Traveling to Europe can be an exciting and enriching experience, but it can also be expensive. However, with a little planning and preparation, you can minimize costs and enjoy your trip without breaking the bank. In this blog, we have outlined some tips and tricks to help you travel in Europe on a budget. So, check it out!
How to Travel in Europe on a Budget?
- Choose Your Destination Wisely (Eastern Europe – for example!)
- Plan Your Trip in Advance
- Use Public Transportation
- Stay in Budget Accommodation
- Eat Like a Local
- Take Free or Low-Cost Tours and Activities
- Use Discount Cards and Coupons
- Be Smart With Your Money
- Traveling as a Group
Choose Your Destination Wisely (Eastern Europe – for example!)
One of the biggest factors in determining your travel costs is your destination. Some cities in Europe, such as Paris or London, can be quite expensive, while others, like Berlin or Prague, are more budget-friendly. When choosing your destination, consider the cost of living, accommodation, food, and transportation in each city. You can use websites like Numbeo or Budget Your Trip to compare the costs of different cities and make an informed decision.
However, when we are talking about ‘Europe on a budget’, Eastern Europe is always there! The region is comparably cheaper than Western European countries like France and Germany. Besides preventing your bank from being broken, Eastern Europe features charming destinations that look distinctive from other parts in Europe. For your consideration, we also have some recommendations for budget-friendly places to visit in Europe. Check them out!
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is known as one of the cheapest places to visit in Europe. Therefore, it is safe to say that you should put the capital city of Hungary on your bucket list for travel in Europe on a budget. Moreover, Budapest is a budget-friendly destination with rich history and culture, stunning architecture, beautiful parks, and thriving nightlife. Accommodation and food are relatively cheap. Also, the public transportation system is efficient and affordable. Moreover, the city is also known for its thermal baths, which offer a unique and relaxing experience.
Krakow, Poland
Krakow is a historic city with a rich cultural heritage. It is one of the cheapest places to travel in Europe, with a range of budget-friendly accommodation options, inexpensive restaurants, and cheap public transportation. Moreover, the city is also home to numerous museums and galleries, as well as the stunning Wawel Castle and Main Market Square.
Explore Poland
Belgrade, Serbia
The next place you must visit for travel in Europe on a budget is Belgrade. Belgrade is a vibrant city that offers a rich cultural heritage, lively nightlife, and plenty of green spaces. Accommodation and food are affordable, and the city is well-connected by public transportation, making it much cheaper for you to get around the city easily. Explore the Kalemegdan Fortress, the Belgrade Zoo, and the Nikola Tesla Museum, among other things to do in Belgrade, Serbia.
Discover Serbia
Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina
The next place to visit for your travel in Europe on a budget is the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sarajevo is a historic city that offers a unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures. There are also a lot of things to do in Sarajevo, such as exploring the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum.
Skopje, North Macedonia
Skopje is a budget-friendly destination for your next travel in Europe on a budget! The city offers a rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and plenty of parks and green spaces. If you want to spend your vacation in a place that is not so touristy, this is the place to go. Moreover, while you are here, explore the Skopje Fortress, the Memorial House of Mother Teresa, and the Museum of the City of Skopje.
Best of North Macedonia
Sofia, Bulgaria
Looking for a diverse place to learn about different cultures? You can choose to visit Sofia, Bulgaria! The place is suitable for your Europe on a budget travel tip. Moreover, it is already a public secret that the food here is not only tasty but also affordable. So, why not go on a food tour? Moreover, remember to explore the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the National Palace of Culture, and the Vitosha Nature Park while you are in Sofia.
Timisoara, Romania
With affordable prices for food, transportation, and accommodation, Timisoara offers a unique blend of traditional and modern architecture, museums, and cultural events. The city is known for its vibrant nightlife, delicious cuisine, and friendly people. Moreover, you can enjoy the beautiful parks and gardens, making it a great destination for nature lovers.
Best Trips to Romania
Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi is a budget-friendly city in Europe, offering a rich blend of history, culture, and nature. With affordable prices for food, transportation, and accommodation, Tbilisi is known for its cultural heritage, traditional cuisine, friendly people, unique sights such as sulfur baths and cable cars, and stunning natural surroundings like hot springs and forests.
Visit Georgia
Yerevan, Armenia
Discover Yerevan, the cultural hub of Armenia. With affordable food, transport, and accommodation, the city offers a unique mix of ancient history and modern attractions. Immerse in Armenian culture, sample delicious cuisine and local wine, and explore stunning natural scenery, including Mount Ararat. Yerevan boasts a rich heritage with influences from Persia, Russia, and Ottoman and a thriving arts scene.
Explore Armenia
Chisinau, Moldova
The charming capital of Moldova, Chisinau, is a budget-friendly destination that offers a unique fusion of tradition and modernity. Indulge in the local cuisine, visit historic landmarks, and take a stroll in the city’s picturesque parks and gardens. Chisinau has a rich cultural heritage, shaped by influences from Russian and Ottoman civilizations and a thriving artistic community. Come and bask in the warm, welcoming atmosphere of this delightful city.
Plan Your Trip in Advance
Planning your trip in Europe on a budget in advance can help you save money on transportation, accommodation, and activities. If you are flying outside of the continent, booking your flights minimum 6 months before the trip is highly recommended. It can result to better prices, saving you from skyrocketing prices. Moreover, look for package deals that offer flights plus accommodation or transportation coupons. Also, consider traveling during the off-season, as prices tend to be lower during this time. For more details, we compiled some tips to travel in Europe on a budget for you!
Use Public Transportation
One of the most effective ways to save money when traveling in Europe is to use public transportation. Most European cities have well-developed public transportation systems, including trains, buses, and subways, and they are often cheaper than taking taxis or private cars. In addition, using public transportation is a great way to get around and experience the local culture. If you plan to use public transportation frequently, consider purchasing a travel card or a discount pass that can save you money in the long run.
Stay in Budget Accommodation
Accommodation is one of the biggest expenses when traveling in Europe, but there are plenty of affordable options available. Consider staying in a hostel or a budget hotel or even renting an apartment or room in a local’s home through platforms like Airbnb. Moreover, staying in a hostel or shared Airbnb will allow you to meet new people and – in a lucky day – share amazing travel experiences together.
Eat Like a Local
Eating in Europe can be expensive, but you can still enjoy the local cuisine without breaking the bank. Instead of eating at expensive restaurants, look for local markets, cafes, and street vendors that offer delicious food at a fraction of the cost. If you stay in budget accommodation, you may also want to consider cooking your own meals. This can save you a lot of money and also give you a chance to try some local ingredients and recipes.
Another way to save money while traveling on a budget in Europe is choosing set menu. European restaurants are known to offer sets including starters, mains, and drink. You can get one of these menu in Paris or Lisbon as cheap as €15.
Take Free or Low-Cost Tours and Activities
Europe is home to countless museums, galleries, and other cultural institutions, many of which offer free or low-cost tours and activities. Take advantage of these opportunities to explore the city and save money at the same time. In addition, many cities also offer free walking tours, which can be a great way to learn about the history and culture of the city while getting some exercise.
Use Discount Cards and Coupons
Before you travel, research these options and consider purchasing a discount card to save money while you explore. Many cities in Europe offer discount cards and coupons that can save you money on various attractions, transportation, and activities. This way, you can save hundreds of euros and use it for other necessary things for your travel in Europe on a budget.
Be Smart With Your Money
Finally, be smart with your money while you are in Europe on a budget. Avoid exchanging currency at airports, as they often have high exchange rates. Instead, use ATMs or exchange currency at a local bank or currency exchange to get the best rate. Also, keep track of your expenses and stick to your budget. Use cash or debit cards instead of credit cards to avoid high fees and interest rates.
Traveling as a Group
Traveling in Europe as a group can be both cheap and a lot of fun. One of the main benefits of traveling in Europe on a budget in a group is the ability to split expenses such as accommodation, transportation, and food. By sharing these costs, the overall cost per person is significantly reduced. Additionally, traveling in a group provides a sense of security and companionship, which can make the experience more enjoyable.
Furthermore, traveling in Europe on a budget with a group allows for opportunities to plan and participate in group activities, such as guided tours, that may not be feasible for individuals traveling solo. These experiences can create lasting memories and bring a sense of excitement and adventure to the trip. JoinMyTrip just has that kind of experience for you! You can get around exciting places around the world with our like-minded TripLeaders, who will level up your vacation experience! Book a trip with us now!
