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Europe Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 18, 2024

The historic city of Prague with its classic stunning architecture

From beautiful Paris to smoke-filled coffeeshops in Amsterdam, Oktoberfest to La Tomatina, Europe is a massive, diverse continent with an unlimited assortment of things to see and do. You won’t have any problem filling your time, whether you’re backpacking Europe for a few months on a budget or just spending a few weeks there on a well-earned vacation.

The continent boasts wonderful beaches, historical architecture, amazing wine, and tons of world-class festivals. Every country is incredibly different from the next too, providing limitless variety in what you do during your trip.

I first backpacked Europe in 2006 and was hooked immediately. I’ve been visiting every year since, have run tours around the continent, and even wrote a book on traveling in Europe . It’s a destination I love and never get tired of exploring.

This guide will give you an overview of Europe and the tips and tricks you need to start planning your trip. I’ve also written extensive travel guides to each country on the continent (linked below in this post) so you can get more in-depth information for your specific itinerary too!

Things to See and Do
Typical Costs
Suggested Budget
Money-Saving Tips
Where to Stay
How to Get Around
How to Stay Safe
Best Places to Book Your Trip
Related Blogs on Europe

Click Here for Country Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in europe.

Aerial view of Greek town along the Mediterranean ocean, with mountains in the background

1. Tour the Greek Islands

These islands are the mecca of summer beach fun and each is unique in its own great way. There’s Ios (beach party central with archeological ruins and awesome boat tours); Kos (ancient ruins and nature); Crete (Bronze Age ruins of Knossos, hiking, beaches, and wine), Santorini (iconic blue water, white buildings, and local wineries); Mykonos , (the upscale party island with beautiful beaches, villages, and sunsets), Naxos (best island in the Cyclades). Plus, Milos, Corfu, Lemnos, Zakynthos, and so many more! With hundreds of islands in the country, you can always find what you are looking for!

2. Ride the rails

Europe is famous for its international rail system. Rail passes like the Eurail Pass have been around forever and still make it very easy to get from country to country on a relatively small budget (and with lots of flexibility). Europe has some of the fastest trains in the world that travel up to an incredible 217 mph (350 kph). The whole continent is connected by trains and there’s a growing push for even more connections and long-distance, high-speed trains in order to reduce flying and help combat climate change. There’s nothing more quintessential than riding the trains in Europe and I encourage you to take as many trains as possible. It’s one of the best ways to see the continent.

3. Get lost in Paris

The “City of Lights” is everything people say it is. I fell in love with it the first time I stepped foot in Paris . The city is just magical. You have a ton of museums, cafes, jazz clubs, famous art, and beautiful architecture. I love just strolling around the streets of the Quartier Latin (Latin Quarter) or Montmartre neighborhood as it makes for a breathtaking day. Another one of my favorite things to do here is just sit in the Jardin des Champs-Élysées park and picnic like the Parisians. For something a bit different, check out the famous Catacombs and Paris Sewer Museum. With so much to offer in the way of culture, history, and gastronomy, it would take years to see everything here but you can still get a good feel of the city in a few days.

4. Go city hopping

There are so many amazing cities in Europe that we’d need a top 100 to list them all. Here are some of my personal favorites and must-see cities: London is rich in history, culture, and the famous Big Ben clock; Edinburgh is a vibrant medieval city with cozy pubs and a famous castle with a huge New Year’s Eve Party; Amsterdam has cozy coffee shops and canopied tree-covered canals; Berlin has a wild party scene, street art, and the Berlin Wall; Barcelona has tapas, beach, and unique Gaudi architecture; coastal Lisbon has colorful tiles, old tramcars, cobblestone streets and plenty of fresh seafood; Prague has a beautiful intact Old Town, incredible architecture and eclectic bars; Tallinn Estonia has beautiful medieval buildings with colorful roofs. Florence is a mecca for Italian Renaissance architecture, art history, and gelato; Stockholm mixes medieval architecture and modern art and design. Crisscross the continent, take in the culture, and enjoy all the historic cities!

5. Hit the Alps

Whether you go skiing in the winter or hiking in the summer, the Alps hold some of the most breathtaking views in all the world. You don’t even need to be an expert hiker because there are mountain trails for all levels and crystal-clear Alpine lakes. Check out the spectacular Eibsee trail loop in Bavaria at the foot of Die Zugspitze, Germany’s tallest mountain, for the clearest, multi-colored, sparkling lake you’ve ever seen. Or the Männlichen Kleine Scheidegg Panorama trail in Switzerland’s stunning green and snow-capped Alps. Or visit Italy’s Dolomites in South Tyrol for the scenic Seceda trail. The Alps have trails for every fitness level and in every season.

Other Things to See and Do in Europe

1. tour amsterdam.

I love Amsterdam so much that I lived here for a short period of time in 2006. Here cobblestone and brick streets weave around lovely canals as people ride their bikes to and fro. My favorite things to enjoy here are Amsterdam’s vibrant art and music scene and there are also a ton of interesting museums here like the Anne Frank House, FOAM, the history museum, and the hemp museum. Be sure you get out of the center into Jordaan and Oost with their wonderful outdoor cafes and fewer tourists. Also, a visit to Amsterdam wouldn’t be complete without a canal cruise to visit the many islands and there are many to choose from that include snacks and drinks, sunset cruises, live guided tours, and more.

2. Hang out in Barcelona

Barcelona is a city that goes 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It truly could give NYC a run for the “city that never sleeps” title. Be prepared for late-night dinners and parties until dawn. Besides a great food and nightlife scene, there is a wonderful beach, tons of Gaudi architecture (including the fairytale-like Parc Güell, as well as the iconic Sagrada Familia , which has been under construction for over 100 years!), incredible food tours, one of the best history museums in the country, and lots of outdoor spaces. What I love about Barcelona is that when you’re ready to chill, you can wander around Parc de la Ciutadella and marvel at the majestic fountains, plant life, and buildings created from an ornate military fortress.

3. Visit Berlin

Hip and trendy Berlin is an energetic destination. It is one of Europe’s most affordable capital cities, with a vibrant music and art scene and a growing foodie movement. Be sure to spend some time learning about the city’s darker history via the many excellent museums, memorials, and landmarks. The East Side Gallery, a section of the Berlin Wall that’s now painted with murals, and the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe are two especially powerful reminders of Germany’s past. For all periods of German history, don’t miss the Deutsches Historisches Museum (German Historical Museum) – it’s one of the best history museums in the world. Once you’ve had your fill of history, relax in Berlin’s many green spaces, from Tempelhof Field, the site of a former airfield and popular local hangout spot, to Tiergarten, a tree-covered former hunting ground for 17th-century aristocrats.

4. Drink beer at Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is a must for anyone going to Germany at the end of September. While not a budget option since beers now cost 15 € a maß, I love the energy and friendly camaraderie this event inspires. For two weeks, millions of people from all over the world gather for lots of beer, excitement, music, and wild fun. Watching thousands of people sing together, raising quart-sized beer mugs for endless toasts, and enjoying the general party atmosphere makes you feel good about the world. (Or maybe that’s just the beer?) Just be sure to book your accommodation well in advance and be prepared to pay top prices for them. If you don’t have an outfit, don’t worry, there are plenty of shops even at the main train station where you can buy a Bavarian dirndl dress and men’s lederhosen.

5. Experience London

Get a taste of English culture in diverse London . The museums here are some of the best in the world (most are free) and include the Tate, the British Museum, the City Museum, the National Gallery, the Historical Museum. There’s no shortage of iconic sights here as well, with Big Ben, the House of Parliament, the London Eye, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and of course, Buckingham Palace. I love London’s diversity because of the countless international eateries with great food and wonderful pub culture, perfect for after a long day seeing the sights. Head to Brick Lane on the weekends for some amazing food and craft markets. I prefer Paris to London, but there is something sophisticated and fun about London. Just watch those pints — London is not a cheap destination!

6. Get outdoors in Scandinavia

My favorite region in Europe is Scandinavia. The quality of life here is high, the people are beautiful and friendly, and the cities are clean and historic. Cycling the cities, taking canal tours, hiking the vast forested areas, archipelago hopping, enjoying fika (a Swedish coffee break), and warming up in saunas are just a few of the popular activities that await you here. True, this area of Europe is not cheap, but there are plenty of ways to reduce your expenses. Don’t let the high prices scare you away. Highlights for me include Copenhagen , Stockholm , Gotland, Norway’s fjords, and Lapland in Finland .

7. Get enchanted in Prague

Prague has an amazing history and is one of the most beautiful and picturesque cities I’ve ever seen. Highlights include the 9th-century Prague Castle, the magnificent Charles Bridge (built in the 14th century and one of the oldest standing bridges in the world), the 10th-century old square with its iconic astronomical clock, and the winding Jewish Quarter. Even if you only have a few days there don’t miss the free walking tour which is one of my favorites in Europe and the best way to learn about the Old Town and the tragic history of the city that went from thriving Bohemian capital of art, music, and literature to part of the Iron Curtain after WWII. Some of my favorite gems here include the fantastic black light theater shows in 4D and the one-of-a-kind medieval dinner show in an old tavern complete with musicians and jugglers not to mention hearty food and drinks. During the weekends it heaves with people enjoying the bars, cheap beer, and delicious food so try to visit during the week (and in the spring or fall) to beat the crowds.

8. Relax on the French Riviera

Here, you can pretend to live the high life for a little bit. Have fun in the sun, relax on the beach, swim in azure blue water, hobnob with the rich and famous, and sail on (or gaze at) gigantic yachts. As for cities, Nice is nice with its palm-tree-lined promenade, old town, and many art museums. If you want to go see how the rich and famous live, spend an afternoon checking out Cannes to soak up some glamorous vibes on La Croisette where they hold the famous Cannes Film Festival. The kingdom of Monaco with its tiny streets, beautiful buildings, and world-famous casino is just a skip away too.

9. Enjoy the great outdoors in Interlaken

Located in the beautiful mountains of Switzerland, Interlaken is a gorgeous place to unwind with fantastic hiking, delicious hot chocolate, and plenty of outdoor sports. The area is full of natural attractions to explore, including the St. Beatus Caves (complete with a legendary dragon), the cascading 500-meter-high (1,640 feet) Giessbach Waterfalls, the Jungfraujoch mountain railway (which leads to the highest train station on the continent), and a plethora of lakes (hence the town’s name). It’s a good alternative to all the cities and museums. Interlaken is also a popular party destination for backpackers and other young travelers. By far, my favorite scenic and visually stunning trail was the Oberberghorn panoramic hike, where you can wander the green mountain ridge ogling the amazing views and the turquoise-blue Brienzersee.

10. Experience history in Rome

In this thriving historical city, you can’t walk two feet without stumbling over a ruin, making Rome a history buff’s dream. Its tiny streets are perfect for wandering as you explore the Colosseum, see the Forum and Palatine Hill, visit the Pantheon, spend time in Vatican City, admire the Spanish Steps, and toss coins into the famous Trevi Fountain. The skip-the-line tickets can definitely be worth it so you don’t waste time waiting outside attractions. Rome also has amazing food (it’s Italy, after all) and nightlife. Visit the Trastevere area for a taste of “local” Rome and chill bars. It’s my favorite area in the city because you feel like you’re in a small village in the middle of a big city.

11. Hike around the Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is my favorite part of Italy. These five beautiful cliffside towns are perched near warm waters and beautiful olive and grape groves. There are wondrous and strenuous hikes in these hills; for a real challenge, take trail #8. Or just walk the coastline for something less difficult. Many activities here revolve around the coastline: kayaking, swimming, having a beach picnic or visiting the Technical Naval Museum. If you happen to be here in December or January, don’t miss the Nativity Manarola, the world’s biggest lighted nativity scene.

12. Tour Krakow

Krakow looks like it stepped out of a medieval postcard. It’s a hip, trendy, and youthful city that’s the center of education in Poland, meaning there are a lot of university students here. Most travelers come to party here (the vodka is cheap) but try to enjoy the city’s history and food besides just the bars. Walk the Royal Road through the Old Town to the 13th-century Wawel Castle, tour Schindler’s Factory (where Schindler saved over 1,200 Jews during World War II), and visit the sobering Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. You can also take a fascinating day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Wieliczka Salt Mine, a 13th-century mine with cavernous chambers, statues, chapels, chandeliers, and cathedrals all carved out of salt.

13. Visit the ruin bars in Budapest

The coolest nightlife in all of Europe is found in Budapest . Built in abandoned buildings, ruin bars feature funky art installations, repurposed furniture, and quirky decor. They are amazing, fun, and great places to meet locals, as people of all ages flock here. Open since 2001, Szimpla Kert is the original ruin bar and one of my favorites, along with Instant-Fogas Complex, which takes up an entire building and is actually many different bars in one. Don’t skip the ruin bars — they’re one of the most unique things about the city!

14. Explore Cornwall

The best part of England is outside London, yet unfortunately, not a lot of travelers leave London. Head west to the area of Cornwall for cheaper prices, welcoming locals, natural beauty, great hiking, rolling hills, plenty of medieval castles, and picturesque small towns. If you like biking, the Camel Trail from Bodmin to Padstow is worth the trip and you even pass by a local vineyard. It’s an easy way to spend a day (and it’s pretty flat so it’s not too hard to do.) Plus, I had the best fish and chips in Cornwall! Overall, it’s what you think of as “traditional England.”

15. Walk the Camino

El Camino de Santiago (The Way of Saint James) is an ancient pilgrimage route that stretches from France all the way across northern Spain. It is a 500 mile (800 km) trail that winds through incredible terrain, ending in Santiago de Compostela at the cathedral where St. James is supposedly buried. As a pilgrim, you get a “pilgrim’s passport” which allows you to stay in affordable pilgrim-only hostels, making this a surprisingly budget-friendly adventure. While it usually takes over a month to complete, you can just walk a section if you don’t have the time. To receive a “Compostela” (certificate of completion), you just need to walk the last 62 miles (100 km), which generally takes 4-5 days.

16. Throw tomatoes during La Tomatina

By far my favorite festival, the largest food fight in the world happens during the last Wednesday of August in Bunol, Spain. What started in 1945 as a local brawl has turned into a massive event drawing tens of thousands of people from all over the world. For about an hour, everyone throws tomatoes at each other, leaving streets ankle-deep in tomato juice. Afterward, everyone walks down to the river, cleans off, and then heads to the town square for sangria and music.

17. Find Dracula in Romania

Not a lot of people visit Romania but this underrated country in Eastern Europe has undiscovered yet picturesque medieval towns like Brasov (home to “Dracula’s castle”), Sighisoara, and Sibiu; gorgeous beaches on the Black Sea; and incredible hiking in the Fagaras Mountains — all at dirt-cheap prices. Other major sights include frescoed Byzantine monasteries, the steepled wooden churches of Transylvania, the hip university town Cluj-Napoca, the post-communist capital of Bucharest, and the Danube Delta, a huge nature reserve.

18. Drink whisky in Islay

Whisky has a long history on Islay , an island off Scotland’s west coast. It’s been made there since the 16th-century — first in backyards and then, starting in the 19th-century, in large distilleries. Over the years, whisky from the island came to be considered a specialty and was used to flavor a lot of other blends on the mainland. There are currently nine working distilleries on the island, all located along the island’s shores, with Laphroaig, Ardbeg, and Lagavulin being the most famous. Most distilleries here make single-malt Scotch, meaning that only one type of grain (barley) is used. My visit here was amazing and, even if you don’t like whisky, there are tons of good hikes and walks throughout this magnificent island.

19. Explore Iceland

Iceland is a magical country with majestic waterfalls, hidden hot springs around every corner, and sweeping vistas unlike anywhere else in the world. After my first visit, the country quickly became one of my favorite countries. With whale watching in the summer, the northern lights in the winter, and geothermal baths for soaking in year-round, there really is no bad time to visit! While Iceland’s main draw is the epic natural landscapes, it’s worth spending a couple of days in Reykjavik with its café culture, artsy feel, and brightly colored wooden row houses.

20. Sail the Croatian coast

With calm winds, short distances, a coastline littered with over 1,000 islands, and countless historical sites, Croatia is one of the world’s best sailing destinations. If you can, go during the shoulder season when you can find some great deals. Plan to stay at least a couple of days on one of the islands, with the most popular being Brac, Hvar, Krk, Cres, and Lošinj. However, don’t be afraid to get off the beaten path and explore some of the lesser-known islands such as Silba, Vis, and Lastovo. If you want to splash out and spend a week partying on a yacht, check out The Yacht Week, which hosts week-long parties, complete with DJs, from May-September. You can book a full boat to share with friends or just a cabin if you’re traveling solo. Prices start at 5,250 HRK per person and go up to 9,300 HRK.

21. Explore the Balkans

While the Balkans have become more popular with backpackers in recent years, it’s still largely overlooked by most budget travelers, despite being an extremely budget-friendly region. The Balkan peninsula is home to great (and again, overlooked) wine, beautiful medieval towns like Kotor and Mostar, stunning mountainous landscapes, beautiful pebble beaches, coffee culture, fresh, hearty yet inexpensive food, and museums covering the area’s history, including the most recent turbulent events of the early 1990s. I especially loved my time in Albania . Don’t miss the beautiful beaches in Ksamil, nicknamed the “Maldives of Europe’ as well as the mountain village of Gjirokastër, which was occupied by Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. The Balkans have so much to offer for every budget and every country has its unique cultural flavor.

22. Take a wine tour in the Loire Valley

Located in central France, the picturesque Loire Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site and stretches 280 kilometers (174 miles) along the Loire River. One of the major wine-producing regions of France, the area is home to some of the best wines in the world, with over 1,000 vineyards open to the public. Even those who don’t drink wine will enjoy the beautiful small towns, great food, and the region’s over 300 impressive chateaux. I loved the medieval Chenonceau Castle and Chateau Villandry and the small villages like Saint-Florent-le-Vieil. Spring and Autumn are my favorite times to visit because you can go biking and do outdoor activities when it’s not too hot and there are fewer people. It’s an area not to be missed.

23. See Fado in Portugal

Fado is an important musical tradition in Portugal , originating in Lisbon and stretching back some 200 years. The word “fado” likely stems from the Latin word for fate, and it’s very haunting, poetic, and emotional music. Most of the songs follow themes of loss and mourning, and the music was popular with the working class (especially sailors). Performances normally take place in restaurants during dinner. In Lisbon, head to Clube de Fado, Tasca do Chico, Parreirinha de Alfama, or Senhor Vinho.

24. Tour green Slovenia

Slovenia is one of Europe’s least-visited destinations, which is mind-blowing to me because it’s an amazing place to visit. Slovenia offers all the beauty of Western Europe but at a fraction of the cost and with a fraction of the crowds. Perfect for outdoor adventure lovers, Slovenia offers rugged mountains, untouched landscapes, fantastic ski resorts, plentiful wine, sprawling cave systems, incredible food, and postcard-perfect lakes, such as the famous Lake Bled with its castle on an island. I loved Piran, Slovenia’s often overlooked coastal Venetian-style harbor town that was actually founded 3000 years ago. Stroll around its beautiful windy cobble-stoned streets, beautiful plazas, and take advantage of the many affordable restaurants right on the water. Make sure to also spend a few days in the country’s capital, Ljubljana, known as one of the continent’s greenest and most livable cities. Take a river cruise to see the city and enjoy the friendliness of the locals.

For more information on specific countries in Europe, check out the guides below:

Albania Travel Guide
Austria Travel Guide
Belgium Travel Guide
Belarus Travel Guide
Bosnia & Herzegovina Travel Guide
Bulgaria Travel Guide
Czechia Travel Guide
Croatia Travel Guide
Denmark Travel Guide
England Travel Guide
Estonia Travel Guide
Finland Travel Guide
France Travel Guide
Germany Travel Guide
Greece Travel Guide
Hungary Travel Guide
Iceland Travel Guide
Ireland Travel Guide
Italy Travel Guide
Latvia Travel Guide
Lithuania Travel Guide
Malta Travel Guide
Moldova Travel Guide
Montenegro Travel Guide
Netherlands Travel Guide
Norway Travel Guide
Portugal Travel Guide
Poland Travel Guide
Romania Travel Guide
Scotland Travel Guide
Slovakia Travel Guide
Slovenia Travel Guide
Spain Travel Guide
Sweden Travel Guide
Switzerland Travel Guide
Ukraine Travel Guide

Europe Travel Costs

a traditional Austrian home overlooking the snow capped mountains and rolling hills in the Austria countryside

Accommodation – Accommodation prices vary greatly by region. In Western Europe, hostel dorm rooms cost between 25-45 EUR per night, depending on the room’s size and the popularity of the hostel. I stayed in a 6-bed dorm in Berlin for 20 EUR, while the same one would have cost me around 45 EUR in Paris. A room in Paris costs on the higher end and a room in cheaper Athens costs on the lower end.

In Eastern Europe, hostel dorm rooms cost between 10-15 EUR per night depending on the size of the dorm room and the popularity of the hostel. The further east you go, the cheaper it gets. Expect to pay around 30-60 EUR per night for a private room that sleeps two.

In Scandinavia, hostel dorm beds cost around 25-45 EUR, while private rooms are 65-80 EUR. Budget hotels start around 85 EUR.

Most accommodations offer free linens, free Wi-Fi, and a lot offer free breakfast, but it’s important to check specific websites for exact amenities.

Campsites cost between 10-15 EUR per night for a basic plot for two without electricity.

Food – Food traditions in Europe run deep, stretching back centuries to become integral parts of each country’s culture. From baguettes in France to tapas in Spain, from hearty Eastern European stews and goulash to the fresh vegetables and olive oils of the Mediterranean, European cuisine varies as much as the countries themselves. Food prices differ greatly across the continent, so check individual country guides for specifics.

But no matter where you are, even in the more expensive countries, finding places to eat within your budget is easier than you might think. Throughout Western Europe, you can find small shops, street food stalls, or food trucks where you can get sandwiches, gyros, kebabs, slices of pizza, or sausages for between 3-7 EUR. These shops are most often found in train stations, bus stations, and main pedestrian areas, and offer cheap food alternatives that can have you eating on 12-17 EUR per day. Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 7-10 EUR for a combo meal.

Turkish, Middle Eastern, and Vietnamese eateries abound in Germany, while Indian food is incredible and everywhere in the United Kingdom. Meals at these restaurants usually cost between 8-12 EUR.

Restaurant meals in casual, traditional eateries generally cost around 13-25 EUR for a main dish and drink. Food is much cheaper in the east than in the west, and in the west, northern regions like Scandinavia and the UK are more expensive than southern countries like Spain, Portugal, and Italy.

In Eastern Europe, even if you are eating out for all your meals, you can still get by on a food budget of as little as 15 EUR per day.

For drinks, a pint of beer is 2-5 EUR, a glass of wine is 2-7 EUR, a cappuccino is 2-5 EUR, and cocktails range from 6-14 EUR.

If you eat out, do so at lunch and get the prix-fixe menu (two-course or three-course set menu). Restaurants offer this set menu during lunch, and with prices between 10-20 EUR, it’s a way better deal than the regular dinner menu. You can also get affordable lunches at outdoor markets. So many European cities have huge fresh food markets throughout town.

You can cook your own food for around 45-65 EUR per week. This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, seasonal produce, bread, and some meat. You can save money by shopping at discount supermarkets like Profi, Lidl, Aldi, and Penny Market.

If you want to save big money on meals, head to one of the markets, pick up some cheese, wine, bread, meats, or anything else, and go to the park for a picnic. (Or grab a sandwich for later!) You’ll find the locals doing the same thing, and it’s one of the cheaper ways to get a true taste of local food.

Backpacking Europe Suggested Budgets

Prices for travel in Europe vary greatly depending on how far north, east, south, or west you travel. If you stick to the budget accommodations, food, and tours listed here and use all my tips on saving money, you need about 65-110 EUR per day in Western Europe, 40-50 EUR in Eastern Europe, and about 85-130 EUR in Scandinavia.

Those numbers reflect a traveler who stays in hostels, cooks some meals and eats out cheaply, enjoys a few drinks, and sticks to free and cheap activities like hiking, walking tours, and enjoying nature. This is your typical backpacker budget. You aren’t going to have a fancy time, but you aren’t going to want for anything either.

However, by getting tourist cards and rail passes, avoiding flights, occasionally Couchsurfing or camping, cooking all your meals, and not drinking, you can travel a lot cheaper. On this budget, you could do Western Europe on 35-45 EUR per day, Eastern Europe on 20-25 EUR, and Scandinavia on 50-65 EUR. That would require you to take a train or a bus or hitchhike everywhere, skip most museums, and limit how often you go out.

Generally, the suggested daily budget for Europe is 80-120 EUR. You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Europe Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Individual country guides have more specific information on how to save money in them but here are some general tips on cutting your costs while you explore Europe:

Picnic – This continent has a lot of little shops where you can buy pre-made sandwiches or ingredients to make your own. Many supermarkets have delis as well where you can get food to go. Buy some food, eat outside, and watch the city and its people go by. It’s a much more enjoyable and cheaper way to eat.
Eat local and cheap – Not into picnicking? Eat at local sandwich shops, pizza parlors, Maoz, Wok to Walks, and outdoor street vendors. Avoiding restaurants and eating at a lot of the local “grab n’ go” places gives you a taste of the local cuisine at a much cheaper price. If you’re really on a budget, use your creative cooking skills to prepare meals at the hostel as well.
Stay with a local – Hostels can add up really quickly. If you don’t have any friends with whom you can stay, consider using Couchsurfing , which connects you with locals who let you stay with them for free. Plus, they tend to also have meetups to meet other locals and travelers. It’s a great way to save on accommodation and meet a local who can share their insider tips and advice.
Camp in a garden – A very good camping service specific to Europe is Campspace , which allows you to pitch a tent in someone’s backyard for free or for a small fee (around 10-20 EUR). All of the garden owners have profiles that tell you what services and facilities they offer. Also, many countries allow wild camping (like Sweden), which can save you a fortune if you have a tent.
Take the bus – Budget bus companies like Flixbus can take you across the continent for cheap. I personally feel it’s best for day travel as sitting up for an overnight bus isn’t really ideal for sleeping. It isn’t glamorous, but with tickets starting at 5 EUR, you really can’t complain!
Get a Rail Pass – Eurail Passes have saved me hundreds of dollars. If you are traveling far distances and through many countries, they are a great deal.
Take the free city tours – One of the great things about Europe is that you can find free walking tours in all the major cities. They can be a great way to see the city attractions, take in some history, and learn your bearings without spending any money. Just make sure to tip your guide at the end!
Plan accordingly – Plan your trip around Europe so you avoid doubling back. Transportation is a big expense so proper planning can save you a lot of money (and time). Go in a straight line or a loop. Booking your accommodation ahead helps you save as well since cheap, good places unsurprisingly get reserved first. One thing I’ve learned is that waiting until the last minute means you get stuck with expensive places or cheap places no one wants.
Fly cheap – If you know where you are going and a train won’t do, try to book flights early. You can often get round trip fares for as little as 5 EUR from many of the European discount airlines like Ryanair or Wizz. Many capital cities have smaller airports farther from the city with ‘inconvenient’ times but cheaper fares. Keep in mind you might need to factor in an early morning Uber or taxi if the busses aren’t running and you have an early flight!
Drink less – Those 5 EUR beers add up. Hit happy hours or pick and choose when you party. Hostel bars are a good place to get cheap drinks or buy your alcohol at the supermarket. Plus, in Europe, it’s legal to drink outside in parks, plazas, by the lakes or rivers. You’ll find you can save a lot of money by not going to bars and clubs. Partying your way across the continent will destroy your bank balance in no time.
Get a city tourist card – Many local tourism offices sell a tourism card for all their attractions, tours, and restaurants. This card gives you free entry and substantial discounts on all the attractions and tours in a city, free local public transportation (a huge plus), and discounts at a few restaurants and shopping malls. They save a ton of money. If you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing, get one of these cards.
Rideshare – If you’re flexible in your schedule, use the ridesharing service BlaBlaCar to catch rides with locals between cities (or countries) by paying a small fee. It’s like Airbnb but for rides. I used this service in Switzerland and, not only did I save a lot of money, but I got to meet interesting people and learn about local culture and life. Drivers are verified and it’s perfectly safe, though sometimes rides cancel at the last minute (which is why you need to be flexible). Check their ratings first and try to use rides where the person has done many trips.
Bring a water bottle – The tap water is safe to drink in most of Europe, so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
Get a HostelPass – HostelPass is a discount membership for hostels in Europe. Members get 10-20% off select hostels around Europe, as well as perks like free breakfast or free drinks. There are discounts on tours and activities too. It’s a great way to save money if you’re bouncing around Europe as they have hostels in 18 countries around the continent.

Where to Stay in Europe

Europe has a ton of budget accommodation options. The individual country and city guides have tons of recommendations but here’s a short list of some of my favorite budget hostels and hotels around Europe:

The Flying Pig (Amsterdam, The Netherlands)
Hotel 54 (Barcelona, Spain)
Generator Hostel (Copenhagen, Denmark)
Harcourt Hotel (Dublin, Ireland)
Castle Rock (Edinburgh, Scotland)
Ios Palm Pansion (Ios, Greece)
Greg and Tom’s Party Hostel (Krakow, Poland)
Largo da Sé Guest House (Lisbon, Portugal)
Sophie’s Hostel (Prague, Czech Republic)
The Yellow (Rome, Italy)
City Backpackers (Stockholm, Sweden)

How to Get Around Europe

The famous steam train from Harry Potter crossing an old bridge in Scotland

Public transportation – Transportation around most European cities is by tram, subway, or bus. Prices are typically around 2 EUR for a one-way ticket in Western Europe and closer to 1 EUR in Eastern Europe. Most large cities also have day passes available that offer unlimited public transportation. These passes are usually 5-12 EUR per day.

In large cities with international airports, there is usually a bus or train available that ferries travelers from the downtown core to the airport. Expect to pay around 5-15 EUR to get to/from the airport.

Bus – Buses are not quite as comfortable as Europe’s trains, although certain lines do have great amenities (like roomy seats and Wi-Fi). While buses are not the most efficient way to travel around the continent, they’re certainly dependable, reliable, and cheap. You can find last-minute rides for as little as 5 EUR. A route from Berlin to Munich is about 25 EUR, while Paris to Bordeaux can be as low as 10 EUR. Longer routes, like Amsterdam to Copenhagen, start at around 47 EUR.

Each country has its own national bus service, but some lines also take you long distances internationally. Megabus and Flixbus (which now owns Eurolines) are the most popular companies.

Train – Train travel is a great way to see Europe. Intercity train prices vary wildly from country to country, depending on whether you take the slow train or a high-speed train and how far in advance you book. For example, a high-speed train from Berlin to Munich costs around 38-60 EUR, Bordeaux to Paris is about 50-85 EUR, and Madrid to Barcelona ranges from 45-85 EUR. Non-high-speed trains and other intercity lines are a lot cheaper, generally costing about 40-50% of the price of high-speed trains. Eastern Europe inter-country trains usually cost between 45-100 EUR when the ticket is booked last minute. Short train rides of 2-3 hours within countries cost about 27 EUR.

To find routes and prices for trains around Europe, use Trainline .

You may also want to consider getting a Eurail Pass , which allows travelers to explore Europe by providing a set number of stops in a specific time period. These passes are continent-wide, country-specific, or regional. It can potentially save you hundreds of dollars.

Ridesharing/Car sharing – If your schedule is flexible, use a ridesharing service and catch rides with locals between cities (or countries). Drivers are verified and it’s perfectly safe. BlaBlaCar is the most popular.

If you’d rather rent a car yourself and find passengers to share a ride with, use Discover Cars to find the best car rental prices.

Flying – Budget airlines are so prolific that competition helps keep fares low. You can often find tickets where the fare is just 5 EUR round-trip! Companies like EasyJet, Ryanair, Wizz, and Vueling offer mind-blowingly cheap flights throughout Europe. Book at least a month early to scoop up great deals.

Make sure that the airport they fly into isn’t too far out of your way (transportation from the secondary airport sometimes negates the savings from using the budget airline itself).

Keep in mind that you’ll have to pay to check your baggage on these cheap flights. It costs about 25-39 EUR for one checked bag. If you wait to pay for your luggage at the gate, you end up paying almost double. Travel carry-on only to avoid this added cost.

Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking in Europe is very safe, but it’s not for everyone. Hitching is quite common around the continent and I’ve met a number of travelers who have done it (I, myself, traveled this way in Bulgaria and Iceland). Some countries are very supportive (Romania, Iceland, Germany) while others may be a bit more time-consuming (Italy, Spain). HitchWiki is the best website for hitchhiking info.

Here are my suggested articles for how to get around Europe:

7 Cheap Ways to Travel Across Europe
Are Eurail Passes a Giant Scam or Do They Save You Money?
The Ultimate Guide to Finding Cheap Flights

When to Go to Europe

There’s no wrong time to visit Europe. Peak season is summer, when Europe gets crowded and August is the time most European families are at the beach so everything becomes more crowded and expensive. But the overall atmosphere and weather are great during this time, so it’s still worth visiting during peak season (just book your accommodation in advance — especially in August). Keep in mind it’s much hotter in summer so if you like AC, be sure to check that your hostel or hotel has it before you book. You can expect the most crowds in Western Europe. For this reason, I feel summer is a great time to visit the Balkans and the Baltics because many people head to the beaches in Spain, France, Italy, Croatia, and Greece.

Shoulder season is spring and fall (April-May and September-October). It’s still warm during this time but there aren’t as many crowds and prices are cheaper. This is my favorite time to visit hotspot places like Spain, Croatia and Greece, where it’s still hot enough to swim in the sea but you have way more room on the beach. It’s also a good time to go hiking in the Alps in Germany, northern Italy, Slovenia and Switzerland because it’s cooler during the day so you’re much less sweaty on the mountain without shade. The weather is good, the crowds are smaller, and the prices lower.

Winter is from November to February but in much of Central Europe, it’s wet and cold until March or April. It gets cold, even as far south as it gets (like Greece). On the other hand, the Christmas season has Christmas markets and festivals galore! Even if it’s cold, this is a cultural tradition you can’t miss and why I love Europe in December. There is hot mulled wine, sweets, and plenty of hot snacks, which vary by country. One of my favorites is Prague because the Old Town Square is lit up with a gigantic tree with aromas of crispy cinnamon pastries and mulled wine. Berlin takes their Christmas markets very seriously, so there are around 80 different markets with special themes.

Winter is fantastic in Europe for skiing and snowboarding but it doesn’t have to break the bank if you plan carefully. While Switzerland and France are probably the most famous, they are also expensive, but there are plenty of budget winter options.

How to Stay Safe in Europe

Europe is very safe for backpacking and solo traveling, even if you’re traveling solo, and even as a solo female traveler. Violent crimes against tourists are very rare. In fact, some of the safest countries in the world are in Europe. (I wrote a whole article about how Europe is safe to visit right now .)

That said, there are scams and petty crimes you should watch out for, especially around popular tourist landmarks. The most important thing to be aware of is pickpockets in crowds and on public transportation. Zip your bags and don’t put your mobile phone in a jacket pocket where someone could quickly take it. This should be obvious but don’t flash your money to let everyone know you have a huge wad of cash.

When choosing a hostel, look for ones with lockers. It’s always a good idea to carry around a padlock or combination lock. Most hostels are safe and travelers respect each other and I’ve rarely seen things happen to people’s valuables. Nevertheless, I always think that prevention is better.

As anywhere, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). When at the bar, always keep an eye on your drink. Avoid walking home alone at night if you’re intoxicated.

For female travelers in particular, it’s always a good idea to have a bit of extra money on you just in case you need to take an Uber or taxi back by yourself so you don’t take unnecessary risks to save money. If you’re using apps to date people while traveling, please use common sense and meet in public places. Since I’m not a female traveler, please check out the numerous female bloggers who have first hand knowledge of this.

If you’re worried about scams, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

If you rent a vehicle, don’t leave any valuables in it overnight. Break-ins are rare, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Be aware that the UK drives on the left and that most rental cars in Europe will have manual transmissions unless you request otherwise.

When hiking, always bring water, sunscreen, and bandaids or foot plasters. There is nothing worse than being halfway up the mountain with a blister and nothing you can do about it!

Likewise, when at the coast, don’t forget not only to wear sunscreen! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people get burnt to a crisp the first day. Be sure to check the weather before you depart and dress accordingly.

If you do experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary to loved ones so they know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Europe Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

GO DEEPER: Nomadic Matt’s In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

While I have a lot of free tips on Europe, I also wrote an entire book that goes into great detail on everything you need to plan a trip here on a budget! You’ll get suggested itineraries, budgets, even more ways to save money, my favorite restaurants, prices, practical information (i.e. phone numbers, websites, prices, safety advice, etc etc), and cultural tips.

I’ll give the insider view of Europe that I got from years of traveling and living here! The downloadable guide can be used on your Kindle, iPad, phone, or computer so you can have it with you when you go. Click here to learn more about my book on Europe!

Europe Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Europe travel and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Florence

The 7 Best Hotels in Madrid

The 6 Best Hotels in Vienna

The Best Walking Tours in Barcelona

How to Be a Digital Nomad in Europe

The Best eSIM for Traveling Europe

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Budget Travel

13 Affordable Places to Visit in Europe — From Country Escapes to Stunning Cities

You can visit Europe on a budget — here's how.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

If you have big dreams of jetting off to Europe, but worry that your bank account isn't quite ready, don't worry. For every expensive city, there are dozens of charming — and surprisingly affordable — places that offer all the European charm for a fraction of the price. Ljubljana, Porto, Budapest, even Berlin — these cities have all the rich culture, stunning architecture, and delicious food that you'd find in pricey European capitals, but they're perfect for budget travelers.

You can even travel to some of Europe's best (and famously expensive) destinations without breaking the bank — you just have to know how to save money without sacrificing on experiences. Travelers can often score deals on flights from the United States to major cities like Paris or London, and upon arriving, transportation within Europe can be much more affordable (hello, budget airlines). Those large cities also offer a wide range of accommodations, so you can certainly find something in your budget. You can even save money on food by hitting the local markets. After all, a bottle of wine, fresh bread, and cheese from a Parisian market make for an unforgettable meal when picnicking under the Eiffel Tower.

And you might be surprised by how many museums, churches, and other attractions are free or inexpensive to visit, too. Be sure to keep an eye out for free entry days (often one day a month) or tourist cards that offer entry to multiple attractions for one flat fee. (Do the math ahead of time by calculating the cost of every included attraction that you want to visit to make sure it's really worth the money.)

Trimming your budget doesn't mean sacrificing the quality of your trip. Sometimes, the less you spend, the more you can immerse yourself in the local culture. Staying in a thatched Irish farmhouse, perusing old masters in Rome, or snacking your way through Spanish specialties aren't just tricks of the frugal traveler — they're the stuff dream vacations are made of.

Here are some of the top destinations for an affordable European vacation (and tips for saving money once you arrive).

Bavaria, Germany

For a storybook-worthy vacation in Europe, head straight to Bavaria. Book a room at Burg Colmberg , a 14th-century castle rising from a rocky crag above a tiny village. It offers an eclectic collection of rooms tucked throughout a warren of crooked hallways, hidden staircases, and cozy sitting nooks. Be sure to visit the postcard-perfect Neuschwanstein Castle , resplendently perched atop a mountain, and take the time to tour Hohenschwangau, the castle in which "Mad King" Ludwig II actually lived. The latter is a more modest pile of battlements on a smaller nub of a hill in the valley below. What it lacks in the carefully crafted pomp and circumstance of Neuschwanstein — which Ludwig II never lived to see completed — it more than makes up for in homeyness and history.

Puglia, Italy

Michela Sieman/Travel + Leisure

The iconic architecture of Puglia — the "heel" of Italy's boot — is the prehistoric trullo, a cylindrical whitewashed house with a cone-shaped roof of stacked gray stones. There's no greater concentration of trulli than in the UNESCO-protected town of Alberobello, where whole neighborhoods are made of the structures, and the local entrepreneur behind Trullidea has fixed up dozens of the abandoned ones and rents them to visitors. Cool in the baking summers and with cozy indoor heating for wintertime, a rental trullo lets you live like a local for less than the cost of a tourist-class hotel in town. Want to sample what the Amalfi Coast was like before the hotshots and high prices moved in? Puglia's forested Gargano Peninsula is popular with sun-loving Italians, but is otherwise refreshingly off the tourist map.

Budapest, Hungary

Alisha McDarris/Travel + Leisure

The capital of Hungary, Budapest offers all the charm of more popular European destinations for a fraction of the price. The Hungarian Parliament Building and Fisherman's Bastion are just a couple of the picture-perfect attractions you'll spot in the city, and you'll find lots of affordable accommodations, meals, and nightlife, too. Even the city's famous thermal baths — some of which are over a century old and feature beautiful architecture — can be affordable to visit.

Andalusia, Spain

Rory Fuller/Travel + Leisure

Take a break from sizzling on the crowded Costa del Sol beaches for a self-guided driving tour along the route of the Pueblos Blancos. This string of clifftop, whitewashed villages stretches from the Moorish town of Arcos de la Frontera through the Sierra de Grazalema to Ronda, a maze of medieval streets perched above a 500-foot gorge. Opt for a stay in nearby Seville — the capital of Andalusia — to take in the beautiful architecture, watch some flamenco dancing, and indulge in classic tapas.

Berlin, Germany

Berlin has Cold War mystique, contemporary architecture, and booming gallery and restaurant scenes. With its cosmopolitan, East-meets-West edginess, it's no wonder the city has become a cultural capital of central Europe. It's a destination that continues to attract creative types and in-the-know travelers. Begin your trip to Berlin in the fashionable Mitte (or "middle") district, as it's convenient to major sites such as the Reichstag and Potsdamer Platz.

Bath and the Cotswolds, England

The charming villages of the Cotswolds look like they're straight out of a fairy tale — Chipping Campden, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Bourton-on-the-Water are among the prettiest. There are inns and pubs sprinkled throughout the little towns, but we'd suggest staying in Bath, a quaint city dating back to the Roman era, for its variety of accommodations. While there, check out the Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge, Bath Abbey, and of course, the historic Roman baths. Best of all, Bath is under two hours from London by train, making it an easy weekend trip from the city.

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul's major state-run museums may charge hefty admissions, but the Great Palace Mosaic Museum, just behind the Blue Mosque adjacent to the Arasta Bazaar, costs only 60 Turkish lira (that's about $4). These delightful mosaic scenes of hunts, myths, animal battles, and everyday life in antiquity — boys riding a camel, a man milking his goat — once covered the floor of a large courtyard of the Palatium Magnum, the Great Palace built between the time of Constantine the Great himself and Justinian I (fourth to early sixth centuries). You can even cruise between the continents for an affordable price when taking the ferry.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Take a tour of the architectural masterworks of prodigious local talent Jože Plecnik, who took the Secessionist Art Nouveau style he learned in Vienna back home (via Prague) to remake his native city along his own, idiosyncratic lines. Like Gaudí in Barcelona, Plecnik designed his buildings right down to the smallest fittings, like the Pegasus door handles on the entrance to the National and University Library. Plecnik designed a bit of everything around town, from the central market to the two flanking spans of Ljubljana's iconic Triple Bridge to the café-lined embankments of the Ljubljanica River. The city also has a number of incredible, affordable restaurants, and you can take a public bus (for a small fee) to nearby Lake Bled for a day trip.

The Dalmatian Coast, Croatia

Skip the overexposed island of Hvar for the walled medieval village on the Adriatic island of Korcula, purported home to Marco Polo. Korcula is more of a day-trip destination, and that means the tourist crowds thin considerably by sundown, leaving those who remain to relax in the cafés and stroll the narrow alleys. While every old city in Europe has an Old City historic district, Split has the only downtown actually carved from the carcass of an ancient Roman palace. When the emperor Diocletian left his throne in A.D. 305, he built a lavish palace on the Croatian coast to live out his days as head of the empire's eastern half. In the 1,700 years since, the ruins of his enormous structure have been colonized by the locals, the buildings turned into medieval town houses, and the emperor's tomb transformed into the cathedral.

Paris, France

Want to experience fabulous French cuisine on a budget? Opt for a midday splurge — many cafés and restaurants offer less expensive menus at lunch. And a picnic is always a good idea in Paris. Stop by a market to peruse the (typically) extensive options for cheese and wine, or pick up a simple yet delicious crepe from a stand. If you plan to visit the City of Light's top museums and attractions, you might want to invest in a Paris Museum Pass . For one fee (priced depending on the number of days you purchase), you can gain admission to top tourist spots like the Arc de Triomphe, Sainte-Chapelle, Panthéon, Louvre, Musée Rodin, and more, and you get to skip the ticket line. Talk about a win-win.

County Clare, Ireland

Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure

Avoid the tour bus-clogged Ring of Kerry for its neighbor to the north, County Clare, home to the dramatic Cliffs of Moher rising more than 700 feet from the crashing Atlantic waves; the weirdly eroded limestone landscape of the Burren, where prehistoric slab tombs perch on the rocky flatlands like miniature houses of cards; and Doolin, a blink-and-you'll-miss-it village that has become a popular destination for traditional Celtic music. Local pubs are the perfect evening stop for hearty (and usually affordable) Irish fare and — if you're lucky — live music.

Rome, Italy

Daniel Gorostieta/Travel + Leisure

Rome has more than 900 churches, all of them free, displaying great works of art and architecture by the likes of Raphael, Bernini, Caravaggio, Bramante, and Pinturicchio. And that's just the short list of artists contained in one church — the little-visited Santa Maria del Popolo. Other iconic landmarks, like the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and Rome's famous piazzas are all free to visit, too, and some museums offer free entry days, so check their websites for details.

Porto, Portugal

Paula Galindo Valle/Travel + Leisure

Portugal's northern city of Porto is among Travel + Leisure readers' favorite European cities, and once you visit, you'll see why. In Porto, visitors can admire the Art Deco architecture, sip port wine, and explore the walkable city on foot without going over budget. Plus, a day trip to the Douro Valley, a picturesque vineyard region along the Douro River, is worth the trek.

The 20 best places to visit in Europe on a budget

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

roughguides.com
best-places-to-visit-in-europe-on-a-budget

written by Lottie Gross

updated 11.07.2023

Europe presents an irresistible challenge to the budget traveller. A potent mix of culture, landscape and history on the one hand and a cash-gobbling monster on the other, sticking to your daily allowance can prove tricky.

1. The Albanian coast

2. sarajevo, bosnia-herzegovina, 3. bansko, bulgaria, 4. czechia (czech republic), 5. estonia’s baltic coast, 6. leipzig, germany, 7. london, england, 8. the peloponnese, greece, 9. budapest, hungary, 10. palermo, sicily, italy, 11. lake ohrid, macedonia, 12. kotor, montenegro, 13. gdánsk, poland, 14. porto, portugal, 15. transylvania, romania, 16. novi sad, serbia, 17. the high tatras, slovakia, 18. northwest slovenia, 19. andalucía, spain, 20. lviv, ukraine.

But learn to zone out the “Spend! Spend! Spend!” siren song of its myriad restaurants, bars and shops and you’ll find that this compact little continent is simply the world’s greatest labyrinth.

There's an abundance of beautiful places in Europe which don't require much of a budget to see; and some experiences, like the infamous Budapest nightlife, combines both entertainment with local booze.

When exactly is the best time to visit Europe? Well, it depends on what you're after. Thankfully there's a year-round roster of things to do and see. We've picked out the cheapest places to travel on the continent this year (note that the "Rough Costs" below reflect per person or per night). From low budget tourist places in the world to the cheapest country to travel to, where do you think will make the list?

Want to find out more about budget travel in Europe? Check out our Rough Guide to Europe on a Budget .

albania saranda beach best places to visit in europe

Looking for Mediterranean sun and sand, but your budget doesn’t quite stretch to Capri or the Côte d’Azur? Simply head further east and you’ll find sun-drenched beaches untouched by modern development. Albania is one of the cheapest countries in Europe, and as yet under-explored by the tourist hordes. On its southern Ionian coast, steep grey mountains frame azure seas and golden sands.

Also take note - the Albanian capital Tirana will certainly surprise you with the number of interesting things you can do there .

Sarande is almost in touching distance of Corfu and is a handy entry point from Greece. From here you can aim for the beaches of Ksamil and nearby islands. Cheap seafood, warm seas and a smattering of isolated Greek ruins and Ottoman towns: the perfect recipe for a classic European sojourn.

Where to stay

Best for being on the beach: Vila E Bardhe

Best for great views of the harbour: Hotel Real

From Saranda: Visit the archaeological park of Butrint on a private tour

From Durrës: Wine tasting and history tour in Berat

Find more ideas for visiting Albania with our guide to the best things to do in Albania .

Rough costs:

Daily budget: Basic €30, occasional treat €45

Drink: Bottle of red wine €6

Food: Qoftë (minced meat rissoles) €2, seafood €6

Hostel/budget hotel: €15/€35

Travel: Bus: Tirana–Saranda €10.50; train: Tirana–Shkodra €3.30

Buy the guide >

Sarajevo market best places to visit in europe

Though the scars of Sarajevo ’s past as a city under siege are still evident. There are remnants of mortar shell explosions, filled with red resin to form “Sarajevo Roses”, and the museums document the horrors of Sniper Alley. Today, the city buzzes with life and is one of the cheapest countries in Europe. If you don't want to miss any of the key historic sites, book ahead and join a guided tour.

One of the most welcoming capitals in Europe, its central district of Baščaršija is a delight to wander through. Browse in the Ottoman-era bazaar or linger over a Bosnian coffee. The after-hours scene is quirky and cool, with tucked-away drinking holes and an ever-evolving club scene.

Best hostel for city location: Hostel Franz Ferdinand

Best for location to tourist attractions: Hotel Europe

Best for first time visitors: A guided walking tour in Sarajevo

Best for getting out of the city: A day tour to Jajce and Travnik

Rough costs

Daily budget: Basic €28, occasional treat €45

Drink: Bosnian coffee €0.70–1

Food: Cevapcici (meat rissoles) €3–4

Hostel/budget: €10/€28

Travel: Bus: Sarajevo–Bihać €17–25; train: Sarajevo–Mostar €5–7

Read our destination guide to Bosnia-Herzegovina >

Hitting the slopes without breaking the bank can be a challenge. Especially when the main Alpine resorts are located in some of the most expensive countries in Europe! However, eastern Europe has a few intriguing ski destinations, including Bulgaria ’s Bansko on the Pirin mountain range.

The country’s main ski resort has good beginner and intermediate runs. There's a decent range of shared or private accommodation to choose from, easily making Bansko one of the best places to visit in Europe with friends. The town itself has considerable charm, with numerous traditional old pubs hidden down its cobbled alleyways.

Best for guest house experience: Zigen House

Best for great location: Kap House Hotel

Best for the adventurers: River rafting on the Kresna Gorge

Best to get to know the culture: Experience local traditions, dishes, crafts and stories

Also while planning your visit, read our guide to the best things to do in Bulgaria .

Drink: Beer (0.5l) €1.25

Food: Shopska salad €4

Hostel/budget hotel: €12/€60

Travel: Train: Sofia–Plovdiv €4–6; bus: €5

Find out more about Bansko >

prague, czech republic, best places to visit in europe

Though ever-popular Prague is not quite the dirt-cheap city break destination it once was, you’ll still find Czechia (Czech Republic ) to be a good-value country for independent travel. The country that invented Pilsner is justifiably famous for producing some of the best beers – at pretty good prices.

But there's plenty of other reasons as to why it's one of the best places to visit in Europe. In Prague , the choice of watering holes ranges from traditional beer halls and monastery taverns to a new generation of microbreweries. Continue the Czech beer trail with a visit to the Pilsner Urquell brewery in Plzeň, before striking out to the country’s lesser-known spots, such as charming Olomouc , a pint-sized Prague without the tourists.

If you're heading to Prague, where you're based can make all the difference to your experience, so make the right start with our guide to the best places to stay in the city.

Best location for hostel: Safestay Prague

Best for shopping and city centre: K+K Hotel Central

Best for history buffs: Small group tour to the Prague Castle

Best for a magical evening: Dinner cruise on an Open-Top Glass Boat

Daily budget: Basic €45, occasional treat €55

Drink: Pilsner Urquell (0.5l) €1.60

Food: Pork and dumplings €8

Hostel/budget hotel: €20/€45

Travel: Train: Prague–Karlovy Vary €12; bus: €14

Explore the best of Czech Republic >

Estonia, Baltic coast, rocky shores at the sea, best places to visit in europe

Where to stay:

Best for boutique hotel: Boutique Hotel Astoria

Best for location to the city centre and the beach: Muo Apartments

Best to get away from the crowds: 2.5h Kayak Tour in the Bay of Kotor

Best for a day trip: Boat Tour to the Blue Cave & Our Lady of the Rocks

Daily budget: Basic €31, occasional treat €52
Drink: Nikšičko Tamno beer €1 (bottle from shop)
Food: Sarma €2.60–4
Hostel/budget hotel: €21/€52
Travel: Bus: Budva–Kotor €3; train: Podgorica–Virpazar €1

For more ideas for visiting Montenegro read our guide to the best things to do in Montenegro .

old town of gdansk with ancient crane at dusk, poland, best places to visit in europe

Part beautiful Hanseatic city, part gritty port town and part Baltic riviera, the northern Polish city of Gdánsk offers a winning combination of coastal appeal. Though the core of this picturesque, colourful city, with its narrow merchant houses, looks ancient, it’s actually a postwar reconstruction – but the history is genuine. It's one of many cheap travel destinations to visit in Poland!

The shipyard crane dates back to the 15th century, and the city was the birthplace of the Solidarity anti-communist movement. Come summer, the action moves to the hip, coastal resort of Sopot , with its golden sand beach, lively party scene and attractive pier (the longest in Europe).

Best for location to the city centre: PURO Gdansk Stare Miasto

Best for great views and location to the city: Mercure Gdansk Stare Miasto

Best for nightlife: Pub Crawl with free drinks

Best for first-time visitors: Electric Scooter guided tour of the Old Town

Daily budget: Basic €52, occasional treat €73
Drink: Vodka (50ml shot) €1
Food: Żurek soup €2–3
Hostel/budget hotel: €12/€36
Travel: Train: Warsaw–Kraków €34; bus: €16

Explore the WW2 Liberation Route with the help of a local expert >

porto, portugal old town on the douro river, best places to visit in europe

Portugal travel doesn't get more exciting than in Porto. Portugal’s second city is appealingly set on the banks of the river Duoro. The riverside district of Portugal is crammed with no-frills good, local restaurants – pick somewhere a street or so back from the waterfront and you’ll be spoilt with local dishes and wines at excellent prices. With the city set on either side of the river, check our guide to the best places to stay in Porto to find accommodation that suits you best.

Other highlights include the vast Portugal park, with a superb art museum set within. However, it is port that the city is famous for. Vinologia is a great bar for an introduction to the varieties of fortified wine, and you can visit the port lodges across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia, where for a few euros you can sample their wares.

Make the most of your time in Porto and book ahead to explore some of the unknown wine cellars in the city .

Best for walks along the waterfront: 1872 River House

Best for value with style: MyStay Porto Batalha

Best for day tours: Small group tour to the Douro Valley, Wine Tasting and a River Cruise

Best for iconic views: Torre dos Clérigos (skip-the-line tickets)

Daily budget: Basic €47, occasional treat €68
Drink: Bottle of vinho verde in shop €3.60
Food: Grilled sardines €8
Hostel/budget hotel: €21/€47
Travel: Train: Lisbon–Faro €23; bus: Porto–Lisbon €21

Delve into Porto >

Transylvania, Romania, best places to visit in europe

Think Transylvania , and you’ll probably imagine Dracula and his castle – and you can certainly go in search of Dracula (aka Vlad the Impaler) connections here. If you're interested in finding Dracula, book your tour here . As Vlad’s birthplace, the attractive town of Sighisoara has the best claim to fame, and it also has a suitably imposing citadel.

But the region is not all fortifications and fangs – make time to venture out into the wilds of the Carpathian mountains , where you can track the Transylvanian wolf, along with bears, red deer and lynx in the Piatra Craiului National Park.

Best for visiting Vlad the Impaler: Casa Richter

Best for visiting Piatra Craiului National Park: Vila Hora cu Brazi

Best for explorers: Medieval City Exploration Game and Tour in Sighisoara

Best for those travelling in high season: Fast track tickets to Bran Castle (Dracula's castle - Romania's number one attraction)

Daily budget: Basic €26, occasional treat €42
Drink: Beer €1.90; bottle of Romanian wine €5
Food: Tochitura moldoveneasca (Moldavian stew) €2.10
Hostel/budget hotel: €10/€31
Travel: Bus/train: Bucharest–Braşov €10

Discover more affordable places in Romania >

Also check our best things to do in Romania to make your trip here even more exciting.

Serbia abounds with sights to suit all tastes. Fancy a low-cost summer music festival? Serbia ’s famous EXIT Festival held in July might be just the ticket, and it’s less than half the price of Glastonbury. The line-up is always eclectic, with past acts including David Guetta and Ziggy Marley.

A trip here is about more than the music, however, with a setting that leaves other festivals in the shade. The Petrovaradin fortress stands majestically above the lively city of Novi Sad , a couple of hours from Belgrade. Stages and festival spaces fill every corner of the fortress, and you can spend your days lounging on the river beaches on the banks of the Danube.

If you don't have the time to stay longer, consider taking a day tour from Belgrade to explore Novi Sad and taste the local wines in Sremski Karlovci.

Best for rooftop views of the city: Hotel Leopold I Novi Sad

Best hostel for city location: Hostel Sova

Drink: Beer (0.5l) €1
Food: Pljeskavica (hamburger) €1–2
Hostel/budget hotel: €13/€37
Travel: Bus: Belgrade–Novi Sad €6; train: Belgrade–Niš €7

Get the low-down on Serbia >

High Tatras, Slovakia © Michal Petlach/Shutterstock

Slovakia's pride and joy , the Tatras mountain range is a magnificent series of peaks – culminating in the pyramid-shaped Gerlach at 2,655m. Start at one of the village resorts like Nový Smokovec or Ždiar, then make for the mountains, where you can rest your weary heads at cheap hikers’ chalets.

This is serious mountain terrain, so be prepared and heed local advice. The mountains are also an inviting playground for climbers and cavers, and you’ll find mountain bike paths, tubing and rafting, plus a full winter season of skiing and snowboarding.

Best for the location to popular attractions: Penzion Reitmayer

Best for families: Apartmanovy Dom TatraTravel Smokovec

Daily budget: Basic €37, occasional treat €47
Drink: Beer €1.80
Food: Gnocchi with bacon €4
Hostel/budget hotel: €16/€31
Travel: Bratislava–Košice (train) €20

Sandwiched between Italy, Austria and Croatia, compact Slovenia is an appealing destination on any journey through Europe. There's its charming capital, Ljubljana , as well as easy travel, a burgeoning wine industry and tempting pocket of coastline. For the adventure-minded, or for those who just want to camp in a beautiful lakeside setting, the northwest region is perfect.

Nestled below the stunning Julian Alps are the very different twin lakes of Bled and Bohinj . From here you can carry on to the Soča Valley, right by the Italian border, for hiking, kayaking and rafting adventures.

Best guest house for views of Lake Bled: Penzion Vila Prešeren

Best for lake views: Grand Hotel Toplice

Best for adventurers: 3hr Rafting Experience

Best for wine experiences: Taste 7 top Slovenian wines in a 100-year old wine cellar in Bled

Drink: Pivo (beer' 0.5ml) €2.60
Food: Pizza €5–7
Hostel/budget hotel: €19/€62
Travel: Train: Ljubljana–Maribor €9; bus: Ljubljana–Bled €7

Find out more about Slovenia >

aerial view of olvera town with church of our lady of incarnation, cadiz povince, andalusia, spain, best places to visit in europe

The southernmost province of Spain, Andalucía travel is a tempting budget destination. This perennially popular region boasts showpiece cities such as Seville , Granada and Córdoba , with their exquisite monuments highlighting the area's Moorish past. Even here prices are competitive compared with Madrid and Barcelona.

You only need to head a little further afield, to the underrated city of Málaga with its Picasso connection and authentic tapas scene, or the atmospheric ancient port city of Cádiz, and you’ll enjoy that alluring southern Spanish vibe for budget-friendly prices. Cheap tapas (the tradition of free tapas originates in Granada) means you can sample Iberian flavours for a couple of euros a plate, and to continue your budget adventure, simply hop on the ferry to Morocco, tantalisingly close by.

Best guest house location to city centre: El Riad Andaluz

Best for style on a budget: Hotel Boutique Villa Lorena Malaga

Best for exploring arts: Guided tour through the Picasso Museum

Best for short hikes: Caminito del Rey - 3hr guided hike

Daily budget: Basic €68; occasional treat €88
Drink: €1.80–2.60 per caña (small beer)
Food: Menú del día €10–12
Hostel/budget hotel: €17/€36–83
Travel: Madrid–Barcelona: bus €33–45; train €62–130

Book onto the best things to do in Andalucía

lviv, ukraine, best places to visit in europe

Situated in the west of this vast country, within easy travelling distance of Central European cities such as Kraków and Budapest, Lviv is the city to head for if you want a taste of Ukraine.

It revels in a mixture of Central European influences: Habsburg and Polish, Catholic, Orthodox and Armenian, with its architecture and magnificent churches reflecting this eclecticism. Ukraine regularly features on the list of cheapest destinations in Europe, and with a growing supply of backpacker hostels, appealing coffee houses and quirky bars, this is an extremely budget-friendly city with a refined edge.

Best for location to the city centre: Lviv Central Jam Hotel

Best for style on a budget: Taurus Hotel

Best for first time visitors: Lviv Old Town Walking Tour

Best for foodies with an interest in history: Communist-style Food and Bar Tour

Drink: Horilka (vodka; 50ml shot) €1
Food: Ukrainian borshch €0.80
Hostel/budget hotel: €8/€31
Travel: Train: Kyiv–Odesa €10; bus: €19

Top image © Patteran/Shutterstock

This feature contains affiliate links; all recommendations are editorially independent.

Top image: Malaga, Spain, Old Town Skyline © S Pavone / Shutterstock

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Wanderlust Movement | A South Africa Travel Blog

How To Travel Europe on a Budget: A Complete Guide

July 24, 2018 by Lauren Melnick

Last Updated on January 24, 2023 by Lauren Melnick

Ah, Europe.

The land home to ancient history, pizza, beautiful beaches and first world public transportation.

In my teens, I dreamt of travelling to France and living out my own Passport to Paris fantasy. I wanted to go on a subway, peer through the gates of Buckingham Palace, and see my favourite bands play live at Download Festival.

For years, it remained a dream I never acted upon.

I knew Europe wasn’t a cheap place and had the mindset that I’d never have enough money to go.

Fast forward almost a decade later, and I’ve been to Europe not once, not twice but three times.

And I didn’t have to sell everything I own or work crazy long shifts in shitty retail jobs to make it happen.

Curious about how to visit Europe on a budget?

You just need a dash of flexibility, a sprinkle of planning and a cup of frugality to get the most out of your Rands.

Here’s how to travel Europe on a budget!

Table of Contents

How to Find Cheap Flights From South Africa to Europe

When is the best time to travel to europe on a budget, fly with budget airlines, travel europe via train, use cheap bus travel in europe, save time finding the cheapest transport option, try out blabla car, use public transportation, hit the pavements, find deals on booking.com, live like a local with airbnb, become the ultimate backpacker with couchsurfing, cook your own meals, stay at a hotel or hostel that offers a free breakfast, keep an eye out for lunch specials, eat where the locals eat, eat street food, visit the cheaper european destinations, compare tourist passes, cheap things to do in europe, use atms instead of currency counters, get yourself a credit card that doesn’t charge for international withdrawals, use your credit or debit cards, travel with two cards and keep them separate, travelling europe on a budget is possible.

How To Travel Europe on a Budget: A Complete Guide | Wanderlust Movement | #budgettravel #europe #traveltips #eurotrip #europeonabudget

Have you experienced the phenomena of internally sobbing while typing in each digit and watching your bank account run dry?

You’re not alone.

Before I discovered flight comparison site Skyscanner , I thought the only way I could go to Europe was if I signed up for those ridiculously priced Contiki Tours.

Since then, I’ve picked up a few other tricks on the way that have helped me find return flights to Portugal and Italy for under R 5000.00.

How did I do it?

I’ve written an in-depth 9-step process blog post , but the main tool in my cheap flight arsenal is Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” tool.

All you need to do is enter your departing destination as “South Africa” and your arrival destination as “Everywhere”.

The search engine will then find the cheapest flights departing from South Africa. It’s an easy way to see what deals are flying around and which European destination will be the most affordable entry point.

Plus, it’s winter. So you can finally see snow!

Get ready to make those snow angels, learn the lyrics to “ Do You Want To Build a Snowman ” and develop an appreciation for thermal underwear.

The only exception during low season is the Christmas and New Year holidays. Prices do peak again especially in countries like Germany that are famous for their Christmas markets and traditions.

If you’re more of a summer child or you hate wearing layers, plan your trip to Europe between April to May or September to October.

These are Europe’s two shoulder seasons. Temperatures and prices are slightly higher for these months, but it’s still way more affordable than Europe’s popular high season.

Speaking of the high season, that’s the one you want to avoid if you’re travelling Europe on a budget. From June to August, prices skyrocket.

I’m talking R 2000+ for a one hour flight that’s typically R200-R300.

With so many people heading to Europe for summer, hotels and hostels double their prices.

I paid EUR 50 for the shittiest dorm room in Rome that’s usually less than half that price.

But if you can’t avoid travelling to Europe in the summer, then it all comes down to picking the right destination.

More about that below.

What’s the Cheapest Way to Travel Europe?

You know what’s a great feeling?

Paying R 300 for a RETURN flight between Italy and Germany.

But if you want to reap those savings, you need to book your flights in advance – especially if you’re travelling Europe during high season.

For example, that same exact flight will end up costing you around R 1,400 in July.

With so many budget airlines, flying is the best way to travel Europe on a budget. Plus, it will help you get to your next destination faster!

Read More: 3 Insanely Cheap Ways to Travel Europe in 2022

Want to explore Europe at a slower pace?

Hop on board one of the hundreds of trains that zigzag across the region!

Take a high-speed train between Amsterdam and Belgium, travel around Italy or use it as a way to see more of the countryside.

The only downside is that train travel is that it’s not the best option for transportation in Europe on a budget.

Greg and I paid EUR 100 (R1,500) for our train trip from Berlin to Amsterdam (full guide dedicated to train travel in Europe is coming soon!).

The high season definitely impacted the cost of our ticket. In fact, when I checked back a week later, the price had almost doubled.

If you want to explore multiple European countries by train, the Eurorail Pass can work in your favour. It’s valid for 28 countries and offers multiple days of travel extended over a month or two.

But it will make you poor.

Keep a look out for discounts if you’re under 26 and book your tickets well in advance to maximise your savings.

Bus travel in Europe is not for everyone – but it’s cheap.

You can travel from Munich to Nuremberg for as little as EUR 6 (R 94.00) with Flixibus, making it the best way to see Europe on a budget if you’re not on a time crunch.

I used them for my trip between Berlin and Krakow.

Eurolines is another affordable long-distance bus I used to get back to Berlin from Amsterdam.

That trip cost me EUR 25 (R 394.00).

Want to save even MORE money?

Book an overnight bus or train and save on a nights accommodation.

With so many budget flights, trains and bus companies – finding the cheapest way to travel Europe is a pain.

Unless you use Rome2Rio .

It quickly became the butter to my bread pre-trip and during my adventures around Europe.

All you need to do is pop in your departure and arrival destination, and the search engine will find the cheapest flights, train and bus fares.

Never heard of BlaBla Car ?

It’s a carpooling service in Europe that connects drivers with empty seats to people travelling the same way.

For most South Africans, that just sounds like a bad idea.

But it’s a thing in Europe and people actually get to their destination in one piece.

So when in Rome…

Select your driver based on their level of chattiness (introverts who hate small talk unite!), their music preferences, smoking or non-smoking and even if pets are in the car.

Public transport in European cities is extensive and cheap.

It’s one of my favourite things.

I don’t know what it is about subways, but I love them.

If you’re planning to use it a lot, do some research to see if there is a day pass you can buy.

Italy, Berlin and Amsterdam all had various options I used while in those countries.

It cost me EUR 7 (R 110.00) for a 24-hour pass in Rome ;
In Amsterdam, I bought a 48-hour pass for EUR 12.50 ( R197.00) and;
In Berlin, I spent EUR 2.80 ( R44.00) for a 2-hour ticket and EUR 7 ( R110.00) for a day pass.

In some countries, the day pass will include public transportation to and from the airport.

If you buy a tourist travel card, like the Berlin Welcome Card, you’ll get unlimited public transportation included in the price.

More about the tourist cards later on.

But the ultimate way to keep your transportation costs low while travelling Europe on a budget is to walk EVERYWHERE .

The good news is that a lot of European cities are terribly flat.

Factor in that a lot of the attractions around the city centres aren’t that far apart, and your Samsung Health App step count won’t know what hit it.

How to Find Budget Accommodation in Europe

Okay, so besides your flights, accommodation is going to be your biggest cost.

If you’re struggling to find hotels within in your budget, consider staying outside of the city or in a smaller town and commuting in.

Below, I’ve listed the sites I use the most while travelling on a budget in Europe.

Booking.com is by FAR my favourite accommodation site.

It has everything from low-budget hostels to swanky five-star hotels. You can filter the search results to see places that offer free breakfast or are a close distance to a particular landmark and more.

If you use the site often enough, you’ll eventually unlock their Genius tier and get discounts as well as special perks.

I stayed in an Airbnb apartment during my 3-week trip to Sicily. It had everything I needed and quickly felt like home.

Prices on Airbnb aren’t that expensive especially if you travelling with a friend. Some cities even have “hostels” where hosts have a room with multiple bed bunks.

I found one in Paris within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower, and it didn’t cost my entire salary.

So if you’re not a fan of hostels and want to blend in with the locals, browse through the listings to see what’s available for your travel dates.

Couchsurfing is the mecca for backpackers.

It’s a way to stay in a city without paying a single Euro for your board.

Yip. FREE accommodation in Europe!

All you need to do is sign up, create an account and start reaching out to hosts available during your travelling dates.

If you’re worried about safety, only stay with hosts that have been verified by Couchsurfing and have tons of positive reviews by other surfers.

I’ve couch surfed in South Africa, Turkey and kinda in Germany and the Netherlands.

One of my followers on Instagram offered to host me in Amsterdam. For Berlin, Greg’s old colleague from South Africa happened to be in town and had a spare bed.

That still counts, right?

How to Save on Food Costs in Europe

Head to the nearest supermarket, grab your favourite things and get your chef on.

It’s the cheapest way to feed yourself in Europe.

I spent EUR 20-25 ( R 315.00 – R 394.00) on groceries that lasted me the entire 3-weeks I stayed in Sicily.

And yes, the majority of my meals were some kind of pasta.

Breakfasts at hostels are usually continental.

But free food is free food, and it should keep you fuelled up until lunchtime.

If you’re staying at a more posh hostel or a hotel, your breakfast will probably include a continental with a few other things like eggs, baked beans and some meat.

If you’re travelling to Rome , save money by taking advantage of the city’s lunch specials.

For EUR 10 (R 157.00), you can get a starter, a main and your choice of beer or house wine.

With most main meals costing EUR 8 and a glass of wine usually around EUR 6-7 (R 94.00 – R110.00), it’s an excellent deal.

Stray from the well-trodden path and find restaurants that are full of locals instead of other tourists.

The prices are usually lower, and you’ll have a more authentic experience.

If you’re going to Europe on a budget, street food will make its way into your diet.

From the delicious arancini balls in Italy to Poland’s famous Maczanka sandwich – there are cheap eats for your taste buds to discover in every country.

Read More: 50+ Genius Ways To Save Money for Travel

Not all European countries are created equal.

Some like the Netherlands will evaporate all your hard-earned savings in the blink of an eye.

While your money will stretch much further in countries like Poland or Romania.

Where to travel in Europe on a budget:

Prague, Czech Republic
Gdansk, Poland
Rome, Italy
Porto, Portugal
Budapest, Hungary
Tallinn, Estonia
Transylvania, Romania
Berlin, Germany
Istanbul, Turkey
Saranda, Albania

Tourist Passes are travel cards specifically designed for, well, tourists.

The perks of buying one include:

Unlimited use of public transportation.
Free entry to specific museums or attractions in that city.
Discounts for restaurants, tours and other attractions.
Transportation to and from the airport.
Access to the city’s hop-on-hop-off bus.

If you’re only in one city for 24, 48 or 72 hours, these cards pack A LOT of value.

But before you flip open your purse and pop out your credit card, do your research to see if it’s actually WORTH the money.

If you’re a museum geek and you want to go to the museums that come with the card – it’s a no-brainer.

But when you’re travelling Europe on a budget, it might work out cheaper to skip the card and do your own thing.

That’s what I did for Rome.

Instead of getting the Roma Card, I walked everywhere, bought one 24 transport ticket and only went to the free attractions .

You don’t need to spend a hella lot of money.

There are loads of free things to do.

And that’s music to any cash-strapped South African’s ears travelling Europe on a budget.

Here are just SOME of the things you can do for mahala:

Visit museums and galleries with no entrance fee.
Check to see which day the museums are free. For, e.g. The Vatican Museums are open for free on the last Sunday of every month.
Sign up for a free walking tour.
Explore some of the ancient cathedrals and churches.
Go to a free concert. E.g. Amsterdam hosts free shows every Tuesday from September to May.
Wander past a city’s free monuments. E.g. The Trevi Fountain in Rome won’t cost you a dime and neither will that iconic selfie with the Eiffel Tower.
Head for the hills and go on a hike.
Grab your bikini and catch some rays at the beach.

Read More: How To Travel Rome on a Budget (& Still See the Top Sights!)

Managing Your Money For a Budget Trip to Europe

When you’re dealing with the terrifying exchange rate that is Rand to Euro – you need to make every last penny count.

Here are a few simple money tips to use while travelling Europe on a budget:

You’ll get a better rate of exchange. Currency counters at airports add a markup for their services that you don’t need in your life. Call up your bank before you leave South Africa, and unblock your card for international usage.

All those little fees start to add up each time you go to the ATM. If you can’t get a card that doesn’t charge, try to find one that has minimal fees or limit the number of times you withdraw cash.

Most credit and debit cards have a strong exchange rate. Try to get a card that doesn’t include fees for foreign purchases or has the lowest surcharge.

I learnt this lesson in Chiang Mai. Three days before my flight back to South Africa, an ATM ate my card, and I only had THB 2,000 to my name. I still had to buy food, pay for accommodation and transportation to the airport. Since then, I make a point to travel with two unlocked cards and keep one in my suitcase and the other in my purse.

Read More: A Magical 2-Days in Lisbon Itinerary (Including a Sintra Day Trip)

That was a monster of a post.

If you’ve made it this far down, kudos to you my friend.

I hope you’ve found it useful and you feel budget travel in Europe is possible for you!

Enjoy your trip and remember, it’s totally acceptable to eat your weight in gelato while you’re there.

Want more Europe travel inspiration? Check out my other posts:

How to Travel Rome on a Budget as a South African
Amsterdam Coffeeshops: How to Get Stoned Like a Pro
How to Get From Paris to Versailles & Plan The Perfect Day Trip
How To Visit The Vatican (A Massive Travel Guide)
How to Apply for Your Schengen Visa
16 of the Best Rand-Friendly Holidays Destinations in Europe

Did you find this post useful? Save it for later on Pinterest!

About Lauren Melnick

Lauren Melnick is the founder of Wanderlust Movement, Wander to Here and is a South Africa travel blogger. She's been travelling the world as a full-time freelance writer since 2016 and has visited over 40 countries.

When she isn't typing up a storm, you can find her conquering overnight hikes around the Western Cape, rock climbing, and hosting sold out group travel trips around South Africa, Namibia and Morocco.

Reader Interactions

July 28, 2018 at 6:31 pm

Very informative post! Great tip to take buses! Love trains, but buses are probably cheaper.

March 1, 2019 at 10:43 am

I would strongly recommend traveling through Europe on foot. Because Europe is such a densely packed continent there’s always something to explore, especially when you are hitchhiking.

Just make sure to bring a few essentials with you. Some rain gear is a good idea, though many just decide to sit out the rain. Sometimes you might not be anywhere near a hotel or inn when it’s getting dark. That’s why you should bring a small tent and sleeping bag with you.

March 7, 2019 at 9:38 am

Coming from a country like South Africa, I don’t think I would be able to wrap my head around hitchhiking and not getting murdered lol

April 12, 2019 at 4:18 pm

Hey, so I’ll be travelling around Europe and I’ve been look at Stoke Travel for accommodation. Thoughts? have you ever heard of them or stayed with before?

April 15, 2019 at 8:41 am

Hey! I’ve never heard of them before, but it does look interesting if you’re wanting to experience the music festivals and parties of Europe 🙂

February 18, 2020 at 4:14 pm

aLOVE the info. baie dankie

February 18, 2020 at 4:24 pm

Glad you found it useful 🙂

January 11, 2023 at 3:11 am

I love this blog! It’s so helpful and informative. I’m currently planning my first trip to Europe and this blog has been a huge help!

May 26, 2023 at 2:58 pm

thanks for all the infos, its very hard sometimes to travell when you dont have money :/ i also start using this app and i can highly recommend it to you 🙂 its called “ATM Fee saver” and its soo good and easy to use. its shows me atm around wiht no or low fees for withdrawing money. thats how i also save a bit of money while travelling

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Travel Europe on a Budget

The Savvy Backpacker

City Guides .\33 a132798-3f3b-4585-954d-7e70cf863447{fill:#231f20}

How to travel europe on a budget | 100+ money-saving travel tips.

My MEGA list of the best ways to save money while traveling Europe on a budget.

I’ve spent the last 10 years writing hundreds of articles helping people just like you travel Europe on a budget, so I thought it might be a good idea to list out some of my favorite money-saving travel tips.

Estimate Your Overall Travel Costs

Travel Europe On A Budget - Estimating Travel Costs

Before we jump into ways to travel Europe on a budget it’s helpful to give you an estimate on how much it actually costs to visit Europe — after all, having a baseline will help put costs into perspective.

In my experience, I’ve found that most frugal backpacker-style travelers spend around $70-$120/day in Western Europe and $40-$85/day in Eastern Europe. At this level, you can travel fairly modestly without making too many sacrifices — but you’re not going to be living it up.

If you’re on a budget but not a “backpacker” then you can expect to pay around $90-$225/day — your accommodation choice will make the biggest impact on your daily budget.

Note: These are just ballpark figures so your results will vary. Also, these don’t include transportation (i.e. train tickets, airfare, etc.). Learn more about estimating travel costs by reading my How Much It Costs To Travel Europe guide.

How To Find Cheap Flights To Europe

Travel Europe On A Budget - Cheap Airfare

Your first major travel cost will be your flights to Europe as they can cost anywhere from around $400 to $1,400+. There are dozens of factors that go into how much you’ll spend on your airfare but I’ve listed some general strategies to help you get the best price.

Online Flight Booking Resources

There are tons of online resources to help you find cheap flights but after years and years of searching I’ve narrowed it down to a few favorites:

Google Flights: I’m a huge fan of Google Flights because it allows you to search through multiple routes quickly and they do a great job of organizing the search results. My favorite feature is how you can simply put “Europe” as the destination and it will find you the cheapest destinations. Visit Google Flights
Momondo and Skyscanner: While Google does a good job of finding most flights, I’ve found that Momondo and Skyscanner can sometimes find cheap flights that don’t show up in Google’s results. Visit Momondo or Visit Skyscanner
Scott’s Cheap Flights: Finding random deals can take a ton of time so that’s why I’m a huge fan of Scott’s Cheap Flights. SCF is an email newsletter that emails multiple cheap deals every day. Most of the deals featured on in their newsletter are only available for a day or two so this is best for flexible travel dates. Visit Scott’s Cheap Flights

Book Flights Early (But Not Too Early)

In general, your flights will be the cheapest when booked a few months before departure. However, if you book too early you’ll end up paying more because the airlines figure that anyone who books 6-8 months early is dead set on those specific travel times.

On the other hand, booking last minute will also be very expensive since the airlines also assume that you’re locked into that specific travel time.

My strategy is to start looking 5-6 months early and continue monitoring prices over the next month or two. Once I find a price I’m comfortable is when I pull the trigger.

Save On Flights By Traveling Off-Season

Traveling to Europe in the summer is always going to be expensive — it’s hard to get around that. Additionally, Christmas and New Year’s can also be expensive times to fly.

My favorite time to fly is April/May or September/October because you can still score some great deals and the weather is still generally nice.

Of course, traveling during the winter will be the cheapest but then you have to deal with poor weather.

Be Flexible and Save Big

I’ve said it before but it being flexible is the absolute best way to save money on flights to Europe. Even shifting your travel date by a day can save hundreds of dollars.

Switching up your destination airport can also result in big savings.

I love flying direct but it’s usually more expensive than buying a flight that has a layover.

Pay Attention To The Costly Drawbacks Cheap Flights

Cheap flights certainly have drawbacks and many budget airlines tack on all kinds of extra fees and restrictions. It’s important to pay attention to these extra fees as they can make “cheap” flights not so cheap. Here are some things to watch out for:

Bag Fees: Many cheap tickets only allow a personal item that can fit under the seat so you have to pay for a checked and carry-on bag. Adding a bag can easily cost $50-$80 each way. Some airlines are very strict on weight limits and will charge you extra if the bags are overweight.
No Free Food/Drink: Some airlines charge extra for water, soda, and all food.
Non-Refundable: Almost all tickets are non-refundable these days and have expensive change fees.
Secondary Airports: Some cheap airlines fly into smaller airports that are further away from the city they service than the major airport. These smaller airports may not be well served by public transport so that could be an extra expense.

Fly In And Out Of Different Airports

Often flying in and out of different airports can save you time and money — for example, flying into Paris and flying home from London.

This prevents you from wasting time and money backtracking to a city you already visited so you can spend more time exploring somewhere new. It also lets you expand where you visit so you’re not stuck to a small region for the sole purpose of needing to stay near a specific airport.

Look Into Free Flights via Airlines Miles and Credit Card Offers

I’ve never been one of these travel hackers who use airline miles to earn free flights but I know it’s a very popular thing to do. It’s important to be smart about your spending because you don’t want to end up spending more money than you save on a free ticket.

How To Fly Cheaply Within Europe

Flights within Europe are way different than what many of us non-Europeans are used to. Basically, Europe has a ton of budget carriers and they also have to compete with the high-speed trains, so you can find some crazy cheap airfare — like Paris to Berlin for $50. I once flew from London to Edinburgh for $2.

The strategies for finding cheap flights within Europe are similar to how we find cheap flights to Europe:

Use A Flight Search Engine: Google Flights, Momondo, and Skyscanner are my favorite places to find the best deals on flights.
Book A Few Weeks Early: Booking last minute can be expensive you can find some excellent deals but booking a couple of weeks in advance. Conversely, booking multiple months in advance can also be expensive.
Budget airlines are often sticklers about luggage restrictions so pay attention to the size and weight limits as it’s an easy way for them to make money.
Factor In Transportation Costs: Getting to and from the airport will be an extra cost so take that into account.

How To Save Money On Travel Gear

I’m a huge fan of travel gear but it’s easy to go overboard by spending a ton of money on travel stuff. In fact, there is a good chance that you already have basically everything you need.

Saving On Big Ticket Travel Gear

Travel Backpack/Suitcase: A nice travel backpack can cost between $100-$300. Suitcases start around $50 but can easily go over $300 as well. Check with friends to see if anyone can lend you theirs. You can also buy these used on eBay for a decent price. Read more about my favorite travel backpacks .
Comfortable Shoes: You want a solid pair of shoes but there is a good chance you might already have a perfectly suitable pair. Read more about my favorite travel shoes .
Travel Clothing: There are lots of companies making clothing designed specifically for travel— i.e. quick-drying, wrinkle-resistant, odor-resistant, lightweight, etc. This stuff is nice to have but you can live without it.
High-End Camera : Lots of people spend $600-$1000+ on a new camera for their trip. A nice camera can be great if you know how to use it but I find myself using my iPhone 99% of the time. In fact, even people who are good at photography get sick of lugging around a large camera and then switch to their phone.
Laptop/iPad: Unless you absolutely need it for work, leave the laptop at home. An iPad does come in handy but I find that using your smartphone is more than enough.

More Money-Saving Packing Advice

Pack Light & Save On Checked-Bag Fees: Almost every budget airline within Europe will charge a hefty fee ($30-$60) for checking a bag so you’ll save a lot by flying with a carry-on only. However, the weight of a carry-on bag is usually limited to around 20 lbs — which can be difficult for a lot of people.
Pack Minimally and Buy As You Travel: Many people end up packing a ton of stuff they don’t need because they think they “might need it.” However, I find that it’s wiser to bring the essentials and then you can buy things while traveling.
Borrow Gear: There is a good chance that someone you know has a bunch of travel gear packed away in a closet. Ask around before shelling out a ton of cash.
Buy Used: Backpacks, cameras, guide books, electronics — all this stuff can be found at a heavy discount when bought second-hand.
See What Gear You Have: Buying new stuff for your trip to Europe can be exciting but there’s a good chance you already own plenty of things that you might need for your trip.

Additional packing resources:

Backpacking Europe Packing List
Travel Europe Packing List for Women
Europe Packing List (for any travel style)
Hostel Packing List
Ultralight Travel Packing List
Winter Packing List for Europe

Choosing When To Travel

The time of year you travel will have a major impact on your overall travel costs — notably for airfare and hotel/hostel costs.

The summer will always be the most expensive time to travel — which generally runs from June to mid-September. Finding affordable airfare during this time can be difficult. Additionally, scoring affordable accommodation is also a challenge since there are lots of people looking for a place to stay.

The absolute cheapest time to travel Europe is during the winter (not counting Christmas & New Years) since the weather is generally cold and possibly rainy. That said, you can find some truly cheap airfare — I’ve flown from NYC to Copenhagen in November for $300. Hotels, hostels, and rental apartments also drop their prices to attract travelers.

My favorite time to travel is during the shoulder season — which roughly runs from late April to early June and mid-September to late October. These times offer a great mix of enjoyable weather and reasonable prices.

Visit Cheaper Countries

Travel Europe On A Budget - Cheaper Countries and Destinations

Scandinavia and Switzerland are all very expensive so you’ll pay a premium for food, alcohol, and accommodation.

Western Europe (especially major cities like London, Paris, Amsterdam, etc.) is also expensive but you can sometimes find decent deals.

Southern Europe is a little cheaper and you can often travel affordable in cities like Rome, Barcelona, and Lisbon.

Prices get even cheaper as you move east so you can find very solid deals in Berlin, Prague, Budapest, etc. Greece also has a lot of good deals to be found.

I’ve written 30+ city price guides for many of Europe’s most visited cities to give you an idea of how much you might spend when visiting.

Here are a few of my most popular city price guides:

Amsterdam Travel Prices
Athens Travel Prices
Barcelona Travel Prices
Berlin Travel Prices
Budapest Travel Prices
Copenhagen Travel Prices
Dublin Travel Prices
Florence Travel Prices
Lisbon Travel Prices
London Travel Prices
Madrid Travel Prices
Paris Travel Prices
Prague Travel Prices
Rome Travel Prices

Plan Around Major Cultural Events

Travel Europe On A Budget - Cultural Events

Ok, this one can be a little harder to plan for but when cities host major cultural events it tends to spike accommodation rates.

For example, cities with large Christmas markets get a lot of travelers over the holidays and that raises rates. It’s the same around New Years in London, Paris, etc. because people come to party. Another example is Munich during Octoberfest as hotel rates can triple.

However, those events are predictable but there are other events like marathons, large sporting events, trade shows, local festivals, etc. that aren’t as apparent to foreign visitors. It doesn’t hurt to do a quick search as you’re planning your trip to make sure you don’t get stuck having to pay super-high rates.

Track Your Spending

If you’re on a strict budget then you’ll want to actually track your spending and review your notes often — because, let’s face it, it’s easy to lose track of how much money you’re spending.

There are various travel spending apps or you can simply write things down in a notebook as you go.

Save Money By Using ATMs and Avoiding Currency Exchange Offices

There are plenty of enjoyable ways to spend money while traveling Europe but spending money to get money from money exchange offices is never enjoyable.

The best (and cheapest) way to get money while traveling is from the ATM. In most cases, European ATMs don’t charge a fee (some airport ATMs that are attached to money exchange places will charge — those are tricky). Your own bank might charge a fee since it’s not your bank’s ATM but overall it’s the cheapest option.

Don’t bother getting cash from currency exchange offices because they charge big fees and commissions.

Similarly, don’t get a bunch of cash from your home bank before you leave because they also give you lousy exchange rates. If you’re really worried, get $100 worth of your first stop’s currency and then use ATMs after that.

Seriously, ATMs are everywhere in Europe.

Be Smart About ATM, Debit Cards & Credit Card Usage

Here is my strategy for paying for things while traveling:

ONLY use your debit card to withdraw cash from ATMs.
Use your credit card to pay whenever possible.

There are two main reasons to follow this strategy — it’s the cheapest option and it’s the safest way to use money.

Here’s the deal, card skimming (i.e. making a copy of a credit/debit card) is a very common scam in Europe — basically a waiter will take your card and scan it through a card reader that “copies” the card. The process takes a split second.

While most banks have fairly good fraud detection, if someone skims your card and then makes fraudulent charges the bank will cancel your card — which sucks if you’re traveling because getting a replacement card is nearly impossible.

So what happens if your debit card gets canceled? It means you have no way of getting cash from the ATM anymore. Furthermore, your debit card is directly connected to your checking/savings account so getting the money back is a much longer and more difficult process.

On the other hand, if you get fraudulent charges on your credit card it will still get canceled but you still have your debit card for cash from the ATM. And your credit card isn’t attached to your checking/savings account so you don’t have to worry about trying to claw back the stolen funds. In fact, I travel with two different credit cards just to be safe.

Financially speaking, there are some credit cards that don’t charge a foreign transaction fee and most use the current exchange rate so you’re not getting nickel and dimed on every purchase. Many credit cards also offer other benefits like cashback, travel insurance, travel credits, etc.

As far as getting money from ATMs, I recommend making large withdrawals so you can minimize the fees you’re paying. For example, my bank charges me around $3 per withdrawal so if I take out €300 ($325) I’m only paying about 1% in fees but if I take out €50 then I’m paying 5.5% in fees.

Skip Taxis & Use Public Transportation

Travel Europe On A Budget - Public Transportation

It seems like a no-brainer but using public transportation is much cheaper than using taxis. Most rides on public transit cost between $1-$3 so it’s hard to beat the price.

Where I get into trouble is when I feel like taking a taxi from the airport after a long flight — since I’m tired and have luggage. However, most airport taxi rides will cost €30-€70 so it’s a real budget killer when compared to the €2-€5 public transportation option.

Another thing to watch out for is taxi scams — which are most common in southern and eastern Europe. These scams can generally be avoided with Uber/Lyft but not all countries/cities allow ride-share companies.

Note: Only use taxis that are officially licensed taxis. There are plenty of “car services” that say they’re a taxi but they’re actually a private car and they can legally charge any rate they feel like.

How To Save Money on Train Tickets

Travel Europe On A Budget - Train Tickets

I’m a huge fan of train travel and the Europeans truly know what they’re doing. In fact, I’d gladly pay a little extra for the train than have to deal with the hassle of air travel. Luckily, there are many ways to save on train tickets.

Book High-Speed Trains Early

As a general rule, high-speed trains are cheapest when booked as early as possible and get gradually become more expensive as the departure date approaches. If you book last-minute you’ll pay a premium.

Local and medium-distance trains are usually priced per distance so booking early doesn’t offer any money-saving benefits.

Here are some examples of high-speed train ticket prices to show you the price difference between booking early and booking last minute. Note: I used Omio to find these train ticket prices.

Booked a few weeks before departure: €66-€100
Booked two or three days before departure: €190-€250
Booked a few weeks before departure: €99-€120
Booked two or three days before departure: €133-€145
Booked a few weeks before departure: €70-€100
Booked two or three days before departure: €135-€155
Booked a few weeks before departure: €13-€22
Booked two or three days before departure: €20-€40
Booked a few weeks before departure: €45-€70
Booked two or three days before departure: €45-€70
Booked a few weeks before departure: €25-€35
Booked two or three days before departure: €25-€35
Booked a few weeks before departure: €14-€30
Booked two or three days before departure: €20-€35

Buy a Eurail Pass

I won’t say that Eurail Passes are always a great deal but many travelers find them to be a worthwhile investment.

In my opinion, the true value of the Eurail pass is its flexibility as you can essentially jump on any train without much planning — thus you’re not paying crazy high prices for last-minute train tickets.

On the other hand, pre-booking train tickets a few weeks/months early will almost always be cheaper than using a rail pass — but you give up flexibility/spontaneity.

Look Into Railcards

Most countries have some form of railcard that gives discounts on train travel. The discount can range from 15%-30% off the ticket price.

These railcards are usually for students (under 26 years old) and seniors — but there are some cards for people under 30 as well.

Railcards are typically meant for residents of the country but anyone can usually buy them.

Ask About Youth & Student Discounts

Youth Discount Travel Europe On A Budget

Pretty much anyone under 26 is considered a “student” in Europe and there are plenty of discounts for things like museums and train tickets.

Discounts vary by country and sometimes by the mood of the person selling tickets. Some countries only give a discount if you hold a student ID from a European Union university but others will give a discount to anyone.

It doesn’t hurt to ask so always bring your student ID just in case.

Travel With Friends

I love solo travel but there are certain times when traveling with a group of friends can cut down on travel costs.

Most notably, sharing a hotel or rental apartment with one or more people cuts down the per-person cost considerably. For example, splitting a $130/night Airbnb with four people ends up costing around $33/night per person — which is cheaper than a hostel.

Rental cars can also end up being very cheap when the cost is split between multiple people.

Meals can also be cheaper when split with others — you can split portions or make a meal for the group.

Get Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a cheap investment that can save you thousands of dollars if you end up needing to use it. Trust me, you don’t want to get hit with a medical bill if you get injured overseas.

Travel insurance can also help you recover travel costs that you already paid for if your trip gets canceled/cut short and it can also help cover the cost of replacing lost/damaged luggage.

Personally, I use World Nomads as they’re geared toward budget travelers so their prices are very reasonable.

How To Save Money On Food & Alcohol

Europe On A Budget - Eating and Drinking Cheap

Ok, this is a big one because you can spend a fortune on food if you’re not careful. Luckily, if you’re flexible, there are plenty of ways to cut back drastically on your food expenses.

Research, Research, Research (Before You’re Hungry)

Here is my number one tip for saving money on food — do your research!

Whether you’re eating in restaurants or cooking your own meals, it’s super important to take the time to plan your meals.

Why? Because waiting to think about your meals until you’re hungry or as you’re “out and about” (and you’re usually in the touristy part of town that’s filled with tourist prices) is a surefire way to settle for a meal that’s too expensive or low-quality.

That’s why I always research potential places to eat so I know where I can find a quality meal at a fair price.

Shop At Farmer’s Markets and Grocery Stores

Farmer’s Markets are great for multiple reasons — they’re fun to explore, it’s a great way to experience the local culture, the food is high quality, and the prices are very fair.

Your cheapest option will be shopping at grocery stores — I also think it’s a fun cultural experience. The quality of produce isn’t as good as farmer’s markets but it’s still an excellent resource.

Plan A Group Meal

If you’re staying in a hostel that has a kitchen try getting a few people to pitch in for a group meal. This is an excellent way to make friends and save a ton of money.

Have A Picnic For The Park or City Square

A picnic in the park or city square is an unbeatable way to spend your lunch or dinner time. Even if you don’t feel like making your own picnic, you can easily find takeaway restaurants selling affordable food options.

Chow Down On Street Food And Takeaway

I love street food because it’s filling, tasty, and affordable. Each country/region has its own street food specialty — France has crêpes, Berlin has currywurst, Belgium has fries with a million types of sauce, pizza slices in Italy, and fish ‘n’ chips in the UK, so it’s a good way to try some local favorites.

Also, check out bakeries as they usually have quality sandwiches.

Local Favorites Are Usually Great Values

Do your research to find local favorite restaurants because they usually offer the best value in terms of quality and price. I’ve found that the best way to find these little gems is through local food bloggers and local food tours (they usually also have blogs on their websites).

I’ve also had a lot of luck looking on Reddit for restaurant recommendations as many locals post there and are happy to share their insider knowledge — r/Paris , r/London , r/Berlin , r/Amsterdam , r/Lisbon , r/Rome , r/Barcelona , etc.

Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern Food Are Great Deals

Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Indian, Turkish, etc. food are all delicious and is often very reasonably priced.

Save With Lunch Specials

Plenty of restaurants, especially those popular with locals, often have a fixed-price lunch specials to attract people who work in the neighborhood. This is a great time to sample the local cuisine at a discount.

The Menu Speaks Volumes

One sign that a restaurant isn’t a tourist trap is by looking at the menu. A handwritten menu usually means the ingredients are fresh.

Additionally, if the restaurant has a menu in multiple languages it often means they cater to a lot of tourists. Granted, some perfectly fine places have multi-language menus, but it’s a good rule of thumb.

Stick To Tap Water To Save

If you ask for water at a restaurant there is a good chance they’ll bring you a large bottle of water so you have to specifically ask for tap water.

Furthermore, skip the soda as well because you’ll be given a tiny expensive bottle that costs as much as a beer or wine.

Eating Inside vs Outside

Restaurants often charge a slightly higher price if you sit at their outside sidewalk tables. I love people-watching on a sidewalk cafe but if you’re trying to save a little then you’ll want to eat indoors.

Leave The Tourist Areas

Don’t get me wrong, you can find quality meals at fair prices in “touristy” parts of any European city but you’ll have to do your research. However, you’ll find much better deals by venturing out to more residential neighborhoods.

Drink At The Bar

Whether it’s alcohol or coffee, it’s often cheaper to drink standing up at the bar as opposed to at a table.

Drink Local

Every city will have its own regional beer, wine, and spirits — all of which are usually the most affordable option.

Look For Happy Hour Specials

The concept of happy hour isn’t quite as prevalent in Europe as it is in the US but it’s becoming more popular. Most bars will advertise these deals on their windows.

Local and Student Bars

Most bars in the center of the city are more geared towards tourists so the prices tend to be higher. Seek out places near universities or smaller local joints for better prices.

Buy Drinks From The Grocery Store (And Drink In Public)

Most European cities are very lax when it comes to drinking in public parks and squares as long as you’re not causing a scene. So head to the grocery store to pick up a perfectly fine $8 bottle of wine or some cheap beers and enjoy yourself!

Don’t Overtip

Tipping comes automatically to Americans but many European waiters are paid competitive wages so tipping isn’t expected or you might only add a little extra to the bill (but certainly not 15%-20%). Additionally, some restaurants automatically add a tip so pay attention. Each country has its own customs so do a little research first.

How To Save Money On Accommodation

In many cases, your largest overall expense will be your accommodation but there are plenty of budget tips that can save you quite a bit of money.

You’ll Pay For the Location

The joy of visiting Europe is exploring its old cities so you’ll pay a premium if you want to stay in the center of it all — especially with hotels. And even within the city the prices will vary greatly based on neighborhoods.

I’ll be honest, staying way outside the city can take away some of the “magic” of Europe but it’s a great way to save a lot of money.

Stay In A Hostel

Hostels are one of the cheapest accommodation options in Europe and every city will have multiple different hostels that cater to just about every travel style. In fact, there is a recent trend toward “boutique” hostels that have many of the same amenities you’d find in a hotel (but they are a bit more expensive).

Most hostels start around $20-$50/night for the cheapest dorm bed option but private rooms can range from $60-$120/night.

To learn more about hostels, check out my guide to hostels in Europe and my recommended hostels in many of Europe’s top cities:

Best Hostels in Amsterdam
Best Hostels in Barcelona
Best Hostels in Berlin
Best Hostels in Brussels
Best Hostels in Budapest
Best Hostels in Copenhagen
Best Hostels in Dublin
Best Hostels in Edinburgh
Best Hostels in Florence
Best Hostels in Lisbon
Best Hostels in London
Best Hostels in Madrid
Best Hostels in Milan
Best Hostels in Munich
Best Hostels in Nice
Best Hostels in Paris
Best Hostels in Prague
Best Hostels in Reykjavik
Best Hostels in Rome
Best Hostels in Venice
Best Hostels in Vienna

Try Booking Directly

You can sometimes get a better price on your hotel by booking directly with the property since booking websites like Hotels.com, Booking.com, etc. charge the hotel a hefty fee.

However, I haven’t always found that hotels are willing to lower their prices but sometimes they’ll throw in a free breakfast or other perks for booking direct.

Seek Out Independent Hotels Not Listed On The Booking Sites

As mentioned previously, there are still some independent hotels that don’t list themselves on booking websites since those websites take a large cut of the booking. Naturally, these hotels are a little harder to find but the extra work can save you a decent amount of money.

Bed and Breakfast Offer Great Value

Many people forget about B&Bs but they’re a great way to get a comfortable place to sleep while also getting a little closer to the local culture.

Start Looking Early

There are some good deals to be found but it’s easier to find deals if you start looking early.

Rent an Airbnb/Apartment

Rental apartments can be an excellent way to save big — especially if you’re traveling with a group. Rental apartments also come with a kitchen so you can save more by cooking a few of your own meals. Click here to save $30 off your first Airbnb stay .

Rent A Room

People often don’t realize that Airbnb lets you rent a room in someone’s apartment and this is another great way to save a lot of money. Additionally, Airbnb hosts who rent rooms are often happy to share their favorite local restaurants and sights. Click here to save $30 off your first Airbnb stay .

Check Weekend Rates

Hotels and hostels often raise their prices significantly on Friday and Saturday so that’s something to consider when booking and comparing prices.

Pay Attention to Extra Fees

The price you see when looking at hotel prices can sometimes be misleading as they’ll tack on extra fees when you go to book your hotel — and these extra fees can be significant.

Try Couchsurfing

The ultimate way to save on accommodation is by not paying anything — which is why Couchsurfing has become so popular. There are plenty of obvious downsides to Couchsurfing but a lot of people love it and it’s an excellent way to experience a different side of the local culture.

Become A Housesitter

If you’re going to be in one location for an extended amount of time then you might consider becoming a housesitter. The most popular website is Trusted Housesitters . It’s essentially a service that matches up people who need someone to watch their house while they’re away — usually to take care of their pets.

Popular locations have a lot of competition so you might need to do a few housesits in less popular spots to build up your reputation.

Focus On A Region or Visit Fewer Places

I know I’m guilty of this but many people who visit Europe want to jam their itinerary with multiple cities — after all, it’s so hard to choose where to visit.

However, moving around a lot can get expensive. First, there’s the extra transportation expense (trains, planes, etc.) and then you’re also losing time.

Next, some hotels and rental apartments will give you a slight discount if you book for a week and an even bigger discount if you book for longer.

Focusing on a small region also gives you more time to explore the area and to get to know it better — which I feel ends up being a much more rewarding trip.

How To Save Money On Sightseeing

You visit Europe for the sights but that doesn’t mean you need to spend all your hard-earned money seeing everything! Here are some money-saving tips:

Invest In A Guidebook

Despite their drawbacks, I still think guidebooks are an excellent resource for travel information and they can help you get the most value out of your trip. If nothing else, guidebooks help you make the most of your trip so you don’t waste your precious vacation time.

Both Lonely Planet and Rick Steves guidebooks are geared toward independent, budget travel but Lonely Planet is a little more focused on a younger demographic.

Visit The Tourism Office

Every city will have a tourism office and in many cases, they’ll have resources like free city maps and free wifi. They can also be a good resource about fun local things that are going on in town

City Passes and Sightseeing Cards

Most cities have some form of tourism card that gives you access to museums, cultural sites, and other touristy attractions. These cards can actually end up saving you a lot of money but other passes end up either being a waste of money — it really depends on your travel style.

When evaluating a city pass, it’s important to look carefully at what the pass includes and if those things actually look interesting to you.

Here are the general guidelines for how I evaluate the value of sightseeing passes:

What It Covers: Many passes are loaded with tacky things like wax museums but skimp on cultural attractions (i.e. museums, etc.). So study the pass to see if you actually want to visit the attractions it covers.
Pass Utilization: Sure, you can save a lot of money if you visit 5 different things in a day but that’s no way to travel — I try to limit myself to one or maybe two museums in a day, and then I might do another non-museum attraction. Trying to see too much is a surefire way to get burnt out.
Cost Without The Pass: Most passes cover two or three “big ticket” attractions so the pass is rarely worth it if you don’t do those. The passes also tend to cover a lot of “cheaper” attractions that might only cost $5-$10/ticket so you’ll have to visit multiple sights to get your value’s worth.

In cases you’re interested, I’ve already written reviews of multiple city passes:

London Pass Review
Paris Pass Review
Go Berlin City Pass Review
Rome & Vatican Pass Review and the Go Rome Pass Review
Vienna Pass Review
Dublin Pass Review
Stockholm Pass Review
Go Barcelona City Pass Review
New York City Pass Review
Go Madrid City Pass Review
Amsterdam Pass
Gothenburg Pass
Helsinki Pass

Free Museum Days

Most cities in Europe have one day a month when all the museums are free. For example, museums in France are free on the first Sunday of the month and many attractions in Italy are also free on the first Sunday.

Some individual museums have weekly free days or they’re free after a certain time of day.

Note: Free days/times at museums attract a huge crowd so expect it to be a little more crazy than normal.

Take Free Walking Tours

Nearly every city in Europe has free (aka pay-what-you-wish) walking tours and they’re an excellent way to see a new city while also learning a bit about its history.

Mix In Free Attractions With Paid Attractions

I like to pad my sightseeing with free things like parks, monuments, or simply exploring a neighborhood. These activities also force you to slow down a bit so you’re not rushing from attraction to attraction.

Enjoy A Leisurely Drink At A Sidewalk Cafe

While you’ll probably pay a premium for a beer or glass of wine at a sidewalk cafe, it still makes an excellent way to spend an hour or so relaxing and people-watching.

Search For “Free Things To Do In X”

A good guidebook will tell you about free attractions but there are often free concerts, events, shows, galleries, etc. happening on any given day. That’s why I always do a quick search for free things before arriving to see if anything looks interesting.

Pre-book Your Museum Tickets

Ok, pre-booking your museum tickets online won’t really save you any money but it can save you from spending hours waiting in line — and time is money, right?

In fact, some cultural sights require everyone to pre-book tickets but they split the available tickets between normal visitors and tour groups. Therefore, once the normal tickets are sold out, you’re forced to take a more expensive tour if you want to visit.

Walk or Bike When Possible

Europe Travel On A Budget - Walking and Biking

Exploring a city on foot or with a cheap rental bike is not only a great way to save money but it’s an excellent way to get to know a city.

For example, I love the Paris metro. However, if I can walk to my destination in 30-45 minutes I’d rather do that and see the amazing city than using the subway where I see nothing. And then you can spend the €2 you would have spent on a ticket at the bakery instead — win-win!

Many European cities now have free/cheap bike rental stations and this is another fun way to experience a city.

Rent A Car (For Group Travel)

Travel Europe On A Budget - Driving and Rental Cars

I’m not a huge fan of driving in Europe because it’s expensive (gas, tolls, insurance, parking, etc.) but if you’re in a group of 3-4 people a car can actually be a very affordable way to get from point A to point B.

That said, driving in any European city is a nightmare so I recommend parking outside the city if you’re driving.

I’ve used AutoEurope in the past to book my rental car because they search multiple car rental companies. Read my guide to renting a car in Europe for more tips.

Travel Europe By Bus

The cheapest way to travel around Europe is by bus and it actually has a very extensive long-distance bus network. Granted, the bus will be much slower than the trains since trains travel 2-3x faster and there is no traffic, but it will be cheaper.

Many of these long-distance bus companies will have random deals with super cheap advance fare tickets that are as cheap as €5. You can search for bus fares/routes on Omio .

Another possible way to travel around Europe cheaply is via carpooling with people who are already making the same trip. The most popular service is BlaBlaCar (it’s basically Airbnb for ridesharing) and they make matching up drivers and riders easy.

Avoid Tourist Scams

Travel Europe On A Budget - Tourist Scams

It’s one thing to spend too much money while traveling but getting scammed is another.

Let me start by saying that the chance of getting scammed or pickpocketed in Europe is low but it’s smart to know what scams are out there. Here is a list of Travel Scams in Europe but below are the most common:

Pickpockets

Any city that attracts a lot of tourists will have pickpockets — which is why Europe has gained the reputation of a pickpocket hotspot. Here are some things to pay attention to:

Beware Of Crowds: Busy streets, subway cars, buses, trains, and places with a lot of tourists are where pickpockets strike.
Smartphones Attract Thieves: Thieves love smartphones because they’re easy to steal and easier to sell. One of the most common places phones are stolen are off tables at sidewalk cafes.
Lock Your Zippers: You can get little luggage locks for your bag’s zippers and this is enough to stop a pickpocket.
Beware of Distractions: Most pickpockets work in teams. One person distracts you with a map or something similar, and the other person swipes your stuff. Groups of little kids are often used as distractions.
Watch Your Wallet: Keeping your wallet in your back pocket is a pickpocket’s dream so keep it in your front pocket.
Money Belt: Money belts are a popular way to hide valuables under your clothing.

Credit Card Skimming

I covered this earlier but credit card skimming (aka cloning) is very popular in tourist areas. The best way to prevent skimming is to not let people take your card out of sight and to check ATMs to ensure they haven’t been tampered with.

Some cities/countries have a well-earned reputation for taxi scams. Do your research on normal taxi prices and common scams to keep yourself informed — and don’t be afraid of speaking up if you feel like you’re being scammed.

Research Your Phone’s International Data Plan

Travel Europe on a budget - International data plans

Don’t return home from your trip to Europe to find a huge phone bill. Spend some time researching if you can use your smartphone’s data plan. Some plans give you free data in Europe and some let you pay extra to get high-speed data while abroad.

You also have the option to buy a new SIM card while in Europe — which is often the cheapest option but it’s a bit of a hassle.

Hit Up The Dating Apps

One way to experience a city like a local is by meeting up with a local — which is why many travelers are logging into their dating apps as they travel.

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Europe travel tips

How to travel Europe on a backpacker's budget

Dreaming of a Europe trip? Here's my top tips for navigating the incredible continent of Europe, all while on a backpacker budget!

Gabrielle Budget Travel With Gabby

Sep 22, 2023

Europe can be an intimidating area of the world for travelers to tackle .

With so many different countries jammed side by side, each with its own distinct language, culture, and way of life, it's hard to know the best way to travel through this fascinating continent .

The truth is, there is no "best" way to travel through Europe . Every country has its own set of unique traits, and every single one is worth visiting .

You can spend months and months in just one country, fully immersing in the culture and exploring different areas. You can embark on a grand tour, whizzing through tons of different nations while absorbing a little bit of each culture.

No matter how you choose to travel in Europe, it is always possible to do so on a budget . Young, eager travelers with limited funds can easily navigate this maze of countries without draining their bank accounts.

In order to keep your spending while abroad in Europe under control, follow a few steps before your trip as well as on the road .

Here are my top tips on how to save money when traveling to Europe and enjoy an epic European adventure while on a backpacker budget .

Also, don't miss out these tips on the cheapest way to get to Europe (and travel around) .

How to travel Europe on a budget

Infographic: how to travel Europe on a backpacker's budget

Before your trip

1. save, save, save.

If you are planning a trip through Europe , try and save as much money as possible before you leave your country.

Having a solid savings account will make you feel more comfortable while traveling, especially if you don't plan on working abroad. Always plan to have enough spending money, and maybe some extra emergency money in case something goes wrong.

Whether you need to work some extra shifts or cut down on spending at home, you'll be happy you made these financial choices once you make it overseas.

How to travel Europe on a backpacker's budget: Prague, Czech Republic

2. Pick the right travel time

Once you've saved enough money and begin sorting out the logistics of your travel to Europe , consider when is the best time to go. There’s a few factors that influence when you should visit Europe .

For budget travelers, cost is probably the most important factor. If you want to save money when traveling to Europe, be sure to travel during the off season, meaning the slowest months in terms of tourism.

The summer months are usually the busiest times in Europe because of the favorable weather, so flights will be very expensive during June, July, and August. The cheapest flights to Europe will be in December, January and February , as these winter months are colder and less desirable to tourists.

If you want a pleasant mix of affordable flights and decent weather , travel during the "shoulder season", meaning spring or autumn, the months caught in-between peak season and off season.

Obviously, traveling during the winter is not as comfortable as traveling during the summer. So it just depends which factor is more important to you. If you really want to save money, buy a winter coat and brave the cold. With a positive attitude, Europe is still gorgeous during off season, so don't let the weather prevent you from going .

Many countries become almost magical in the wintertime anyways. Think of skiing in the Alps, visiting Christmas markets in Germany, Austria, or Denmark, dog-sledding in Scandinavia, or visiting snowy villages in Transylvania. There is truly never a bad time to travel Europe, so research the flights that fit your budget best and make the most of your time .

How to travel Europe on a backpacker's budget: Amsterdam, Netherlands

3. Research The Cheapest Ways To Travel Around Europe

Getting To Europe

With a little bit of web-surfing and research, you can easily find incredibly cheap flights to Europe .

Check Skyscanner for the most affordable options . With this website, you can select your departure airport, then select "cheapest month", as well as set the destination airport to "anywhere." This allows you to browse which dates and which airports will be the best for your budget .

If you're flying into a specific city, sometimes it's cheaper to enter Europe through a busy international airport , like London or Paris, and then take a connecting flight to your destination.

Just be flexible and open-minded when planning flights . With a bit of creativity, you'd be surprised at how cheap you can fly into Europe.

Within Europe

Once you buy your flights to Europe, start thinking about how you want to travel from country to country once you arrive .

You don't necessarily need to plan all your transportation ahead of time, but it helps to do a bit of research beforehand if you plan on visiting lots of different countries.

Many people think that taking trains all over Europe is very cheap, but that's often not the case. Whenever you plan on moving to a new destination, consider all transport options .

Sometimes it's even cheaper to fly between countries than it is to take a train .

Europe is packed with cheap, budget airlines, like RyanAir , EasyJet , and Norwegian . Budget airlines often charge lots of money for baggage, however, since their flight prices are so low. So these airlines are best if you are only traveling with a carry-on .

But sometimes, you can find flights for under $10 USD , which is truly amazing.

Traveling by bus is another cheap option for traveling Europe .

FlixBus , MegaBus , and OuiBus are three reliable and affordable bus companies that travel to various destinations. For example, you can take MegaBus from London to Amsterdam or Brussels for only $20 USD, and OuiBus from London to Paris for a similar price.

The only downside of bus travel is that it takes longer than a train or plane. But if you have the time to spare, bus travel is often one of the cheapest options .

Train travel is incredibly popular in Europe, though its affordability differs from country to country .

In the UK and western Europe, trains tend to be much more expensive than buses. But in eastern and southern Europe, trains can actually be very cheap.

You just need to research the train prices for each individual country, and websites like Omio (formerly GoEuro) and Rome2Rio are great for this. These sites compare train, bus, and flight prices between two destinations, so you can pick which option is the cheapest .

Another great resource is Trainline , Europe's leading train and coach app. Trainline works with 207 rail and coach companies and offers services to thousands of destinations in and across 45 countries in Europe. Trainline's aim is to bring together all rail, coach and other travel services into one experience so people can get the best prices and smart, real time travel info on the go.

Just be sure to consider all your travel options before hopping around Europe, and your wallet will thank you.

How to travel Europe on a backpacker's budget: Greece

During your trip

1. eat and drink with care to save money on food in europe.

Cook When Possible

Buying food and drinks is one of the biggest expenses while traveling. In Europe, with so many world-famous cuisines and wines and beers right at your fingertips, you must indulge in it all .

But you can do so carefully to avoid draining your funds too quickly. Start by shopping at the local food market, which almost every city in Europe has . Here you can find fresh produce for cooking and unique local goods, usually for decent prices. Try and cook more often than eating out, as you'll save so much money on food.

Eat like the locals

If you do dine out, stay away from the overpriced, touristy restaurants where the food is more generic. For higher quality, more traditional dishes than are most likely more affordable, so seek out authentic local restaurants .

These places will usually be hidden away, far from crowded tourist attractions and without a flashy sign out front. Ask locals where their favorite restaurant is, and you will certainly find a hidden gem for dinner .

Drink like the locals

A similar logic applies when drinking.

Try to buy alcohol at the liquor store, rather than buying individual drinks at a bar. You'll save tons of money, and you can still find local drink choices at the store. If you decide to splurge on drinks on a night out, drink what the locals drink . In Italy, Spain, and France, choose the local wine . In Germany, Czech Republic, or Belgium, try the favorite local beer .

Try Brennevin in Iceland, Vodka in Poland, Port in Portugal, Rakija in Croatia and Serbia. Just do as the locals do! The traditional alcohols are not only an insight to the culture, they are usually cheaper since there is a higher demand for them.

2. Walk whenever possible

If your destination is close enough to walk to, always walk . You get good exercise, you have more time to soak in the details of the world around you, and you don't need to spend any money.

Exploring a foreign city on foot is magical , though if you do need to pay for travel, try and take public transport rather than a taxi. Riding the local bus or tram is always cheaper than a taxi , and you can still interact with locals while you travel.

How to travel Europe on a backpacker's budget: Cinque Terre, Italy

3. Choose cheap or free attractions

Touristy cities are full of attractions that cost money, sometimes too much money. Don't feel like you have to participate in every activity your guidebook recommends.

If an attraction genuinely sparks interest in you, definitely do it and know your money will be worth it. But don't pay to enter a museum or a gallery just because you feel like you should.

Always look up "Free Things To Do In..." to get some ideas on what to do for little money in a foreign country . Many cities have beautiful parks that are free to roam and picnic in. Many cities also offer free walking tours , and you should definitely take advantage of these. Check out Curiously Erin to learn more about the best free walking tours in Europe .

Locals usually run them, and you can learn just as much about the history and lifestyle of a city as you would in a museum. Also, if you have a student ID card, always carry it with you . Lots of attractions have student discounts , so you don't want to miss out on that.

Certain cities have their own cheap deals that benefit the wallets of travelers.

For example, every public museum is free in London , which is great considering London is an overall expensive city. So you can save plenty of money while learning about the history, art, and culture of London.

Also in lots of Italian cities, many famous attractions are free on the first Sunday of every month . This means you can visit the Colosseum and Roman Forum in Rome, or the Uffizi Gallery or Michaelangelo’s David in Florence, completely for free.

You just have to do a bit of research on the cities you are visiting and you may find some surprisingly cheap things to do while traveling Europe .

And of course, there are so many natural attractions that are totally free, like the best beaches in Europe and the best European destinations for nature lovers .

4. Research budget accommodation

Another one of the biggest expenses while traveling is accommodation.

As tempting as it can be to stay in a luxury hotel, staying in a hostel is much more cost-efficient. Europe is packed with budget hostels that cater towards backpackers . You can find hostel dorm rooms for around $15 — $30 USD a night, and in cheaper cities in Eastern Europe hostels can cost under $10 a night.

Check HostelWorld and read the reviews for every hostel so you can see what other backpackers think of the place. Hostels are often centrally located, and they usually have comfy common areas where you can socialize with other travelers.

Couchsurfing

You can also try Couchsurfing to save even more money on accommodation . This online platform allows locals to offer their couches or spare beds to travelers for free. Again, always read reviews before agreeing to stay somewhere, and never stay somewhere that you don't feel comfortable.

Work Exchange

Another great way to save money on a place to sleep is to work in exchange for free accommodation with Worldpackers .

Many hostels, farms, and small local businesses will employ travelers to work for a few weeks, and in return they offer a free bed and sometimes free meals as well. A work exchange is a great way to immerse yourself in local culture , explore the area and build relationships with locals while saving money.

You can always browse Worldpackers hosts to find places that offer these types of work exchanges, and trust me, the Worldpackers opportunities in Europe are outstanding.

How to travel Europe on a backpacker's budget: Begium

5. Visit more affordable European destinations

The cost of living in Europe varies in every direction, so be sure to research your destinations to ensure they fit your budget .

Generally speaking, things are more expensive as you move north or west. Scandinavia is notoriously expensive for food, accommodation, and attractions, as are cities like London and Paris. However, Portugal is cheaper than most of its western neighbors, and of course you can find budget options in some of these more expensive places .

But once you move towards the southeast, everything becomes more affordable. A beer in the Czech Republic can cost about $1 USD. A hostel in Croatia can cost $6 USD a night, and a full meal in Romania can cost about $5 USD. If you want to explore on the cheap, south-eastern Europe is definitely the most affordable area to be in .

The beautiful thing about Europe is that the destinations are seemingly endless . Within every area of the continent is a cluster of countries with unique landscapes and cultures . Within every country lies many cities and villages just waiting to be explored.

Some places in Europe get more attention than others, but don't let this stop you from venturing to the lesser-known countries and cities.

Of course the popular cities, like Barcelona, Paris , Prague, Athens, Budapest, Lisbon, Madrid, and Venice are stunning and are definitely worth visiting. But there are plenty of other cities that offer similar experiences and charm, with less tourists. And the farther away from the touristy spots you go, the more affordable everything becomes .

Try visiting Warsaw, Poland for a quaint Old Town full of history. Visit Riga, Latvia for amazing architecture and Sofia, Bulgaria for hearty food and friendly locals, and explore the mountains of Albania - one of Europe's hidden gems . Venture away from the cities to the hidden small towns of Portugal, Spain, and Italy to find authentic local traditions.

Europe is quite literally, packed to the brim with gorgeous places and amazing experiences waiting to happen.

Always travel with an open mind, and don’t let money interfere with any of your travel goals .

By following these tips, being prepared, and traveling intelligently, any country in Europe can be budget-friendly .

This article might interest you:

How to backback Europe: all you need to know

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Gabrielle Boucher

Budget Travel With Gabby

Hello! I am a 25 year old from the USA with a knack for traveling on a budget. I fell in love with traveling while studying in Europe, and that love grew even more when I started volunteering abroad in South America. Since then, I've worked odd jobs and volunteered all over the globe while cultivating passions for hiking, wildlife photography, food, wine, animals, permaculture, and more!

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Home » Budget Travel » How to Travel Europe Cheaply: Get Around on a Budget in 2024

How to Travel Europe Cheaply: Get Around on a Budget in 2024

The most important step to becoming a badass broke budgeteer: learn the wicked ways of the low-cost lifestyle. Meaning, HOW exactly to travel on the cheap-o.

And there’s no better way to get used to budget backpacking than learning how to travel Europe cheaply .

Europe is a great teacher in the ways of penny-pinching. Compared to other popular backpacker digs like Southeast Asia and South America, Europe is expensive as hell. You’re usually only one careless “treat yo’ self” away from backpacker bankruptcy. Everything has a cost: even using a public bathroom!

That means you have to be wise and wily with the way you spend your dollars.

Luckily, there are many ways to slash your astronomical Europe budget down to shreds and have a grand old time traipsing across the old continent, while spending relative pennies!

Transport is easily one of the biggest expenses on your trip. So, today I’m teaching you, dear young padawans, the ins and outs of travelling around Europe on the cheap.

On the cheap – and even, believe it or not, FOR FREE.

10 Ways to Get Around Europe on the Cheap

No money no problem.

Learning how to travel Europe on a budget comes down to a few tricks: cook your own food, stay in hostels or couchsurf, and take advantage of free things to do (each European country has heaps!).

However, when you’re trying not to break the bank, transportation may often be your Achilles’ heel, your downfall, and your sweetest enemy. Here are the best ways to travel Europe on a budget.

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1. Catch a Cheap Bus

Taking the bus is probably the cheapest way to travel around Europe. It’s easy to find budget options all over Europe – even for long distances.

One of the most popular options for cheap bus travel is Flixbus . It’s an operator so efficient, it is quickly swallowing up other smaller national low-cost bus operators all over Europe.

Flixbus has probably the most extensive options: over 2,500 destinations across 35 countries (even Turkey!).

And my dude, just wait till you see their prices. They’re staggeringly low! I once took a 14-hour bus ride across the entire northern Spain to France for just $30.

Other great options are Eurolines (everywhere), Megabus (the UK), and Lux Express (the Baltics). Many countries also have their own low-cost buses mostly operating nationally, like Polskibus in Poland and Onnibus in Finland.

You can always find deals, but your best bet on dirt-cheap tickets is to book early. There is a limited amount of the cheapest discount tickets for each route.

Bonus tip: Take the word of a seasoned backpacker when I say that night buses SUCK. However, they save you a night’s accommodation cost. Plus, they make sure you’re not wasting precious daylight hours on travel time if you’re only travelling for a short time.

EDITOR’S NOTE!!!

Bookaway is another supreme service that we strongly recommend for booking routes and rides across Europe. HOWEVER, their service isn’t available in all European nations. Your best bet is to check out both services, compare prices and services available, and choose the best (and cheapest) for you!

2. Get Railed with a Train Pass

Travel around Europe by train , also known as interrailing, is a super popular way of backpacking across Europe.

Few other places have a similar opportunity for train travel. Europe has very extensive rail networks, and usually, its trains are clean, fast, and comfortable. (At least in Western Europe – who the hell knows what’s up with the Communist-era clunks clanking around post-Iron Curtain countries.)

In Western Europe though, rail travel gets EXPENSIVE. It’s not out of the question to have to splash $60 for a simple cross-country ticket. That’s why a lot of broke train travellers get a rail pass that lets them get serious discounts on their journeys.

Using a rail pass does come with a bit of planning. Usually, they’re restricted to a certain region or cluster of countries, and their prices depend on which countries you want to check out. (More expensive countries have more expensive rail passes.)

They also come with conditions. You can only have a certain amount of travel days within a time frame. (E.g. 10 travel days in two months.) That means that you can use the pass for unlimited free travel for 10 days over a period of two months.

Getting a rail pass is not worth it everywhere in Europe. If you mainly plan to hop to countries that are not covered by the rail pass, or that don’t have great rail networks, you can get by fine without one.

Also when you’re adventuring somewhere like Eastern Europe and the Balkans, the few train options you have are already cheap. That might mean overspending by getting a pass.

However, if you plan to check out places like France, Germany, and Austria, a rail pass is a great addition to your Europe packing list . And it saves you a lot!

3. Catch Flights, Not Feelings

Listen, no other place does low-cost flying quite as well as Europe. The prices for low-budget airlines can be absolutely RIDICULOUS. Route prices start at around $8 – no kidding. When I still lived in Finland, a return flight between my city and London was half the price of a one-way train to my hometown!

So, low-cost airlines are definitely worth checking out if your plans include hopping between countries on different sides of Europe.

Some of the most popular low-budget airlines in Europe are:

There is an art to finding cheap flights . But you’ll get a hang of it quickly. My favourite sites for finding and comparing flight prices are Skyscanner and Momondo.

I highly recommend checking airlines’ own websites around holidays as well. Around Christmas and Black Friday, you can find huge discounts.

Sadly, there is no such thing as an almost-free lunch. Low-fare airlines make their money through extortionate extra fees. Everything costs – from meals onboard to even printing your boarding pass at the airport. Checked baggage can cost $30+, and some charge extra for “big” cabin luggage as well.

4. Share a Ride with a Merry Stranger

Travelling solo? So are many others! Cut costs and maybe make a friend on your intercity travels.

When you think of rideshare apps, you probably think of Uber. Taxi apps are dope for getting around cities in Europe on the cheap for sure.

Mostly getting a cab through an app is cheaper than on the street. Uber operates in many European countries, plus there are tons of smaller operators in different countries and regions.

So, rideshare apps are cool beans in cities. What about between cities?

Europe also has platforms that allow private people to publicly post their upcoming trips. They post that they’re going to Marseille, you get in touch, and ka-ching ! You’ve got a cheap-ass ride to another town. Note that this is not digital hitchhiking; you’ll have to split travel costs with the driver and other passengers.

The absolute best platform for long-distance rideshares is BlaBlaCar . I found it the best cheap way to travel around Spain and France, but it’s also available in 16 other countries in Europe. BlaBlaCar doesn’t actually have any of its own cars; it’s just a platform connecting drivers and passengers.

If BlaBlaCar doesn’t tickle your fancy, it’s always possible to find rideshares and carpooling through other ways as well. Try posting a note on your hostel’s info board, or find a rideshare group on Facebook for the country that you’re in.

5. Go Drive Yourself

Living the vanlife in Europe is many backpackers’ dream. And it can easily be one of the cheapest ways to travel Europe if you’re exploring countries like Switzerland or Norway.

My motorbike-loving friends won’t stop raving about how great it is to ride your bike down the wide-open highways across Europe. (Somewhere in the distance, Born to Be Wild starts playing…)

Plus, driving yourself gives you the greatest flexibility to stop at cute roadside towns. You can come and go as you please without being held behind by such measly human inventions as – pssht – bus schedules. Bonus points if you camp along the way to cut costs even more.

If you’re planning on a self-directed adventure, there are a few things to consider before launching off:

You’ll either need an international driver’s licence or an EU licence
Taking rental cars over the country border is usually not allowed . So they’re best for single-country stretches. You also have to return them to the same office where you picked them up or pay an abysmal extra fee.
Toll fees stack up! Set up your GPS to avoid toll roads. (But make sure that it doesn’t direct you to completely stupid roads – speaking from experience…)

In the end, you might do campervanning or motorbiking more for the experience than the price. You’re not only paying for the car; petrol, parking, and insurance fees rack up.

While rentals can be very cheap, they can also be very, very expensive. $20 a day in Greece is not too bad if you can split that with a travel buddy. But paying $50 a day in Madeira by yourself is gonna make even the toughest traveller cry bitter tears. So if you’re gonna live the vanlife across Europe, find a smart purchase or rental (not cheap – cheap cars don’t last), and get good at the van-bum life: it’s a good life. 🙂

6. Thumbs up, Everybody

You might’ve thought you dreamed it but there IS a legit way to travel Europe for free. That way is called hitchhiking ! Is this the cheapest way to see Europe? Potentially definitely.

Hitchhiking has long been one of my favourite ways of adventuring. And the scene is especially boomin’ and bloomin’ in Europe.

It’s not for everybody: you gotta be at least a bit of a social butterfly to keep your gracious rides entertained with small talk (and big talk, if it comes to that).

This becomes especially fun when you don’t speak the same language. But let me tell you, it’s surprising how much you can find out about someone’s family, hobbies, and life just through a few universal words and body language.

And sure, hitchhiking is not completely without its risks, either. I’ve done lots of kilometres in strangers’ cars as a solo female traveller . While 95% of the people who pick you up are just simply kind human beans, I’ve had a few creepy encounters as well.

The best countries to pick up lifts are in Central and Eastern Europe. The worst luck I’ve ever had has been in Spain and Germany – basically Western countries with a lot of motorways that are unsuitable for stopping for thumb-riders.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

7. Compare, Compare, Compare!

No one ever said budget travel in Europe was easy. Counting pennies comes with a lot of time spent crouching over your phone screen, figuring out the routes that are going to save you the maximum amount of time and money. Trip planning takes effort.

Sometimes booking through the airline’s or railway’s own website is the cheapest option; sometimes the best deals are found on third-party websites. Occasionally, a train can actually be a lot cheaper than a bus.

Sometimes – and this is a secret most hardcore shoestring sailors won’t tell you – it’s just simply better to choose the more expensive option, for the sake of pure convenience and your sanity.

Rome2Rio is a great planning tool when you’re trying to find routes from city to city and can give you approximate prices on both buses and trains. But you have to book tickets on the sites of the operators themselves. Omio (former GoEuro) shows you comparisons between train, bus, and air travel, but doesn’t actually show all available tickets from low-cost operators.

8. Take a Hike, Buddy

When you’re thinking about how to travel around Europe cheaply, long-distance hiking is actually a very viable option. If you can find a free camping spot, all you end up paying for is your food.

Obviously, it’s hard to cover long distances on foot. It IS slow as hell, but it is one of the most rewarding ways to travel I’ve ever tried.

Europe is a hikers’ wonderland. Long, well-established trails can be found almost in all countries, and many long-distance trails stretch over borders as well. Long-distance hiking might be an option for you if you’re already reasonably fit, you’re prepped for hiking abroad , and can carry all your stuff in one bag.

I’ve walked the famous Camino de Santiago across Northern Spain. While it did take over a month, it was a fantastic way to get a more detailed look into the life on the Spanish Northern Coast.

I’ve also hiked long stretches of Via Dinarica, a long-distance hiking trail going from Slovenia to Kosovo, and can vouch for it being one of the BEST ways to experience the Balkans .

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

9. Wheels Away

Are you a fan of the Queen song Bicycle Race? Then you’re probably a biking enthusiast.

Travelling long distances on a bicycle, AKA bikepacking, is becoming more and more popular in Europe. In general, Europeans LOVE biking which means that most cities are pretty bicycle-friendly.

Covering large-ish distances on a bike is not a superhuman feat either. You’ll likely encounter other adventurous cyclists around Europe too.

Some of the best destinations for bikepackers in Europe include Denmark, the Netherlands, France, and the UK. You can combine your biking adventures with camping to cut costs even more. Just make sure all your stuff fits in the bike bags, that you have a good bike for long-distance biking , and that you bring heaps of happy vibes with you.

10. Travel Eastern Europe

Okay, technically this isn’t a method of getting around… But it is possible to travel around Europe really damn cheaply if you head to the right side of the map. I’m talking about backpacking Eastern Europe , of course.

Most first-time backpackers head to Europe’s most touristed capitals to see the Colosseums and Mona Lisas that they know so well from other people’s stories. Eastern Europe might not have as many famous attractions as the most popular destinations but it has a LOT going for it.

Delicious food, fairytale towns, lack of hordes of tourists, excellent mountainage, and fascinating history? Sign me the fuck up.

Oh yeah, it’s also super cheap to travel. In some of the cheapest countries in Europe like Bulgaria, North Macedonia, or Georgia, you can spend as little as $20 per day!

Lastly… Travel Insurance is Very Much Recommended

It might seem counterintuitive to spend more money to save money. But trust me, travel insurance is the one thing that’s going to save you HEAPS if you ever end up needing it.

A savvy budget traveller should always consider getting a good travel insurance policy before leaving home. Health care in Europe is not usually full-bankruptcy-expensive (looking at you, USA…) but you never know what can happen on your adventures. Hospitalised by dodgy booze? Fell out of your top bunk? Bitten by a manic street dog?

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Travelling Europe really doesn’t have to feel like highway robbery. When you get the basics of budget travel in Europe down, spending the most minimal amount of money possible becomes second nature!

One thing that’ll surprise you about pro-level budgeting is that it’s hard work.

It takes a lot of time and effort to compare different route options and read through hostel reviews to make sure that booking cheap doesn’t mean that you’ll also book shitty.

When you’re hitchhiking and couchsurfing, you have to always be socially ON. (An introvert’s nightmare that can even terrify some real social butterflies like myself.) If you start noticing symptoms of a traveller’s burnout – it’s time to take a break.

Even when you’re travelling Europe on a shoestring budget, I always recommend having what I like to call “the fuck-it fund”, for days when you just gotta say, “ fuck it, I’m booking into a hotel” . A few days of stress-free spending makes for one happy budget backpacker and means that you get to keep going at your low-cost adventures all refreshed.

Travelling on a budget in Europe is not always the easiest feat. But as you’ve seen now, there are a lot of infrastructures that helps heaps if you’re trying to watch your spending.

And the best part? Everyone else is on a budget too! Bonding over shared cheapskating is a truly unique way to make friends on the road.

So gather up your pennies, book a budget bus, and get travelling!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Elina Mattila

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i found it super hard to travel cheap in europe, everthing is just expensive 😀 i also start using this app ” ATM Fee saver” and i can highly recommend it to you! its briliant you will save some money on those ATM over there… check it out for further travels

Budget Tours & Trips to Europe

Explore a varied offer of budget Europe adventures that will take you through some of the most renowned destinations such as Rome and Paris. Each affordable tour will provide you with memorable experiences for some of the lowest prices on the market. Explore the best budget trips and budget tour operators around the world with TourRadar!

250+ Budget Europe tour packages with 15,549 reviews

Northern Lights
Christmas & New Year

5 Day - Snaefellsnes, South Coast and Northern Lights

Most incredible 5 days of my life. we got stuck in a snow storm on day 3, and plans changed but i could not have cared less. Ice cave hike was a highlight, plus all the incredible people we meet along the way. tour guide was so knowledge. could not recommend more!!

Coach / Bus

European Delight

Enjoyed our Guide Gabriela Golian, her professionalism, warmth, customer service, genuine concern for her clients, made the entire trip for us.

In-depth Cultural

Rome to Berlin: Piazzas, Prague & the Past

Great diversity of countries and cities but WAY too fast paced. One night in Slovenia and Poland was ridiculous and with travel time some days we spent less than 15 hours in the city. The guide was a but inexperienced so we didn't have a good description of some of the cities. Great way to make friends and see cities! Would recommend going end of August or later as it was still very hot going through the cities!!

Zagreb to Athens: Adriatic & Ancient Capitals

Excellent tour with fantastic tour guide (Noddy). It's a tour aimed at younger (under 40) travellers, so the accommodation is mainly hostels and the pace is pretty fast but we still managed to spend a reasonable amount of time in each place. There was a good balance of history/culture and activities, and there is a lot of flexibility with the optional activities and free time to spend more or less time at the beach, museums, etc. Highly recommended as an introduction to the Balkans!

Balkan Discovery (4 Star Hotels)

It was overall a wonderful experience. Our Tour Guide, Dusan was amazing!

€150 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Enchanted Landscapes

We took this trip for our first wedding anniversary, it was a great deal and we had the trip of a lifetime. We would note that this is not the trip for someone looking to relax or be alone, but if you want to see a lot in a little time, this is perfect! The accommodations were mostly great and communication was fine. Transportation in between countries was easy and the guides were knowledgeable. Our favorite guide was Albert, he was clear and knowledgeable and very honest with us about what to watch out for and try and what’s not worth it. He’s the best and we would love any tour with him! Sometimes the groups can be large and be combined with groups that speak other languages but it’s not all the time.

River Cruise

Romantic Rhine (Southbound) 2024

Great service on Board The Avalon Vista with a very caring and friendly crew. We felt very welcomed at all times and were not pressured into taking any of the excursions although we nevertheless did take the opportunity if found interesting. We will definitely go on another cruise with Avalon as we were very satisfied with the value for money experience

Britain and Ireland Delight (Summer, 8 Days)

It was great experience for us!

Highlights of Scandinavia (12 Days)

Great tour. Wonderful tour guide. Rest stops need to be chosen better.

Rome to London Quest (Summer, 10 Days)

The contiki service was outstanding from Greg as our tour guide, he was extremely welcoming and made all people on trip feel comfortable. He has amazing people skills which enabled the group to have a really really good time. He has an unbelievable knowledge of the places that we visited throughout the journey and was impressive to watch him relay the information to a group of people who come from all different walks of life

€100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Explore the Balkans

I have lived in Europe and this area of the continent is just completely different than the west. There is so much recent history in this area. The great thing about touring this area is that travel days are very short. Our guide was amazing and it was only her first year! For a basix level trip the hotels were definitely above the standard I expected. I would absolutely go back to this area again.

Croatia Sailing Adventure

Great excursions, good price, excellent leader (Gema). However, the food was quite awful & of course the berths were tiny. Party crowd (ok), but impossible to escape the noise. I really enjoyed my travel companions, but without such excellent people around, it would have been difficult. Safety wasn’t really covered in the orientation & we had a “May day” call on the first day of travel. The captain did not communicate this to us.

Highlights of Ireland & Scotland

Tour guide (Henry) and driver (Jurgen) were both excellent. The hotels in Belfast and Kilarney were not great. overall, the pace and sights were very good.

Sightseeing

The Best of The Baltics + Helsinki in 10 days (Guaranteed departure)

The trip was awesome! The people in the major cities speak english very well and are really friendly. I’ve really enjoyed the cities, they have something special about them. The tour was carefully planned – we had just enough time to explore everything we wanted. The hotels are not the most expensive ones, however they were neat and comfortable. Would repeat this trip again!

5 Day Skye & Highland Fling

I wanted to explore the Scottish highlands but was a bit worried about public transport timing and accessibility so I decided to book a tour instead. And I was glad that I did! The fact that Branka was there to guide the group, telling us the folklore and history of the sights we were seeing just enriched the whole experience. We were blessed with great weather (your mileage may vary about this but someone in our tour must have a guardian angel looking out for them weather-wise) the majority of our trip and although I am not as fit as most people in the group I still had a lot of fun exploring the places we visited.

What people love about Budget Tours in Europe

Overall the guides and drivers were excellent - in their knowledge, driving safety, preparing the group for activities that were next on the list. The only down time during the day was some of the distances between stops. But not an issue as we were well aware of that before hand. A good value for the cost!!

So honestly when we were assigned to this company through Tour Radar and looked at the reviews we were a little worried. I tried to hope for the best and assume that people who DO NOT have great experiences write more reviews. I was absolutely correct. We had AMAZING tour guides. Knowledgeable, kind, helpful. I think this company does an amazing job of moving people from one destination to another especially when it seems that itineraries overlap offering everyone the trip they desire. The hotels far outweighed our expectations. Of course there were small hiccups with time losses and changes in plans for the day but for the price and to get a brief view of Europe I would call it an outstanding tour.

Great diversity of countries and cities but WAY too fast paced. One night in Slovenia and Poland was ridiculous and with travel time some days we spent less than 15 hours in the city. The guide was a but inexperienced so we didn't have a good description of some of the cities. Great way to make friends and see cities! Would recommend going end of August or later as it was still very hot going through the cities!!

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Budget Sailing tours (25)
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5 fantastic Europe vacations to take on a budget

Looking to save money on your next epic vacation around Europe ? Whether your idea of a dream trip is skiing the slopes, exploring a new city or basking in the sunshine on the beach, here are five diverse holidays to have in Europe without breaking the bank.

City break: Istanbul

Although the European continent features various budget city breaks, one of the best is Istanbul. The city is, on average, approximately 40% cheaper than Barcelona , which means things like hotels and meals are very affordable for travelers.

With key attractions like the Hagia Sophia, the iconic Blue Mosque (free entrance!) and the Topkapi Palace, Istanbul is perfect for history fans. But tourists just looking for a city adventure will enjoy roaming Istanbul's streets, indulging in Turkish foodie delights, shopping at the Grand Bazaar and boating along the Bosporus.

Besides relatively low cash rates for hotels (some as low as $60 per night according to Hotels.com), it's possible to find budget points deals too. There are a number of Marriott Bonvoy properties in the city that cost between 8,000 and 20,000 Bonvoy points per night.

Ski trip: Livigno, Italy

For Swiss-style powder at Italian prices, consider Livigno for your next ski holiday. The area, just across the Swiss border from St. Moritz, offers Swiss-style slopes at a fraction of the cost. Day ski passes cost about $32, whereas day passes at nearby St. Moritz can cost nearly double that price, or even more on peak dates.

A quick search on Airbnb shows that cozy apartments with mountain views start at just $85 per night. In contrast, fancy alpine resorts that would cost $500-$900 per night in ski destinations like Switzerland or Austria offer rates starting at $244 per night.

Livigno has another perk: It's tax-free for skiers that also love perusing the stores. This means you can shop to your heart's content without having to pay any value-added tax.

Related: 6 mistakes to avoid when taking your 1st ski trip to Europe

Beach vacation: Fuerteventura, Spain

One of Europe's most affordable beach destinations, Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands has wild, pristine stretches of sand. The best part? Besides being ideal for budget travelers thanks to low-cost accommodation and meal options, the island sees sunshine and warm temperatures all year long, meaning you can have an epic winter sun holiday or an iconic summer break — really, a beach getaway at any time of year.

Once there, it's a breeze to find cheap accommodation, from affordable all-inclusive hotels to low-cost beach rentals. Surfboard rentals cost as low as $11 per day, and the island is also exempt from value-added tax.

Train adventure: Prague to Budapest

For a scenic and affordable adventure, take the train between two of Europe's most beautiful and cheapest cities: Prague and Budapest, Hungary. The seven-hour ride costs as little as $21 each way on RegioJet.

The trip is as gorgeous as it is cost-effective. You'll glide past picturesque landscapes like rolling hills and castles, even catching sight of the Danube River during the ride.

Although Budapest is 12% cheaper than Prague, both cities reign when it comes to affordable dining, lodging and activities. For example, entrance to the Buda Castle is about $4, and it's simple to find a pint of beer in either city for less than a couple of dollars.

Related: 10 things no one tells you about ... Budapest

Road trip: Croatia

Whether you love iconic natural landscapes like far-flung beaches and glistening cascades or prefer discovering red-roofed villages and historical sites, a road trip adventure through Croatia has it all.

It costs less than $10 per day in the low season to rent a car at Croatia's Zagreb Airport from popular rental agencies like Avis or Sixt, according to Kayak. From there, you have options.

You can head east to the Istrian Peninsula to discover beautiful fishing villages and quiet beaches, visiting destinations like Porec, Rovinj and Pula.

Another alternative is to head south but stay inland, stopping at the famous Plitvice Lakes National Park as well as Rastoke, which is known as the "mini" Plitvice Lakes. Or, head south along the coast to Krka National Park and Split. If you're traveling in the off-season, continue on toward Dubrovnik, which is much more affordable (and less touristy) outside the busy summer months.

A Europe getaway doesn't have to break the bank

Whether you love a road trip or prefer to ski, it is possible to travel despite rising costs. Besides selecting the right destinations, now is the perfect time to dig into that stash of points to save on accommodations or airfare. Combining strategies, like picking affordable spots and using your points, means you may be able to have a luxury vacation without overspending.

Learn How Much to Budget for Travel in Europe + Money Saving Tips

by Annie

Published: March 22, 2022

image of the Stockholm, Sweden skyline, one of the most expensive places when you are planning a budget for travel in Europe

Choosing where to go on your trip to Europe is one of the hardest decisions because there are so many incredible places to explore! Figuring out your budget for travel in Europe is one way to help you narrow down your destination options. Some places are much more affordable than others -- Scandinavian countries are the most expensive to visit while the Balkans are insanely affordable .

Because indie travel is all about seeing the world your way , it’s tricky to nail down exact budgets for each place. In this article, I’ve based these price categories on comfortable accommodations (B&B, apartment, private rooms in hostels), public transportation (bus, tram, and metro), at least one meal out per day, and two major attractions per day.

What Should Your Budget for Travel in Europe Include?

Accommodations

Sightseeing & Experiences

Transportation

Shopping & Souvenirs

Health Care & Travel Insurance

Visa & Entry Documentation

Miscellaneous for Unexpected Expenses

Tips for Planning Your Itinerary Around Your Budget

image of water and cliffs in the distance from the fjords of Norway

Prices vary across the continent. Norway is expensive, but there are tons of ways to save!

When visiting Europe, neighboring countries usually have similar prices. The big changes happen as you go from one major region to another. You could spend a week (or more) visiting Norway (one of the most expensive places on the continent) and then catch a flight from Oslo to Belgrade, Serbia which is one of the most affordable destinations in Europe. This lets you mix things up to save money, though I’m a fan of overland travel whenever possible (fewer flights are better for the environment!).

This list will tell you what to expect for a daily budget while visiting your country of choice. Now you can plan your budget for travel in Europe and choose the destinations that work best for the time and money you have to spend. Keep in mind that big, popular destinations within a country will be a bit more expensive than out in the countryside. Cost will also vary by season -- it’s most expensive to visit when everyone else is visiting! These numbers are based on my personal experience and travel style. They won’t be exact, since we’re generalizing by country, but they’ll give you a good starting point.

Here’s how we’re going to break it down:

Most Affordable: Less than $50 per day
In-Between Places: Between $50 and $100 per day
Won’t Break the Bank: $100 per day or less
Bring Your Wallet!: $150+ per day

Planning Your Travel Budget by Region

image of houses lining the canals in Amsterdam, one of the more expensive destinations if you're planning your budget for travel in europe

Major cities like Amsterdam are more expensive than off-the-beaten-path spots

Let’s have a quick breakdown of prices by region. We’ll start with the most affordable and work our way up to the most expensive. Honestly, the biggest impact on your travel budget once you’re on the usually accommodations and food. Here’s an article with tips for saving on accommodations . There are some great options that will help you make more room in your budget for travel in Europe.

Eastern Europe: $50 per day will go far in this region. This includes everything from the Baltic states to the Balkan Peninsula.

Central Europe: $50 to $80 per day for places like Czechia, Hungary, Poland, and their neighbors.

Western Europe: $80 to $100+ per day. This is where you’ll find the most variation on the continent. Southern countries like Spain, Portugal, and Italy are slightly less expensive than the Netherlands or France.

United Kingdom: $100+ per day based on the “middle of the road” amenities, though there are a ton of ways to save!

Scandinavia: $150+ per day. The Nordic countries are by far the most expensive part of the continent to visit.

What to Budget for Travel in Europe: The Most Affordable Spots

image of a beach in Albania, an incredibly affordable destination in Europe

Albania is absolutely gorgeous and super affordable!

I’ve listed these in alphabetical order, just to keep things simple. I’ve left comments on the places I've loved to give you a little extra information. 🙂

Albania - I absolutely loved this country! It’s crazy affordable, has gorgeous beaches, incredible food, friendly locals, and history galore. Highly recommend it!
Bulgaria - I love the Balkans and can’t wait to get here! Everything I’ve seen or read about has my dying to go!
Bosnia & Herzegovina - If you go to the Balkans, please do not skip this country! It’s one of my absolute favorite places and I keep going back. If you need convincing, here’s an article with my top reasons to visit Sarajevo.
Estonia - Ah, the Baltic countries! I haven’t visited yet, but I’ll get there sooner rather than later and this one is at the top of my list.
Montenegro - this country is insanely gorgeous! It’s the most mountainous country in Europe, plus the beaches are incredible too. Nature-loving travelers, this one's for you!
North Macedonia - this is next on my list for the Balkans! I can’t wait to go.
Romania - beautiful nature from the Black Sea coast to the Carpathian Mountains, amazing food, wonderful people, cute little towns, and such a memorable experience!
Serbia - I’ve heard so many great things and can’t wait to have a visit!
Slovenia - this place is GORGEOUS!!! It was such a pleasant surprise! If fairies are real, they live here.
Slovakia - another beautiful country. I loved the High and Low Tatra Mountain, but didn’t make it to Bratislava. My husband did though and came home with rave reviews!
Turkiye - Istanbul was incredible and super affordable. That city is a foodie’s dream! Plus, there’s a ton of really cool history too!
Ukraine - I hope to visit someday when this insane war is over. 🙁

These destinations will really help you maximize your budget for travel in Europe. They tend to be less-visited and full of hidden gems. They're great options for getting off the beaten path and finding new and exciting experiences. Here's an article with my list of the best places to visit in the Balkans , if you're looking for inspiration.

Tips for Saving

Honestly, these are the destinations where I feel like I can go all out and still not break the bank! There is a ton of incredible street food in these places that will have you eating well for less than $5 per meal. Look for little apartments on Booking.com that are being rented by locals. These are the kinds of places I like to stay and can usually find an awesome spot for less than $25 per night, whether that’s solo or if I’m splitting the cost. Here’s an article with more about finding affordable accommodations.

Travel Budget Breakdown:

Accommodations: $25 per night
Food: $15 per person, per day
Transportation: $0 (cities in these destinations are super walkable so you don’t really need to use public transportation)
Sightseeing: $10 per person, per day

What to Budget for Travel in Europe: The In-Between Places

image of Gothic architecture in Prague, one of the more affordable destinations when you're planning a budget for travel in Europe

Prague is an absolutely gorgeous city and really affordable! You can splurge or save, depending on your budget.

There are a few destinations that span budget ranges, depending on where you are in the country. In some of these places you can live it up on $50 a day, but major cities might have you closer to $80 or $100.

Andorra - a tiny little country on the border between Spain and France.
Austria - Salzburg has a special place in my heart, and the entire country is gorgeous!
Czechia - I absolutely LOVE Prague - it’s one of my favorite European cities. You can do it Budget Travel style, if you’re careful. Once outside the city though, prices drop pretty dramatically.
Croatia - this is the most expensive country in the Balkans because it’s so popular for its coastline and islands, but further inland prices drop significantly.
Hungary - very similar to Czechia with prices. Budapest can be more expensive, but once outside the city, it’s super affordable.
Greece - Outside of Athens and the major island destinations, things hit the ‘Most Affordable” zone quickly!
Italy - the major cities and regions like Tuscany are more expensive, but the countryside is really affordable!
Poland - I’ve only visited border towns, which were very inexpensive but the cities with major attractions, like Krakow, see prices jump a bit.
Portugal - same story. You can visit Lisbon affordably, but once you get outside the city, it’s much more budget friendly.
Spain - again, outside of Barcelona and Madrid, prices drop significantly.

The easiest way to save in these destinations is with your choice of accommodation . Look for something outside the main center and near public transportation to get better prices. Have a nice meal out for lunch when it’s a little cheaper but the same menu. Pick up a bottle of wine in the grocery store and have a picnic in the park for dinner!

Accommodations: $40 per night
Food: $20 per person, per day
Transportation: $5 per person, per day (public transportation is the way to go in the big cities)
Sightseeing: $15 per person, per day

What to Budget for Travel in Europe: $100 Per Day Places

image from Dingle, Ireland, of a boat sculpture with the sea and green hills in the background

Ireland is magical and gets more affordable as you get off the beaten path like in the cute little town of Dingle.

If you budget $100 per day, you can visit most places in Western Europe. Of course, it’s easy to spend more in the major cities. If you know what to look for, you can still have an affordable trip to some of the most iconic destinations in the world! Again, this is all about how you like to travel. Spend the money on what’s important to you and save on the areas that don’t matter so much. This flexibility is what I love most about indie travel . You can learn more about it in this article .

Because these countries have such a variety of things to see and do, they’re more difficult to categorize. My comments would turn into a novel, so I’m skipping it for this group. I truly believe that anywhere can be affordable, but it’s all about what kind of experience you want to have. When you're planning your budget for travel in Europe, these destinations are definitely worth the money.

Liechtenstein
Netherlands
Switzerland

Visiting during the slower seasons (not summer!) will help you save money on your trip. Looking for accommodations outside the city center but close to public transportation is another great way to find lower prices. If you’re an adventurer and want to get out into the countryside, camping will help save you a ton of money over traditional accommodations. The same tips apply for food -- go out for lunch, enjoy the street food or a picnic for dinner.

Accommodations: $55 per night
Transportation: $5 (cities in these destinations are super walkable so you don’t really need to use public transportation)

Sightseeing: $20 per person, per day

What to Budget for Travel in Europe: $150+ Per Day Places

image of the colorful waterfront in Copenhagen, one of the most expensive destinations to visit when you're planning your budget for travel in Europe

Accommodations and food in Copenhagen, Denmark are pretty expensive, but there’s so much to see just walking around the city, which is totally free!

These places are just more expensive, even if you’re super careful about your budget. This list is primarily Scandinavian countries. Their economies and social programs are set up a bit differently than most other European countries. Though they’re more expensive to visit, these places consistently rank in the happiest countries in the world . They’re some of my favorite countries to visit with absolutely breathtaking scenery, great food, and friendly people!

Denmark - a perfect mix of Scandinavian and continental attitudes. Beer and wine are much more accessible, and the people are wonderful. I can’t wait to go explore more of this place!
Finland - this is the one Scandinavian country I haven’t visited yet, but based on my research, it looks like prices are similar to the others.
Iceland - This place is magic! It’s like landing on another planet. Because the majority of what’s great to see is nature based, camping makes it really affordable if you’re on a tight budget.
Monaco - If you want luxury, this is the place!
Norway - absolutely incredible scenery, but it’s one of the most expensive countries I’ve visited. It’s definitely worth it, just make sure you plan appropriately.
Sweden - my first love! This is where I caught the travel bug. It’s expensive, but Stockholm is a beautiful city and what I’ve seen of the countryside is gorgeous.
United Kingdom - London can be pretty pricey, but prices drop a bit as you venture off the beaten path. Scotland is one of my absolute favorite places ever and I hope to get to Wales soon!

Accommodations: $100 per night

Food: $30 per person, per day

Transportation: $0 (the main parts of the cities are fairly walkable)

While these prices will have some variation from person to person and place to place, now you’ve got a good starting point for planning your travel budget. One of the best things about indie travel is the ability to mix and match your travel style based on what’s important to you.

Below you’ll find a few articles with helpful information on planning your trip to Europe and saving money along the way:

How to Plan A Travel Budget + Tips for Saving Money on Indie Travel
7 Tips for Finding Cheap Flights to Anywhere You Want to Go
5 Types of Accommodations That Can Save You Money
7 Different Ways to Travel for Creating Your Perfect Trip
Planning A Europe Trip: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating A Trip You’ll Love

There are a few other ways you can get all the knowledge, information, and support you want for your indie travels. Sign up for the newsletter to know when new articles are published and discover sweet travel deals I find around the internet too. I’d love to connect over on Instagram or Facebook and get to know you more!

Sometimes planning your own trip to a brand new place can be overwhelming. If you’d like a brain to pick about your travel plans or even a little help putting them together, check out these consulting services . They’re all designed for fiercely independent travelers so you have full control of your trip and only get the assistance you want.

Now get out there. The world is waiting for you!

Is budget a factor in where you choose to go on your next trip? What other tips do you have for saving money on your indie travels?

Share your thoughts in the comments!

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5 Unique & Easy International Travel Destinations for Your Next Trip

How to make flexible travel plans: 5 tips to save time & money, how i found cheap flights to peru: see the research, routes, and prices.

About the author

Fun Lover. Food Eater. Bold Explorer. Big Dreamer. Annie is a fiercely independent traveler who loves to create unique and interesting experiences. She thrives on finding the magical moments and hidden gems waiting around every corner. Her passion for helping others make their travel dreams come true fuels her work as a travel planner, consultant, educator, and community builder.

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Thank you very much…!

You’re so welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

Lots of great information in this post for anyone planning a trip through Europe. And yes, I hope this insane war in Ukraine is over soon.

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it. I agree, I hope this ends soon. It’s heartbreaking. 🙁

Wow. You have really taken all of the guesswork out of planning a trip to Europe, whatever the budget. I’m just ready to go right now!

Hooray! That was the goal. I’m glad it was helpful!

This is such a helpful guide for people, especially if it’s their first time in Europe. It’s crazy how different prices can be in countries that are near to each other.

Thank you! Yes, it can be so confusing because there’s such a variation in prices across the continent.

This is such a detailed and helpful post for everyone traveling to Europe! Thanks for compiling it 🙂

I’m so glad it was helpful! Thanks for reading. 🙂

Great breakdown Annie – always end up spending way too much in Europe so I really like how you broke it down by different budgets 🙂

It’s so easy to spend more, but knowing what to expect and having a clear budget always helps me keep myself in check. 🙂

We are traveling to Europe this summer. This guide was SO helpful! Thank you!!

Hooray! I’m so happy to hear that! You’re very welcome. 🙂

I would like to include many Michelin recommendations for a 3 month stay. 1 month in Eastern Europe and 2 in Spain. What would be a good budget for 2 people for food?

If you’re traveling and want to indulge in food, here are my recommendations. In Eastern Europe, $50 per day will allow you to try the local flavors, including a restaurant once a day. For Spain, if you plan for $100 most days, you will have more than enough. On days where you would like to try a Michelin restaurant, plan for another $100 – $200 per person. 🙂 I hope that helps!

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Switzerland

2-Month Budget Europe Itinerary: Backpack Around 10 Countries Under S$5K with the Eurail Pass

Get ready for the greatest two months of your life! From strolling through the posh streets in London and climbing the Swiss alps to gazing at the breathtaking ruins in Athens, this Europe itinerary travels to 10 countries, and all for under S$5k!

*Get 15% off your Eurail Pass when you pre-book it before 1 Aug 2022

Eiffel Tower in Paris, France - Europe Itinerary Backpacking on Budget

Europe robbed my heart in ways no other place could. I was only there for a month under my 2016 university exchange programme, but I can never forget what I experienced. The smell of freshly-baked croissants in France, the breathtaking ruins in Greece, years of history in Prague’s narrow cobblestone streets — and that’s only scratching the surface.

Solo Backpacking in Cinque Terre, Italy - Europe Itinerary Backpacking on Budget

I backpacked across 12 countries in 32 days, but I was burnt out by the end of the journey. My main regret was that I answered “where to go in Europe?” with “as many places as possible!” As a result, I didn’t get to know each country — it was just touch-and-go sightseeing for one day, then moving on to the next. Had I known better, I would have slowed down and taken my time in each place.

Fisherman's Bastion in Budapest, Hungary - Europe Itinerary Backpacking on Budget

Now, it’s true that Europe is expensive. But, it’s also true that you don’t need to break the bank to travel there. After all, we’ve covered various parts of Europe on separate trips, all on a budget.

That said, we won’t deny that flights can be costly for a continent so far away. If we could, we’d make it worth our while and cover all these countries in one grand backpacking trip — like our very own “Europe graduation trip” of sorts. And if we did do the trip, our ideal Europe itinerary would explore 10 countries, and it’s possible to do so with a budget under S$5k!

Pre-trip Essentials

Eurail Pass in front of Gare de L'est, France - Europe Itinerary Backpacking on Budget

Rail Travel: For this itinerary, you’ll need the flexible 15-day Eurail Global Pass . Purchase your pass at least a week in advance, so that it’ll be delivered straight to your doorstep! If you’re unsure how to use it, check out our Eurail Pass guide for a fuss-free Europe journey.

Connectivity: Get a 60-day SIM card that can be used all over Europe. This card provides 12GB of data, and has free incoming calls too.

Flights: Start from London, and end at Athens. Flights are not included in this itinerary’s budget. However, you can always score cheap flights to Europe with Skyscanner , and by keeping a lookout for airline promotions and flash sales.

Budget Breakdown

Accommodation: S$1,477.76 Transport: S$1,541.19 (including Eurail Global Flexipass ) Food: S$1,388.83 Activities & Miscellaneous: S$507.20

Total: S$4,984.98

Read also: 18 Budget Tips to Travel Europe For a Month Under S$2,500

Check Flights to London

If you can’t see the widget above, check flights from Singapore to London here instead!

1) London, England (7 Days)

View of London City and Big Ben - Europe Itinerary Backpacking on Budget

Kickstart your adventure in London! The city’s atmosphere is electrifying — you can easily spend a week exploring London’s numerous attractions. Think museums, markets, icons like the Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, and the quintessential Harry Potter Studios Tour .

Getting from London Heathrow Airport to the city: Take a coach transfer to Central London.

Streets of London and the iconic red bus - Europe Itinerary Backpacking on Budget

Keen to explore the rest of the UK? Check out our UK rail itinerary , which also covers Scotland and Wales.

Accommodation: SoHostel , ~S$34/bed in an 18-bed dorm room (includes free breakfast).

Getting around London: Walk, cycle , or take unlimited public transport with the London TravelCard .

Key Experiences: – Walk along River Thames and check out attractions like Big Ben, the London Eye, and the London Bridge – Go museum-hopping (some are free!) – Eat at local markets like Camden, Brick Lane and Borough Market. – Go on the Harry Potter Studios Tour (Heads-up Potterheads, check out our Harry Potter itinerary too!)

Food: ~£20/day, including cooking and eating out. Don’t miss must-eats like fish and chips, salt beef beigels, and Flat Iron ‘s famous steaks!

Read also: UK By Rail: 10D Scotland, Wales And London Itinerary Under S$1,400

Getting from London to Paris, France: Take the Eurostar from London St Pancras International Station to Paris Gare du Nord. Reservations are required.

2) Paris, France (3 Days)

Eiffel Tower from Trecadéro Paris, France - Europe Itinerary Backpacking on Budget

Paris is the holy grail destination for anyone enthralled by French culture. It’s easy to fall in love with the beautiful architecture of the historic Notre-Dame, the modern Eiffel Tower, and the extravagant Palace of Versailles . For foodies, the palatable French cuisine will hook you right in.

Getting around Paris: Walk, or take unlimited public transport with the Paris TravelCard .

Arc du Triomphe in Paris, France - Europe Itinerary Backpacking on Budget

Accommodation: Le Village Montmartre , ~$49/bed in an 12-bed dorm room.

Key Experiences: – Visit French icons like the Notre-Dame Cathedral, Arc de Triomphe, and Eiffel Tower – Hunt for famous artworks like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo at the Louvre Museum ( free on Friday nights for anyone under 26) – Take a day trip to the Palace of Versailles (and try not to feel like a pauper there)

Food: ~€15/day, including cooking and eating out. Enjoy French classics like duck confit, freshly-baked breads and pastries, and macarons. Bon Appetit !

But France isn’t just about Paris — our France rail itinerary heads to other charming cities like Marseilles and Nice which are worth exploring too!

Getting from Paris to Interlaken, Switzerland: Take a TGV Lyria train from Paris Gare de Lyon to Basel SBB. Reservations are required for this train. Then, take a regional train from Basel SBB to Interlaken Ost.

3) Switzerland (6 Days)

View of Landwasser Viaduct in Switzerland - Europe Itinerary Backpacking on Budget

In one word, we’d say Switzerland is “unreal”. The breathtaking mountainous scenery, crisp, fresh air, and mouthwatering cheese-pulls from bubbling pots of fondue — few countries come close to such perfection. This itinerary explores the natural beauties of Interlaken, Lucerne, and Zurich in six days.

Getting around Switzerland: Take public transport or walk. The scenery is wondrous wherever you go.

To see more of Switzerland’s majestic sights like the Matterhorn (a.k.a. “Toblerone chocolate” mountain), check out our Switzerland rail itinerary .

Gelmer Lake in Interlaken, Switzerland - Europe Itinerary Backpacking on Budget

Accommodation: Hostel Interlaken , ~S$58.50/bed in a six-bed dorm room (includes free breakfast, and a free bus pass).

Key Experiences: – Ride the Gelmerbahn , Switzerland’s steepest open air Funicular. At the top, hike to the Handeck Bridge , and around Gelmer Lake – Hike up 1,322m to Interlaken’s local mountain, Harder Kulm – Trek to Iseltwald and awe at Seeburg château , a fairytale-esque castle on Lake Brienz

Food: ~CHF22/day, mostly groceries for cooking. Eating out in Switzerland is very expensive. But if you can splurge on one thing, go for a cheese fondue!

Travelling from Interlaken to Lucerne: Take a domestic train from Interlaken Ost to Bahnhof Luzern. Reservations are dependent on the train you take.

View from Mount Pilatus in Lucerne, Switzerland - Europe Itinerary Backpacking on Budget

Accommodation: Bellpark Hostel , ~S$48/bed in a six-bed dorm room (includes free breakfast).

Key Experiences: – Walk around Lucerne Old Town , and visit historic attractions like the Kapellbrücke, Musegg Wall, and Löwendenkmal – Make your own Swiss Army Knife at the Victorinox Museum – Hike to the peak of Mount Pilatus , and go on a ride on the Fräkigaudi Toboggan (Switzerland’s longest Toboggan run)

Food: ~S$30/day, mostly groceries for cooking.

Travelling from Lucerne to Zurich: Take a domestic train from Bahnhof Luzern to Zürich Hauptbahnhof. Tour around the city’s sights, before continuing to Munich in Germany.

Zürich in Switzerland - Europe Itinerary Backpacking on Budget

Key Experiences: – Explore Zurich Old Town and Lake Zurich – Try the famous Aelpli Milk, an alcoholic cocktail that looks deceptively like milk

Read also: 10-Day Switzerland Itinerary — 6 Cities Under S$2.3k with the Swiss Travel Pass

Travelling from Zurich to Munich, Germany: Take an Intercity train from Zürich Hauptbahnhof to München Hauptbahnhof. Reservations are required for this train.

Note: Trains from Zurich to Munich may not run every day, so check in advance whether they are available on the day you intend to travel.

4) Germany (7 Days)

Neuschwanstein castle in Baravia, Germany - Europe Itinerary Backpacking on Budget

Germany is home to years of important history we’ve studied in school, and a lively culture of enjoying food, drinks, and merry cheer (Oktoberfest, anyone?). That’s what makes this country so fascinating! Spending a week in Berlin and Munich, you’ll explore sombre historical sites and buildings , but also vivacious beer halls where everyone’s got a pint in hand.

Getting around Germany: Take public transport , or walk.

Marienplatz in Munich, Germany - Europe Itinerary Backpacking on Budget

Accommodation: Jaeger’s Munich Hostel , ~S$43/bed in a 10-bed dorm room.

Key Experiences: – Catch street performers at the Marienplatz – Head to the Englischer Garten , and watch surfers in action at the Eisbach River – Kick back with drinks at Hofbräuhaus , a three-tier beer hall – Go on a day trip to Fussen, and explore Neuschwanstein Castle — the inspiration behind Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle

Food: ~€15/day, including cooking and eating out. Get your fill of German favourites like bratwursts and pork knuckles ( schweinshaxe ). Beer goes without saying. Cheers! 😉🍻

Travelling from Munich to Berlin: Take an ICE high-speed train from München Hauptbahnhof to Berlin Hauptbahnhof. Reservations are required for this train.

Dmitri Vrubel's Famous Fraternal Kiss Mural at East Side Gallery - Europe Itinerary Backpacking on Budget

Accommodation: St Christopher’s Inn Berlin Mitte , ~S$33/bed in a 30-bed dorm room (includes free breakfast).

Key Experiences: – Take part in a walking tour around Berlin’s historical sites like the Reichstag Building, Brandenburg Gate, and Holocaust Memorial – Go on a Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial Tour – Admire the artworks at the East Side Gallery along the Berlin Wall – Shop at Mauerpark’s flea markets on Sundays

Food: ~€15/day, including cooking and eating out. Look out for cheap eats like döner kebabs, burgers, and other affordable munchies at market halls .

Read also: 5-Day Berlin Budget Guide under S$1.5k incl accommodation and flight from Singapore

Travelling from Berlin to Prague, Czech Republic: Take the EuroCity train from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Praha Hlavní Nádraží Station. Reservations are optional.

5) Prague, Czech Republic (3 Days)

Charles Bridge in Prague, Czech Republic - Europe Itinerary Backpacking on Budget

The capital city of the Czech Republic is just beautiful. Renaissance buildings and Gothic churches tower above as you wander through the maze-like, cobblestone streets of Prague Old Town . It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site that gives off whimsical fairytale-vibe, but the best part is that the city is super wallet-friendly!

Getting around Prague: By walking, as all the attractions are near each other.

Astronomical Clock in Prague, Czech Republic - Europe Itinerary Backpacking on Budget

Accommodation: Hostel Rosemary , ~S$19/bed in a 12-bed dorm room.

Key Experiences: – Catch the hourly “puppet” show, performed by the Astronomical Clock at the Old Town Hall – Stroll down the Charles Bridge, and go people-watching – Visit the Prague Castle, the world’s largest castle complex – Have a beer at the Strahov Monastery Brewery

Food: ~€15/day, including cooking and eating out. Don’t miss Czech specialties like roasted duck, fried cheese ( smazeny syr ), and chimney cakes ( trdelnik ).

Travelling from Prague to Vienna, Austria: Take a regional train from Praha Hlavní Nádraží Station to Wien Hauptbahnhof.

Read also: 14-Day Europe Itinerary: 6 Countries under S$1.8k with the Eurail Pass

6) Vienna, Austria (3 Days)

Burgarten's Treble Clef in Vienna, Austria - Europe Itinerary Backpacking on Budget

Vienna is hailed as the “City of Music” for good reason. It was the home of the legendary Beethoven and Mozart, but you don’t have to be a virtuoso yourself to enjoy Austria’s capital. The young-at-heart will also be thrilled by the much-raved-about Wurstelprater amusement park !

Getting around Vienna: Walk, or take public transport .

Wurstelprater Drone Shot in Vienna, Austria - Europe Itinerary Backpacking on Budget

Accommodation: Best Location Hostel , ~$26/bed in a four-bed dorm room.

Key Experiences: – Grab brunch and groceries at the Karmelitermarkt – Visit Mozart’s statue in the Burggarten – See how Austrian royalty used to live like at the Schönbrunn Palace – Scream your lungs out at the Wurstelpratel Amusement

Food: ~€15/day, including cooking and eating out. Must-try eats include schnitzel and apple strudel, both Austrian originals.

Travelling from Vienna to Budapest, Hungary: Take a regional train from Wien Hauptbahnhof to Budapest Keleti Station.

7) Hungary (4 Days)

Chain Bridge in Budapest, Hungary - Europe Itinerary Backpacking on Budget

Budapest was my personal favourite. The Hungarian language is unique and mysterious, much like Budapest! Buda and Pest are polar opposites — Buda is where calmer daytime activities take place, while the nightlife rules in Pest. Either way, there are plenty of things to do to keep you entertained, like dipping in the Szechenyi thermal baths and enjoying live music events at Szimpla Kert , a famous ruin bar.

Getting around Hungary: Take public transport , or walk.

Szechenyi Outdoor Thermal Baths in Budapest, Hungary - Europe Itinerary Backpacking on Budget

Accommodation: Airbnb , ~S$10/night for a private apartment with a kitchen and laundry facilities.

Key Experiences: – Stroll along the Danube Bank and see famous landmarks like the Shoes on the Danube Bank , the Hungarian Parliament, and the Buda Castle – Head up to Fisherman’s Bastion, an incredibly Insta-worthy photo spot – Soak in the Szechenyi thermal baths – Relax at Margitsziget (Margaret Island), a park in between Buda and Pest – Unwind with drinks at Szimpla Kert , and catch live music events

Food: ~€15/day, including cooking and eating out. Must-try Hungarian dishes include langos and goulash.

Travelling from Budapest to Ljubljana, Slovenia: Take a high-speed train from Budapest Deli Station to Ljubljana Station. Reservations are required.

Note: Trains from Budapest to Ljubljana may not run every day, so check in advance whether these trains are available on the day you intend to travel.

8) Slovenia (4 Days)

Lake Bled in Slovenia - Europe Itinerary Backpacking on Budget

A hidden gem in Europe, Slovenia is a truly charming country. Ljubljana is packed with many bridges that line the river, as well as impressive greenery. The resort town of Bled is also a must-visit. Many travellers enjoy hiking up to Ojstrica Lookout Point to get a perfect shot of the picturesque Lake Bled below.

Getting around Slovenia: Walk, or cycle .

Ljubljana in Slovenia - Europe Itinerary Backpacking on Budget

Accommodation: Hostel Most , ~S$26/bed in a mixed dorm room.

Key Experiences: – Cycle around the town, and check out the quirky Dragon Bridge – Chill out at Tivoli Park – Immerse yourself in the alternative culture at the Metelkova Art Centre , and catch live music performances at night – Shop for fresh produce and cheap eats at the Central Market – Go on a day trip to Bled

Food: ~€15/day, including cooking and eating out. For authentic Slovenian cuisine, have a meal at Druga Violina , an inexpensive gostilna -style restaurant.

Travelling from Ljubljana to Bled: Take a regional train from Ljubljana Station to Lesce Bled.

Bled, Ojstricia Lookout Point-The Ultimate Eurail Budget Itinerary

Key Experiences: – Hike up Ojstrica Lookout Point to get the best views of Lake Bled – Ride a Toboggan sled at Straža Bled (starts in April 2019)

Food: Don’t leave without trying the original Bled Cream Cake at Sava Hotel Bled !

Getting from Ljubljana to Venice, Italy: Take a bus from Ljubljana to Trieste Centrale Station in Italy. Afterwards, take a high-speed train to Venezia Mestre Station.

9) Italy (7 Days)

Colosseum in Rome, Italy - Europe Itinerary Backpacking on Budget

Mamma Mia! With iconic foods like pizza and pasta, jaw-dropping architecture like the Colosseum, and layers of interesting history, how can you skip Italy? This itinerary spends a week in Venice and Rome, exploring the maze of bridges and famous attractions like the Vatican City .

Murano in Venice, Italy - Europe Itinerary Backpacking on Budget

Accommodation: Camping Rialto Venezia , ~S$30/bed in a mini-chalet.

Getting around Venice: Purchase a travel card for unlimited water bus rides.

Key Experiences: – Get lost in Venice, cross its many bridges , and visit famous sites like St. Mark’s Square – Take a ferry to Murano (the glass islands) to see how glass is made – Stroll around the colourful island of Burano , and learn about lace-making

Food: ~€15/day, including cooking and eating out. Have your meals outside of Venice, as you can get higher quality dishes for cheaper.

Travelling from Venice to Rome: Take a high-speed train from Venezia Mestre Station to Roma Termini.

Trevi fountain in Rome, Italy - Europe Itinerary Backpacking on Budget

Accommodation: Funny Palace Hostel , ~S$31/bed in a 5-bed dorm room (includes free breakfast).

Getting around Rome: Walk, or take public transport .

Key Experiences: – Make a wish at the Trevi Fountain (like Lizzie McGuire!) – Roam around Rome, and check out attractions like the Spanish Steps and Altare della Patria – Learn more about the Roman gladiators at the Colosseum – Enter the Vatican City , where the Pope lives, and explore St. Peter’s Basilica

Food: ~€15/day, including cooking and eating out. Don’t forget to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine like pasta, pizzas and gelato!

Travelling from Rome to Athens, Greece: The fastest way to get from Italy to Greece is to take a direct flight from ~€40 . To get to Fiumincino Airport, take a one-way bus transfer from Rome Termini Station.

Alternatively, your Eurail pass allows you to take a ferry ride from Italy to Greece. The journey takes about 16.5 hours.

10) Greece (11 Days)

Acropolis in Athens, Greece - Europe Itinerary Backpacking on Budget

End your adventure in Greece, a curious country full of wonderment and intrigue. In this itinerary, you can explore Athens, Meteora and Santorini in 11 days. But believe us, with stunning scenery like ancient ruins , mountain monasteries , and turquoise waters, you’ll feel like you never want to leave.

To find out more about what each city offers, check out our Greece itinerary !

Temple of Hephaestus in Athens, Greece - Europe Itinerary Backpacking on Budget

Accommodation: Pella Inn , ~S$25/bed in a 8-bed dorm room.

Getting around Athens: Walk, or take public transport .

Key Experiences: – Go on a free local tour with This is My Athens to discover more about the city – Satisfy your inner history buff and wander around Athens’ ancient ruins like the Acropolis , Ancient Agora , and Temple of Zeus – Hike up Lykavittos Hill to get panoramic views of Athens

Food: ~€15/day, including cooking and eating out. Don’t miss must-eats like Greek salad ( Horiatiki Salata ), moussaka, gyros, and Greek yogurt with honey and nuts.

Travelling from Athens to Meteora: Take a train from Athens Larissa Station to Kalambaka Station.

Note: Double check that there are no transport strikes during the time you plan to travel. Strikes happen frequently, but they are announced one to three days in advance. Check this site for updates.

Floating Monasteries in Meteora, Greece - Europe Itinerary Backpacking on Budget

Accommodation: Meteora Central Hostel , ~S$27/bed in a six-bed dorm room.

Getting around Meteora: The best way to explore the city is by renting your own scooter . E-bikes are available for those without licenses.

Key Experiences: – Go on a rock scrambling tour to the Great Saint, the tallest rock in Meteora – Go on a sunset tour (both organised by Visit Meteora )

Food: ~€15/day. You can get cheap eats in the city like gyros.

Travelling from Meteora to Santorini: Take a train from Kalambaka Station back to Athens Larissa Station. From there, take the Metro to Piraeus port. Afterwards, take an overnight ferry to Santorini.

Alternatively, you can stay one more night in Athens. Then, take an afternoon ferry to Santorini the next day.

*Note: Overnight ferries from Piraeus to Santorini only operates on Tuesdays and Fridays. Do double check beforehand on the days you’re sailing to Santorini.

Sunset in Santorini, Greece - Europe Itinerary Backpacking on Budget

Accommodation: Youth Hostel Anna , ~S$28/bed in a 10-bed dorm room.

Getting around Santorini: The best way to explore the island is by renting a car, ATV or scooter .

Key Experiences: – Hike from Fira to Oia – Propose Have a mini-photoshoot at the Three Bells of Fira , a popular spot for wedding shoots 💍 – Get your tan on at Akrotiri Red Beach , and the Perissa Black Sand Beach – Cliff jump at Ammoudi bay – Catch the legendary Santorini sunset at the Byzantine Castle ruins , or at Skaros Rock

Food: ~€15/day.

Travelling from Santorini to Athens: You can take an daytime ferry or overnight ferry back to Athens. Overnight ferries operate on Thursdays and Mondays.

Read also: Greece Budget Itinerary — S$1.5k incl. flights & accom — Athens, Santorini, Meteora

Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens, Greece - Europe Itinerary Backpacking on Budget

Getting from Athens to the International Airport: Take a bus from the city centre for your flight back home.

Getting Around Europe by Train

Train ride over the Landwasser Viaduct in Switzerland - Europe Itinerary Backpacking on Budget

With an extensive railway network that connects all countries, taking the train is the best way to travel around Europe for budget backpackers. Compared to an MRT ride in Singapore, going across Europe by train is a far more scenic affair. You’ll find yourself passing by vastly different landscapes, like rolling hills and small towns.

Jungfrau Railway in Switzerland - Europe Itinerary Backpacking on Budget

What we love about the Eurail Global Pass is that it adds flexibility to all travel plans. Rather than purchase tickets for a set day and time, this pass gives users the convenience of choosing where and when to travel. It’s especially useful if you don’t have a confirmed itinerary, or when unexpected mishaps crop up!

With the 15 Days in 2 Months Eurail Global Pass , you only need to pay for reservation fees for trains that require it. Compared to buying non-flexible tickets months in advance, you’d also be saving about ~S$278 in this itinerary. This amount can easily score you a few more days in your favourite country. The only thing you need to do is make your reservations two weeks in advance, or once you arrive in Europe.

Looking out Train Rail Window in Switzerland - Europe Itinerary Backpacking on Budget

To save even more, you can take regional trains that don’t require reservations. Although the journey may be longer, take it as a time for you to catch up on some “me-time”. Otherwise, when else are you going to touch those books/Netflix shows you’ve been wanting to finish?

Your Eurail Pass will also be delivered straight to your doorstep when you book from Klook , provided you book at least one week before. The entire booking process is quick and hassle-free, and you can embark on your grand backpacking trip with a peace of mind.

Sleeper Train in Europe - Europe Itinerary Backpacking on Budget

Klook also offers a slew of products that will make your trip even more worthwhile, from interesting experiences like the Making of Harry Potter in London, to a tour to Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp in Berlin.

Like the Eurail Pass, getting around each city is also made easy with Klook. You can plan all your coach transfers in countries like Rome , and secure your travel cards in London and Paris that offer unlimited public transport before you hop on your flight.

Sunset on Skaros Rock in Santorini, Greece - Europe Itinerary Backpacking on Budget

In all, travelling in Europe on a budget doesn’t have to be a bank-breaking adventure. With enough planning, backpacking Europe under S$5k can become a reality. While you may need to rough it out a bit, the entire experience will be one that’ll last. You can also proudly say you’ve seen and experienced some of the best places in Europe — now it’s just time to earn the money back. 😜

Check Flights to Europe

If you can’t see the widget above, click here to check flights from Singapore to London !

Have you backpacked around Europe? Which is your favourite country? Tell us in the comments below!

This post was brought to you by Klook .

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A post shared by The Travel Intern (@thetravelintern) on Aug 14, 2018 at 3:08am PDT

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I have been using your website as a constant point of reference since the past two years and you guys give the best budget breakdown. Great job and thank you! I have stopped by to ask for an advise: I’m planning to travel to Greek-Spain-Germany during august. Any thoughts or would you guys suggest the best way around? I’m based in Singapore and will be flying out and in from here. Greece and Spain are my mandate.

Thanks in advance:)

Hi Pris, glad to be of help! 🙂

All 3 countries are pretty far apart! I would probably base them around flights costs. There are budget flights in and out of Berlin/Athens and budget flights between Germany and Spain.

You can consider flying in to Athens, explore Greece… take a ferry to Italy… explore Italy northwards till Germany… Do what ever you need there then take the train or fly to Spain depending on whether you want to check out France. Whether you fly back from Spain or Germany I would probably base it around the price of the tickets since time doesn’t seem to be too big a concern for you!

– Hendric

Hello, this is really an amazing two months people can enjoy and venture in Europe. Europe was always my dream to travel, still not fulfill that dream yet but I am sure it will be fulfilled soon. Thanks very much for all the information you provide and all the best with your next adventures.

What currency did you budget in? CAD, USD, Euros??? I am Canadian and trying to budget. should I budget in US dollars or Euros?

Hi Kayla, the currency reflected in our articles is Singapore dollars.

This budget-friendly Europe itinerary proves that exploring 10 countries in just two months is not only possible but also an incredible adventure that will leave you with unforgettable memories and the satisfaction of having accomplished an epic backpacking trip.

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Europe in 3 Weeks: 6 Itineraries

DISCLAIMER: This post might have links to travel services and products that we enjoy. We might make a commission from it at no extra cost to you.

I am confident many people have Europe on their bucket list of places to visit. This continent is filled with preserved historical sites, famous landmarks, UNESCO-certified heritage sites, various natural scenery, and diverse cultures from people of different nationalities.

There are tons of activities that you can do here as well. However, if you plan to stay a little longer than the usual vacation duration, it might cost you a lot, especially if you aren’t familiar with places to go without spending too much.

This guide is for people planning to travel around Europe in 3 weeks . Whether you are on a budget or looking to splurge a little, there’s something for everyone. In this guide, I am covering central and southern Europe – both have famous destinations. I also have itineraries for the eastern region for affordable, nordic areas for unique culture, and off-the-beaten path of Europe.

I want to ensure you spend the 3-week holiday that suits you. If you are new to travelling on a budget, check out these tips for budget travel . You can also read in below our estimate of how much a 3-week in Europe trip might cost.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE GOING TO EUROPE

4 images - top left aerial shot of Dubrovnik, Croatia, top right is a map of Europe with pins on it, bottom right is a castle in Finland, bottom left is Spanish food - EUROPE IN 3 WEEKS ON A BUDGET

If you plan a trip for 3 weeks in Europe, stay with me as I lay down tips on travelling there on a budget. Decide where you want to go, when, how much you will spend, and what you plan to do once you go there.

I created a detailed outline to help you plan your 3-week Europe trip or you can also consider a 3-week cruise around Europe.

Where to go in Europe for 3 weeks

If you want a hassle-free trip, y ou could visit countries that share land borders or are near each other. You can also limit your visit to 3 countries to spend at least a week in each.

For example, France, Italy, and Spain are super popular and are easy to get from one to another. The same goes for Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. The Baltics (Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia) is another example of Hungary, Croatia, and Greece/

That way, you could experience what each country offers without rushing. You wouldn’t be overwhelmed by the new cultural experiences and frequent environmental changes. You should check our compilation of 3-week travel itineraries for different (each) European countries .

When to go to Europe

This actually depends on what activities you want to do. For instance, summer would be perfect if you like swimming , various water activities, open-air concerts, and museums. If you’re going to try skiing, ice skating, sledging and see frozen waterfalls and snow in general, you should go during winter.

You can go hiking in spring and discover diverse flora and fauna along the way, as most flowers bloom during springtime. Europe also has various music and cooking festivals, while during fall, you can attend their world-famous festivals, enjoy the changing of the tree colours, and do lots of hiking and museum visits.

However, if you ask me, I like visiting Europe during late spring or late autumn, from March to April or September to October. These are shoulder seasons; the weather is neither too hot nor too cold, there are fewer tourists, and accommodation prices are a bit lower.

Check our list of best destinations to go for a beach trip and t op places to spend winter for 3 weeks .

You don’t have to write your itinerary from start to finish, day by day, but writing some sort of guideline will help you visualise your trip. You can check which destinations you can afford to book a private room and which places you have to book dorm rooms.

Y ou can join free walking tours in Europe, which are widespread . The great thing about this is that you only need to give a tip to the tour guide according to your satisfaction. You can also take local transportation such as trains, buses, or subways (they call them metro in Europe).

You can also check if you can rent bicycles. This means of transportation is enjoyable, and you would be able to appreciate the places you visit more when riding a bike.

Another way to save money when taking public transportation is by booking a shared ride (either from your hotel to the airport or the following city/country).

Pack lightweight

There are so many cheap flights across Europe, but the catch is that the baggage cost on flights often doubles the ticket costs.

That’s why you need only to bring the essentials and pack light. In this way, you also could move faster because you don’t need to rearranging your belongings or drag a heavy suitcase or backpack.

We have an amazing packing list for general travel , which comes with a free printable checklist. You can also check our packing list for summer or the packing list for winter .

Basic travel tools and sites

When planning your trip, check different sites for the most affordable and budget-friendly travel services, such as flights, accommodations, and even travel insurance. If your trip is not final, look for sites that offer flexible cancellations if anything changes.

For those sure of their trip, booking your hotels and flights in advance is best to have more options, especially affordable ones.

These are the websites and tools I personally use when booking my trip. The ones I book right away are flights (for international/intercontinental), hotels (to find the best deals), and car rentals.

3 WEEKS IN EUROPE AVERAGE COST

On average, one person should plan around $2,000 for 20 days in Europe . You should be able to stay in a private room and eat out most of the time. But that still depends on where you plan to go.

If you’re on a backpacker’s budget, you should be able to do it for $1,500 . Plan to stay in dorm rooms and cook when you can.

If you want to splurge, $4,500 for 3 weeks in Europe is very comfortable. You can book five-star hotels, eat at fancier restaurants, and book private tours.

Pro tip: Don’t include your airfare when computing your budget because airfares change drastically . You can also try to book during non-peak seasons to save more or wait for promos.

When computing how much a 3-week Europe trip costs, you should consider food, accommodation, and tours. Last-minute bookings are the most expensive. Hence if possible, book as early as three months before your planned trip.

How much is it really to travel to Europe for 3 weeks? It depends on the person, of course. However, personally, I spent about $1,200 on one summer. I also visited during winter, where I paid $1,000 in 3 weeks, mostly because I decided to head to East Europe . I also backpacked around for three months and spent about $2000.

In my opinion, Europe is not that expensive compared to North America or even Oceania. But it would help if you had a good plan and were okay with not always eating in fancy places. The great thing about Europe is the hostel community, it’s affordable and a great way to socialise.

I mainly stayed in hostels around Europe, took public transportation, walked a lot, ate street food and went to local grocery stores. I also made sure to see as many places as possible and enjoy some “luxury” here and there.

You can also book this 7-day tour of central Europe , which covers Germany, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, and Switzerland. Transportation, accommodation, tour manager, and breakfast are all included.

PINNED MAP OF DIFFERENT ITINERARIES

Click the enlarge button on the top right corner. Credit: map data: Google

EUROPE IN 3 WEEKS ITINERARIES

I created a list of various destinations according to season and budget preference. I included itemised lists of how much a 3-week Europe trip costs so you could know what you could do with specific budget ranges. Please note that this budget is for one person only, and you can adjust the cost according to the number of people.

>> We also have an article on affordable destinations to spend your 3-week vacation

Most Affordable Winter Destination – Portugal, Spain, Italy

2 images - Wawel Castle and Venice Canals

If you want to visit Europe during winter, consider visiting Portugal, Spain and Italy. These three are close to each other. They also have affordable accommodations and generally have fewer tourists during this season.

In Italy, you can enjoy the Colosseum without crowds , explore the mountains, and spend time in museums. You will also have the luxury of spending the entire 3 weeks in Italy , covering north to south. From mountains, vineyards, and historical places, to Mediterranean beaches. If you are foody, you definitely have to try these best Italian desserts .

On the other hand, Portugal doesn’t suffer from freezing temperatures even in the middle of the winter season, so you can still enjoy the sunlight and do various outdoor activities such as hiking. There are popular Instagrammable spots in Portugal that are worth a visit, and of course, wine and food.

You want to see Porto and Lisbon, especially if you want to hike the popular Santiago de Compostela route. Once you get to Porto, stay near a bus or metro stop, both budget-friendly ways to move around. If you don’t know where to stay in Porto, near the historic centre of Ribeira District, both offer affordable options.

Don’t forget Lagos; it offers such wonderful water activities. This is an incredible destination if you plan to visit during summer. Lagos is located in the Algarve region, a popular area for its coastal features. If the water is too cold during winter in the Algarve, there are other things you can do, such as hiking, visiting chapels, enjoy a road trip.

If you are heading to the capital, decide on the activities, from museums, beaches, hiking, and even night-out parties. Knowing what to pack for Lisbon will ensure you don’t waste your time and money. Check our itinerary for 3 weeks in Portugal .

Lastly, Spain holds some of the best festivals on the continent during this season . During winter, the best places to visit in Spain are Seville, Barcelona, Madrid, Granada, the Canary Islands, and Costa del Sol.

There are so many places to see in Madrid, and probably a good 5 days here is the perfect spot. At the same time, Barcelona for 2 days will allow you to cover too many attractions.

But please, do not miss the Canary Islands – like no other in Europe. We have 3 weeks in Spain. Below are the budget ranges you should allocate for food, guided tours and accommodation. You can also check out our 3 weeks in France, Italy, and Spain itinerary .

food budget per day: $20
guided tours cost per day: $15-$30
accommodation cost per day: $25-$45 as a backpacker or $70+ for mid-range
3-week budget: $1,200-$1,800 (excluding flights to and back)

Mid-range – UK, France, Germany

If you want to spend more, visit the UK, France and Germany. These countries are rich in history and are close to each other, so much so that you can take trains to cross borders. They also have great wine and beers, so this option is perfect for wine and beer enthusiasts.

Check out our 3 weeks in Central Europe itinerary, which features Germany, Poland, Czechia, Switzerland, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary. But if you prefer the West, we also have an itinerary for 3 weeks in Western Europe or a sole 3 weeks in Germany post.

If this is the region you want to visit, it’s best to come during the off-season, which is either from March to May or September to November. The prices are lower, and there are fewer crowds.

If you visit the UK, you can finally see Big Ben in London and London Bridge . You can spend your holiday in England, which hosts festive Christmas markets and drink hot chocolate while wandering about or seeing the world-famous Isle of Skye in Scotland.

There are many ways to explore the UK. We have a guide for 3 weeks in England only, or you can also explore the entire country and do 3 weeks in the UK .

However, if you have been to the UK before, you probably want to visit Ireland this tim e. You can combine Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Ireland. Please look at our 3 weeks in the UK and Ireland itinerary .

In France, you can take a picture of the Eiffel Tower or visit the Louvre if you’re a museum enthusiast. You can also try out their seasonal cuisines and go on a shopping spree as they have a government-mandated citywide sale during this season, also known as “soldes”. And yes, we have an itinerary for 3 weeks in France .

In Germany, you can go to thermal bathhouses to experience their outdoor pools and saunas . You can also ride their historic cable car, Merkurbergbahn, to see the snow-covered pine trees. Here are the daily price ranges for food, accommodation and tours.

food budget per day: $25-$35
guided tours cost per day: $30-$50
accommodation cost per day: $35-$50 for backpackers or $80+ for mid-range
3-week budget: $1,900-$2,800 (excluding flights to and back)

Affordable Summer Destination – Italy, Croatia, Greece

For affordable summer destinations, Italy, Croatia, and Greece are must-visits. They are not necessarily next to each other or affordable. Italy is expensive, but Greece and Croatia are a bit more affordable so that balances it out.

Another thing is that flights between these three countries are affordable. Plus, it’s in Southern Europe ; there’s no better place for a beach vacation in this region.

These 3 destinations serve great food, wine, and beer and are rich in natural scenic spots like beaches and mountains. Personally, I would say this is the best way to explore Europe in 3 weeks on a budget.

Italy is known for their fantastic food. You can go on a gondola ride in Venice and have wine tastings in Sorrento, which sounds like a perfect summer getaway. Venice is not really a budget-friendly destination.

But, if you want to make this trip affordable, check out the coastal cities on the southeast side of Italy. Not only are they cheaper for vacation in this expensive country, but they are also less crowded.

Greece is a famous summer spot as well. You can visit Mycenae, an ageless arch made with monumental stones that was once a dwelling place of some of the most famous people in Grecian history, including Agamemnon, Electra, and Orestes. You can also have a road trip with your friends around Pelion or just chill and have a slow day in Hydra.

This country is an excellent choice if you want to experience the Mediterranean Sea but want to do Europe in 3 weeks on a budget. 3 weeks in Greece is a little more affordable than Spain, France, and Italy.

Croatia is now known for its location in Game of Thrones, but it has more to offer. You can go coral diving during the summer season. You can also avail yourself of a boat trip, hike, swim, cycle or sail; honestly, the sky’s the limit with the number of things you could do here.

It’s another more affordable destination but located ion on the Mediterranean Sea. You can check our 3 weeks in Croatia itinerary too.

accommodation cost per day: $25-$35 or $50 and up for mid-range
3-week budget: $1,000-$1,800(excluding flights to and back)

Drinks and Beach – France, Poland, Greece

If you are the type of person who wants to lounge along the beach while drinking wine or beer, then this triad is perfect for you . Aside from that, these countries are rich in historical artefacts and landmarks, and flight tickets are cheap.

One of the most famous beaches in France is Plage de la Cote des Basques in Biarritz, which you’ve probably read about in Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises . Another famous beach is the Deauville beach in Normandy, where Coco Chanel opened her first clothing store and held historical value .

Sopot is one of the most famous beaches in Poland , especially for the locals, because aside from chilling and sipping wine along the bay, you can also take boat rides, and there are spas and saunas nearby.

Swinoujscie Beach is famous for its water sports because of the constant wind and waves. It also has a windmill nearby which is considered its most famous landmark. Greece has the most beautiful beaches in Europe, so you won’t have difficulty looking for a great beach there. Some of the most beautiful beaches are Mykonos, Crete and Santorini.

accommodation cost per day: $25-$50
3-week budget: $1,700-$2,800 (excluding flights to and back)

CHECK-OUT: Best itineraries for 3 weeks in East Europe

A bit of splurge – Iceland, Norway, Denmark

I know Scandinavia or the Nordic region doesn’t scream Europe in 3 weeks on a budget. But if you have a larger budget and want to splurge a little, Iceland, Norway, and Denmark are the perfect places to visit. The best way to make this plan affordable is to rent a car rather than relying on domestic flights, trains, or even buses.

Not super cheap, but it can be affordable if you plan and look for great deals. Remember these tips for visiting Iceland and travelling to Scandinavia for first-time travellers to this region.

You should look at flights and book accommodations 4-6 months in advance . Travelling in the northern hemisphere during the off-season, fall or winter, would be best.

Book hotels in advance to save money and also use local transportation. For instance, if you plan to go during the summer, flights are cheaper if you book them during the winter.

You can enjoy many free or affordable activities like hiking, sightseeing, or road-tripping. You can also enjoy their street foods at a lower price than at their restaurants.

If you are curious, some of the most famous places in Iceland include the Blue Lagoon in Grindavik, a geothermal spa and Strokkur Geysir, where spectacular geysers are found. You can also witness the northern lights if you’re lucky, as the time of their appearance is quite unpredictable.

Meanwhile, in Norway, you can visit the Lofoten Islands or the scenic city of Bergen, which form an archipelago and go to the Lofoten War Memorial Museum. Bygdoy Peninsula is also home to some of Oslo’s top tourist attractions.

In Denmark, you can visit the Tivoli Gardens found in Copenhagen and Nyhavn, the model of most postcards and can also be found in Copenhagen. Here, you will also see the statue of the Little Mermaid, yep, that story was written by the Danish writer, Hans Christian Andersen.

Do you know that you can spend 3 weeks in Scandinavia and cover Norway, Denmark, and Sweden on the same trip? We also have 3 weeks in Iceland itinerary if that’s something you have in mind and a Norway itinerary .

food budget per day: $30-$50
guided tours cost per day: $50-$70
accommodation cost per day: $45-$60 for backpackers or $100+ for mid-range
3-week budget: $2,400-$3,500 (excluding flights to and back)

The Baltics – Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia

2 images - Trakai Castle and Bran Castle

If I’m on a budget, these three countries are my favourite European destinations for Europe in 3 weeks . These places offer a calm and relaxing vibe, from beaches to hiking, to castles, without spending too much.

You can cross the borders via train or bus, saving you money instead of flying. I’m not going to lie. The Baltic beaches are not stunning, but they offer a tranquil scene and few tourists.

I recommend you enter either through Vilnius or Tallinn and make your way north or south. Don’t forget to try cider from this region. It’s one of the best in Europe. Few do this, but road-tripping through the Baltics is the best way to explore this area. It’s more affordable and gives you so much more freedom.

In Lithuania, make sure to visit Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipeda. These two cities offer different activities from one another. Vilnius for the cultural and historical experiences and the best nightlife in Lithuania. In comparison, Kaunas is known for its creative and street arts.

Even though it’s a small city, many things to do in Kaunas are related to art. Last but not least, Klaipeda for the beach and other water activities. Make sure to visit Trakai Castle and Uzupis.

From there, make your way to Riga, the coastal capital of Latvia. Enjoy museums, castles, fortresses, and the beach during summer. You can also visit Rezekne, where Raznas National Park is located. Here, you can enjoy hiking, fishing, and even canoeing.

And lastly, Tallinn. A vibrant and modern city, Estonia’s capital and known for being the leading digital powerhouse of the Baltics. Estonia is the pioneer of digital residencies and the first country to welcome digital nomads. Many museums show Estonia’s history and culture. Being on the coast, you can enjoy the beach during warm weather and other water activities.

food budget per day: $15-$30
accommodation cost per day: $35-$50 for backpackers and $60+ for mid-range hotels
3-week budget: $1,400-$2,300 (excluding flights to and back)

SUMMARY OF EUROPE IN 3 WEEKS

Europe might be expensive in general, but with enough planning and research, you should be able to create a travel plan for Europe without spending too much.

Our own guide to Europe in 3 weeks on a budget, consists of our personal list of places that I visited and perhaps you can visit them as well depending on your budget, season and activity preference.

These budget ranges are for participating in group tours and eating in bazaars, holiday fairs or mobile food carts instead of going to fancy restaurants.

Next summer, I plan to be in Europe for 3 weeks visiting Italy (can never get enough!, Slovenia, and Czechia.

We hope reading this has been enjoyable and informative for you as much as compiling this list has been delightful. We also hope you would consider going to Europe because there are many famous scenic spots and hidden gems just waiting to be visited.

SAVE THIS TRAVEL ITINERARY ON YOUR PINTEREST:

Backpacking Europe on a budget involves exploring charming cities, historic landmarks, and stunning landscapes while managing expenses. Stay in hostels, use public transportation, eat local food, and seek free attractions to fully experience Europe's diversity without breaking the bank. via @threeweektraveller

January 19, 2022

Budget for a trip to Europe: How much do i need?

That Europe is one of the most sought after destinations for tourism travel everyone already knows, we even have a list of 5 most visited countries in Europe and their incredible sights that certainly corroborates this conclusion! However, planning this trip can be a difficult task, since there are so many things to think, research and organize that can leave you lost, even more with the high costs that are a big problem for your plans, right? That’s exactly why we are here! We can help you with the basics or, if you prefer, you can start by taking a look at how to plan a trip to Europe during the pandemic and then come back here to create your budget for a trip .

So, have you gone and come back? Or did you prefer to stick around here? Well, roll your mouse over and find out all you need to know about how to make a cheap trip to Europe !

ON THE POINT: Writing down expenses

To plan a trip you should go through a basic itinerary of where you want to go, how many days you intend to stay, which places to visit and make reservations . This will all be part of your budget. As we are here to help you we recommend that you take into account two very important things: the external conditions and the standard expenses .

External conditions

When we talk about external conditions, we talk about a tip that can change everything! This is because each one of them greatly influences your pocket when it comes to buying and booking. They are:

The country : some countries are cheaper than others and the difference can be quite significant, as you can check in Little Money: 3 countries to visit in Europe with little money ,
The period : times with less tourist movement is called low season, and this term, like its name, is synonymous with low prices, ranging from tickets to accommodation and attractions.
The European currency quote : the value of each currency is constantly changing and it is important to be aware of its current value to catch its best times.

Standard spending

The standard expenses are the essential costs of the trip – or at least the basics of a complete and still economical trip – that you should write down considering the above conditions and the time you intend to stay abroad:

Return air tickets;
Travel insurance;
Accommodation;
Tourist attractions.

Now that your expenses are organised, open your browser, take out your pencil, paper and calculator and get to work!

WHAT TO DO TO SAVE MONEY?

Before starting the calculations, it is best to follow a few steps thinking about the external conditions of your trip, so you will have an overview of the expenses, besides finding the cheapest prices for when you calculate the rest of your budget for a trip.

Step one: plan everything in advance!

When it comes to planning, even more so when you want low prices, you have to be willing to be flexible with dates and times , plus the earlier you book the better it is!
So the first step for your planning and subsequently your budget is to choose dates well ahead, such as booking tickets 2 to 6 months in advance .

Step two: look for a cheap city!

The cities located in Eastern Europe are a bargain! With a list that includes Budapest , Krakow , Istanbul , Prague and Sofia and prices of up to 40 euros per day .
Others between Greece, Italy, Spain and Portugal have a cheap average spend, between 50 and 60 euros per day .
And there are still some very popular tourist destinations such as Berlin , in Germany, London , in England, Paris, in France, and Rome , in Italy, as well as Amsterdam , Barcelona , Brussels and Lisbon , with average prices ranging from 60 to 70 euros per day .

Step three : choose the best time!

The period of your trip matters a lot, after all you can catch the low season at the right times, besides, of course, less suffocating with queues and crowds.
In most places it occurs in the winter period as seen in some countries mentioned in 5 incredible places to visit in the European winter , starting in late autumn . From November to March are the months with the lowest prices .
Spring is also a good time. In general, the landscapes in the season of dry leaves and flowers in bloom are beautiful and unite natural beauty with good prices.

Step four: keep an eye on the European currency!

The value of the European currency changes constantly and even small amounts make a big difference when it comes to paying.
Many hostels and locations only accept European currency.
Therefore, you have 2 options: one is to convert it when calculating the expenses, always keeping in mind a margin of error; and the second and more practical option is to exchange the currency of your country for the Euro, so you reduce the difficulties of your trip.
As the currency can overvalue or depreciate depending on the weather, it is good to exchange in advance.
Also bear in mind that although the Euro is the official European currency, some regions make use of other currencies such as England with the Pound Sterling and the Swedish Krona and Czech Koruna , respectively of Sweden and the Czech Republic.

Step five: search for reliable sources and websites!

Once you find it, you can search and book (in advance) your tickets and accommodation.

Lean more at How Much Does it Cost to go to Europe?

PRE-TRIP EXPENSES

After following the recommended steps, start to really calculate each of the standard expenses, starting with those that must be done in advance, because then it is less of a worry and it is enough to save for when the day of the trip comes.

As the item that should be purchased the furthest in advance, tickets should be your priority, and remember:

As the goal is cheap tickets, we will follow the previous tips aiming at the low season period;

Flights booked in December with a date in March of the following year, that is 3 months, 4 days of stay in the city, being the time that interchanges the outward and return trip, and for 1 adult in economy travel, stay around

Flight with (1) connection NY – Lisbon: from 181,22 euros;
Direct flight NY – London: from €257.73;
Direct flight NY – Paris: from 250.83 euros
Direct flight NY – Rome: from 316.04 euros

* These cities were just some examples, the values may change depending on the place of embarkation and disembarkation.

Ps: don’t forget to look for flexible airlines! So, if necessary you can change the date of your trip without problems or having to pay extra for it.

Travel insurance

I’ m sure you’re already tired of hearing about travel insurance when it comes to Europe, right? But that just goes to show how essential it is. And if you’re lost about it, we recommend you check out how to travel safely to Europe during the pandemic in 2023 to learn how important it is. But to put you in context, this obligation is a guarantee that, in case you have an accident or something similar happens, you will be able to pay for the medical-hospital expenses.

So what do you need to know about them for your budget for a trip?

Which countries require travel insurance . Not all of them, but many countries do, including the member countries of the Schengen Treaty (if you haven’t seen the first article mentioned, take the opportunity to check it out now, there is a list of all of them);
What insurance covers . Of the main services offered from travel insurance, medical-hospital and pharmaceutical costs are top of the list, however insurance still covers other issues such as:
Flight cancellation due to medical emergency or otherwise;
Tracking and compensation in case of lost luggage;
Compensation for disability or accidental death, as well as funeral assistance;
Legal costs and bail bonds;
The best plan for you . Depending on the length of your trip or what collateral you find most essential, you can choose an insurance plan that covers what you want, for the most affordable price. You can do this using simulators.
The price of insurance is from 2,35 euros per day;
From 13,80 euros per day without luggage insurance;
And a more complete plan around 20 euros per day.

Ah, keep an eye on the European Travel Visa! Soon the Schengen Visa Waiver will come into effect, which will have a fee for the service, but its cost-benefit is also great, as it will be valid for 3 years. You can see more in United States and Europe: will you need a visa in 2023 ?

Accommodation

As well as the time of year, the country and the location of the accommodation you choose will also influence the price of the accommodation you choose, whether it is a simpler or more elegant hostel, budget hotels or flats for rent, always keeping the focus on the low price.

Best hostel options

Lisbon (daily rate – 1 person): from 12,49 to 78,47 euros;
London (daily rate – 1 person): from 12.24 to 70.39 euros;
Paris (daily rate – 1 person): from 21,81 to 39,08 euros;
Rome (daily rate – 1 person): from 12.56 to 53.52 euros.

Best options for flats

Lisbon (daily rate – 1 person): around 53.83 to 152.86 euros;
London (daily rate – 1 person): from around 47.87 to 166.67;
Paris (daily rate – 1 person): from 45.36 to 137.64 euros;
Rome (daily rate 1 person): from about 55,40 to 180,80 euros;

Best hotel options

Lisbon (daily rate – 1 person): from 12 euros;
London (daily rate – 1 person): from 18,05 euros;
Paris (daily rate – 1 person): from 24.48 euros;
Rome (daily rate – 1 person): from 33,27 euros.

Expenses during the trip

Now that you have seen the expenses before the trip, you need to know how much you will spend during the trip, which on average is around 50 euros per day for one person. Let’s break this down?

Sightseeing and tourist attractions

When talking about saving money, you have to be aware that it requires a lot of searching. Attractions are no different. They can vary a lot, from attractions that cost nothing or have very low prices , as is the case of Serra da Estrela, in the Portuguese winter period, or can be quite high, depending on its fame and how much is demanded.

However, on average the cat cost with attractions is 20 euros per day for a person, enough to visit the main sights. Even because, with the incredible landscapes

that there are, walking a little bit through the streets enjoying the view, is one of the best experiences and doesn’t cost anything! Of course you don’t have to miss out on an attraction you like because of the price, just make sure you control how many you go to so you don’t lose your hand on the budget and a lot of money in your pocket.

Transport when travelling is essential, especially if you don’t want to get lost in unknown lands. And it is even possible to go from city to city only with train rides , so it is a very interesting expense, don’t you agree? But you have to think well about the cost-benefit before spending. So, decide if you want to stay in one city only or travel between several.

If you choose to stay in only one city, bus or train rides are very cheap, ranging from 1 to 3 euros . You can also buy 24 to 72 hour passes.
From Lisbon to Madrid: 16 euros;
From Madrid to Rome: 26 euros;
From Rome to Paris: 23 euros;
From Paris to London: 38 euros.

If you are interested, read more about how to travel by train in Europe: the best itineraries!

The cost of food to be cheap just depends on you! There are many famous restaurants in Europe, but the price can be discouraging. However, you can still choose a good option, get to know the cuisine and culture you want without having to spend too much!

The first tip is: book hotels or hostels with breakfast included ! Even if it doesn’t, opt for the cheapest, so you can spend between 3 and 5 euros .
The same tip goes for lunch; if possible, eat at the hotel . Or just leave lunch as your “out of town” meal. A simple meal will cost you around 12,56 euros .
For dinner, you can eat at the hotel, which is much cheaper, or you can try the fast food at those times, which are always cheaper, and can be as low as 5 euros !
Another cheap option is the “ Tourist Menu “, going for 9 euros .
And then there are the markets, with excellent prices and a great alternative for buying meals.
On average, opting for good quality and still economical, your meal will be around 20 to 25 euros per day.

SUMING IT ALL UP: How much does a cheap trip to Europe cost altogether?

After writing down all the expenses before and after the trip, choosing the best periods and following the tips for an economical trip, and taking the average of tickets and hotel accommodation for 4 days, the expense that a person would have to visit Europe for four days is 500 euros . Very economical, isn’t it? With this you can even spend a little more, since it is impossible to do a tour like this and not buy anything or take souvenirs home – which by the way are an expense of about 30 euros a day! And now, do you know everything to plan a budget for a trip and start your journey?

If not, we have a complete budget for a trip: Holidays in Portugal: how much money do I need?

If so, how about doing some more extensive planning and a 10-day trip to Europe?

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budget for a trip , Europe , travel cheap , travel cheaply , Travel in 2022

Madeira Expedition: Sunrise at Pico Ruivo and Camping in Encumeada

I woke up early, around 6:30 am, my goal there was to capture the best

Madeira Expedition: Lunch at Pico do Areeiro and camp on Pico Ruivo

I woke up there in Pico Alto, it was cold, it was 8 am, I

Madeira Camping Expedition: Funchal to Pico Alto

This is the article number 1 of this series I left work on a Friday

Exploring Lauterbrunnen: A Day in the Swiss Paradise

This was a special Saturday. It was a cloudy morning, rainy weather in Switzerland, and

Swiss Hiking Adventure: Lucerne to Mount Pilatus

That day I had arranged with my cousin to go to a lake near Estavayer-le-lac.

Venice to Lucerne: Exploring Swiss Beauty and Italian Flair

We got up early in Venice to catch the flixbus to Milan. We went from

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Travel Planning Guide

Europe Travel Cost Rankings

Travel Budgets
Country Travel Cost Rankings
Cheapest Cities
Country Budget Comparisons

What are the cheapest and most expensive countries to visit in Europe?

The following travel cost rankings for countries in Europe are calculated based on the travel budgets of real travelers. Also referred to as a Travel Cost Index , or a Backpacker Index , the countries below are in order from most to least expensive by their average daily travel price, per person, per day

1 Switzerland € 265.83
2 France € 233.73
3 Liechtenstein € 231.54
4 Monaco € 210.99
5 Iceland € 190.55
6 Luxembourg € 183.97
7 Denmark € 179.13
8 United Kingdom € 178.36
9 Netherlands € 175.49
10 Italy € 166.54
11 Andorra € 164.38
12 Finland € 157.09
13 Greece € 156.50
14 Germany € 151.52
15 Austria € 150.91
16 Spain € 150.06
17 Ireland € 142.95
18 Belgium € 142.20
19 Portugal € 136.31
20 Sweden € 128.90
21 Slovakia € 126.32
22 Turkey € 123.18
23 Malta € 117.43
24 Latvia € 113.66
25 Norway € 109.94
26 Montenegro € 104.13
27 Cyprus € 103.44
28 Estonia € 101.94
29 Czech Republic € 101.83
30 Croatia € 95.46
31 Slovenia € 93.30
32 Lithuania € 91.97
33 Hungary € 77.13
34 Romania € 76.95
35 Albania € 74.55
36 Bosnia and Herzegowina € 68.44
37 Bulgaria € 64.07
38 Belarus € 61.60
39 Russia € 60.17
40 Poland € 60.12
41 Serbia € 36.54
42 Georgia € 30.75
43 Armenia € 27.38
44 Ukraine € 23.02
45 Azerbaijan € 0.00

The Cheapest Cities for Other Regions

Country rankings for other regions, what are the cheapest countries to visit in europe.

The least expensive countries for travel in Europe are currently Azerbaijan (€0.00), Ukraine (€23.02), Armenia (€27.38), Georgia (€30.75), Serbia (€36.54), Poland (€60.12), Russia (€60.17), Belarus (€61.60), Bulgaria (€64.07), and Bosnia and Herzegowina (€68.44).

What are the most expensive countries to visit in Europe?

The most expensive countries for travel in Europe are currently Switzerland (€265.83), France (€233.73), Liechtenstein (€231.54), Monaco (€210.99), Iceland (€190.55), Luxembourg (€183.97), Denmark (€179.13), United Kingdom (€178.36), Netherlands (€175.49), and Italy (€166.54).

Affordable Travel in Europe

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Activities, Day Trips, Things To Do, and Excursions

Eiffel Tower in Paris France as framed by trees

How to Plan an Epic 2 Week Europe Trip (+ Europe Itinerary Ideas!)

Ready to plan a 2 week Europe trip but not quite sure where to start?

We want to help!

Whether it’s your first trip to Europe or your tenth, there’s something simultaneously overwhelming and exhilarating about planning a trip through multiple countries that–for us and most of the readers of this blog post–lie across an ocean from home.

I’ll never forget planning our first 2 week Europe itinerary: I pored over flight schedules, bucket lists, budgets, and maps for months, desperate to pull together the ultimate Europe trip.

Kate Storm looking toward San Marco Campanile from Scala Contarini del Bovolo, which is an excellent place to visit during 2 days in Venice

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There were many, many lists involved in planning that first trip, and after months of planning, I emerged with an eclectic but incredible itinerary that kicked our love of travel into high gear.

In the summer of 2015, Jeremy and I spent a little over 2 weeks in Europe exploring Krakow , Budapest , Plitvice Lakes National Park , Zadar , Dublin , and the Cliffs of Moher (I told you it was eclectic!).

We’ve now cumulatively spent years of our lives traveling in Europe, falling in love with world-famous cities and less iconic locations alike, and there’s absolutely nothing we like better than helping people plan their own unforgettable adventures.

Over the years, we’ve explored the continent in almost every way possible, from backpacking Europe on a budget for 2 weeks to checking into luxury hotels to playing tour guide for family and friends to finally spending more than a year living in Lisbon, Portugal !

Kate Storm and Jeremy Storm at Wawel Castle, Krakow on their first 2 week Europe trip.

We’ve put together this 2 week Europe itinerary guide to help you plan your trip–here’s what you need to know before you go.

(Also, yes–this is an incredibly long blog post! We recommend using the table of contents right below this paragraph to help you navigate to different sections depending on what you’re hoping to read first.)

Table of Contents

How to Use This 2 Week Europe Trip Guide

Exciting 2 week europe itinerary ideas, how to get around during 2 weeks in europe, important tips for planning a 2 week europe trip, faq for spending 2 weeks in europe, what to pack for 2 weeks in europe, read more about visiting europe.

praia do camilo from above, one of the best things to do in lagos portugal

This 2 week Europe trip guide is designed for someone hoping to see the highlights of a few different European destinations, spread across multiple countries, in only a couple of weeks.

We’ve primarily written it for someone planning their first trip to Europe, but if this is your second trip, third trip, or beyond, hopefully, we have some interesting ideas and tips for you, too!

And, of course, given that Europe is home to more than 50 countries and is roughly the same size as the USA, no 2 weeks in Europe could hope to cover the entire continent or all of its numerous and distinct cultures, languages, and histories.

For ease of communication, we’ll talk in general terms about traveling in Europe here, but once you pick your itinerary, of course, you’ll want to follow up with further research on the specific locations you’ll be visiting.

kate storm jeremy storm and ranger storm overlooking brisighella italy

And, once you’re further along in your planning process, we’d love to help you with some of that planning here on Our Escape Clause, too!

We’ll link to relevant blog posts throughout this travel guide, but given the hundreds of posts we have on the site, we won’t be able to link them all.

You can use our destinations page or the search bar on the top right of the page (on desktop) or at the top of the pop-out menu (on mobile) to find our content about various specific destinations across Europe or general travel tips.

For example, a few of our most popular guides that might come in handy next include our guide to traveling Europe by train , our 75 best Europe travel tips , and our (biased) guide to the best cities in Europe .

Italy Bucket List: View of Orvieto Cathedral

The number of possible 2 week Europe itinerary ideas is truly infinite–just look at the odd itinerary that I cobbled together for us in 2015 as an example !

However, the sample itineraries for Europe outlined below should give you a good idea of what you can accomplish with around 14 days in Europe .

I truly struggled to narrow down these ideas–I could name 10 more excellent 2 week Europe trips in an instant, and still feel like I was leaving so much on the table.

I aimed to keep these mostly focused on destinations that are popular for first-time visitors to Europe, with just a couple of slight curve balls thrown in.

Bike leaning against bridge over a canal in Annecy, France

The Classic: London, Paris, Rome

As three of the world’s most beloved and celebrated cities, you can’t go wrong with splitting your 2 weeks in Europe between London, Paris, and Rome.

As the capital of an English-speaking country and home to an enormous airport hub, London makes logistical sense for a first trip to Europe hailing from North America–and, of course, it’s a truly fascinating city.

Visit Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park, stroll through Notting Hill, snap photos of Big Ben, check out the Tower Bridge and the Tower of London , visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, stop by Piccadilly Circus, ride the London Eye , and tour the British Museum.

… And that’s just to get you started !

Big Ben and Parliament as seen from across the river. London is absolutely one of the best cities to visit in Europe.

The City of Lights is one of our favorite cities in the world and was also the first place we visited on our very first trip to Europe (we spent a week there and then planned our 2 week Europe trip outlined in the introduction of this blog post the following year).

Since then, we haven’t been able to stop going back, and believe that it’s an excellent addition to any 2 week Europe itinerary!

While you’re in Paris , visit the Eiffel Tower, marvel at the beauty of Sainte-Chapelle, tour the Louvre and the Musee d’Orsay, stroll the picturesque streets of Montmartre and the Latin Quarter, visit the Palais Garnier, discover hidden passages and tiny cafes, and soak up every minute of that Parisian charm.

Our full guide to planning your first trip to Paris can help you get started!

Kate Storm in a gray dress standing in Rue de l'Universite in Paris with the Eiffel Tower behind her

Ah, Rome –if Paris is the first European city we fell in love with, Rome is probably our deepest love on the continent.

From wonders of Ancient Rome like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon to more recent additions like the Vatican Museums , Trevi Fountain, and winding cobblestone streets of Trastevere , exploring Rome is a captivating, engaging experience that we can’t recommend highly enough.

And, of course, you couldn’t ask for a better cuisine to savor during your 2 weeks in Europe: Rome is home to some of the best pasta in all of Italy!

Couple in front of Colosseum: Visiting Rome in Winter

Southern Europe Charm: Madrid, Rome, Amalfi Coast

Want your 2 weeks in Europe to focus on a delightful combination of history, food, and sunshine?

Head directly to Spain and Italy!

While Barcelona gets all the love (and a lot of the crowds), we’re personally smitten with the Spanish capital of Madrid… and excellent flight deals from North America make it almost irresistible on a 2 week Europe itinerary.

With a few days in Madrid , you can admire world-class art in the Prado, soak in Spanish culture with a stroll through Retiro Park, eat all the tapas and churros con chocolate you can get your hands on, tour the Royal Palace , check out an Egyptian temple, and take day trips to fairytale towns like Toledo and Segovia.

Madrid Royal Palace with garden in foreground, a must see during your 3 days in Madrid Itinerary!

I described Rome in the first Europe itinerary on this list, so I won’t repeat myself here, but as I sit typing this Europe travel blog post out in a Rome apartment while dreaming of the carbonara I’ll eat for dinner tonight, all I can say is: you won’t regret coming to Rome (and scroll up for more details).

And, while I detailed some of Rome’s highlights above, let me also say… don’t forget to get off the beaten path in the Eternal City , either!

kate storm in front of a church when traveling in rome italy

Amalfi Coast

The famed Amalfi Coast , with its dramatic cliffs, chic villages like Positano, delicious lemons, and jaw-droppingly beautiful hikes like the Path of the Gods, is a fabulous conclusion to any 2 week Europe trip–where better to relax than one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world?

While you’re there, be sure to make room for plenty of day trips!

Iconic locations like Capri and Pompeii , as well as less-popular but equally amazing spots like Ischia, Herculaneum , and Procida, are all at your fingertips when staying on the Amalfi Coast.

(Also, if you like page-turning novels about friendship and Italy, I highly recommend reading Elena Ferrante’s My Brilliant Friend series before coming or while visiting Europe).

Cliffs of Capri with bright blue water and boats visible to the left. Definitely consider a visit here when planning a trip to Italy!

Regal Central Europe: Prague, Vienna, Budapest

Sweeping boulevards, dramatic architecture, beautiful coffeehouses, and tasty comfort food: a trip to Central Europe is an absolute delight.

In my opinion, this region truly shines during the winter months when Christmas markets are in full swing and the hearty cuisine keeps you warm from the inside out.

I’ll try to keep this section quite brief, as I’ve already written a detailed Central Europe itinerary here , but suffice it to say, we love it.

View of Cesky Krumlov from above--one of our top Europe travel tips is to leave the big cities to explore incredible small towns like this during your trip

Known as the City of a Hundred Spires (and also for the fact that beer is cheaper than water here–true story, at least when it comes to pricey bottled water at restaurants), Prague is easily in the running for the most beautiful city in Europe.

The beauty of Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, the famed Charles Bridge, and Prague’s well-known astronomical clock will all draw you in.

If you have enough time, consider adding a day trip to a smaller Czech town like gorgeous Český Krumlov as well!

Best Views in Prague: View from Old Tower Bridge

Regal and beautiful, full of spacious, wide avenues and ornate buildings, Austria’s capital city is the perfect place to come to tour grand palaces ( Schonbrunn is one of the most popular), see a show in one of the world’s premier opera houses, and to enjoy European cafe culture at its finest.

We absolutely adore Vienna’s coffee houses–be sure to try a slice (or several) of Esterhazy Cake while there, as well as Viennese hot chocolate.

The city’s famed Spanish riding school and striking St. Stephen’s Cathedral are also worth adding to your list!

Austria Christmas Market Trip: Christmas Lights in Vienna

As our favorite city in central Europe and one of our top 10 cities in Europe overall, I really can’t say enough about how beautiful Budapest is!

The city is somehow, simultaneously, both grand and down-to-earth , absolutely gorgeous while also remaining accessible, affordable, and fairly simple to visit and explore.

While in Budapest, go for a soak in the famous thermal baths, tour one of the most beautiful houses of Parliament in Europe, check out a castle, visit grand basilicas, take a boat ride down the Danube, and, if you’re up for a bit of adventure, even go on a cave tour!

Be sure not to miss the great food , either–Budapest’s hearty cuisine is a delight, and one of our all-time favorite wine tastings took place there!

Prague or Budapest: Budapest view of Danube

Europe for Art Lovers: Paris, Florence, Venice

If you’re an art buff at heart, you can’t ask for a better sampling of some of the continent’s most beloved artistic cities than the trifecta of Paris, Florence, and Venice (and it certainly helps that each city is practically an art museum in and of itself).

From the Louvre to the Musee d’Orsay to the Orangerie to the Musee Rodin to the Centre Pompidou to the Cluny Museum, it would probably take a lifetime to enjoy all the art museums in Paris alone.

And of course, the city has so much more to offer once you need a break!

tapestry hanging in the cluny museum in paris

Nicknamed the Cradle of the Renaissance, Florence boasts the finest collection of Renaissance art on the planet–and claims many of its most famous artists as locals.

Michelangelo, DaVinci, Botticelli, and more all originally hailed from Florence, and their works are scattered about the city.

Perhaps most famously, Michelangelo’s David is in the Galleria dell’Accademia and Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus is in the Uffizi Gallery .

And of course, no art-focused trip to the Cradle of the Renaissance can overlook Florence’s iconic Duomo , a masterpiece of the era!

View of Florence from above with Duomo in the center--you can't go wrong adding Florence to your 2 week Europe itinerary

Located an easy train ride away from Florence, Venice may be slightly less well-known for its art than the first two cities on this 2 week Europe itinerary, but there’s no doubt that there’s plenty to find!

From the utter masterpiece of St. Mark’s Basilica (don’t miss a chance to go in!) to the incredible Doge’s Palace to the famous Galleria dell’Accademia (not to be confused with the one in Florence!) that focuses mostly on Venetian artists, Venice is an art lover’s dream.

Mix it up by adding a visit to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, which holds modern art, and a gondola ride .

A fter all, Venice itself is no doubt one of the best artistic masterpieces in the city, and it deserves to be seen from all its best angles.

Grand Canal of Venice with a gondola in the center

The Incredible Iberian Peninsula: Lisbon, The Algarve, Andalucia

The Iberian Peninsula is dominated by Spain and Portugal , and while I might be biased after spending more than a year living in Lisbon, it makes for an unforgettable Eurotrip!

(The fact that there are often flight deals from the US to Lisbon and Madrid doesn’t hurt, either).

There are infinite ways to craft southern Europe itineraries out of these two countries, but here’s one great option…

kate storm and jeremy storm sitting on a wall overlooking lisbon portugal

Start your trip with a few days in Lisbon , Portugal’s trendy capital city, soaking up beautiful views from its many miradouros , sampling Portuguese food (starting with pastéis de nata ), touring the incredible Jerónimos Monastery, and taking day trips from Lisbon to nearby gems like the palaces of Sintra and/or the beach resort town of Cascais .

Be prepared to head up and down a lot of hills while you’re there–but Lisbon is worth the climb.

If you’re looking for neighborhoods to wander through, Alfama, Castelo, Chiado, and Bairro Alto are particularly picturesque–keep an eye out for trams, azulejos, and peacocks as you explore!

And, while Lisbon’s top attractions are definitely worth a visit, seeking out some of the many hidden gems in Lisbon will add extra beauty to your trip.

kate storm in a black dress sitting on a ledge at miradouro de santa luzia, one of the best places to visit in lisbon in 3 days

The Algarve

After saying goodbye to Lisbon, head south of Portugal’s Algarve for a dizzying array of whitewashed villages (you’ll find many of the best beach towns in Portugal here) and a picturesque coastline.

Lagos is one of the most popular places to stay, and we can highly recommend it–don’t miss the famous Ponta da Piedade, which photos can’t do justice to.

Nearby attractions (ideally, you’ll want to rent a car in the Algarve) include the famous Benagil Cave and the unmissable Seven Hanging Valleys Trail!

view of algarve coastline from seven hanging valleys trail, a wonderful place to visit as part of a 14 day europe itinerary

For the second week of your trip in Europe, cross the border into southern Spain (note: there’s no direct train access for this journey, but there are buses).

Split your time between any two of Andalucia’s incredible cities, taking nearby day trips from there.

Seville (with its Alcazar and famous Plaza de Espana), Granada (home of the Alhambra ), and Cordoba (home of the Mosque-Cathedral , one of the most unique houses of worship in the world) are all wonderful inland options.

On the coast, options include Cadiz, Malaga, Marbella, Tarifa, and many more.

With a bit more than 2 weeks in Europe or an ambitious schedule, you may be able to squeeze in a day trip to Gibraltar and/or Tangier, Morocco while here!

kate storm jeremy storm and ranger storm in plaza de espana seville spain

Food + History: Athens, Santorini, Istanbul

Feel like heading further east–as far east as you can get during a Europe vacation?

Greece and Turkey pair very well for a 14 day European itinerary–here’s what that might look like.

kate storm in a red dress walking through istanbul grand bazaar, one of the best places to visit in istanbul turkey

Start your trip in Athens, marveling at some of the world’s most remarkable ruins, including the famous Acropolis complex and museum.

Be sure to make time to explore non-ancient aspects of Athens as well, including the trendy Plaka neighborhood, Monastiraki Square (and nearby flea market!), and Syntagma Square.

And of course, one of the absolute best things to do after you touch down in Athens is to dive into plate after plate of phenomenal Greek food –that alone is worth traveling to Greece for ( our Athens food tour remains one of my favorites that we’ve taken in Europe).

Athens Parthenon--this structure tops all kinds of bucket lists, and is a worthy addition to any 2 week Europe trip!

Truly, any one of Greece’s amazing islands would fit nicely into this 2 week Europe itinerary, but where better to choose than Santorini , with its iconic blue-and-white color scheme, fantastic caldera views, and excellent flight connections?

While Santorini isn’t best known for its beaches–you’re better off heading to Crete for those–you sure can’t beat the charming villages or stunning nature.

Kate Storm in a white shirt and blue jeans overlooking the blue domes of Oia in Santorini--this island is incredible and worth visiting as part of your 2 weeks in Europe!

The city of two continents, where thousands of years of history blend seamlessly with modern life, and where you can eat one of the best breakfasts you’ll ever experience in your life: Istanbul tops bucket lists around the world, and there is simply nowhere on the planet quite like it.

Marvel at the Blue Mosque, step inside the Hagia Sophia, eat your weight in Turkish breakfast (seriously, I can’t emphasize enough how tasty it is), admire the views of the Bosphorus, climb the Galata Tower, and shop your way through the Grand Bazaar.

Since this Europe travel blog post focuses on, well, Europe, I won’t sketch out any other possibilities further east in Turkey in detail…

But, if you have time, you could easily add a visit to Cappadocia , complete with a sunrise hot air balloon ride, to your trip, or even a visit to the ruins of Ephesus.

kate storm standing in front of the blue mosque, one of the best things to do in istanbul turkey

Architecture + Culture: Cologne, Amsterdam, Belgium

With this small triangle of destinations, you can easily visit separate countries via train, with very little travel time between them!

And, if you were particularly motivated to add another, you could even squeeze in a day trip to Luxembourg.

If you’re looking for a winter itinerary for Europe that focuses on cities, this is a fantastic option.

jeremy storm at christmas market in cologne germany

Home to a stunning cathedral and what may just be the best Christmas markets on the planet, Cologne is a gorgeous German city that is a delight to explore on foot.

Don’t miss its soaring Gothic Cathedral while you’re there!

… Though honestly, that would be hard to do, considering you can see it right as you step outside the train station.

Cologne German Christmas Market at night as seen from above with red roofs of stalls prominent. Cologne hosts one of the best european christmas markets

As one of the most popular cities to visit in Europe, Amsterdam requires no introduction.

The city of canals, biking, and revelry is somehow even more beautiful in person than in the billions of photos of it.

While you’re there, be sure to take a canal cruise, stroll the 9 Streets, and visit at least a couple of the city’s museums (the Anne Frank House is incredibly moving).

If you visit Amsterdam in winter , you’ll no doubt need to bundle up–but the lack of crowds in this often-packed city is also a treat to experience.

Kate Storm and Jeremy Storm wearing winter coats on the edge of a canal in Amsterdam in December, facing each other

Perhaps it may be slightly unfair to list Belgium entirely while the other destinations are split into cities… but considering Belgium’s two most popular cities, Bruges and Ghent , are located less than an hour apart by train, you can cover quite a bit of the country in a few days !

With stunning architecture, canals, and carbs (bring on the waffles and frites), it’s easy to have a blast in Belgium.

Winter in Belgium brings a lack of crowds and plenty of festivities during the Christmas season!

Bruges Main Square with green awnings in front of the buildings--this storybook village is a fun place to add to your 2 weeks in Europe itinerary!

Alpine Escape: Bavaria, Switzerland’s Jungfrau Region, Milan, and Lake Como

If your dream Europe trip involves plenty of Alpine views with a side of cities, this is the itinerary for Europe in 2 weeks for you.

Start your trip in Bavaria, the land of castles, beer, and outdoor delights.

City lovers will enjoy being based in Munich (don’t miss the opulent Munich Residenz or view from St. Peter’s Church and/or the Town Hall Tower while there).

From Munich, you can easily day trip to more mountainous areas, starting with Fussen, home to Germany’s famous Neuschwanstein Castle .

If you get good weather and want to see as many mountains as possible, a day trip to the Zugspite–the highest point in Germany–is also an option.

Really, though, if there’s one thing to prioritize in Munich, it’s to eat and drink all the sausage, pretzels, beer, and beyond you can get your hands on!

view of munich from town hall tower in winter during christmas markets bavaria germany

Switzerland’s Jungfrau Region

I am convinced that Switzerland’s Jungfrau region–located around (literally, above) Interlaken–is paradise on earth in the summer.

If you’re dreaming of the Alps, check into a hotel in Wengen, Murren, or Grindelwald (for the best views) or Interlaken (for a bit more selection) or Lauterbrunnen (to be in the literal center of the action) and have the trip of your dreams.

Switzerland’s legendarily efficient trains and gondolas mean that wherever you stay, the region is at your fingertips.

Hiking from Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidigg, riding the highest train in Europe to Jungfraujoch (aka the “Top of Europe”), eating daily fondue, walking from Murren to Gimmelwald , and riding a historic cogwheel train to Schynige Platte are just a few of the unforgettable experiences you’ll find here.

kate storm and jeremy storm overlooking a balcony in wengen switerland jungfrau region

Milan + Lake Como

End your trip to Milan and Lake Como , two of the most popular destinations in northern Italy!

In Milan , be sure to visit its legendary Duomo, stroll through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, visit Sforzesco Castle, and, if you can get tickets (plan ahead!) see Da Vinci’s The Last Supper .

At Lake Como (just an hour north of Milan by train), take a boat tour around the lake and visit delightfully charming towns like Varenna and Bellagio while admiring magnificent Alpine views.

kate storm and ranger storm sitting on a bench overlooking lake como surrounded by flowering trees

Getting around in each city on your 2 week Europe itinerary is a question better suited to blog posts on that particular city, so this section is designed to address getting in between each destination during your 14 days in Europe.

We recommend checking several solutions for each destination, as you never know what will crop up!

Personally, our first 2 week Europe trip involved an overnight train, a budget plane ride, and a couple of rental cars.

Selfie of couple on Lover's Bridge in Annecy, one of the best places to visit in Annecy

Train travel is our absolute favorite way to travel in Europe!

I t’s much less stressful than traveling by plane, especially once you get the hang of it, far more comfortable, and for those of us hailing from North America, it’s a travel experience in its own right!

We recommend using services like Omio to compare train prices across multiple countries.

It works more or less exactly like a car rental aggregate does, searching multiple companies and generating the best routes and prices for your dates.

Keep in mind that train travel is most useful in western and central Europe–once you head into eastern Europe and especially the Balkans, train travel becomes more limited and bus travel more common (for example, popular Dubrovnik, Croatia doesn’t have a train station).

Shop train routes and tickets prices in Europe today!

Frecciarosa Train in Italy: Florence to Bologna Train

For those traveling on a budget or between two smaller destinations where rail travel isn’t an option, buses can be a very affordable choice.

In addition to standard local buses, companies like Flixbus provide an easy-to-use service, and you can check their prices and availability directly or through Omio as well (that way you can compare train tickets at the same time).

Browse bus routes in Europe today!

Bus in front of Altar to the Fatherland at night: What to Do in Rome at Night

With plenty of budget airlines and plenty of airports to choose from, if you plan wisely, it’s possible to take flights in Europe that are so inexpensive you wonder how the company pays for the fuel.

S eriously: 10 Euro flights are possible, though we’ve never actually managed to pay that since we prefer to check our bags !

When looking for flights within Europe, we recommend using Google Flights in order to search the whole continent at once (you can simply put “Europe” in as the destination, and it’ll pull up a map of prices).

With a little flexibility on destination (for example, maybe flying into nearby Bologna is cheaper than flying into Florence ?) and even on dates if possible, you just might end up with an excellent flight deal or two during your trip to Europe.

kate storm at ponta da piedade , one of the best lagos attractions

Personally, we recommend avoiding a car rental when possible during your 2 weeks in Europe, especially if you’re following anything resembling a Europe itinerary like the ones I outlined above.

In large cities, rental cars are a hindrance and a liability, not an asset, and they add quite a bit to your bottom line.

That being said, if you’re planning on visiting any rural areas or small towns, road trips in Europe can be a delight!

Y ou could consider renting a car for a couple of days in Tuscany , for example, or to visit the villages of Provence.

If you do choose to rent a car, we recommend searching for the best prices through Discover Cars , which will allow you to search multiple companies at once and come up with a great option.

jeremy storm's hand on a steering wheel when driving in portugal and renting a car in europe

While major international carriers like Hertz and Enterprise are available in Europe, they’re not always the best deal, and searching for a combination of local and international companies is best.

Personally, we have no loyalty to any one rental car company, and book with whoever is most affordable (and we always buy the extra insurance).

As a result, we’ve rented cars through easily more than 15 or 20 agencies over the years (I’d be hard-pressed even to estimate it), and we’ve never had any issues with surprise charges.

Price out rental cars with Discover Cars now!

Photo of Lake Sainte-Croix as seen while driving in France. You can see Kate holding a camera to her face reflected in the rearview mirror of our rental car on the left side of the photo

Don’t forget boats when it comes to planning a 2 week Europe itinerary, especially over the summer!

While ferries between or to/from islands are obviously the most popular ( Dubrovnik to Hvar , for example, or Barcelona to Mallorca), there are longer ferry options as well!

Last summer, we took a ferry from Barcelona to Rome and loved the experience of drifting along the Mediterranean Sea for 24 hours!

Many ferry routes are seasonal, but not all.

Kate Storm in a yellow raincoat on the ferry from Inisheer to Doolin. You can see the Cliffs of Moher far off in the distance.

Don’t plan to visit too many destinations.

With only around 14 days in Europe, I know it can be incredibly tempting to squeeze in as many destinations as possible (and I have many fevered outlines of ridiculously ambitious trips I planned in my college days to prove it), but your trip will go so much more smoothly if you can resist that temptation.

In most cases, we recommend an absolute minimum of two full days per major city.

By full days, I mean with limited exceptions (like a red-eye flight that lands at 8:00 AM), the day you arrive and the day you depart don’t count as a “day” in a given city–just as a travel day.

Three or four days per city is even better and will allow you to potentially squeeze in a day trip from that city to a smaller city or village if you want to mix things up.

Peach and blue dome with trail on Santorini, 3 days in Santorini itinerary

Start and end in a major airport hub.

It doesn’t necessarily have to be the same hub–more on that below–but there are definitely airports that are cheaper to fly into and out of for intercontinental flights than others.

Budapest may be affordable once you’re there, for example, but flying from the US directly to Budapest can hurt the wallet!

For those of you coming from the USA, London, Dublin , Madrid , Paris , Lisbon , Frankfurt, Amsterdam , and Milan are a few places to check ticket prices for.

That’s not an exhaustive list by any means, but there are often flight deals to and from these cities.

Kate Storm in a red dress in front of La Consulat cafe in Montmartre, one of the most instagrammable places in Paris

If you can, use an open-jaw ticket rather than a return ticket.

This will allow you to begin and end your 2 weeks in Europe in entirely different destinations, and let you avoid doubling back!

While one-way tickets can be pricier than round-trip ones, if you’re flexible on your dates and destinations (so deciding which cities to start and end in partially based on price), you can usually find excellent deals

This is exactly how we ended up flying into Krakow and out of Dublin for our first 2 week Europe trip!

Kate Storm and Jeremy Storm standing in front of the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland shortly before sunset

You will be exhausted at some point. Plan for it.

Two weeks in Europe may not seem like a ton, but if you’re anything like us or virtually all of the travelers we have talked to, exhaustion will set in during your trip.

Sightseeing in Europe is fabulous, but it’s also tiring.

Add in navigating cultural differences, language barriers, and moving countries every few days, and you’re bound to need a break at some point.

We recommend planning a couple of laid-back days without museum visits, tours, or day trips so that you can catch your breath and avoid burnout.

Fun Things to Do in Dubrovnik Croatia: View of Fort Lovrijenac viewed from city walls

Try to be flexible with where you go.

As you start pricing train, plane, and bus tickets for your trip to Europe, you’ll likely notice dramatic shifts–for example, is it 4x the money to get to London instead of Amsterdam?

Does traveling to Prague require a long flight and 2 layovers but Rome is a quick hop away?

If you can, be flexible when you come upon these challenges: we recommend having 1-2 “must visit” destinations and filling in the rest of your trip based on a combination of logistics and desire.

After all, there’s no way you can see it all on a 2 week Europe trip anyway!

Český Krumlov in Winter: Couple in Cesky Krumlov

Don’t underestimate the time and energy it takes to change destinations.

“Oh, it’s only a 3-hour train ride away! That’s nothing!”

I think we’ve all said that at some point when planning a multi-country trip, but be cautious.

Three hours on the train doesn’t account for packing and unpacking, getting to and from the train station, checking out of and into a hotel… you get the picture.

If you’re looking at a high-level schedule without picking a specific date or time, you may also come to find that sure, there’s one direct 3-hour train between two cities… but it leaves at 10:00 PM or 6:00 AM, and the rest of the trains require layovers.

jeremy and ranger at abrantes portugal train station when traveling europe by train

Or perhaps the direct train only runs 3 days a week.

Or maybe you’re looking at a plane, in which case, be sure to add at least 4 hours to your transit time: getting to and from the airport and security/check-in beforehand.

Long story short, travel days between countries are virtually always more tiring and time-consuming than they look at first glance, so don’t overcommit on those days when planning your ultimate Europe trip!

Photo of Via Krupp and the sea seen from above on a Day Trip to Capri

Big cities are more accessible than small towns and nature areas.

For the first trip to Europe especially, big cities are absolutely the easiest to plan your itinerary for Europe around.

They’re generally easier and cheaper to get into and out of, and there’s far more information available about them online to help plan your trips.

That’s no reason not to visit other places too, of course–but keep in mind that the more rural the area, the more logistically challenging your trip will be.

kate storm visiting parma italy with baptistery in the background and red vespa in the foreground

Skip-the-line tickets are incredibly useful.

I’m sure it comes as absolutely no surprise that the world’s most iconic monuments and museums tend to get a bit crowded… and that makes skip-the-line tickets invaluable, especially with only 2 weeks in Europe to squeeze in as much sightseeing as possible.

In some places (like the Arc de Triomphe ) they’re available without any additional fee, and in other places (like the Colosseum) they cost a bit extra.

Either way, though, it’s 1000% worth the price and effort to get tickets online beforehand for popular spots, especially if you’re traveling during the high season.

kate storm in a striped dress in front of colosseum rome italy

And, in 2024, it’s worth pointing out that given ever-changing capacity limits, it’s a better idea than ever to book in advance–and for some attractions, it’s even required!

When 2020 shook the travel industry to its core, many of the most popular museums and monuments in Europe found that life was easier with reservations and online bookings, and have continued prioritizing that system over traditional lines and ticket booths even as crowds returned to “normal”.

We use skip-the-line tickets all over the continent and book them through Get Your Guide .

selfie of kate storm and jeremy storm after climb the arc de triomphe paris with eiffel tower in the background

Book your hotels and major transportation in advance.

Before kicking off your 2 week Europe itinerary, we recommend having all of your hotels and major transportation (so travel between destinations) booked and ready to go.

This dramatically cuts down on stress levels, makes it easier to budget and plan out your days, and generally helps your trip run more smoothly.

These days, we book virtually all of our lodging (including apartments, farm stays, houses, and more) through Booking.com .

Smaller things, like metro passes or tickets for getting around cities, can be handled once you arrive.

Kate Storm in a brown coat in the Alsace village of Riquewihr with a clock tower in the background

If you can, we recommend taking at least one food tour during your 2 weeks in Europe.

Food tours are one of our favorite ways to get our bearings in a new city while learning about the culture, history, and neighborhood through something we can all appreciate: a tasty meal.

We’ve taken food tours in several countries around the world, including many in Europe, and have never walked away unsatisfied!

Plate of Grilled Meat at Tanjga Family Restaurant in Kotor, shot from above. Fun Things to Do in Kotor Montenegro

You do need to pay to use the restroom… sometimes.

Throughout Europe, public restrooms are generally available for a fee (typically either half a Euro or a Euro).

If you’d like to avoid those costs, be sure to take advantage of available restrooms in restaurants and museums as you sightsee !

Also, toilet paper is far from guaranteed in public toilets on the street.

We recommend carrying a small pack of tissues with you just in case.

View of Vernazza harbor from above, Cinque Terre

Will I need an adapter?

Most likely, yes!

Luckily, adapters are cheap to buy and easy to carry–we recommend picking these up before you go.

Keep in mind that the UK and a few other countries ( Ireland , Malta ) use a separate plug from the bulk of the continent.

If you’re heading to a place that uses UK plugs, you’ll want these adapters as well.

Jeremy in a blue shirt and black jacket, holding a beer while eating lunch in a square of Aix-en-Provence

Is a money belt a good idea?

It depends, honestly.

We used a money belt for our first trip to Europe and for a couple after that.

Back then, we weren’t used to life in bustling big cities, and though we knew that thieves knew about them (because they definitely do), Jeremy found them comfortable enough to wear and it was an easy way to keep our belongings a bit more secure.

If you’re not used to traveling in a big city or watching for pickpockets, I don’t think it’s a terrible idea to use one– this is the one we used and we had no complaints–but I also don’t think it’s necessary, especially if you’re comfortable in large cities.

vertical photo of the spanish steps rome with fountain in the foreground, part of a one day rome itinerary

Is the water safe to drink?

Usually, yes.

We drink out of the tap just about anywhere in Europe.

In rare cases where the water is not safe to drink (usually in remote areas of southern and eastern Europe, or in very old buildings with iffy pipes), there will generally be large and obvious signs stating so.

If you’re worried about it, though, you can always ask your hotel concierge or host about it!

2 Weeks in Italy Itinerary: View of Siena

Is it worth going to Europe for 2 weeks?

This is a pretty common question, and honestly, I get it: with long and expensive flights, it’s easy to wonder if flying to Europe for “only” 2 weeks is worth it.

But yes, it absolutely is!

Two weeks in Europe is long enough that you’ll have plenty of time to get past jetlag, visit several destinations, and have a wonderful trip packed with memories.

Now whether or not it’s worth flying to Europe for just one week is a bit more controversial… but we love to travel Europe so much that we still say yes (for some people).

jeremy storm and ranger storm eating breakfast in venice italy--it's fun to be able to order in italian during your first trip to europe

How extreme is the language barrier?

It varies significantly, of course, but generally, it’s not nearly as difficult as first-time visitors to Europe worry before they arrive (ourselves included).

We recommend learning basic phrases in the language of the countries you are visiting during your 2 week Europe itinerary, but this is usually more for good manners than out of necessity.

While you can absolutely find monolingual Europeans in virtually any country, especially in smaller cities and towns, the people employed in customer service roles and in the tourism industry in major cities–in other words, where most or all of your 2 weeks in Europe will likely take place–generally speak some English.

kate storm in a yellow jacket in front of seljalandsfoss fun stop plan a trip to iceland

How many European countries should you visit in 2 weeks?

For most travelers, we recommend roughly 3 “base” destinations for a 2 week Europe trip, plus a couple of day trips from there to mix things up.

These can all be in one country (for example, here’s how we recommend spending 2 weeks in Italy ), or they can be in 3 separate countries!

There are plenty of exceptions to this standard layout, of course, but it’s a doable but exciting number of destinations to work with for most 14 day Europe itineraries.

kate storm standing in the doorway to the unfinished chapels at batalha monastery portugal

When should I tip?

While this is very country and industry-dependent, generally speaking, tipping is not nearly as prominent in Europe as it is in the USA, and you’ll virtually never need to tip over 10%.

In some countries, you may also tip 5-10% at restaurants, while in others, you might round up the bill or leave nothing at all.

Frequently, a “service charge” will be automatically supplied to the bill which serves the purpose of a tip.

For tour guides, a 10% tip is common.

Fun Things to Do in Dubrovnik Croatia: view of Old Town from Minceta Fortress

What’s the best month to visit Europe?

All of them, except August.

I kid–somewhat–but honestly, every single month in Europe has its perks!

For a concise answer, the late spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October) are considered ideal by most travelers.

August is specifically difficult because it’s not only very hot in many of Europe’s most popular destinations, but most Europeans take vacations then, so many places (especially in the mountains and on the coast) are at their priciest.

If we absolutely had to visit Europe only during one month for the rest of our lives, we’d pick September, though October is a very close second.

kate storm in a black dress at the top of the bell tower, one of the top activities saint emilion france

What’s the cheapest month to visit Europe?

It depends–trying to spot the northern lights in Tromso would be one exception to this, for example–but for standard first time Europe itineraries like the ones I outlined in this blog post, January and February are often the cheapest months to visit.

When the Christmas markets are over and the gray weather settles in, you can score great deals on vacations in Europe (and have plenty of room to stretch out at iconic monuments).

kate storm jeremy storm and ranger storm on vila nova de gaia riverfront in porto portugal

How far in advance should I book my trip?

For plane tickets, as soon as you can commit to dates!

Not only will this allow you to have more time to plan and budget with a bit of structure, but it will also spread out your costs a bit more.

During peak seasons, like coastal locations in the summer or popular destinations during the Christmas season in Europe , you’ll want to book your hotels as far in advance as you can commit to them as well.

Kate Storm and Jeremy Storm in the Greek Theatre of Taormina Sicily

Can you do Europe for $100/day?

This depends a lot on the traveler, group size, etc, but my initial, instinctive answer is:

If you don’t include plane tickets to and from Europe, yes, absolutely, without a doubt–we’ve done it many, many, many times (as a couple).

The key is to shop for deals, visit during the off-season, not shy away from less common destinations (especially in Eastern Europe and the Balkans), and travel slowly.

The fewer destinations you visit, the cheaper a trip generally is!

If you want to stick to Western Europe, southern Spain , southern Portugal, and southern Italy can all be bargains (as compared to places like Paris and London) as well.

Here’s how we manage our travel budget.

kate storm and jeremy storm standing at an overlooking slovakia hiking high tatras

We’ve put together detailed packing lists for various seasons in Europe, so be sure to check out our complete suggestions for spring , summer , fall , and winter before you head off on your 2 weeks in Europe.

We go into far more detail on what to wear in Europe there !

To get you started, though, here are a few essentials that should definitely be at the top of your list .

Travel Insurance — We don’t ever suggest traveling without travel insurance–anything can happen, and it’s better to be safe than sorry during your 2 weeks in Europe.

Check travel insurance policy inclusions and prices for your trip here.

Trip to Italy Cost: View of Mount Vesuvius from Naples

Pacsafe — We can’t recommend our Pacsafe enough!

This travel safe is affordable, sturdy, easy to pack, and will help keep your valuables safe in your hotel room (not that you should need to worry much about theft from your hotel room during your trip to Europe, but it’s better to be safe than sorry!).

Comfortable Day Bag — We currently use Pacsafe’s sleek anti-theft backpack and love it, but if you don’t want to shell out the cash for this trip, that’s totally understandable.

Just aim for something comfortable to wear, not flashy, and medium-sized–we used a Northface Jester backpack for years and loved it as well.

Kate Storm in a red dress at Hore Abbey. She's sitting on a stone wall looking out at a field of cows. Her boots are recommended for your packing list for Ireland!

Travel Adapters for Europe — If you’re coming from outside of Europe, you’ll definitely need adapters for your electronics.

Be sure to check the requirements for any particular countries you visit–the United Kingdom, for example, is well-known for using different plugs than most of the continent.

Portable USB Charger — Don’t stress about your phone dying while you’re sightseeing!

Add a portable charger to your 2 weeks in Europe packing list.

Kate Storm and Jeremy Storm standing in front of a waterfall when visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park Croatia

Hand Sanitizer — We carry this everywhere, and never been sorry to have it floating around in our day bag.

Travel Journal — If you want to keep a travel journal during your 2 week Europe trip but can’t commit to a huge amount of writing each night, I can’t recommend the One Line a Day Journal enough.

I’ve been using it for more than 5 years now (I’m on my second volume!) and I absolutely love it.

kate storm kneeling amongst tulips in the netherlands in april

In the process of booking your Europe trip and eager to keep planning?

We’d love to help!

You can browse all of our general Europe blog posts here , find articles about specific places through our destinations page , or check out these guides:

Your 13-Step Guide to Traveling to Europe for the First Time
The Perfect 2 Week Spain and Portugal Itinerary (+ Essential Tips!)
How to Travel Europe By Train: The Ultimate Guide (+ Tips!)
11 Quick Tips for Finding + Using Toilets in Europe
Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Beyond: Epic Central Europe Itinerary

4 images from top left: Eiffel Tower, Venice Grand Canal, blue domes in Santorini, Cliffs of Moher. Black text on a white background reads "How to plan an epic 2 weeks in Europe itinerary ideas + travel guide"

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

58 thoughts on “How to Plan an Epic 2 Week Europe Trip (+ Europe Itinerary Ideas!)”

Great post! I’m actually working on my own 2 week itineraries through Europe post, but I might wait to publish until next year, when I’ve visited a few more spots. I totally agree that the key is to slow down and not switch cities every day or two. Three nights is perfect and sometimes more for the big cities. And yes, multi-city flights are so helpful so you don’t have to backtrack!

Thanks, Riana! We definitely love to slow down whenever we can. 🙂

Hi Kate! This is the BEST post related to Europe Itinerary out of the 1000 other posts that I have checked.

I am from India and I am planning for a trip in February end.

I definitely want to visit FINLAND (so that’s definitely in my list). From there, I am planning for Bupadest,Croatia OR Budapest, Prague OR Budapest/ Vienna.

Do you think this will be good for 2 weeks?

Waiting for your reply. And thanks a ton for such a beautiful detailed post.

Thank you so much, Akshay, that’s wonderful to hear!

That sounds like a wonderful itinerary. Croatia is a bit further out of the way than the other places, but it’s peaceful and beautiful during the winter and fairly simple to get to via a budget flight.

Hope you have an incredible trip to Europe!

Oh my goodness Kate, thank you so much for this post! This is exactly what I needed for my boyfriend and I to plan our trip to Europe in 2020. We want to visit Italy, Spain, France, and England but Greece and Croatia look amazing too! It’s so hard to decide.

Thank you, Jessica! So glad you found our blog helpful.

It is SO hard to decide, and honestly, it never gets any easier in my experience! All of those places are absolutely amazing, so no matter what you decide I’m sure you guys will have an incredible trip.

Italy, France, and Spain are really easy to pair together if you want to keep logistics simple, but really any combination of those would work.

What about panning around the seasons? Isn’t the Amalfi coast and Italy in general super hot during August?

It’s always nice to plan around the seasons when you can, but it depends on your availability!

Italy can be hot in August but it depends very much on where you go. It averages around 85 F / 30 C on the Amalfi Coast in August, which I have to admit isn’t enough to bother us, but it depends on where you’re coming from. It is high season there, though–very, very generally speaking, August is an expensive and crowded time to visit beaches in Europe because it’s when many Europeans tend to take their vacations and head to the coast!

Planning a trip in 2023-24 for my daughter’s graduation present. I was thinking maybe 2-3 weeks. On this trip, how much did you spend in total? I might end up being more because I usually pay for more luxurious than most, but will help with a little expectation of costs plus COLA increases obviously over the years. I figured I should start planning and saving now. lol

Hi Steven! We put this together based on years of traveling in Europe, so unfortunately I don’t have a specific figure to offer. So much varies, and can be impacted by where you go, how fast you travel (ie, how many times you change destinations), of course luxury as you mentioned, etc, etc. Generally speaking, for two people, I would say that $100/person/day is a good lower-midrange figure to calculate (excluding airfare), $200/person/day starts edging toward luxury territory, and of course, the sky is the limit.

That’s INCREDIBLY general, though. You’d be better off narrowing down which countries you plan to visit and calculating based on how long you plan to spend in each of them.

A few things to look at to give you an idea: price of hotels, price of day tours, projected cost of moving between destinations, and average cost of a meal. Those figures should give you a backbone to estimate a budget from.

What brand are the boots you are wearing in the photo “Comfortable Day Bag.” My wife loves them. Gift idea for when we go to Europe 🙂

Those are Ugg Kesey Motorcycle boots, and I love them too! Just got them out again for fall last week. 🙂

Hi kate I am planning to visit europe sometime in 2023(may/june) with my wife and son. Could you please guide me with an itinerary for 15 days Or so?? Swiss, italy, France, spain. After that we will go to a friend in England. If possible, the expenses involved as well. Thanks

Hi Abhijit! I’m not a travel agent, so that’s a bit beyond my scope. 🙂 Generally speaking, though, I’d recommend parring your itinerary down to 2 countries, or 3 at the absolute maximum. 4 countries in 15 days is a lot of travel! Luckily, all of those destinations pair well together, so you can mix and match fairly easily. Also very generally speaking, Italy and Spain will be the most affordable, and Switzerland by far the most expensive–but that depends a lot on where you go and what you do!

Hey Kate, All your pictures are amazing! What kind of cameras do you bring with you? And do you edit your photos? If so what do you use for that, they are all really bright, great pictures.

Hi Stefanie! Thank you so much! We’ve used different cameras over the years, but our main camera these days is a Sony A7 rIII. We love it, and yes, all the photos taken with it are edited in Lightroom. 🙂

Hi Kate, THANK YOU for the great article! I have booked my flights for a 2 week trip next spring, into London and out of Paris. I’ve been to both cities before, but do hope to get a few days in paris again. It’s stolen my heart.

What do you recommend in terms of getting from London to Rome, fairly quickly, and cheaply? I arrive into London mid-day and had hoped to just figure it out at the airport (Gatwick). Do you think that’s possible?

Thank you so much, Sarah! Your trip sounds fantastic.

I’d definitely plan on flying between London and Rome–it’ll be fastest and most likely cheapest, too. Check budget carriers like Ryanair, etc.

If you’re planning on flying out to Rome the same day you arrive in Gatwick, I’d absolutely recommend booking before you arrive. Be sure to double-check and make sure you’re flying out of Gatwick, too, or have time to change airports.

Hope you have an amazing time!

Oh wow I’m doing the same trip with my 3 sons. And unfortunately is the month that she said it’s the worst to go ..in August…oh well🤷🏽‍♀️ can’t do anything about it how but I am worried about the expense tho..

Love your information. I’m planning a trip to Italy and then we want to go to Salzburg as well in the summer of 2023. Our first time to Europe. We will be 60 in 2023 and we think we can plan this without going through a company. After reading your information, I feel comfortable. Two questions about hotels and transportation. What would you recommend for safe places for hotels in those two countries? We don’t need luxury but just comfort and clean. Would you recommend using rail between cities in Italy and it looks like you can travel from Venice to Salzburg by rail? Thoughts?

That’s great to hear, glad we could help!

Venice to Salzburg by rail is very doable in a day and a scenic journey. You’ll probably have to make a change, but that’s workable. Personally, we’d opt for it over flying in a heartbeat.

For hotels, I have several recommendations in our specific Venice and Salzburg posts (you can use the search bar to pull up everything we have on both cities). The centers of both places are quite safe, I wouldn’t worry much about that in a well-reviewed hotel.

Hope you guys have an unforgettable trip!

AWESOME Post!!!!

Please let me know if you have posted anything similar in 2020 or 2021. My wife and I are bringing our three teenagers and we will likely choose the Food & History trip. We both would like to speak with you if possible as we are planning our trip for December.

Hi guys! We don’t run tours ourselves, just provide information for independent travelers, but we’re always happy to answer a few questions about possible itineraries!

Hi Kate, THANK YOU for the amazing Pic ,for now i’m in South Africa Cape Town I’m planning a trip to Italy , France & Austria next year 2022 for 2weeks , Would you recommend using rail or Via Road way .

Thank you in advance & best Regards En vous remerciant d’avance et cordialement

Sounds like a fabulous trip!

Rail vs car depends entirely on where you’re going. If you’re sticking to cities, I’d recommend going by train. If you want to enjoy the countryside, a car could be helpful.

You can also mix-and-match, and rent a car for only part of your trip if you’re going to be in the countryside only part of the time.

Thank you for this awesome post, Kate! My husband and I are wanting to take our first international trip to Central Europe early spring 2022 and have reviewed your Central Europe post. What type of difficulties have you faced with international travel during COVID-19? Any issues with a country on your itinerary going into lock-down or no longer allowing tourists from the US?

We haven’t personally run into any issues with lockdowns interrupting our plans but of course, it’s always possible and things are changing constantly.

Most, if not all, countries in Europe are accepting vaccinated and/or tested US visitors now and haven’t shut their borders to US citizens again since the initial reopening. All of the countries included on our Central Europe itinerary are currently among them.

In addition to entry, some countries are requiring proof of vaccination in order to do certain things like eat in restaurants or check into hotels. Portugal, where we are now, is among them. It’s a very simple process as long as you have the paperwork in order!

Generally, if you plan to visit Europe from the US in 2022, we recommend arriving with proof of vaccination, a negative COVID test (check regularly for specifications as your flight gets closer), flexibility, and the expectation that you’ll wear a mask indoors and potentially in crowded outdoor areas.

I am not a public health expert, of course, and European countries all set their own restrictions, but in the early stages of planning, that’s what I’d keep in mind!

The reaction that we’ve seen from readers who visited in the second half of 2022 has generally been that it’s easier than they expected, but as we’ve all learned way too much in the last 2 years, none of us can predict the future!

Thanks so much, Kate! It definitely seems like flexibility is key as well as continuously monitoring each country’s individual rules for a multi-country trip. I think right now Hungary isn’t accepting tourists but fingers crossed that will change soon so we can replicate your trip. 🙂 Cheers to more adventures for you in 2022!

Hi Kate, my family is in the beginning phase of planning our first international trip and have decided on Europe! I really liked your recommendation of arriving and departing from different airports and I think departing from London would make sense (we’ll probably want to spend the most time there). All we’ve decided is to vacation for somewhere between 2-3 weeks, and we want to see London and Ireland (oh and I want to stay at least one night in a castle hotel!). Would you have any recommendations on destinations or experiences to share? Thanks!

How exciting–nothing like your first trip abroad. 🙂

We actually still haven’t been to London, which is a huge shame! Fingers crossed that 2022 is the year.

Ireland, on the other hand, is one of our absolute favorites! If you search “Ireland” on the top right corner of the blog (or on the pop out menu on mobile), all of our blog posts will come up, but this is a great one to start with: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/10-day-ireland-itinerary-ireland-road-trip/

We spent a night in this castle (slash manor house) and had a fantastic time: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/belleek-castle-county-mayo-ireland/

Ireland is one of our favorite places for road trips on the planet. You’ll love it!

Great post, thanks!

Need your advice here 🙂 We will be landing in London, staying there 3 days, then train to Paris (staying in Paris for 3 days). We fly back home from Lisbon and have 3 options: night train to Nice (spend some time there and then a few days in Lisbon), fly to Napoli (spend some time there and then fly to Lisbon) or fly to Lisbon and discover a bit more of Portugal… What would you recommend?

Oh and we are travelling with two teens who have never been to Europe… I’m trying to pack as much stuff, but wonder what would be too much :/

That’s a lot of hard choices! Each and every one of those destinations is a delight (and we’re living in Lisbon right now).

I’d opt for Nice if you’re looking for coastal views, picturesque villages, and something logistically simple. Nice is a delightful city and the day trips to nearby villages like Eze as well as Monaco are phenomenal. It is the most formal and pricey of the 3 cities and will have a resort feel near the coast in the summer.

Naples is a much less manicured city, it’s a love-it-or-hate-it place (we love it). I’d argue that it has the best food of the 3 options, but those are fighting words and many would disagree. The day trips are equally stunning but very different. If you or your family has an interest in ancient ruins, Pompeii and Herculaneum are unmatched. Visiting the Amalfi Coast or nearby islands is also doable, but it’s a trek if you’re staying in the city center. Keep in mind that there’s no train service to the Amalfi Coast proper, you will need a bus, car, or ferry to get beyond Sorrento.

Lisbon is delightful but honestly, our favorite parts of Portugal lie outside the city. Porto, in the north, has a much more regal feel while Lisbon is fairly spread out. The Duoro Valley (also in the north) is magnificent for port tastings and views, Sintra’s palaces located just outside of Lisbon are must-sees, and if you want to head to the south, the Algarve is incredibly striking.

Logistically speaking, I’d make sure you have at least 2-3 days in Portugal at the end of your trip before flying out, regardless. With 3 full days, you can spend 2 in Lisbon and take one day trip (probably to Sintra but the coastal town of Cascais is also easy and lovely).

If you have time to do that and add another stop for 3 full days, I would check detailed flight and train schedules and let that guide you–the logistics alone may make the choice for you.

That got a bit long, but I hope it helps! 🙂

Thanks a lot for the precious information!

Hi Kate! I know you said you are not a travel agent but are open to a few itinerary questions! We have recently done a European Cruise which hit almost all of Italy! We are wanting to go back independently. I am highly interested in Ireland, but would also like to see Paris. My husband is interested in Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland. With a 14 day trip wanted, what areas do you think we should do (based on best places to see, with allotted time?)

& Austria! 🙂

That is a lot of very different places, but you’ll definitely be able to pull together a great trip! I’d recommend narrowing it down to around 3 destinations, 4 if you’re comfortable moving quite fast and two of them are close together.

Ireland is definitely the odd one out geographically, but if you use two one-way tickets instead of flying in and out of the same airport, it can work (it’s what we did on our first multi-country Europe trip many years ago).

Since you’ll likely have 1-2 flights in this itinerary regardless, which destinations you pick can come down to a combination of your absolute favorites and what makes logistical sense. Paris is a very popular place to fly in and out of, so it’ll likely be easy to work in.

I’m not sure which parts of Germany your husband is interested in, but parts of western Germany have simple train access to The Netherlands and/or France.

As far as what places I’d personally visit, Ireland and Paris are two of my favorite places on the planet, so I’m biased! Switzerland’s mountain landscapes are truly beyond belief, so if you’re looking for nature (and aren’t concerned about the budget), it’s a winner.

Germany is also gorgeous, both its nature and many of its cities, though it’s quite big and varied–with a big trip like this, you’ll want to choose one small corner of it (Bavaria is a popular first stop, but you can also look at places along the Rhine, which makes more sense if you’re hoping to visit Paris or The Netherlands by train before or after).

The only part of The Netherlands we’ve had a chance to visit so far is Amsterdam, which is visually stunning but will be extremely crowded–probably more so than anywhere else you’ve listed, as there’s less room to spread out there than in, say, Paris.

When it comes to your itinerary, I’d recommend that each of you pick one place that is your absolute first choice, plan on a trip to those, and then fill in the 3rd and possible 4th destination based on what makes logistical sense as far as what planes/trains/buses are available to the spots on your shortlist.

Also, if you do need to book high-speed train tickets, book them ASAP, as prices increase as your trip gets closer.

What a wonderful blog, just when I feel like I’ve read them all I find another really helpful article. Heading to Europe for 1 month in May. Keen on Spain, definitely Italy, and probably 2 days in London and Paris respectively (arrival and departure). Feel like we have space for one more place and can’t figure out which is the better option (Portugal, Croatia or Greece) for potentially 5 days? Any recommendations?

Thank you for sharing all your wonderful insights.

That’s tough, because all 3 are fantastic but very different!

I’d probably recommend (if I had to choose), Greece for beaches/swimming and small towns, Portugal for cities, and Croatia for a combination of all. But we adore each and every one of them, so hard to go wrong!

Portugal fits nicely into your Spain section geographically, so there is that to consider.

Hi, Kate! Super love your blog. I just booked a trip to Europe for August, was thinking of going to France, Spain, and Italy in 2 weeks. Or should I cut it down to 2 countries? Hope to hear from you!

Less relevant than the countries are the destinations within them–I wouldn’t go more than 4 places in 2 weeks, max.

So if you’re hitting up Paris, Barcelona, and Rome, for example, your plan is fine. If you want to go to 2-3 places within each country, it’s time to cut it down. 🙂

HI! Thanks for the fantastic blog! My husband and I are planning our first trip to Europe from Canada and are feeling quite overwhelmed by all the choices! His family is from Holland, so we are spending one week touring with them for the first week of May, and then will stay an additional 2 weeks after that. What would you recommend? We are not keen on France but everything else looks so great, and it was good to read that you don’t recommend trying to fit everything else in, which is what we might otherwise be trying to do. Any suggestions for the 2 weeks after Holland?

Hi Michele,

That’s so exciting! You guys are going to have an amazing time.

Without knowing your tastes or the season you’re traveling, the sky is truly the limit when planning your itinerary! Anywhere that sounds exciting to you is going to be worth it. With 2 weeks, I’d opt for 1-2 countries and no more than 4 base destinations (3 would be even better).

I started trying to make a list of some of our favorite countries in Europe for you, but just backspaced the sentence because I was ending up just listing every country, LOL. But Italy is one of our special favorites that we would recommend to just about anyone!

We will be in Holland for the first week of May so we could do the other two weeks either before or after that (or split one before and one after). The suggestion to cut down to less rather than more is helpful – it’s our first time to Europe and everything looks like something we should see! We are 50 and really like most things – some scenery, some castles, etc. Do you think it would be do-able to do Germany and Italy on top of Holland? Any specifics on what you love in Italy? I am really NOT a crowd person, so we’re really going to try and avoid huge crowds or I’ll lose my mind 😉

A week in Germany followed by a week in Italy is definitely doable!

Personally I’d opt for either southwest Germany (Black Forest, Heidelberg, Burg Eltz) or Bavaria.

We love virtually all of Italy, but if you want something somewhat more offbeat that’s in the top half of the country (for geography reasons), I’d recommend looking into Emilia-Romagna.

It’s the region east of Tuscany, and has similar appeal with far fewer tourists. It’s also gorgeous and a culinary dream–Emilia-Romagna is the origin of many iconic foods like parmigiano-reggiano and traditional balsamic vinegar.

A few destinations in the region to poke into as you research: Bologna, Parma, Ravenna, Ferrara, Modena. The micronationa of San Marino is also accessible from there!

Kate-what a remarkably comprehensive, detailed and resourceful blog! I love the considerations offered from different perspectives. My family of 4 (including 2 kids ages 10 and 6) will be traveling to Paris for the second half of August for 2 weeks to visit family. We have already been to Paris a few times so this time around, I would like us to explore more of Europe for some of the time, ideally via trains. I am thinking of staying in Air B&B’s as we have been enjoying that accommodation when we travel locally within the US but would love your perspective on this (vs hotels) considering the cultural and language differences in certain destinations as well as any recommendations for either you may have. Based on some research, some destinations I came cross purely based on travel distance via train from Paris are Switzerland (3 hrs), Barcelona (6.5 hours! would probably have to be an overnight train for the kids), London (2 hrs, have family we can see), and Greece (2 hours), Belgium (1.5 hrs, also some family we can see). My goal is to show my kids/family different cultures, ways of living and experience foods, interesting architecture, beautiful cafe’s etc. Also curios if any of these can be “day trips”. I do not have specific destinations yet to see at these locations and would love your input. From your article, it sounds like limiting to 2 destinations maybe best (outside of Paris) and your thoughts may help me narrow down where to focus. Thanks so much and look forward to reading your insights on this.

So glad you found it helpful, Tez! Sounds like you guys have an amazing trip planned.

I’m sure you already know this, but August is the height of peak season for European travelers visiting the coast and mountains, so some destinations will be quite crowded and expensive (book your hotels and train tickets ASAP, especially in a group of four).

I’m assuming Greece is a typo, so I’ll pass over that one–pretty sure it’s much further than 2 hours even by plane. 🙂

Luckily Paris is a huge train hub for getting across Europe, so you have plenty of options! Most of them will take longer than it looks on the map once you navigate connections, train times, etc. We highly recommend using Omio to search exact routes and dates, and keep in mind tickets will increase in price as you get closer. With kids, you’ll probably want to search by the fastest available routes.

London, Belgium, and Switzerland all jump out at me from your list–simple to access and incredible. The Jungfrau region in Switzerland is pure paradise, though a bit further away.

You may also want to look into Amsterdam, it’s only 3.5 hours from Paris by train.

With the right schedule, you can get as far as Venice in a day from Paris (we’ve done this), so Italy is an option for you as well, as is Germany.

Essentially, the more you stick to major cities, the easier it will be to navigate solely by train. Smaller towns and cities are often connected, but you’ll virtually always need to pass back through the main city of a region to make your way back to Paris.

You may want to take a look at this post as well, we talk a lot more about train travel here: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/travel-europe-by-train/

Hi Kate Love your blog, lots of useful information. My husband and I are planning a 10 day trip to Europe end of April to early May. At the moment we are looking at flying from the US RT to Paris. We’re thinking of possibly going to Amsterdam and Belgium as well. this will be our second trip to Paris. We are open to other suggestions. Do you have any other recommendations?

Happy to be able to help, Daisy!

Paris + Amsterdam + Belgium is an excellent itinerary and doable in 10 days. It’s actually a route we recommend ourselves. We have posts on all those places, but here are our suggestions on spending 3 days in Belgium to give you an idea of what you can cover in a short time frame: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/3-days-in-belgium-itinerary/

Paris is extremely well-connected by rail (you can be in Venice in 9 hours or Munich in under 6, for example), so as far as ideas for other destinations go, the sky is the limit!

If you choose to extend your original itinerary, a few additional places that you might consider along that route are Strasbourg/Alsace, Heidelberg, and Cologne.

Thank you for your blog.. We are travelling to Europe for 14 days the end of May. Flying Calgary to Dublin, doing a couple days at the Isle of Man races then hopefully, London, Paris, Rome. Your blog shares what to pack for clothing in Summer, Fall and Winter, what would you recommend for spring? We are trying to decide if we take the trains or flights from London, Paris and Rome. We aren’t planning any beach time. Also, what do you recommend for luggage? I’m leaning towards a rolly carryon but have every size hard shell case and multiple back country camping packs.

So happy you find it helpful!

Funny you mention spring packing ideas–I’m actually working on a post for that right now. It will hopefully be up next week. But off the top of my head, you’ll definitely want a travel umbrella and to pack in layers. The end of May is a beautiful time to be in much of Europe but the weather could be unpredictable–you may want sundresses on some days and light jackets on some evenings!

As far as luggage, either is completely fine. There are advantages to both backpacks and suitcases, but as long as you’re comfortable carrying your bag up and down staircases, carrying (or rolling) it down the street for 10+ minutes, and loading it into and out of trains and/or cars, you’re good.

As far as trains vs planes–London to Paris can definitely be a train, but do a time and cost-benefit analysis between that and a plane (depending on the dates, your travel style, etc, you may choose either). Paris to Rome is better done as a flight!

Thank you very much for sharing your wisdom. We are really excited.

Hi Kate, Thank you so very much. You have provided an AMAZING amount of helpful information. Can you pretty please help me with the best location to travel to 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th and the best way to get to the locations? (We will NOT be doing any driving).I’m a 55 years old woman. I live in USA. I’m planning the 1st International trip for me and my husband for either the 1st or 2nd week of September 2023. My biggest challenge is knowing where to start and end the trip, based on logistically traveling to the different destinations, as well as, the best way to get to each destination.Here are the the things I have planned. I know you mentioned you’ve never been to London but i’m hoping you can assist based on me providing the area I want to be in. *LONDON-7 NIGHTS I’m a theatre/adrenaline junkie person so Theatreland West End of London near (North of the River Thames. 3-Plays (evening events) 2-Hour Sherlock Holmes museum (near West End) 1-Hour Ghost Bus tour (nearest tube stations are Embankment and Charing Cross) 4-Hours-day walking tasting tour (near London Bridge Station) 1-day Harry Potter Studio Tour (Leavesden London) 2 -Nights Theme park “Alton Towers” located Alton, Staffordshire near Manchester and Birmingham. (stay onsite at the parks resort)*PARIS-3 NIGHTS Moulin Rouge (BD de Clichy area) L’ATELIER DES LUMINERES -DIGITAL ART MUSEUM I would like to visit just one of the haunted castles in Paris (depending on recommendation) Château de Puymartin Château de Brissac Château Lagorce Château de Chambord Château de Versailles* GERMANY 3 NIGHTS-Phantasialand Theme park (located Bruhl Germany) Stay onsite at the parks resortThank you for any advice or suggestions you can provide.

Hi Melvina,

I definitely can’t speak to getting around London in detail, though a combination of the tube and buses will likely be doable! You can add cabs as needed as well.

In Paris, the metro is so dense you should have no issue getting around. Assuming you are planning to do the usual Paris sights (Eiffel Tower, Louvre, etc), our Paris itinerary might be able to help you out (and has hotel recommendations): https://www.ourescapeclause.com/3-days-in-paris-itinerary/

For the chateaus, Versailles is by far the closest to Paris and you can get there by RER train. Château de Chambord in the Loire Valley is doable via an organized day trip like this: https://www.getyourguide.com/paris-l16/loire-valley-castles-wines-day-trip-from-paris-t70389/?partner_id=1OI4D21&utm_medium=online_publisher&placement=content-middle

The others are way too far from Paris for day trips, so I’d focus on Versailles and/or Chambord this time.

Hope you have a wonderful time! 🙂

Thank you so very much.

Hi, thank you for this comprehensive post! We are planning a trip this summer and will be going to Paris, Rome, Florence and Amsterdam. My question is about changing money. We were in Iceland last year and used Apple Pay or credit card everywhere, never needed cash and didn’t get any. Is that possible in either France, Italy or Netherlands? Should I plan on getting cash for taxis, tips, etc?

Happy to help!

I’d definitely recommend having some cash with you as you travel, especially for small purchases like coffee, gelato, etc. Most hotels in Italy will require the city’s tourist tax in cash, too. Some taxis and tips will be best done in cash as well, and occasionally very small, offbeat tourist attractions.

While cash-only restaurants definitely aren’t the norm in any of those cities, they’re not unheard of, either.

Overall, I’d say you’re most likely to avoid cash entirely in Amsterdam and most likely to use some of it in Rome and Florence, but that’s not a hard and fast rule by any means (I used some cash on my trip to the Netherlands last spring, for example).

We find that the easiest way to get cash, by far, is to withdraw Euros from any bank’s ATM once you’re already in Europe (avoid Euronet–use an ATM branded by an actual bank). Luckily, since all the places you’re visiting use the Euro, you won’t need to worry about changing currency beyond that. 🙂

Hi Kate, thank you for this great, and helpful post! We’re are planning a trip to Europe for the first time in September for next year in 2024. My plan is to visit Spain, Italy and I’m still undecided on the third country to visit. What country would you suggest or advised that we can visit that has beautiful scenery, mountains, lakes, etc. We like the city, but we also want something where we can hike out in nature like Iceland maybe, Switzerland. Any tips on that? Also, is it cheaper to stay in hotels, Airbnb’s? Thank you!

Spain and Italy–two of our favorites! You guys are going to have a great time. 🙂

The hardest part about picking a third country with your criteria will be narrowing it down between many excellent choices–you really can’t go wrong.

Switzerland is absolutely spectacular, if the Alps are what you’re looking for, it’s iconic and hard to beat in every category except the price tag.

Germany and Austria also offer beautiful mountains and lakes and are a more budget-friendly than Switzerland.

The French Alps are also wonderful–towns like Chamonix and Annecy offer plenty of mountains, lakes, etc.

And, for a a wild card, you don’t necessarily need a third country at all: the Dolomites in Italy have everything you’re looking for.

Any of those that appeal to you and fit your budget will be a great addition to your trip. They’re well-connected to Italy and each other by train, the travel times aren’t too far, and they’re all phenomenal places to visit.

One small thing to keep in mind if you’re planning to travel by train a bunch is that Spain isn’t very well connected to the rest of the places you’re considering by rail–you may want to consider flying in and out of there.

Iceland is definitely far out of the way, but assuming you’re traveling to and from North America, look into the Icelandair stopover program if you want to add it on! I will say that while it does offer mountains, lakes, and beautiful scenery, it’s a very different vibe than Switzerland or any of the surrounding Alpine countries, so take a close look at the specific destinations and see if it’s what you’re looking for. It’s a stunning place, just very different than the others. Here’s one of our Iceland posts if you want to get a feel for it: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/10-day-iceland-ring-road-itinerary/

How To Budget A Trip To Europe

Published: December 6, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Rozele Kuo

Travel Essentials & Accessories
Travel Guide
Travel Tips

Introduction

Planning a trip to Europe can be an exciting and fulfilling experience, but it’s crucial to have a well-structured budget in place to ensure a stress-free journey. With proper planning and careful consideration, you can make the most of your limited funds and still have an incredible adventure exploring the diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant cultures that Europe has to offer.

In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through the essential steps to effectively budget your trip to Europe. From determining your travel dates to estimating transportation costs, accommodation expenses, meals, sightseeing, and other daily expenses, we’ll cover it all so you can plan your trip with ease and confidence.

Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a group of friends, these budgeting tips will help you make the most of your resources while giving you the freedom to indulge in wonderful experiences along the way.

Remember, budgeting requires careful consideration and flexibility. As you dive into the planning process, keep an open mind and be prepared to adjust your plans as you discover new opportunities or unforeseen expenses. This article aims to provide you with a solid foundation to start your budgeting journey and help you make the most of your trip to Europe.

So, let’s get started with step one: determining your travel dates.

Step 1: Determine your travel dates

The first step in planning a budget trip to Europe is to determine your travel dates. This will help you set a timeline for your trip and allow you to plan your budget accordingly.

Consider the time of year you want to travel. Europe experiences different seasons, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. The peak tourist season typically falls during the summer months when the weather is warm and the days are long. However, this also means that popular destinations will be crowded, and prices for accommodation and flights will be higher. On the other hand, traveling during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) can provide pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and more affordable rates.

Once you have a general idea of your preferred travel dates, do some research to find out if there are any major events, holidays, or festivals happening in the destinations you plan to visit. These occasions might affect the availability and prices of accommodations and transportation. If you have specific events or festivals on your bucket list, make sure to factor them into your itinerary and budget.

Another important factor to consider when determining your travel dates is your personal schedule and commitments. Check with your employer, school, or any other relevant parties to ensure that your chosen dates won’t clash with any important obligations.

Lastly, be flexible with your travel dates if possible. Flights and accommodations tend to be more expensive during weekends and holidays. By adjusting your travel dates by a day or two, you may be able to save some money.

Once you have finalized your travel dates, you can move on to the next step: researching destinations and creating an itinerary.

Step 2: Research destinations and create an itinerary

Researching destinations and creating an itinerary is a crucial step in planning your budget trip to Europe. Having a well-planned itinerary will not only help you stay organized but also optimize your time and budget.

Start by making a list of the countries or cities you wish to visit during your trip. Consider factors such as your interests, must-see landmarks, and cultural experiences you want to have. Look for destinations that offer a variety of attractions and activities that align with your preferences.

Once you have your list, conduct in-depth research on each destination. Look for information on popular tourist spots, local customs, transportation options, and budget-friendly attractions. Take note of any entrance fees, transportation costs, and the availability of free or discounted passes like city cards or museum passes.

Consider the geographical proximity of the destinations you plan to visit. Exploring neighboring countries or cities can significantly reduce travel time and costs. Take advantage of Europe’s excellent train and bus networks, which often offer affordable and convenient intercity travel options.

When creating your itinerary, strike a balance between popular tourist destinations and off-the-beaten-path gems. While iconic landmarks are worth visiting, they are often more crowded and expensive. Discovering hidden gems and lesser-known attractions can offer a more authentic and budget-friendly experience.

Be flexible with your itinerary. Allow some open days in your schedule for spontaneity or to include any recommendations you receive from locals or fellow travelers along the way.

Consider the length of your stay in each destination. Allotting sufficient time in each city or country will allow you to explore at a leisurely pace without feeling rushed. Avoid overpacking your itinerary, as this can lead to exhaustion and unnecessary expenses.

Use online travel resources, guidebooks, and travel forums to gather information and gain insights from fellow travelers who have visited the destinations on your list.

By thoroughly researching destinations and creating a well-balanced itinerary, you can make the most of your budget and ensure a memorable trip to Europe.

Step 3: Calculate transportation costs

Transportation costs can significantly impact your budget when planning a trip to Europe. To effectively manage your expenses, it’s important to calculate and budget for transportation costs in advance.

Start by determining the most suitable mode of transportation for your trip. In Europe, you have a variety of options including flights, trains, buses, and even ferries. Each mode has its own advantages and price range, so consider factors such as travel time, convenience, and cost.

If you are traveling long distances between countries or cities, compare flight prices from budget airlines. Be sure to factor in any additional fees for baggage, seat selection, or priority boarding. Keep in mind that flights can be cheaper when booked in advance, and midweek or early morning flights often have lower fares.

Trains are a popular and convenient mode of transportation in Europe, offering scenic routes and easy access to city centers. Research the train networks and compare ticket prices, especially if you plan to travel extensively within a specific country or region. Look for discounted rail passes or regional tickets for additional savings.

Buses are another affordable option, especially for short to medium-distance travel. Many bus companies offer budget-friendly fares, and some even have overnight options that can save you money on accommodation for one night.

If you’re considering visiting multiple countries or regions, look into Eurail passes or intercountry travel deals. These can provide significant savings on transportation costs, especially for frequent travelers.

Once you have identified the modes of transportation that best suit your needs, create a transportation budget by estimating the costs for each leg of your journey. Don’t forget to account for transportation to and from airports or train stations, as well as any local public transportation you may need to use within cities.

Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate depending on the time of year and travel demand. Be flexible with your travel dates if possible, as this can help you secure lower fares.

It’s also a good idea to monitor travel booking websites or sign up for fare alerts to stay informed of any discounts or promotions. Consider using travel apps that compare prices across different modes of transportation to find the best deals.

By carefully calculating and budgeting for transportation costs, you can ensure that you have enough funds allocated to get you from one destination to the next without breaking the bank.

Step 4: Estimate accommodation expenses

When planning a budget trip to Europe, estimating accommodation expenses is a vital step. Accommodation costs can vary significantly depending on the destination, type of accommodation, and the time of year you plan to visit.

Start by determining your preferred type of accommodation. Europe offers a wide range of options, from budget hostels and guesthouses to mid-range hotels and luxurious resorts. Hostels are a popular choice for budget travelers, providing affordable dormitory-style rooms or private rooms at a lower cost. Guesthouses or bed and breakfasts can offer a more local and affordable experience. If you prefer more privacy and comfort, consider budget-friendly hotels or apartments.

Research the average cost of accommodation in your desired destinations. Use online booking platforms and hotel comparison websites to get an idea of the price range for different types of accommodations. Keep in mind that accommodation prices can vary depending on the city, neighborhood, and proximity to tourist attractions.

Consider the location of your accommodation. Staying in the city center or popular tourist areas tends to be more expensive. However, opting for accommodations in the outskirts or in lesser-known neighborhoods can often save you money without sacrificing convenience or safety.

Look for deals, discounts, and promotions. Many hotels and booking platforms offer early-bird discounts, last-minute deals, or discounted rates for longer stays. Additionally, consider using websites or apps that offer alternative accommodations like homestays, guesthouses, or vacation rentals.

Another option to lower accommodation costs is to consider sharing your room or apartment with other travelers. This can be done through websites or apps that connect travelers looking for roommates or complete apartments to rent together.

Be sure to read reviews and ratings of accommodations before booking. Look for honest feedback from previous guests to ensure that you are getting good value for your money.

Factor in additional costs such as taxes, city taxes, resort fees, or any required deposits. Some accommodations may also provide complimentary breakfast or amenities, so consider these perks when comparing prices.

As a budget traveler, don’t be afraid to opt for more affordable accommodations. Remember, you will be spending most of your time exploring the destinations and soaking up the local culture, so a comfortable and budget-friendly place to rest is often sufficient.

By estimating accommodation expenses and allocating a reasonable amount within your budget, you can ensure that you have suitable and affordable lodging throughout your trip to Europe.

Step 5: Plan for meals and daily expenses

Planning for meals and daily expenses is a crucial aspect of budgeting for your trip to Europe. By being mindful of your spending on food and other daily necessities, you can make your budget stretch further, allowing for more memorable experiences.

Start by setting a daily budget for meals. Research the typical cost of meals in your chosen destinations. Keep in mind that eating out at restaurants can be more expensive compared to grabbing a quick bite from local street food stalls or markets. Take advantage of the diverse culinary scene in Europe by sampling affordable yet delicious local dishes.

Consider cooking some of your own meals. If you have access to a kitchenette or are staying in an apartment-style accommodation, grocery shopping and preparing your own meals can save you a significant amount of money. Visit local supermarkets or farmers’ markets to buy fresh ingredients and experience a more authentic taste of the local cuisine.

Stay hydrated with tap water whenever possible. In many European countries, tap water is safe to drink and readily available. Avoid purchasing bottled water to save money and reduce plastic waste. Carry a reusable water bottle that you can refill throughout the day.

Plan for other daily expenses such as public transportation, sightseeing fees, and miscellaneous items like toiletries, souvenirs, and laundry. Research the cost of public transportation passes, such as day passes or weekly cards, as these can often provide better value compared to individual tickets. Look for free or discounted days at museums and attractions, and prioritize visiting budget-friendly or free attractions.

Keep track of your daily expenses and adjust your spending accordingly. Use budgeting apps or keep a journal to record your expenses, making it easier to identify areas where you might be overspending. By being conscious of your financial habits, you can make informed decisions and stay within your budget.

Consider purchasing a local SIM card or a portable Wi-Fi device to stay connected without incurring high roaming charges. This will allow you to access maps, translation apps, and travel information that can help you navigate and make informed choices while on the go.

Lastly, be open to experiencing the local culture without breaking the bank. Take advantage of free activities such as walking tours, exploring public parks, or attending local festivals and events. Engage with locals and fellow travelers for recommendations on hidden gems or budget-friendly activities.

By planning for meals and daily expenses in advance, you can ensure that you have sufficient funds allocated for essential needs while still embracing the local culture and enjoying your trip to Europe within your budget.

Step 6: Budget for sightseeing and activities

As you plan your budget trip to Europe, it’s essential to budget for sightseeing and activities. Europe offers a wealth of cultural, historical, and natural attractions that can enhance your travel experience.

Start by researching the popular landmarks and attractions in your chosen destinations. Look for entrance fees and any additional costs, such as audio guides or guided tours. Check if there are discounted tickets for students, seniors, or specific time slots with lower prices. Take note of any free or low-cost attractions as well.

Prioritize the attractions that interest you the most and allocate a budget for them. Determine the must-see sights and experiences that you don’t want to miss, and set aside a portion of your budget for these activities. Be realistic about what you can afford and create a list of alternative attractions in case some are beyond your budget.

Consider exploring the local culture and history through free or low-cost activities. Visit local markets, parks, and neighborhoods to get a sense of the local lifestyle. Attend free events or festivals that showcase the traditions and customs of the region you’re visiting.

Be open to alternative ways of experiencing attractions. For example, instead of purchasing a ticket to enter a museum, explore the exterior and gardens, or find free guided tours or audio guides online that offer insightful information. Take advantage of walking tours or self-guided tours available for free or at a lower cost.

Seek out local recommendations for hidden gems or off-the-beaten-path attractions that are often less crowded and more budget-friendly.

Utilize city tourist cards or sightseeing passes that offer discounted or bundled admission to multiple attractions. These cards can also include free public transportation, providing additional savings.

Remember to factor in any additional costs such as transportation to and from the attractions, meals, and souvenirs. It’s important to have a clear understanding of the total cost associated with each activity to avoid any surprises.

Lastly, be open to spontaneous discoveries and experiences. Some of the most memorable moments during your trip may come from unexpected encounters and hidden gems that aren’t necessarily part of your initial itinerary.

By budgeting wisely for sightseeing and activities, you can enjoy a fulfilling and enriching travel experience in Europe without stretching your budget too thin.

Step 7: Consider travel insurance and visa fees

When planning your budget trip to Europe, it is important to consider two crucial aspects: travel insurance and visa fees. These are essential components to ensure a smooth and worry-free journey.

Firstly, research and evaluate the importance of travel insurance for your trip. While it may seem like an additional cost, it provides protection and peace of mind in case of unexpected events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost belongings. Determine the level of coverage you need, considering factors such as the length of your trip, the activities you plan to engage in, and the value of your belongings. Compare different travel insurance providers to find a policy that fits your needs and budget.

Be aware that some credit cards might offer limited travel insurance coverage. However, it is essential to carefully review the terms of the coverage to ensure it meets your specific requirements. If necessary, consider purchasing additional coverage through a dedicated travel insurance provider.

Secondly, check the visa requirements for the countries you plan to visit in Europe. The visa fees can vary depending on your nationality and the duration of your stay. Research the specific requirements for each country you plan to visit and find out if you need to apply for a visa in advance or if you can obtain one upon arrival.

Calculate the total cost of visa fees for all the countries you plan to visit and include this as part of your budget. It’s crucial to factor in the processing time for visa applications and any additional costs such as passport photos or transportation to the visa application centers.

It’s important to note that some countries in Europe are part of the Schengen Area, which allows for visa-free travel for certain nationalities. However, even if you are visa-exempt, you may still be required to fulfill specific entry requirements, such as having a valid passport and providing proof of sufficient funds for your stay.

By considering travel insurance and visa fees as part of your budget, you can ensure that you are adequately prepared for any unforeseen circumstances and meet the necessary requirements for your travel to Europe.

Step 8: Allocate funds for miscellaneous expenses

When budgeting for your trip to Europe, it’s important to allocate funds for miscellaneous expenses. These expenses are often overlooked but can arise unexpectedly during your travels. By setting aside a portion of your budget for miscellaneous expenses, you can ensure you are prepared for any unforeseen costs that may arise along the way.

Start by considering transportation to and from the airport or train station in your home country. This can include taxi fares, airport shuttles, or public transportation costs. Additionally, be prepared for any transportation-related expenses within Europe, such as local buses, trams, or taxis.

Be mindful of baggage fees charged by airlines if you plan to check in luggage. Some budget airlines have strict baggage weight and size restrictions, and exceeding these limits can result in expensive fees.

Keep some funds aside for emergencies or unexpected situations that may occur during your trip. This can include medical expenses not covered by travel insurance, unforeseen transportation changes, or last-minute accommodation needs. It’s better to have some extra money set aside as a safety net, just in case.

Factor in costs for communication, such as purchasing a local SIM card or using data roaming services. Staying connected while traveling can be essential for navigation, staying in touch with loved ones, and accessing important information. Research the various options available and budget accordingly.

Consider any tipping customs in the countries you plan to visit. In some European countries, tipping is customary, while in others, it may not be expected or required. Familiarize yourself with the local customs to avoid any confusion or awkward situations.

Allocate funds for souvenirs and gifts. Europe is known for its unique crafts, artisanal products, and local specialties, making it tempting to bring back souvenirs for yourself or loved ones. Determine a reasonable budget for souvenirs to avoid overspending.

Lastly, keep in mind any bank fees or currency exchange charges. Research the fees associated with using your debit or credit cards abroad and budget for any necessary currency exchanges. Consider utilizing options such as prepaid travel cards or online currency exchanges to minimize fees.

By allocating funds for miscellaneous expenses, you can have peace of mind knowing that you have prepared for the unexpected and have the necessary resources to handle any unforeseen costs that may arise during your trip to Europe.

Step 9: Track and adjust your budget throughout the trip

Tracking and adjusting your budget throughout your trip to Europe is crucial to stay on top of your expenses and ensure that you are making the most of your allocated funds. By monitoring your spending and making necessary adjustments, you can prevent overspending and maintain control over your budget.

Start by keeping a record of your daily expenses. Use a notebook, budgeting app, or spreadsheet to track all the money you spend, whether it’s on accommodation, transportation, meals, activities, or miscellaneous items. Make it a habit to record your expenses every day, noting the amount spent, the category, and any relevant details.

Regularly review your budget against your actual spending. Take a moment to analyze where you are over or under budget. Identify any patterns or areas where you may be spending more than anticipated. This will help you make informed decisions and adjust your spending habits accordingly.

Look for opportunities to save money without sacrificing your travel experience. Can you find more affordable eateries or cook some of your meals? Can you take advantage of free attractions or public transportation instead of paying for expensive tours or taxis? Consider making adjustments wherever possible to align your spending with your budget.

Stay informed of any currency exchange rates, as they can impact your budget. Monitor fluctuations in exchange rates and choose the most favorable time to convert your money. Use currency conversion apps or websites to ensure you are getting the best value for your money.

Be flexible with your itinerary and budget. As you explore Europe, unexpected opportunities may arise, such as special events or recommendations from locals. Don’t be afraid to adjust your plans or allocate additional funds for worthwhile experiences.

Take advantage of discounts and promotions that may become available during your trip. Look for discounted tickets, meal deals, or special offers at attractions, restaurants, or local shops. Stay updated with travel newsletters, apps, or local tourist information centers to learn about any current deals.

Lastly, remember that a budget is a tool to guide your spending, but it should not restrict your enjoyment of the trip. Find a balance between staying within your limits and allowing yourself to indulge in memorable experiences or once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. It’s important to prioritize the experiences that truly align with your interests and make your trip to Europe unforgettable.

By consistently tracking your expenses and being mindful of your budget, you can make educated decisions about your spending, ensure financial stability throughout your trip, and make the most of your time in Europe.

Congratulations, you have successfully navigated the steps to budget your trip to Europe! By following these guidelines, you have taken essential measures to ensure a well-planned and financially responsible adventure. From determining your travel dates and researching destinations to calculating transportation costs, estimating accommodation expenses, planning for meals and daily expenses, budgeting for sightseeing and activities, considering travel insurance and visa fees, allocating funds for miscellaneous expenses, and tracking and adjusting your budget throughout your trip, you have covered all the crucial aspects of budget travel planning.

Remember, budgeting for your trip to Europe is not just about saving money, but also about making smart choices and prioritizing your preferences. It’s about finding a balance between experiencing the iconic attractions and discovering hidden gems, indulging in local cuisines while making cost-effective meal choices, and creating a personalized itinerary that reflects your interests and budget.

As you embark on your European adventure, stay open-minded and be willing to embrace unexpected opportunities along the way. Immerse yourself in the diverse cultures, fascinating history, and breathtaking landscapes that Europe has to offer. Connect with locals, fellow travelers, and the vibrant atmosphere of the places you visit. Remember, some of the most memorable experiences are often the ones that cannot be planned in advance.

Throughout your journey, keep your budget in mind and track your expenses to ensure you are staying within your limits. Be adaptable and open to adjusting your plans when necessary, allowing room for spontaneity and unexpected discoveries that could enhance your overall experience.

By effectively budgeting your trip to Europe, you have empowered yourself to make the most of your resources and create unforgettable memories without compromising on financial stability. Whether you’re exploring the charming streets of Paris, marveling at the historical landmarks of Rome, or immersing yourself in the vibrant nightlife of Berlin, your budget travel skills will guide you towards an incredible European adventure.

So go forth, explore, and enjoy your budget-friendly journey through the wonders of Europe!

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10 Affordable European Destinations for Budget Travelers

T raveling to Europe doesn’t have to mean emptying your savings. This carefully curated list of the cheapest travel destinations in Europe offers the beauty and culture of Europe without the hefty price tag. Embark on an adventure that’s both enriching and economical, perfect for budget-conscious travelers eager to explore the continent’s hidden gems.

Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean skimping on the richness of experience, especially in a continent as varied and vibrant as Europe. For those who’ve caught the travel bug, the quest for new adventures can be as relentless as it is rewarding. Thankfully, Europe caters to the wanderlust of budget-conscious explorers without sacrificing the allure of its destinations. Whether basking in the sun-kissed shores of Portugal or meandering through the storied pathways of Hungary, the continent is a treasure trove of affordable travel gems. The beauty of Europe’s cities and landscapes is accessible to all, ensuring that even the most frugal of travelers can indulge in the cultural, historical and natural splendors.

With careful planning and a sense of curiosity, you’ll discover that the magic of Europe is not reserved for the affluent but open to all who seek it. Here are 10 affordable destinations that promise unforgettable experiences without the hefty price tag.

10 cheapest travel destinations in Europe

From picturesque villages to vibrant cities, discover 10 budget-friendly European destinations that offer unforgettable experiences without breaking the bank.

Portugal stands as a beacon of affordability in Western Europe, offering travelers picturesque landscapes, rich history and a vibrant culinary scene at a fraction of the cost of its neighbors. Whether you’re exploring the colorful streets of Lisbon, tasting port wine in Porto, or sunbathing in the Algarve, Portugal provides an array of budget-friendly accommodations and eateries. Moreover, many of its museums and historical sites offer free admission on certain days, making cultural immersion accessible to all.

“Portugal is possibly my favorite country in Europe, and it’s surprisingly budget-friendly. Lisbon is a fun place, but venture out further to places like Funchal in Madeira, which is right on the ocean with a fantastic beach for dolphin and whale watching and so much more. The people in Portugal are incredibly friendly as well, and tourist areas will have English speakers.” Michelle Price, Honest and Truly

Croatia’s allure lies in its crystal-clear waters, historic towns and stunning national parks, many of which you can enjoy without a hefty entrance fee. The country’s coastline, dotted with affordable seafood restaurants and budget accommodations, provides a perfect backdrop for a cost-effective European getaway. Cities like Dubrovnik and Split and regions like Dalmatia offer insights into Croatia’s rich history and culture, and these destinations can easily be explored while staying within budget.

Spain is synonymous with vibrant festivals, delicious tapas and stunning architecture, all available on a budget. The country’s culinary tradition of tapas allows travelers to taste a variety of dishes without overspending, especially when paired with the affordable wines for which Spain is famous. Regions like Andalusia offer remarkable value with their free historical sites and low-cost accommodations, ensuring a rich travel experience that’s gentle on the wallet.

Italy’s charm doesn’t need to come with a high price tag. Traveling during the off-peak season, utilizing the extensive public transportation system, and indulging in the Aperitivo culture for cheap yet delicious meals can significantly reduce costs. Exploring lesser-known regions such as Puglia or Sicily can offer a more authentic Italian experience at a fraction of the cost compared to the tourist hotspots of Venice or Milan .

Unveiling earth's natural gems: 15 breathtaking countries to explore

Bulgaria is a hidden gem in Europe, offering an incredibly low cost of living compared to most European countries. From the sandy beaches of the Black Sea to the historical cities that dot the country, Bulgaria is ripe with affordable accommodations and dining options. The country’s rich history and natural beauty make it an excellent choice for travelers looking to stretch their euros.

Iceland might come as a surprise entry on a budget travel list due to its reputation for being expensive. However, the country’s natural wonders, including waterfalls, hot springs and glaciers, are accessible free of charge. Budget travelers can save further by opting for camping instead of hotels and shopping at local supermarkets. With a little planning, the Land of Fire and Ice can be an affordable and unforgettable adventure.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic, and particularly its capital, Prague, is renowned for its beer, which is often cheaper than water. This affordability extends to its accommodations, public transportation and attractions. Free walking tours are abundant, providing a budget-friendly way to explore the city’s rich history and stunning architecture. Smaller towns like Cesky Krumlov offer an even more affordable and quaint experience.

Straddling two continents, Turkey offers an incredibly diverse experience, from bustling bazaars and historical sites in Istanbul to the serene beaches of the Turkish Riviera. The cost of meals, accommodations and entrance fees to many of its world-renowned attractions remains low, providing an excellent value for money. The rich tapestry of culture, combined with the affordability factor, makes Turkey a must-visit for budget travelers looking for the cheapest travel destinations in Europe.

Slovenia is an underrated destination that boasts incredible natural landscapes, from the Julian Alps to the serene Lake Bled, all accessible on a budget. The capital, Ljubljana, is a model of sustainable living and offers a plethora of affordable dining and lodging options. Slovenia’s compact size makes exploring easy without the need for expensive internal flights or long train rides.

Hungary, with its beautiful capital, Budapest, presents a variety of experiences that contradict its affordable cost of living. The city is famous for its thermal baths, which provide a unique and inexpensive relaxation option. Hungarian cuisine is hearty, delicious and remarkably affordable, allowing travelers to indulge without breaking the bank.

Final thoughts

Europe’s diverse landscapes and cultures make it a coveted destination for many travelers. Fortunately, exploring this continent doesn’t have to deplete your savings. This list of the cheapest travel destinations in Europe offers a blend of natural beauty, historical richness and culinary delights while keeping your budget intact. Whether you’re looking to roam ancient cities, bask on sunlit beaches or hike through pristine landscapes, Europe’s affordable destinations await discovery.

Kristen Wood is a photographer, writer, world traveler, and creator of the blog Foodventures Abroad , where food and travel intertwine. She is also the author of Vegetarian Family Cookbook, Fermented Hot Sauce Cookbook, and Hot Sauce Cookbook for Beginners. Her work has been featured in various online and print publications, including Elle, Martha Stewart, Yoga Journal and more.

The post 10 affordable European destinations for budget travelers appeared first on Food Drink Life .

10 must-see places around the world

Where to fly on a budget this summer

Airfare experts share their forecasts for summer vacation destinations that won’t break your budget.

This summer is shaping up to be another scorcher , and the demand for summer travel is piping hot, too. If early 2024 trends are any indication of what’s to come, “it’s looking to be busier than 2023,” said Katy Nastro, spokesperson for the flight booking site Going . Recent airport passenger volume numbers have regularly exceeded last year and pre-pandemic levels.

Jeff Klee, CEO of CheapAir.com , says airline capacity has rebounded from pandemic complications, but strong travel demand means summer flight prices can be high, depending on when you’re hoping to go. Flying in June, July or early August will be more expensive than later in the season, according to the company’s summer forecast .

“And it’s not just the airfare,” Klee said in an email. “Expensive hotel rates and crowds everywhere make Western Europe tricky for the summer.”

Despite the price tag, “people are going to go,” said Melanie Fish, the head of global public relations for all Expedia Brands, including Vrbo, Expedia and Hotels.com . “When we look at searches for destinations, they are definitely up year over year.”

For popular destinations like Europe , Klee and Fish say to push trips later into August, September or even October. Not only will prices soften, but you’ll alleviate some of the strain of overtourism .

“My number one tip is go ahead and take that summer vacation, but maybe hold on to take that big, big trip in September,” Fish said.

According to Expedia’s summer 2024 travel outlook , we’re currently in the sweet spot for shopping for early summer flights at the best rates, as Fish says lower fares tend to pop up 21 to 60 days out. It doesn’t hurt to start your search even earlier, setting up price alerts to flag when airfare drops. If you can swing it, look to fly on a Monday for international trips or a Tuesday for domestic trips to save up to 15 percent on fares, Fish added.

It’s not impossible to find good deals on airfare, whether you’re looking for a tropical beach trip , a mountain adventure or a vibrant city. Here are places that are trending cheaper — and the destinations you’ll want to avoid.

Go to Mexico

Sun, surf, culture, chilaquiles — Mexico is always a good idea , but particularly so this summer. With the opening of the new airport in Tulum , U.S. airlines have been adding gobs of new flights to Mexico, particularly to beach regions. “We’ve seen a healthy amount of deals down to Mexico resort areas like Cancún,” Nastro said.

Laura Lindsay, global travel trends expert at Skyscanner , says three Mexican cities — Cancún, San José del Cabo and Puerto Vallarta — are among the top 10 destinations offering travelers the best bang for their buck in 2024.

To escape the summer heat, Phyllis Stoller, president of the Women’s Travel Group , recommends high-altitude destinations like Mexico City or Ixtapan de la Sal, a town near Mexico City with thermal springs.

Avoid European port cities

If you’re considering a visit to a popular European city that’s also a cruise hub, beware. Not only will you be battling the usual summer crowds, you’ll be joined by thousands of day-trippers flooding into the ports — meaning Barcelona, Venice , Athens and Santorini.

Sandra Weinacht, who co-owns the tour company Inside Europe Travel Experiences , says you can avoid some of the madness in these hot spots by staying in neighborhoods away from the typical tourist zones. You can also visit top sites in the late afternoon or evening, after cruise travelers have returned to their ships.

Better yet, wait to visit until the shoulder season

Go to Colorado

Epic hiking, breathtaking nature and more craft beer than you could ever try in a lifetime: The Centennial State is a domestic gem. Ashlee Collins of Inspirato , a luxury travel and lifestyle subscription service, says Vail is popular among members this summer. Not only is the ski resort beautiful sans snow, it’s drivable for many, cutting a significant cost for travelers.

Airfare to Colorado is looking more reasonable than other domestic vacation hubs. Nastro recently spotted a Miami-to-Denver, round-trip fare over the July Fourth holiday for just $199. She says an average round trip from major U.S. cities is running between $173 and $250, but those prices are expected to climb upward of $350 the closer we get to summer.

Avoid places at risk for wildfires

Wildfires have become an unfortunate fixture of summers in the Northern Hemisphere. Last year’s fires in Europe — including those in Cyprus and Greece — were among the worst so far this century, the European Commission reported .

Stoller says fire risk has been a factor in her summer travel planning; she nixed a New England cruise after remembering how bad smoke was last year because of the fires in Canada . “None of us can predict everything, but that would be something I would be aware of,” she said.

Extreme heat is also an issue. Last July, Southern Europe experienced excessively high temperatures from a “heat dome.”

“There’s a concern about heat,” Stoller said. “Last summer was really painful.”

Go to the Caribbean

The Caribbean has its peak tourist season during the winter, when Americans flock to warmer waters. That means summer trips to the region tend to be quieter and cheaper.

“You can go under $300 to pretty much all of the islands: Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Aruba, Dominican Republic,” said Lindsay Schwimer, a consumer travel expert at Hopper . She’s seen similar price point flights to Colombia.

Lindsay of Skyscanner also said Puerto Rico and the Bahamas offer some of the most affordable flights from the United States this summer.

Avoid Paris

Unless you’re going for the Olympics , skip the French capital this summer.

“Paris is always a top destination in the summer, but this summer … it’s going to be on another level,” said Madison Pietrowski, head of U.S. brand at GetYourGuide .

Not only are hotel prices high, “we’re seeing that some of the top attractions like the Louvre have raised their ticket prices,” Pietrowski said.

Nastro says the crowds are going to be “bananas” during the Games, and not just in Paris. Olympic travelers are likely to add on other French destinations to their trip, like Nice — which will host soccer games — or the Côte d’Azur, which already gets popular in the summertime.

Even if you try to get ahead of the rush by visiting before the July 26 start date, you may still have some Olympics-related headaches in the French capital. As the city races to finish prep, “you might find that there’s going to be eyesores and scaffolding and loud noises early in the morning,” Nastro said.

Go to rural Europe

Interest in Western Europe has not slowed down, and Americans are expected to surge back en masse this summer. If you’d like to avoid them, put rural European destinations on your radar.

Weinacht is bullish on Spain’s Rioja region , the Basque countryside and the central Italian region of Umbria, which borders Tuscany but does not see the same levels of tourism. She’s also a fan of Carinthia, the least-populated state of Austria. “It is castle- and lake-dotted, doesn’t get too hot, and oh, the food and stories the cities and villages can tell,” Weinacht said in an email.

Weinacht says she’s been getting more requests from Americans for trips to her homeland, Germany. The country is easy to navigate with its high-speed trains, and offers a mix of small and big cities spread across powerhouse wine regions, UNESCO World Heritage sites and many food festivals . According to Skyscanner, airlines in the United States have been increasing their flights to Germany — namely, Frankfurt, an international business hub — meaning you may be able to find more deals.

Avoid Sicily and Amalfi

If your dream Italian destination has been featured on TV lately, that’s a red flag. The last season of “The White Lotus” spurred an interest in already popular Sicily ; the same is happening to the Amalfi Coast thanks to the new Netflix miniseries “Ripley.”

“They’re really going to be the most expensive and they’re going to be pretty crowded for the summer,” Schwimer said.

Where to go

Our favorite destinations: These 12 destinations are at the top of our wish list for where to go this year, without crowds. In 2023, we explored an Alaskan bear paradise, Brooklyn’s famous pizzerias and a hidden gem in Italy, among other highlights .

Travel like a local: Residents share their favorite places in our top city guides: New Orleans , Rome , Tokyo and Mexico City .

National parks: This comprehensive guide has details on all 63 U.S. national parks. For a deep dive into five of the most well-known, you can listen to the Field Trip podcast . Then explore tips from locals for visiting Yosemite , Glacier and Everglades .

Tales from the road: Dolly Parton has opened a new resort at her theme park complex in Tennessee, while “Fixer Upper” stars Chip and Joanna Gaines have a new hotel in Waco . Road-trippers may be just as excited to see the cartoon beaver at Buc-ee’s , and bargain-hunters should consider a stop at the Unclaimed Baggage store in Scottsboro, Ala.

Money latest: Morrisons shoppers are going to notice two changes in stores

Morrisons has launched two major changes for shoppers – with stores offering travel money and trolleys now featuring advertisements. Read this and all the latest consumer and personal finance news below - and leave your thoughts in the box.

Thursday 25 April 2024 19:51, UK

Halifax hikes mortgage rates - as entire market moves upwards
Renters' Reform Bill signed off - but with indefinite delay to no-fault evictions ban
Morrisons rolls out bureau de change and trolley adverts

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Halifax has become the latest major lender to up mortgage rates.

They are putting up a range of deals by 0.2%.

BM Solutions also announced increases today.

It follows similar moves by TSB, NatWest, Virgin, Barclays, Accord, Leeds Building Society, HSBC and Coventry last week.

Lenders are responding to swap rates - which dictate how much it costs to lend money - rising on the back of higher than expected US inflation data, and concerns this could delay interest rate cuts there.

US trends often materialise elsewhere - though many economists are still expecting a base rate cut from 5.25% to 5% in the UK in June.

This is what average mortgage rates look like as of today...

Justin Moy, managing director of EHF Mortgages, told Newspage: "Yet more bad news for mortgage borrowers, as two of the biggest lenders announce increases to their fixed-rate products.

"As mortgage rates creep up and past 5% even for those with the largest deposits, we seem to be lacking a clear strategy of the government or the Bank of England on how rates will eventually fall.

"Even 2% inflation may not be enough to reverse the recent trends in rates."

Morrisons has launched two major changes for shoppers – with stores now offering travel money and trolleys featuring advertisements.

Announcing their bureau de change service, Morrisons said customers could exchange currencies in select stores or could place their money orders online at Morrisonstravelmoney.com.

Using the online service means customers can either click and collect their cash in certain Morrisons stores or at any of Eurochange's 240 branches. Alternatively, they can go for home delivery.

Services director at Morrisons, Jamie Winter, said the service "will provide our customers with easy access to a wide range of currencies at competitive exchange rates".

So far, stores in the following areas have travel money kiosks:

Basingstoke

In other news, the supermarket chain rolled out a new trolley advertising across 300 stores in a partnership with Retail Media Group.

A sweetener used in drinks, sauces, savoury and sweet foods and chewing gum can cause serious damage to people's health, according to a new study.

Neotame, a "relatively new" sweetener, could damage the intestine by causing damage to healthy bacteria in the gut, according to the study, leading it to become diseased and attack the gut wall.

The study by Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, found the negative effect of neotame "has the potential to influence a range of gut functions resulting in poor gut health", potentially impacting metabolic and inflammatory diseases, neuropathic pain, and neurological conditions.

The illnesses this could lead to include irritable bowel disease or insulin resistance.

Read the full story here ...

As we reported yesterday, a pilot programme is coming into force in Venice today that means visitors have to pay a €5 (£4.28) charge to enter the city.

Authorities say the pilot programme is designed to discourage tourists and thin the crowds that throng the canals during peak holiday season, making the city more liveable for residents.

Pictures have been emerging this morning of people queueing to register for a QR code that will allow them to enter after they have paid the charge - and officials carrying out checks on people inside the city.

People found to be contravening the rules can be fined up to €300 (£257).

As detailed in our story , the move has been met with anger among some in the city.

Venice is the first city in the world to introduce a payment system for tourists - but comments from its most senior tourist official suggested it may become a more common practice for major tourist hotspots in Europe.

Simone Venturini revealed the pilot programme was being closely watched by other places suffering from mass tourism - including other Italian art cities and hugely popular weekend-break destinations Barcelona and Amsterdam.

More than 160,000 people switched to Nationwide from other providers at the end of 2023, when the building society was offering a huge cash switching incentive.

According to figures from the Current Account Switch Service (CASS), Nationwide had a net gain of 163,363 account switchers between October and December, after leavers were taken into account.

It was the highest quarterly gain since the same period in 2022, when 111,941 switched to Nationwide.

The building society launched a £200 switching bonus for new joiners in September last year - the biggest giveaway on offer at the time. It withdrew the offer just before Christmas.

The latest CASS figures, which show Nationwide had 196,260 total gains before accounting for leavers, suggesting it could have spent up to £39m on nabbing customers from other providers in the last three months of the year.

Barclays and Lloyds Bank saw more modest net gains of 12,823 and 5,800 respectively, while the rest of the UK's big banks reported net losses.

NatWest and Halifax fared worst, losing over 40,000 more switchers each than they gained.

This week saw the last remaining switching offer on the market withdrawn.

Sainsbury's is having technical issues again - with shoppers taking to social media to say their deliveries have been delayed or cancelled.

The supermarket has been replying to customers saying: "I'm really sorry about the tech issues this morning.

"We're aware of the situation and are working to sort it as quickly as possible. In the meantime, we'd advise you place a new order for a future date."

Customer Andrew Savage wrote: "Order has not been delivered and no confirmation email this morning."

Another, John B Sheffield, said: "So angry! Just got through to your customer line after 40 min WAIT.

"Tells me NO DELIVERIES TODAY! tech problem? I've NO FOOD IN! ANGRY!"

In a statement to Sky News, a Sainsbury's spokesperson says: "A small technical issue affected some groceries online orders this morning.

"We have contacted these customers directly to apologise for the inconvenience."

In another update at 10am, the supermarket said that the issue has been resolved.

Responding to customers on X, Sainsbury's also offered those affected e-vouchers and details on how to rebook their orders.

It comes a month after the supermarket had to cancel almost all deliveries on a Saturday in mid-March due to another technical issue.

By Daniel Binns, business reporter

A potential $38.8bn (£31bn) takeover of UK-based mining company Anglo American has sent its shares soaring - and helped the FTSE 100 hit yet another record high this morning.

The attempted mega-merger, by larger Australian rival BHP, is currently being reviewed by Anglo American's board.

The deal, if it goes through, would create the world's biggest copper mining company - and comes as the price of the metal continues to climb amid soaring demand.

Anglo American's shares have surged as high as 13% this morning as news of the negotiations emerged.

The announcement also helped spur the FTSE 100 to a new intraday (during the day) high of 8,098 points.

The index, of the London Stock Exchange's 100 most valuable companies, has hit a string of records this week, including an all-time closing high of 8,044 points on Tuesday.

The score is based on a calculation of the total value of the shares on the index.

Also moving the markets are a string of company results which were published earlier on Thursday.

Among those issuing updates to investors was drugsmaker AstraZeneca. Its stock is up more than 5% after the firm reported quarterly profit and revenue above market estimates.

Unilever is also up 5% following similar better-than-expected quarterly figures.

Another good performer is Barclays - despite reporting a 12% fall in profits for the first three months of 2024. Its shares are up more than 4%.

That's because its quarterly figures are slightly better than expected, and the bank has said it expects its fortunes to improve later this year.

Meanwhile, as tensions in the Middle East continue, the price of a barrel of Brent crude oil continues to hover at a price of around $88 (£70).

This morning £1 buys $1.25 US or €1.16, similar to yesterday.

Every week we get experts to answer your Money Problems - usually on a Monday, but today we have a short, bonus addition in light of multiple lenders raising mortgage rates this week on fears an interest rate cut could be delayed to a little later this year (note: many economists still think it will come in summer).

A few readers have got in touch with questions similar to this one...

My remortgage is due to complete on 1 May. I already have an offer but with rates going up, is there any way at all my offer rate could increase? Saz681

We asked David Hollingworth, director at L&C Mortgages, to answer this one...

It's great news that you are already set up with a mortgage offer, Saz - ready to make a smooth switch to a new deal and/or lender, once the current one ends.

It does take time to set up a new mortgage so shopping around the market a good few months ahead will help you put everything in place and avoid slipping onto a high variable rate.

Fixed rates have been nudging up slightly but you have already got a formal offer in place so shouldn't worry.

Applying for a mortgage will generally secure that rate and the lender will then carry out any further checks to issue the mortgage offer.

The offer will be valid for a specified period, often for up to six months. Rates are always shifting for new customers but you can rest easy that your rate should be safe and sound for your switch in May.

This feature is not intended as financial advice - the aim is to give an overview of the things you should think about. Submit your dilemma or consumer dispute, leaving your name and where in the country you are, by emailing [email protected] with the subject line "Money blog". Alternatively, WhatsApp us here .

By Ollie Cooper , Money team

Interest in a phenomenon known as "dark tourism" has been steadily rising in recent years - but what is it?

To find out, we've spoken with tourism academic Dr Hayley Stainton and renowned dark tourist and author Dr Peter Hohenhaus, who runs a dark tourism website .

What is it?

In general, dark tourism involves travelling to sites connected to death or disaster.

"Dark tourism has been around for as long as we have been travelling to places associated with death," Dr Stainton says.

However, the term wasn't officially coined until 1996 by John Lennon, a professor of tourism at Glasgow Caledonian University, in Scotland.

"Not everyone is familiar with the term," says Dr Stainton, "[but] many people have been a dark tourist at some time or another, whether intentional or not."

Some examples of the most famous sites

Auschwitz concentration camp, Poland
9/11 Memorial and Museum in New York, US
Chernobyl, Ukraine
Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan
Choeung Ek "killing fields" and the Tuol Sleng genocide museum at the former S-21 prison in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Areas with a degree of infamy, like Alcatraz, are extremely popular spots that also fall under the "dark tourism" umbrella.

How popular is it?

Dr Hohenhaus and Dr Stainton say they have noticed a rise in its popularity.

"Tourists are looking for more unique and unusual experiences," Dr Stainton says.

"This has seen a move away from the more traditional 'sun, sea and sand' type holidays to a variety of different tourism forms, which includes dark tourism."

Dr Hohenhaus adds: "Maybe people want to connect to more recent and hence more personally relevant history - that is definitely the case with myself."

He goes on: "I think I've learned more about the world through dark tourism than through all of my formal education or my previous academic career."

Is it ethical?

This is the big question associated with dark tourism.

Dr Stainton says that while problems do arise, the stigma around the practice is often misguided.

"People don't visit sites like the killing fields in Cambodia or the site of Chernobyl for 'fun' - they visit for the educational experience, as dark tourism is often also a form of educational tourism," she says.

Problems arise when tourists are not respectful to those who may have been impacted.

"For instance, taking inappropriate photos or laughing and joking when others may be in a state of mourning."

Notorious examples include people taking selfies outside Grenfell Tower and at Auschwitz.

"It is therefore imperative that dark tourists are considerate of those around them and respectful at all times," Dr Stainton says.

"As long as you are not just after a cheap sensationalist thrill - take dark tourism seriously and do it right, and it can be an immensely enriching thing to engage in." Dr Hohenhaus

Where could you go?

These are Dr Hohenhaus' recommendations:

Ijen crater in Indonesia - where at night you can see the fabled blue flames of the sulphur mines next to the volcano crater lake;
The Polygon, the former Semipalatinsk nuclear weapons test site of the USSR, now in Kazakhstan;
The Goli Otok former prison island off the coast of Croatia;
The Murambi memorial to the Rwandan genocide - which Dr Hohenhaus says is "certainly the very darkest place I have ever been";
Majdanek concentration camp memorial near Lublin, eastern Poland.

What do you think of dark tourism? Is it misunderstood, educational or abhorrent? Let us know in the comments section...

John Lewis will be sharing its job interview questions online in an attempt to find the "best talent".

The retail chain hopes that allowing candidates to view questions before an interview will allow prospective employees to "really demonstrate what they can do" and prepare, the Financial Times reports.

John Lewis talent acquisition lead Lorna Bullett told Sky News that interviews can feel daunting and "nerves can seriously impact performance".

She added the company want "the right people" from a variety of backgrounds and with "the best talent" to join.

"It makes absolute business sense to find ways of helping candidates to really demonstrate what they can do," she said.

Ms Bullett added that the process will be "no less rigorous".

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IMAGES

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Europe Budget Travel Guide (Updated 2024)
Backpacking Europe Suggested Budgets. Prices for travel in Europe vary greatly depending on how far north, east, south, or west you travel. If you stick to the budget accommodations, food, and tours listed here and use all my tips on saving money, you need about 65-110 EUR per day in Western Europe, 40-50 EUR in Eastern Europe, and about 85-130 EUR in Scandinavia.
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23. Fly with budget airlines to save on flight costs. Ryanair and EasyJet are two extremely affordable options for inter-Europe flights and are often used by travelers who visit Europe on a budget. Oftentimes, you can get from one country to another for under $50.
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Nov 6, 2023. One-Month Europe Trip on a Budget: A Full Itinerary and Cost breakdown. This guide includes my full itinerary and cost breakdown for accommodations and transportation between cities. It also contains things to do and where to stay in London, Paris, Ghent, Bruges, Barcelona, Seville, Granada, Cordoba, and Madrid.
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Sofia. #21 in Best Cheap European Vacations for 2023-2024. Sofia's five-star accommodations will cost you less than $150 per night, but this Bulgarian city also boasts a wide variety of budget ...
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Best to get away from the crowds: 2.5h Kayak Tour in the Bay of Kotor. Best for a day trip: Boat Tour to the Blue Cave & Our Lady of the Rocks. Rough costs. Daily budget: Basic €31, occasional treat €52. Drink: Nikšičko Tamno beer €1 (bottle from shop) Food: Sarma€2.60-4. Hostel/budget hotel: €21/€52.
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Fly With Budget Airlines. Travel Europe via Train. Use Cheap Bus Travel in Europe. Save Time Finding the Cheapest Transport Option. Try Out BlaBla Car. Use Public Transportation. Hit the Pavements. How to Find Budget Accommodation in Europe. Find Deals on Booking.com.
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Pack Light & Save On Checked-Bag Fees: Almost every budget airline within Europe will charge a hefty fee ($30-$60) for checking a bag so you'll save a lot by flying with a carry-on only. However, the weight of a carry-on bag is usually limited to around 20 lbs — which can be difficult for a lot of people.
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Almost all European airlines charge for checked baggage -- and many taxi drivers around Europe will also add on fees for luggage, too. You can avoid this by packing light and right, using things like packing cubes or wearing travel clothing. 10. Do a free walking tour. Most European cities offer free walking tours.
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Traveling by bus is another cheap option for traveling Europe. FlixBus, MegaBus, and OuiBus are three reliable and affordable bus companies that travel to various destinations. For example, you can take MegaBus from London to Amsterdam or Brussels for only $20 USD, and OuiBus from London to Paris for a similar price.
How to Travel Europe CHEAPLY • Europe on a Budget in 2024!
1. Catch a Cheap Bus. Taking the bus is probably the cheapest way to travel around Europe. It's easy to find budget options all over Europe - even for long distances. One of the most popular options for cheap bus travel is Flixbus.
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Find the right budget tour in Europe with TourRadar. Choose from 1154 trips with 15554 customer reviews. Book now and save with TourRadar.com! ... Budget Tours & Trips to Europe. Explore a varied offer of budget Europe adventures that will take you through some of the most renowned destinations such as Rome and Paris. Each affordable tour will ...
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💰 10 Days in Europe on a Budget: Itinerary Ideas. If you're looking to save on your 10 day Europe trip costs, here are some very picturesque European destinations that are also budget-friendly. Most of these destinations are true hidden gems; places that few tourists venture to, but that definitely deserve more attention. 9.
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A quick search on Airbnb shows that cozy apartments with mountain views start at just $85 per night. In contrast, fancy alpine resorts that would cost $500-$900 per night in ski destinations like Switzerland or Austria offer rates starting at $244 per night. Livigno, Italy, is an alternative to pricier ski destinations in Switzerland and Austria.
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Eastern Europe: $50 per day will go far in this region. This includes everything from the Baltic states to the Balkan Peninsula. Central Europe: $50 to $80 per day for places like Czechia, Hungary, Poland, and their neighbors. Western Europe: $80 to $100+ per day.
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Getting Around Europe by Train. With an extensive railway network that connects all countries, taking the train is the best way to travel around Europe for budget backpackers. Compared to an MRT ride in Singapore, going across Europe by train is a far more scenic affair.
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Below are the budget ranges you should allocate for food, guided tours and accommodation. You can also check out our 3 weeks in France, Italy, and Spain itinerary. food budget per day: $20. guided tours cost per day: $15-$30. accommodation cost per day: $25-$45 as a backpacker or $70+ for mid-range.
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If you choose to stay in only one city, bus or train rides are very cheap, ranging from 1 to 3 euros. You can also buy 24 to 72 hour passes. If you choose intercity travel, average prices are: From Lisbon to Madrid: 16 euros; From Madrid to Rome: 26 euros; From Rome to Paris: 23 euros; From Paris to London: 38 euros.
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Step 1: Determine your travel dates. The first step in planning a budget trip to Europe is to determine your travel dates. This will help you set a timeline for your trip and allow you to plan your budget accordingly. Consider the time of year you want to travel. Europe experiences different seasons, each with its own advantages and drawbacks.
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Europe Travel Guide

Table of Contents

Click Here for Country Guides

1. Tour the Greek Islands

2. Ride the rails

3. Get lost in Paris

4. Go city hopping

5. Hit the Alps

Other Things to See and Do in Europe

2. Hang out in Barcelona

3. Visit Berlin

4. Drink beer at Oktoberfest

5. Experience London

6. Get outdoors in Scandinavia

7. Get enchanted in Prague

8. Relax on the French Riviera

9. Enjoy the great outdoors in Interlaken

10. Experience history in Rome

11. Hike around the Cinque Terre

12. Tour Krakow

13. Visit the ruin bars in Budapest

14. Explore Cornwall

15. Walk the Camino

16. Throw tomatoes during La Tomatina

17. Find Dracula in Romania

18. Drink whisky in Islay

19. Explore Iceland

20. Sail the Croatian coast

21. Explore the Balkans

22. Take a wine tour in the Loire Valley

23. See Fado in Portugal

24. Tour green Slovenia

Europe Travel Costs

Backpacking Europe Suggested Budgets

Europe Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Where to Stay in Europe

How to Get Around Europe

When to Go to Europe

How to Stay Safe in Europe

Europe Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

GO DEEPER: Nomadic Matt’s In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

Europe Travel Guide: Related Articles

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The 7 Best Hotels in Madrid

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How to Be a Digital Nomad in Europe

The Best eSIM for Traveling Europe

13 Affordable Places to Visit in Europe — From Country Escapes to Stunning Cities

Bavaria, Germany

Puglia, Italy

Budapest, Hungary

Andalusia, Spain

Berlin, Germany

Bath and the Cotswolds, England

Istanbul, Turkey

Ljubljana, Slovenia

The Dalmatian Coast, Croatia

Paris, France

County Clare, Ireland

Rome, Italy

Porto, Portugal

The 20 best places to visit in Europe on a budget

1. The Albanian coast

Where to stay

Rough costs

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Where to stay:

Planning your own trip? Prepare for your trip

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How To Travel Europe on a Budget: A Complete Guide

How to Find Cheap Flights From South Africa to Europe

What’s the Cheapest Way to Travel Europe?

How to Find Budget Accommodation in Europe

How to Save on Food Costs in Europe

Managing Your Money For a Budget Trip to Europe

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