Just because you are on a budget doesn’t mean you won’t have a good time in Europe. Adaptability, a sense of humor and adventure helps ensure you enjoy your visit to Europe. Going to Europe is generally an expensive proposition so it is important to cut costs whenever possible. Here are some of my best tips. Also check out my Cheap Airfare Resource Page to find out how to get the cheapest airfare.
Off-season (December-March)
- Off season is the easiest way to save money on your European trip. Some hotels offer savings up to 45% off their usual rates; this is a great way to beat the low dollar.
- Airfare is usually significantly reduced.
- You will have to brave colder weather but you will still be in Europe and saving money.
- During off season some hotels offer discounts of up to 30% if you stay longer than 3 nights.
Stay off the beaten path
- If you travel during peak periods staying further away from the city center and its sights will generally be cheaper.
- Paris, London, Madrid, Rome these are all expensive cities. Look into other destinations such as Budapest, Prague, Portugal, and Croatia which are much less expensive.
- Look into visiting smaller cities which will generally be cheaper.
Hotels
- Try and go as bare bones as possible with your hotel accommodations or consider a hostel (which as about as bare bones as it gets).
- If you travel during peak periods staying further away from the city center and its sights will generally be cheaper.
- Use online reservation services to help narrow down your hotel options and then communicate with the hotel directly to see if you can get a better deal.
- Some hotels will give a discount for paying in cash.
- If you already know a great budget hotel, reserve far in advance as possible because there will be much competition for the best budget hotels.
- Hotel rooms with shared baths are always cheaper than rooms with a bathroom.
- Alternative accommodations such as bed and breakfasts, apartment or room rentals, can also be cheaper. You won’t have all the services of a hotel but you will save money.
Food
- Sandwiches, panini, pizza, or any other street food serve as a good, cheap, meal.
- Buy your own bread, meats, and cheeses and enjoy a picnic instead of a restaurant meal.
- Buy water and snacks at a grocery store so you can carry them with you or leave them in your hotel room. Don’t buy these items at snack carts as they are invariably more expensive.
- Find out where the locals dine. These places will usually provide a good value.
- House wine is cheaper than ordering a bottle.
- Tap water is cheaper than mineral water.
- In Rome, don’t buy bottled water you can drink from or refill your water bottle from the water fountains throughout the city.
- In Italy only order a primi (pasta course), this is not how it is supposed to be done but it is cheaper than ordering the full meal deal Italian style: antipasti (appetizer), primi (pasta course), secundi (meat course), contorni (vegetable), and dolci (desert).
- At cafes you will be charged more if you sit down. Standing at the bar is always cheaper.
Getting Around
- If you are considering traveling by train (with/without a Eurail pass) compare it to using a European (such as Ryannair or EasyJet) budget airline instead. Sometimes the airfare is much cheaper. Coming soon – my guide to using budget European Airlines.
- Always take public transport from the airport into the city. Taxi’s can be quite expensive.
- If you will be using public transport (metros, busses) usually the day pass will be cheaper than buying a ticket for each trip-if you will be riding multiple times during one day.
Purchases
- If you are looking for luxury goods, see if there are any outlets near the area you are visiting.
- Make sure get your value added tax refund (by filling out the proper paperwork) if you meet the minimum spending requirements for the country you are visiting.
- Look for souvenir items that you can buy in a market where you can haggle a bit over the price. This works well if you are buying multiple items.
Itinerary
- Shorten your stay. This may be the hardest solution to implement but 10 days (vs. two weeks) is better than nothing. Plan your itinerary and make your peace knowing you will still enjoy yourself and not go into (too much) debt doing it.
- Paris, London, Madrid, Rome these are all expensive cities. Look into other destinations such as Budapest, Prague, Portugal, and Croatia which are much less expensive.
- Include smaller cities into your itinerary which will generally be cheaper.
- Stay in One Place or Region. You may have to abandon the notion of visiting several countries during your visit (especially if they are far apart). If you focus on one region you will save the expense of having to travel from country to country which can add up. Plus you will explore smaller cities which will cost you less to stay in. Consider the ever-popular Tuscany region, the French countryside, the Benelux countries, central Spain, etc. You can further gain a more authentic experience by staying in an agriturismo or including a cooking class in your itinerary.