Traveling through Europe can seem daunting when you’re on a budget. With so many countries and cities to choose from, flight and accommodation costs can really add up. However, with some planning and flexibility, you can have an amazing European vacation without breaking the bank. In this article we talk about How to Plan a Budget-Friendly European Vacation In 2024.
Set a Realistic Daily Budget
The first step is figuring out how much you can realistically spend per day on your trip. This includes accommodation, food, transportation, activities and other miscellaneous expenses. As a baseline, you can likely get by on $75-100 per day if you’re frugal. If you plan to visit more expensive cities like London, Paris or Scandinavia, budget closer to $100-150. Know your daily limit before planning the rest of your itinerary.
Get Strategic with Flights
Snagging cheap flights is key for keeping costs down. Being flexible with your travel dates and airports can open up better deals. Use flight search engines like Skyscanner and Google Flights to get an overview of price options. Consider flying into one city and out of another to save money. Taking budget airlines like Ryanair or EasyJet between destinations is often cheaper than trains too.
Pick Affordable Accommodations
Hostels are going to be your most budget-friendly lodging option in Europe. Private rooms in hostels often cost much less than cheap hotels, plus they have communal kitchens to prepare your own food and cut dining costs. Sites like Hostelworld and Hostelz make finding and comparing European hostels easy. Alternatively, short-term apartment rentals found on Airbnb and Vrbo can work out to be around the same price or cheaper than hotels for groups.
Travel During the Off-Season
When you visit Europe can significantly impact costs. Peak tourist season is generally May through September when prices on flights and hotels are highest. By traveling in the off-season between October and April, you’ll find better deals pretty much across the board. The winter months after Christmas and before Easter are often the cheapest. Keep in mind some attractions may have reduced hours during this time.
Take Advantage of Free Activities
Most European cities offer tons of free things to do and see. Spend time exploring lively public squares, historic churches, museums with free admission days and city parks. Walking and biking tours are often pay-what-you-wish or by donation. Window shopping at local boutiques or buying picnic supplies at an open-air market can make for cheap entertainment too. Taking advantage of free attractions will stretch your budget further.
Eat Affordably
Eating out for every meal is one of the fastest ways to drain your vacation budget. Fortunately, you have alternatives for eating on the cheap across Europe. Grocery stores all over Europe sell fresh bread, cheese, fruit and sandwich fixings perfect for picnic lunches in parks. For grabbing a quick bite, visit bakeries, street food vendors and kebab shops instead of sit-down restaurants. When you do dine out, go to cafes or ethnic eateries for value meals. Also, take advantage of free hotel breakfasts when included with your room.
Master Public Transportation
Europe has excellent public transportation that can get you around affordably. Trains and buses will almost always be cheaper than flights or car rentals. Use apps like Rome2Rio to compare your transportation options. Subway systems like the London Tube, Metro in Paris and underground networks in various cities are budget-friendly too. Walking and biking are also great ways to save money while experiencing destinations at street level.
Travel by Train Overnight
Here’s an insider trick for saving time and money: Catching overnight trains between cities. You can save money on a night’s accommodation plus arrive at your next destination well-rested. Night trains equipped with sleeping cabins and beds are available across Europe. Some popular long-distance routes include Paris to Venice, Amsterdam to Prague and London to Northern Italy.
Pack Light
The lighter you travel, the easier and cheaper your trip will be. Most European budget airlines have strict carry-on limitations forcing you to check bags for a fee if over the weight limit. You’ll likely use public transportation a lot where you need to carry your own luggage. Pack only essentials in a single carry-on backpack or suitcase with wheels to avoid check-in fees making budget airfare not such a bargain.
Get Student, Youth or Family Discounts
Students, youth travelers and families can save a bundle by taking advantage of the many discounts offered across Europe. From transportation to tours to museums, flash your International Student Identity Card (ISIC) or European Youth Card. Also, ask upfront about discounted family tickets to attractions. Combining just a couple student/youth discounts per day over your whole trip can add up to big savings.
Consider a Eurail Pass
If you plan to travel by train extensively across Europe, consider getting a Eurail Pass. These passes provide discounted train travel through the Eurail network depending on the number of days and countries covered. For instance, a 10-day pass including 5 countries over 2 months starts around $600 for youth travelers. Compare it to buying individual point-to-point tickets to determine if a rail pass makes financial sense based on your itinerary.
Join Accommodation Loyalty Programs
If you plan to stay in a specific hotel chain throughout your trip, join their free loyalty program for benefits. Brand families like Hilton, IHG and Best Western offer program perks like discounted room rates, free WiFi, complimentary breakfast and other bonuses at member properties across Europe. You can instantly access these loyalty privileges simply by signing up online ahead of your trip.
Budgeting for a dream trip through Europe is completely doable. With some advance planning using the savvy tips above, you can craft an incredible Eurotrip that won’t destroy your budget. I sincerely hope you find this “How to Plan a Budget-Friendly European Vacation In 2024” article helpful.
