Traveling to Europe should be on everyone’s bucket list! There are so many beautiful sights in the area that every type of visitor will find something to see and explore. From ancient ruins to historic sites, to rich museums and places to visit, to cobblestone streets and clear waters – European countries seem to have it all. .
But what do you do when the budget doesn’t allow it? After all, you will have to pay various expenses, starting with travel and accommodation, including meals and visits.
Fortunately, there are a few tricks you can use to cut costs and make sure your limited budget is enough for your dream vacation. Below, we have listed some of the most effective methods (tried and tested by others), so make sure you read it to the end.
#1: Traveling by special car
There are many companies that offer car services within Europe and some countries (such as the UK) at low prices. For example, Germany-based FlixBus recently took over the Megabus line (from the UK as a company) and now offers tourists access to 20 countries and thousands of cities. The ride is great and the price is great.
Of course, ticket prices vary, but if you book your seat in advance, you will get a cheaper ticket. Still, even if you don’t book in advance, the cost of transportation is a fraction of the cost of a train or plane.
Another bus route similar to Busabout offers a hop-on, hop-off service designed to provide more comfort and a travel guide service for those who want to travel around Europe. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other travelers and have a great trip to beautiful European destinations!
#2: Use a budget airline
If cars are not your thing, you may want to look for airlines that offer cheap flights. Although comfort may vary and you may not be able to carry weight, it is worth it.
These deals are ongoing, especially during the summer months when people travel across the continent. For example, if you book your flight with the right company, you can book a flight to Madrid in business class for 30% to 70% less than before.
This often happens when companies compete for customers, which is common in popular areas.
#3: Traveling in trains
If you ask a train lover, there’s no better way to get around the beautiful continent than by train, with so many amazing journeys to choose from. Europe has a large railway network that can help tourists with a limited budget. In fact, the entire railway system in Europe is considered one of the most well-planned and well-maintained systems in the world!
Now, it is better to go from one country to another to avoid paying a lot of money for a long and fast route. However, if you do not have time and want to take the train, it is better to buy a train, which will save you a lot of money.
#4 Check out the free walking tour
Free tours take 2 to 4 hours and are the best way to travel Europe on a budget! It usually requires online registration in advance, provides instructions at the end, and that’s it! A free travel agency in Europe is Sandemans New Europe, which travels to 18 different countries. Many other companies are following and replicating the idea around the world, so depending on your country, be sure to check to see if it’s available.
Another great way to visit European cities is to download Rick Steves’ Audio Tours. An audio guide guides you along the way and explains all the interesting things along the way.
#5 Avoid restaurants in tourist areas
Avoid hotels near the Colosseum, the Prague Astronomical Clock and the Royal Palace of Madrid. Always look for a restaurant full of locals.
If someone goes out and shoves a menu in front of you and invites you to their restaurant, it’s probably overkill and not real. If the menu has pictures and the sign “We speak English ” or a multilingual menu, chances are the quality of the food will not be good and you will be charged a tourist fee.
#6 Go in off-season
If you travel from October to April, it may not be hot and you won’t spend much time at the beach. However, you are likely to save money on flights and accommodation. There will also be shorter lines and more availability. When it comes to the weather, especially in southern Europe, it is still pleasant even in winter.
#7 Explore budget accommodation options
Today, there are many options for saving and living in Europe.
Hostels are a great option when traveling simply because they’re cheap, especially when you’re booking a bed in a multi-person hostel. Hotels are also a great resource for meeting other travelers, and are usually close to the city center.
Couchsurfing is also a good option for travelers who are on a tight budget, are adventurous, may not need a lot of space, and are ready to meet new people.
However, if hotels and Couchsurfing are not for you, there are other budget options where you can have your own space in someone’s home. Airbnb is worth checking out when traveling in Europe. Sometimes it’s cheaper to rent a room or an entire house through Airbnb than to stay in a hotel, especially if you’re traveling with someone else. Rooming is also a fun way to stay for free while helping them out while they are out of town.
The Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are many options! Now, if none of these things fit your budget, you can drive, which is common in Europe. Many people do and it can be an interesting experience where you can meet the locals and learn about the culture of the place from a new perspective. Although as a solo female traveler, we advise against this and always take precautions when traveling to any new country.
