Traveling in Europe on a budget can be the most amazing lifetime adventure for tourists of any age or ability, and it doesn’t need to entail rough sleeping or neglecting your diet.
There is a wide range of budget travel options to suit everybody, including booking a coach tour, staying in hostels or B&Bs, getting around on local buses, or arranging your travel early to take advantage of discounts and cheaper prices on flights and public transport.
Traveling in Europe affordably does mean planning your trip in advance, giving you the opportunity to research some superb destinations.
Checking out prices for public transport and entry to major attractions in advance can save a lot of money too.
Many museums and attractions offer discounted or even a free entry on certain days or times.
It’s a good idea to look for travel destinations that are a little off the beaten track, as this means there will be fewer tourists and living expenses could be lower.
Here are our 12 top tips:
- Avoid major UK tourist destinations like Liverpool, Edinburgh, and London
Tourists to the UK often only think about visiting London or other major cities like Edinburgh or Liverpool. Choosing some of the less popular tourist destinations helps you save on accommodation and living expenses.
- Coach tours can be a great way to explore the English countryside
If you plan to travel in the UK, a coach tour offers a view of the quintessential English lifestyle, picture postcard villages and historic houses.
A coach tour can provide a snapshot of the English countryside and a unique view of some of the UK’s fascinating history, combined with the romance and excitement of the English country house lifestyle.
Booking into local B&Bs is an affordable accommodation option.
- Europe’s hostels can offer budget accommodation
European travellers looking for budget accommodation will find local hostels or campsites can be extremely affordable and cater for guests of any age.
- Eat with the locals to get a real taste of any location
Eating out can be expensive, but it’s an essential feature of any travel itinerary.
Eating in the restaurants and cafes used by locals can save a lot of money, so don’t visit restaurants in any of the typical tourist haunts you visit.
Instead, take a short walk into surrounding streets and neighbourhoods and find the restaurants catering to locals. It’s one way of checking out speciality dishes of the region, and if your restaurant is popular with locals, the cooking is sure to be of a high standard.
- Street food provides affordable snacks
Buying street food can also be an affordable snack option for day trippers. Crepes in Paris or pizza in Rome – the list of available street foods is enormous and you’re sure to source food stalls in any popular town or city.
- Buy a rail pass if you’re planning a lot of train travel in Europe
Travelling to several European destinations could be much cheaper if you buy a rail pass.
So, once you’ve planned your itinerary don’t hesitate to check out the savings you could achieve if you travel by train.
- Flights with budget airlines offer some great deals
The increasing number of budget airlines also makes flights an increasingly affordable option in Europe. If you book your tickets in advance you may be able to save pots of cash by choosing budget flights with providers like Easyjet.
- Use local public transport when possible
Taking cabs is an expensive way of getting around any location, so check out all the public transport that’s available in destinations you plan to visit. Some of the European cities even offer free or subsidized public transport, which can provide great savings for budget conscious travellers.
- European coach tours offer good value for money
Coach tours of Europe can also be a great way to visit a number of countries and see all the major tourist landmarks. The accommodation and food is generally included in any tour booking, and this makes it easier to budget for your trip.
- Walking or cycling holidays can save money
Active travelers will also find walking or cycling holidays are ideal ways to explore European destinations fully and cut out any need for any associated travel costs.
- Buy your currency at the best exchange rates
Taking advantage of the best euro or sterling exchange rates before your trip can also help save on the costs of European travel. Converting currency while you’re abroad is often more expensive.
- Book affordable holidays at inexpensive resorts in Europe
And, finally, many of the cities and seaside towns in Eastern and Western Europe are still off the tourist radar, so it’s quite possible to arrange an all-inclusive trip to inexpensive destinations if you shop around for the best deals.
Traveling in Europe can be fun and broaden your horizons immensely. It’s exciting to explore different destinations and immerse yourself in the local culture and lifestyle. Plan your travel well in advance to take utmost advantage of all available discounts and cut-price travel opportunities.
