Frugal Tips for Traveling to Europe on a Limited Budget

 

Sure, we all have it in our bucketlist to visit Europe once before dying but the exorbitant air-fares followed by over priced hotels and daily expenses seems a nightmare. Well, with a little bit of canny decision making and planning ahead it is quite possible to find your way trekking through Europe for mere pounds. Traveling to Europe without breaking the bank can be done by implementing some key frugal tips that will not only make your dream trip unforgettable but affordable in ways you never thought possible…

1. Plan Your Own Holiday in the Non-Peak Time

To this end, one of the best tips for saving money on a European holiday is to travel outwith peak season. High season, which usually falls between June and August are when the most expensive airfare, accommodation & tourist activities occur. Alternatively, take a trip in shoulder seasons — April to May or September to October. During these months, the chance of getting good weather is high and there are fewer travelers so most prices will be much cheaper. And, also winter months (November–February) can be amazing bargains to places like Spain and Portugal where during the wintertime is mild compared to other countries.

2. Why I always suggest Booking Early Flights is as well to use fare comparison Tools

Flying to Europe is more affordable lately (in part because of a strong dollar), but airfare remains the largest expense in any budget after-airfare strategy. Remember, get your flight bookings done a couple of months in advance and keep an eye for special offers or deals. Take advantage of fare comparison sites like Skyscanner, Kayak and Google Flights to check the cheapest possible routes. Travel during the week and try to keep your travel days flexible, as flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday will often give you lower fares. It can also help you to save more money by arriving in smaller, less so warm European cities instead of big hubs like London or Paris.

3. Opt for Budget Airlines

Europe has a well-developed network of low-cost airlines, like Ryanair and EasyJet in the UK or Wizz Air for flights further east. If you are already in Europe, consider going to your destination with these low-cost carriers and avoid trains or car rentals which often can be more expensive. However, do look out for extras fees as they may have issues with a baggage or seating charge plugin.

4. Use Affordable Accommodations

Accommodation can be a quick way to blow your budget, but luckily Europe has so many accommodation options at affordable prices. It is another good for those travellers on a budget, with even the thousand private rooms available in many hostels at this price. Also, sites like Airbnb offer you the possibility to rent apartments or rooms equipped with a kitchen so that if necessary you can prepare your meal and save on dining out. Alternatively, you may avail of Couchsurfing which can be a free stay within the locals that could provide you more natural feel about this country.

5. Travel by Bus or Train

For very short trips, a bus or train can be more cost-effective and picturesque than flying. Both FlixBus and Eurolines provide great deals on bus routes throughout Europe, with some tickets going as cheap as €10! Likewise, if you are traveling to a few different countries and flying (or taking a train) between each one the Eurail Pass can be good value. On short-haul journeys, watch for regional or bargain tickets like Germany's 'Länder-Ticket,' which covers travel in nationwide regions for a day at an expense.

6. Eat Like a Local

European dining can take a big chunk out of your travel budget, as food is an important fixture in the European lifestyle. Save money by shopping at local markets or delis, buy fresh fruit and breads if possible and preparing your own meals. There are also cheap street food and fast-moving but tasty food in a (normally) lower quality setting. Skip dinner, eat out for lunch – Many restaurants offer reduced price lunch menus or menu of the day options that are significantly cheaper than their dinner prices.

7. Look for Free or Discounted Activities

Dozens of museums, gallerys and historical sites dot the European countryside… many giving free or discounted entrance. You can also do a search before traveling to find out the days of free entry in some places (in Paris, most museums offer it on the first Sunday of each month). Moreover most European cities offer free walking tours, a perfect way to discover the city and be guided through its history by an inhabitant without spending any more money.

8. Walk or Use Public Transport

Opt for Europes many efficient public transport systems instead of taking taxis or rideshare services. Than you, have access to fairly cheap metro/bus/tram services that take you from point A to B easily in most large cities. When you go for day passes or multi-rides, it often ends up more reasonable than having to pay every time. For smaller towns walking is not just free, but its very effective for exploring local gems and blend in with the surroundings.

9. Maximize miles through travel rewards and credit-card points

If you do not already have a travel rewards card, signing up for one that offers points or miles on your spending before planning some trips never hurt anyone. Since these are points you can use for flights, hotels and even dining expenses — effectively all the basics of traveling that together make up a significant portion of what you might spend on travel in your lifetime. Cards may also offer benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding or access to airport lounges– perks that can improve your travel experience at no additional cost.

10. Be Flexible, Spontaneous

Lastly, one of the easiest ways to save money travelling is being flexible. Rather than adhering to a structured itinerary, remain as flexible and open-minded as possible for any deals that come your way (discounted accommodation, unplanned day trips or free not-for-profit events). Europe is the land of endless opportunity and more often than not these opportunities yield better experiences with less planning when veering off trail.

With these frugal tips to travel on a budget in Europe you will be able to get to know the beauty, history and culture of this huge continent without leaving everything your salary there. Just as well, by choosing transportation options wisely and making the right decisions about where to stay, how you should spend your budget for everyday expenses on food or entertainment saving money while exploring Europe will also be exciting!

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