you want to check out during your trip, and entry fees can quickly add up in places like Rome or Paris, where there are endless things to see and do. Before purchasing your tickets to a site, it's worth comparing the prices offered online with those available in person. Oftentimes, you'll find discounted rates on the web, and the prices may be even lower if you secure them a few weeks or months in advance of your visit.

Stick to Bank-Owned ATMs

ATM fees are a travel expense that many of us regularly overlook. Even though it may seem like a couple of Euros here and there, the costs of making withdrawals from ATMs can add up quickly, especially if you're spending a few weeks in Europe. To keep these outgoings to a minimum, avoid independent ATMs, including the infamous Euronet cash points, and opt for bank-owned alternatives instead. Not only do these tend to be cheaper, but they're also more secure and generally offer a better exchange rate. 

Now You Can Travel Around Europe on a Budget!

With any luck, you'll find a handful of these cost-effective tips helpful ahead of your European adventure. While they may not all be applicable to your trip and travel style, we're confident that you can implement some of these techniques into your plans to allow you to save some cash along the way.