Budget travel Europe might be easier than you think. Cheap Europe travel relies on Europe on a budget tips that locals use. More importantly — i’ve messed up plenty, overpacked; paid, correction, €89 for a train, trusted airport exchange booths.
That jumped out at me too. Now I travel cheap. The secret, strategy, not sacrifice, here’s how.
Key Point
- Open-jaw flights: land in one city, leave from another.
- Too Good To Go app for €4 meals; cook with Lidl groceries in hostels.
- Deutschland-Ticket (€49/month) for all German regional trains.
- Overnight FlixBus tickets from €9 double as a place to sleep.
- Free museum Sundays; walking tours (tip €10-15).
What You’ll Need
- Wise/Revolut card (skips 3% ATM foreign fees).
- Too Good To Go app, Deutschland-Ticket app.
- A backpack that fits Ryanair’s free carry-on limits.
Step 1: Chop Transport Costs
Open-jaw flights prevent backtracking. I flew into Madrid, out of Lisbon for €58. That jumped out at me too. Germany’s €49 Deutschland-Ticket covers unlimited regional trains.
Book high-speed tickets 90 days out (Seat61) — overnight buses like FlixBus cost €9-29 and save a hostel night. Kind of surprising, right? Beware: budget airlines measure bags; overpack and pay €50. This is core budget travel Europe.
Step 2: Eat for Under €12/Day
On a slightly different note, too Good To Go bags cost about €4. I fed myself twice with one. Most likely at lunch, the Menu del Dia halves sit-down meal costs (Rick Steves). Which brings up an interesting point.
Consider this: walk two blocks from main squares for half-price food, so this cheap Europe travel tactic slashes food bills.
Step 3: Sleep Smart
Hostel dorms cost €25-50. Some as low as €12 in Krakow. Puts things in perspective. Kitchens keep food costs down.
Overnight buses give you transport and bed. Consider this: my €19 FlixBus from Prague to Krakow was both.
That changes the picture quite a bit. Carry 50-cent coins for station toilets.
Step 4: Sightsee Free (Almost)
Yet, first Sundays mean free museums in Paris and Rome. The Louvre saved me €17. Free walking tours expect €10-15 tips—budget for it.
Tap water is safe; skip bottles. Venice and Barcelona charge daily tourist taxes. More Europe on a budget tips: check free museum days ahead.
Of course, actual metrics may shift.
Troubleshooting
- Hidden airline bag fees: measure your pack.
- Airport currency exchange: terrible rates; use Wise.
- Last-minute train tickets: buy 90 days early.
- “Free” tours: not free; tip.
What to Do Next
Download Too Good To Go. That's only part of it, though. Get a Wise card, search open-jaw flights. Start with Budapest or Lisbon.
FAQs
How much should I budget daily for cheap Europe travel?
Eastern Europe: €40-55, western Europe: €70-95. Cooking in hostels pushes you low. When planning a trip to Europe on a budget, it is essential to consider daily expenses to ensure a cost-effective journey. The amount one should budget daily for cheap Europe travel varies significantly depending on the region. For instance, Eastern Europe tends to be more affordable, with daily expenses ranging from €40 to €55. In contrast, Western Europe is generally more expensive, with daily costs falling between €70 and €95. However, there are ways to reduce these expenses, such as cooking in hostels, which can significantly lower one's daily expenditure.
Are budget airlines truly cheaper?
Yes, if you travel with only a small bag. Adding bags can double the price.