Travelling on a Budget in Europe: 10 Essential Tips
While prices have increased significantly in the last few years, budget travelling around Europe is still very much attainable. With good planning ahead and a little flexibility, you can explore Europe’s diverse cultures, landscapes, and history without spending a fortune. Here are 10 tips for budget travelling around Europe while still having an amazing adventure:
1. Consider Eastern Europe
While destinations like Paris, London and Amsterdam are amazing, they’re also some of the most expensive destinations in Europe. For a budget-friendly experience consider trading Western Europe for its Eastern counterparts.
Countries like Hungary, Romania and the Balkans have a rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant local cultures at a fraction of the price. Another pro of visiting Eastern Europe is that it is generally less travelled so not only will you have a nice affordable holiday, but you will also have a more authentic experience.
2. Travel off-peak
The time of the year you choose for your trip can make a huge difference in your budget. Europe’s high season is from June to August and that’s when prices skyrocket (especially in August). Instead, plan your trip for the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October). This way, not only will you be saving money, but you’ll also be avoiding the tourist crowds.
Also remember popular destinations such as Spain, Italy and Greece will still feel like summer in September – October.
3. Stay in hostels
Accommodation is usually a huge part of the cost of any trip, but it doesn’t have to be. Hostels are a great choice for budget travelling in Europe. You will easily find a nice hostel anywhere around Europe, just make sure you clearly read the description so you don’t end up in a party hostel (unless that’s what you’re looking for).
Most hostels will usually also have private room options, if sharing a dorm is not exactly your style. They also provide communal kitchens, social events, and even free walking tours.
4. Use public transportation
Europe has a good public transportation network that includes buses, trams and metros. No matter which one you choose, travelling by public transport will save you a lot of money and offer you a more immersive way to experience the city.
Some cities offer a travel pass for multiple days that offers unlimited travel for a certain period, helping you save even more.
Travelling between countries can be easily done via bus or train and will often be cheaper than flights.
5. Pack light
Overpacking can get expensive, especially when you take budget airline flights that charge you extra for checked baggage. Packing light will not only help you stay on a budget but will also let you move around more freely.
You can find some tips about how to pack light here:
6. Book in advance
Whether it’s accommodation, transportation, or even museum tickets, booking in advance can help you score better deals. Flights on budget airlines are especially cheaper when booking a few months ahead.
Some museums also offer discounts for early bookings or even free entry on certain days—so plan ahead to save.
7. Explore Free Attractions
Europe is packed with free attractions and activities. Most cities will offer free walking tours where local guides take you through historical sites, cultural landmarks, and hidden gems in exchange for tips. Major cities like London or Dublin have amazing museums that don’t charge anything, just make sure you book your entry ahead of time.
Some major attractions like the Acropolis in Athens or the Colosseum in Rome, offer free or discounted entry on certain days so be sure to check ahead on local tourism websites.
8. Cook your own meals
Eating out all the time will quickly add up to your expenses, especially in major cities. For me eating traditional local food is part of exploring my destination, but every now and then I will cook my own meal. Many hostels have communal kitchens where you can prepare food, and local markets are great places to pick up fresh ingredients.
9. Use budget airlines
Europe is home to budget-friendly airlines such as Ryanair, EasyJet and WizzAir where sometimes you can find tickets for as low as €10. Just be careful to always check carry-on limits to avoid being overcharged at the airport.
One thing to also check is the location of the airport you’re flying into. Some of these companies keep prices low by flying into smaller airports that sometimes are actually quite far from the main city. So even though your flight might cost €10, getting from the airport to your destination city might cost you extra.
10. Consider Renting a Car if You’re Traveling with Friends
While public transportation is typically the most cost-effective way to travel solo, renting a car can be an excellent option if you’re travelling with a group. Some countries offer car rentals for as low as €5 per day. Split between a group, the cost of car rental and gas can actually work out cheaper than train or bus tickets. Plus, you’ll have the freedom to explore hidden gems, take scenic routes, and travel on your own schedule.
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