Traveling to Europe is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many travelers. It can be an exhilarating and enriching travel experience, but at the same time, it can also be expensive. Learning how to travel Europe on a budget is hard, but by proper planning and preparation, you can reduce costs and complete your trip without breaking the bank. In this blog, we are going to discuss the same planning and preparation you need to travel to Europe on a budget. From transportation to dining, we will cover everything for you so your travel can be as smooth as possible. So, if you’re a backpacker looking for a budget Europe trip, continue reading.
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One of the most significant factors affecting the trip’s budget is your chosen destination. Every European city has its beauty and history to see, but we do not have to forget that we are on a budget. Some European cities like Paris and London indeed are beautiful, but they can be pretty expensive. At the same time, cities like Prague, Berlin, Bulgaria, Poland, Romania, etc are more budget-friendly.
At the time when you are choosing the destination, consider factors like “Cost of living,” “Accommodation,” “Dining,” and “Transportation.” You can use various sites, government portals, guides, and forums to check and compare the costs of different cities and then decide the location accordingly.
If we’re talking about “A Europe Budget Trip,” we must mention Eastern Europe. Eastern Europe is relatively cheap compared to Western European countries like Germany and France. Other than breaking your bank account, Eastern Europe offers beautiful & charming destinations that look just like a movie scene you have always wanted to be in. For your consideration, you can check out our blog, Top 10 Budget-Friendly Trips to Europe.
Budapest is undoubtedly the cheapest place in Europe you can visit. It is a budget-friendly destination, and you should put this place on your bucket list while traveling to Europe. Budapest is the capital city of Hungary, having a rich history and culture with stunning architecture, lovely parks to visit, and amazing nightlife. This city offers the best and most unique relaxation experience with its thermal baths.
Krakow is also one of the cheapest places to travel in Europe on a budget. It is a city with a rich cultural heritage. The best part of this city is that it offers a range of budget-friendly accommodations, food, and cheap transportation as well. Also, you can visit different museums and galleries, as well as the stunning Wawel Castle and Main Market Square.
The next budget-friendly place you can visit to travel in Europe on a budget is Belgrade. This vibrant city offers people the opportunity to explore their cultural heritage and has a lot of green parks. The well-connected transportation system makes it much easier for Rome to get around the city. You can explore places like the Belgrade Zoo, Kalemegdan Fortress, and the Nikola Tesla Museum.
The next place to visit on our Europe budget travel trip is the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina. There are a lot of things to do and places to visit in Sarajevo. You can explore places like the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum.
Skopje is a city that offers people the opportunity to explore a rich cultural heritage, green parks, and stunning architecture. If you’re someone who wants to spend their vacation in a more touristy location, this place is the right place for you. Also, while you’re in Skopje, you can explore the Memorial House of Mother Teresa, the Museum of the City of Skopje, and the Skopje Fortress.
If you’re looking for a diverse place where you can learn about different cultures, Sofia, Bulgaria, is the right place for you. This place is the best place for you to go on a budget travel trip to Europe. The food here is not only delicious but also super affordable. Also, remember to explore places like the National Palace of Culture, the Vitosha Nature Park, and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
Timisoara is one of the best budget-friendly cities in Europe for budget travel trips. It offers the best prices on food, transportation, and accommodation. This city offers a special blem of modern and traditional architecture. Timisoara is famous for its nightlife, delicious cuisine, and friendly environment. Also, if you’re a nature lover, you can enjoy beautiful parks and gardens.
Tbilisi is also a budget-friendly European city that you can visit on your budget trip to Europe. It is a city that offers a rich blend of natural beauty, culture, and history. You can explore sulfur baths, which are unique sights, and enjoy cable cars and beautiful natural surroundings like forests and hot springs.
Discover Yerevan, Armenia’s cultural heart. With budget-friendly food, transport, and stays, the city blends ancient history with modern charm. Dive into Armenian culture, savor the cuisine and wine, and soak in stunning views of Mount Ararat. Yerevan’s rich heritage, shaped by Persian, Russian, and Ottoman influences, is complemented by a vibrant arts scene.
Chisinau, Moldova’s charming capital, is a budget-friendly gem blending tradition with modernity. Savor local cuisine, explore historic landmarks, and unwind in its scenic parks. With a rich cultural heritage influenced by Russian and Ottoman legacies and a vibrant arts scene, Chisinau invites you to enjoy its warm, welcoming atmosphere.
So, if you have decided to travel to Europe, let’s see the other points for a successful Budget Trip to Europe. Planning for any trip is essential; doing it in advance can help you save a lot of money. You can save on travel, transportation, food, and tourist activities. If you’re flying outside your country, booking at least 6 months before your trip is an excellent & recommended option. You can also read our article on “How to Find Cheap Flights to Anywhere.” It will help you out a lot.
Booking in advance is always on my budget-hacking list, ALWAYS! It helps save money and you from skyrocketing prices, which you could spend on other fun activities. Also, always look for package deals; they offer so much, and sometimes they even give flights with accommodation or transportation coupons. Also, consider traveling during the off-season as the prices at that time are much lower and more affordable.
One of the best and most effective ways to save money while traveling in Europe on a budget is always to use public transportation. Most of the European countries have well-developed and well-maintained public transportation systems. It includes subways, buses, and trains. These are cheaper than taxis and rental cars and offer much to know about the city.
In short, using public transportation while traveling in Europe is a great way to get around the local places and experience some new local cultures & idealogy. You can also buy a discount pass or a travel card, just like the metro card, which can help you save some more money if you plan to use public transportation more often.
Accommodation is one of the most significant expenses you must bear while traveling to Europe. I mean, everyone needs to rest at the end of the day. Regarding the accommodation, you should consider plenty of affordable options. You can go for a budget hostel or rent an apartment or single room in a local home with Airbnb(The best choice). Staying in hotels or local Airbnb offers rest after a tiring trip and allows you to connect with new people. You can share experiences while also sharing your extraordinary travel experience.
I always told my friends that paying extra for travel or transportation is okay sometimes, but forgetting that you’re on a budget is a blunder. Everyone is a foodie, and if you’re someone like me who forgets everything when we eat, Please do not be like me. Eating in Europe can be expensive, but there is always an alternative that saves us. Here, local cuisine is that hero that helps us enjoy food without breaking the bank. Visit local shops, cafes, and street vendors rather than eat at an expensive hotel or restaurant. These not only offer affordable meals but delicious food, too. If you’re staying in a budget accommodation, you might cook your food alone. That is why local cuisines can save you a lot of money and allow you to taste some delicious local food, too. Yum!!
traveling to Europe is so much fun and exciting; there is so much to see and visit. It is the home to numerous Art Galleries, Museums, and other cultural organizations. Many of these places offer accessible or affordable tours and activities. You can use these opportunities to visit these places and save some of your money. Also, many European cities offer tourists free walk tours. It can be great for budget travelers to learn about the culture and the history of that city.
Before traveling anywhere, you should have some sort of discount coupons and credit or debit cards that give you offers while spending money. Luckily, many European cities offer discount coupons and cards to people that can be used to save some money. You can also apply for cards that offer a discount when you use them for payments. You can use these coupons and cards for things like visiting tourist attractions, transportation, and fun activities. By doing this, you can save a lot of your money, which you can reuse for other activities for your trip to Europe on a budget or save for your next trip.
In the end, be wise while spending money on your trip to Europe on a budget. Refrain from exchanging your whole currency at the airport, as they have high exchange rates, and you are left with little money. Rather than this, exchange your currency at some local authorized dealer or bank so that you can get the best rate for your money. Also, record and track all your expenses and remember to stick to a budget. Avoid using credit cards and use cash or debit cards for low interest rates or transaction fees.
As we all know, traveling solo vs. traveling with a group can make a lot of price differences. traveling in Europe can be very expensive if you’re a solo traveler. On the other hand, traveling to Europe as a group can be a lot of fun and can be cheap as well. The main benefit of group travel is the opportunity to split the expenses. You can split major expenses like hotels, transportation, and dining. These are the significant expenses while traveling, and by splitting these costs, the total cost per person is relatively cheap. Also, traveling in a group gives you comfort and a sense of security. By doing this, you can enjoy yourself more and make your travel experience memorable.
Remember, packing light is the secret weapon for any budget travel. Airlines love to charge some extra fees for checked bags, so why give them the opportunity? You can also read our article on “How to Get Free Flights.” Lighter packing helps you to travel more easily between European cities. Take some adaptable clothes with you that can be used in any weather to save up some space and leave the “just in case” items at home. By doing this, you’ll not only save some of your money but also make your budget for travel to Europe more enjoyable.
Traveling to Europe on a budget is a wonderful experience and creates beautiful memories. But if you are doing it as a group, it opens up more opportunities for fun without breaking the bank. You can enjoy guided tours, comfortable accommodations, and delicious food—things you might miss if you travel solo. These small experiences are what create long-lasting memories. So, as we wrap up this article, remember that your budget might be tight, but keep your traveler’s spirit alive. And as always, travel till you drop!
Hi, Jill Here
Hi! I’m Jill, a Dallas, Texas girl traveling the world. After a career in the Air Force and touring over 50 countries later, my need to explore keeps going! It’s time to rock & roll and find all those places I never knew I was missing.
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