17 January 2022

How to travel cheap in Europe: 5 tips will help you!

by Gustavo

January 17, 2022

How to travel cheap in Europe: 5 tips will help you!

by Gustavo

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Do you want to travel cheap in Europe, but don’t want to spend too much money? Many times, we long to see the world, but the only thing that prevents us from doing so is money. But did you know that there are several tips that will, for sure, help you spend much less of your budget? So, if you want to travel cheap to Europe in a cheap way, stay on top of our information that will help and instruct you!

This way, you will not only see important tips, but also advice on cheaper places, hotels that the price pays off, what not to do to save money, all in How to travel Europe cheap: 5 tips that will help you!

FIND THE RIGHT DESTINATION FOR CHEAP TRAVEL IN EUROPE

Europe, of course, has a wide range of countries, cities and villages for you to visit, so it is normal to have indecision when it comes to choosing a destination right away, as well as having a large number of tourists. By any chance, did you know that there are much cheaper places to visit that are worth visiting? A good advice is to avoid the most famous capitals or go to countries which do not use the euro. In view of that, there is a list of some destinations that might interest you! In case you don’t know which places you should visit, take a look at 10 day trip to Europe: Where to go!

Tallinn, Estonia: Tallinn was chosen as the European Capital of Culture, being an elegant city that maintains a historic centre, vibrant neighborhoods and full of cultural activities. The city is walkable, so you won’t have to spend too much on transport. Hotel rates average between €6 and €10, with daily food.
Prague, Czech Republic: Despite being extremely popular with tourists, Prague is a very cheap city. You can visit Stare Mesto, the old town, where the famous Astronomical Clock is located; Prague Castle; Charles Bridge; the New Town; and the interesting Jewish Quarter.

Budapest, Hungary: You can visit the Buda Castle and the Parliament! You don’t have to worry about the price of accommodation, as it is very affordable, and the city is famous for its gastronomy, bars and restaurants.
Krakow, Poland: It is one of the most charming cities in Poland, also being a cheap destination to visit. It is said that you feel like you are stepping back in time, walking through the streets and observing the old buildings. Although the flight fee is a bit expensive, the accommodation and meals in the city make up for it!

Porto, Portugal: One of the most economical places to visit, you can experience Porto’s beautiful scenery and enjoy the Douro River. The place has a great range of prices when it comes to hotels and food.

Istanbul, Turkey: Despite being a place visited by tourists, you can still enjoy the structure that the city offers and choose the tours and attractions that interest you most.
Saint Petersburg, Russia: Enjoy the colourful historic buildings, the Palace Square, the Hermitage and the bridges crossing the canals. There is no shortage of options that this place covers and offers you. Accommodation and meals are very cheap.
Seville, Spain: A place you wouldn’t regret visiting, the city lavishes its gardens, tiles and Arab-influenced details.

Kotor, Montenegro: This destination is not so chosen by tourists, even though it is a city with good structure to receive travellers. The hills around the city and the buildings are breathtaking.
Bucharest, Romania: The city has historic buildings from the Soviet era, cheap hotels and restaurants that will offer you a great meal that fits your pocket.

TRAVEL IN THE CHEAPEST PERIOD

Clearly travelling in low season is a great way to save money! A good time to travel cheap is in autumn and spring, when the weather is mild, but if you want to save even more, a great tip is to make your trip during the winter. The months between November and March are the cheapest, also during the late autumn and winter in Europe. However, if you want to travel in spring, the period between March and July is also possible to find less expensive tickets and accommodation.

Did you know that going to the Old Continent can be up to 37% cheaper when compared to the most expensive period, which is July, the height of summer? What’s more, if you travel to Madrid in March, you end up saving around 30% on airline tickets. The savings are also notable in accommodation and food, since when it’s off the high season, prices drop in any tourist city.

In short, the months that it is most worthwhile travelling so that it ends up being cheaper are March to April and October to November; and the cheapest month to travel is March.

So, check out 5 destinations for you to visit during March!

Paris: In March, spring has already arrived, giving you the opportunity to visit many gardens, museums, theatres, operas, cinemas, etc.
Lisbon: At the beginning of this month, London has sunnier, warmer and longer days. A great attraction are the squares that are more colourful and lively at this time of year.
London: The weather becomes more pleasant, the sun rises at 6:00 and sets at 18:00. If you visit London during the month of March, you will be able to take part in two super fun events: St. Patrick’s Day and Head of the River Race,

Seville: If you prefer milder climates, here lies a great travel option.
Berlin: The days are longer, sunny but with occasional showers of rain. A great destination to enjoy the Irish festivities.

KNOW WHERE TO GO FOR SIGHTSEEING

Unfortunately, sightseeing is expensive, which can end up straining your budget. However, there are several ways to avoid these high prices from hindering your trip. A good tip is: take advantage of the times and days when these visits are free. This way, your experience will be totally enchanting, being able to enjoy all the places that Europe can offer you. Check the website of the attraction you want to go to daily, keeping in mind the days that are cheaper or even free, obviously the queue will be long, so have your ticket in advance. Always take a look also at the TimeOut newspapers and magazines of the city where you are located, as there are always free attractions and shows around Europe.

If you don’t want to be at the mercy of the days that sights are free, here is a list of eight places you can visit, without paying, making it an economical and worthwhile visit!

Amsterdam, Netherlands – Concerts open to the public. On Tuesdays there are always Boekmanzaal concerts in the Opera House and on Wednesdays in the Concertgebouw, starting at 12.30 pm. The free concert season in the Opera House runs from May to September and in the Concertgebouw from September to June.
Athens, Greece – Monument of Philoppos. There is no cost, nor difficulty for visitors. It is an ideal way to have an incredible view, being able to see Athens.

Barcelona, Spain – Santa Eulalia Cathedral. It was built between the 13th and 15th centuries, in the 1800s, the place shows you a piece of the city’s history. Certainly, in the capital of Catalonia, it is hard not to find a free programme.
Berlin, Germany – Reichstag. It has been home to Germany’s federal parliament since 1999. The visit allows tourists to go to the top of the building.
Brussels, Belgium – Comic Art Walk. It is a walk through the streets of the city that have been transformed into panels of paintings, of cartoons.

Istanbul, Turkey – Gülhane Park. Opened in 1912, it is the most famous park in Turkey. The place has beautiful scenery, with lots of nature and tree-filled fields. On weekends, there is a concert open to the public.
Lisbon, Portugal – Sunday Museums. You can visit the best museums and art galleries on Sundays in Portugal.
Milan, Italy – Free food. To eat without spending, you should buy a drink at some bar, which is very worthwhile. After all, the dishes are very varied.

STAY IN HOSTELS

Did you know that there is a way to save money on hotels? A good tip to not spend so much on accommodation is to stay in Hostels, which are cheap, cool, well located and have internet, keeping economical lodging, with shared or private rooms. The cost to stay in these places is about 60 euros (daily rate for a couple), with private room and bathroom. However, if you are travelling alone, the daily rate can be around 45 euros. If you want to sleep in a dormitory in a shared room, you can save between 10 and 20 euros per person per day! Be aware that CouchSurfing allows travellers to be hosted by locals, which is very useful for those who travel alone and want to interact.

The five best hostels in Europe were cited, according to travellers:

Earthers Hostel in Hvnar, Croatia. The rating is 97% yielding a good discount for guests. The staff organise a range of activities including diving, climbing, hiking and even cooking classes.

We Love F. Tourists, in Lisbon – Portugal. Having a 97% rating the hostel is placed inside a 250 year old refurbished building.
Frabrizzio’s Terrace in Barcelona, Spain. The modern hostel is 10 minutes walk from Barcelona’s attractions and is rated 95%.
Hostel One Home in Prague, Czech Republic. The rating is 94% and it has a great proximity to the attractions of Prague.

Little Olive Tree in Bari, Italy. Rated 94%, the hostel is located on a narrow cobbled street, and has clean rooms, Wi -Fi access and laundry service.

LEARN HOW TO USE LOW COST AIRLINES IN EUROPE

Did you know that there are ways to buy cheaper airline tickets? Low Cost airlines can help you with this. So, buy your plane tickets in advance, using Low Cost airlines within Europe! Depending on the discount you get, you may pay 20 euros per leg.

Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of using this company:

Advantages:

Low cost: it is clear that people use Low Cost to pay cheaper, which is very worthwhile.
Wide range of destinations: the company always offers flights to international and national destinations.
Punctuality of flights: the company’s flights are rarely late, which is good for you as you will not face any setbacks.

Practicality of the purchase: it is very easy to buy the ticket and board.

Disadvantages:

Inferior services: unfortunately, you have to pay separately for food and airport check-in.
Baggage: the ticket only allows the right to take one hand baggage item; if you wish to check in larger bags, you must pay an extra fee.

Greater difficulty in cancelling trips: the trip cancellation policy is very strict.

WHAT TO DO TO SAVE MONEY

When it comes to saving money, there is no shortage of tips and advice that can really help you, so don’t miss out on this list of what to do to save money. This way, you’ll be able to enjoy your trip to the fullest!

Compare the prices of hotels, restaurants and means of transport. See which is more worthwhile and analyse all the possibilities.

Make an itinerary, plan and do lots of research, if you don’t know how to plan an itinerary to Europe, check out How to plan a trip to Europe during the pandemic.
Set the duration of your trip as it is linked to tours, meals and more.
Always buy airline tickets, sightseeing tickets, etc. in advance.

Focus on the low season!
The less luggage, the greater the savings.
Save on accommodation, a good way to do this is by using a Low Cost airline.

Swap taxis for other means of transport.
Avoid making unnecessary purchases.
If possible, travel by train, take a look at Train travel in Europe: the best route to take!

Use and abuse Tax Free.
Get discount travel insurance.
Make your own food in Europe.

NOW SAVE MONEY AND MAKE YOUR TRIP

Who knows, maybe before you had no idea how to make a trip to Europe in a way that fit in your pocket, but surely now you must have an idea, after important tips that will help you on this trip. Remember: always check the prices and compare them with others, set your itinerary, avoid spending money on unnecessary things and enjoy! Surely you will have a great trip, with basic expenses, without weighing on your budget.

Also be sure to check out a safe way to travel cheap and see how the country you wish to visit is doing these days: