EuroTrippin’: The Ultimate First-Timer’s Guide to Exploring Europe on a Budget
EuroTrippin': The Ultimate First-Timer's Guide to Exploring Europe on a Budget - Cheap Flights to Europe: Tips for Finding Affordable Airfar
Finding affordable airfare to Europe may seem daunting, but with a bit of planning and flexibility, cheap flights across the pond are possible. The first step is deciding when to go. Flying during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall generally offer lower fares than peak summer travel. Winter flights also tend to be cheaper, aside from the busy holiday period from mid-December through early January.
Being open to flying out of alternate airports can also save money. If you live near a major hub, look at fares from airports within driving distance. For example, Washington D.C. residents could check flights from not only DCA and IAD, but also Baltimore (BWI) and Richmond (RIC). Avoiding connecting flights is ideal, but one-stop itineraries are worth comparing as they are sometimes hundreds less.
Monitor airfares daily and pounce when you see a good deal. Sign up for fare alerts from the major search engines and airlines. Set up alerts for your target destinations and preferred travel dates. Be ready to book quickly once a deal emerges. Sales generally only last 72 hours or less before prices go back up.
Check both budget and full-service carriers. Norwegian Air and WOW Air offer some of the cheapest transatlantic flights, though watch for extra fees. Legacy airlines like Lufthansa, British Airways and Air France frequently discount fares too. Sign up for their email lists to receive special offer announcements.
Another money-saving tactic is taking advantage of airline mileage sales. Delta and United often run promotions where they discount the number of miles needed for award tickets. British Airways has fuel surcharge-free awards on their own metal and select partners. Check reward calendars to see when off-peak mileage levels apply.
Consider open-jaw or multi-city bookings to essentially build your own cheap fare. Flying into one city and back from another can cost less than a standard round-trip. Adding a stopover en route breaks up the journey and gives you time to explore an additional destination.
What else is in this post?
- EuroTrippin': The Ultimate First-Timer's Guide to Exploring Europe on a Budget - Cheap Flights to Europe: Tips for Finding Affordable Airfar
- EuroTrippin': The Ultimate First-Timer's Guide to Exploring Europe on a Budget - Affordable Accommodations: Hostels, Couchsurfing, Apartment Rentals
- EuroTrippin': The Ultimate First-Timer's Guide to Exploring Europe on a Budget - Getting Around on the Cheap: Trains, Buses, Rideshares, Hitchhiking
- EuroTrippin': The Ultimate First-Timer's Guide to Exploring Europe on a Budget - Eating Well Without Breaking the Bank: Markets, Picnics, Cheap Eats
- EuroTrippin': The Ultimate First-Timer's Guide to Exploring Europe on a Budget - Top Free Activities: Museums, Walking Tours, Festivals, and More
- EuroTrippin': The Ultimate First-Timer's Guide to Exploring Europe on a Budget - Hidden Gems: Underrated Destinations and Attractions
- EuroTrippin': The Ultimate First-Timer's Guide to Exploring Europe on a Budget - Packing Light: Essential Items for Budget Travel
- EuroTrippin': The Ultimate First-Timer's Guide to Exploring Europe on a Budget - Staying Safe: Precautions for Solo Travelers and Women
EuroTrippin': The Ultimate First-Timer's Guide to Exploring Europe on a Budget - Affordable Accommodations: Hostels, Couchsurfing, Apartment Rentals
Lodging is often the biggest expense when traveling in Europe, but savvy backpackers have plenty of options to lower accommodation costs. Hostels offer communal dorms for less than $30 a night in many locations. Standards vary widely, from party hostels crammed with rowdy travelers to quiet retreats with a more mellow vibe. Read reviews carefully before booking to find the right fit. Many hostels now offer private rooms with ensuite baths in addition to dorms. These run $60-100 but still undercut typical hotel rates.
Hostels provide budget basics like free WiFi, shared bathrooms and kitchens. Most have common areas to mingle with other travelers and get insider tips. Many organize daily activities like walking tours, pub crawls, game nights and more. It's easy to meet people and make friends. Hostelworld, Booking.com and Hostelz are top booking sites, with plentiful reviews and photos to judge quality.
Couchsurfing connects travelers with locals offering spare beds or couches free of charge. It's not for the faint of heart - you're sleeping in a stranger's home and need an outgoing personality. But it provides total cultural immersion with a local guide. Read profiles carefully and don't request to stay with anyone who seems creepy or incompatible. Meet in public first if possible. Many hosts enjoy sharing their city with visitors but aren't around much. Clarify expectations beforehand regarding interaction, schedules, house rules, etc.
Travelers should have a back-up plan in case a couchsurfing arrangement falls through. Review references thoroughly before requesting a stay. Leave an honest reference afterwards to help build community trust. Experienced couchsurfers emphasize engaging with hosts, not treating it as a free hotel. Bringing small gifts like chocolates or postcards shows appreciation. As a guest, offer to cook dinner or take your host out as thanks.
Booking Airbnb apartments provides privacy and amenities of a hotel at a more affordable price. Entire apartments beat the price of a comparative hotel room, especially if traveling with others. You can save money by cooking some meals in a kitchen instead of eating out constantly. Location matters - places outside main tourist zones are typically cheaper.
EuroTrippin': The Ultimate First-Timer's Guide to Exploring Europe on a Budget - Getting Around on the Cheap: Trains, Buses, Rideshares, Hitchhiking
European public transportation provides an affordable and convenient way for budget travelers to get around. Trains are the most comfortable option, offering scenic views of the countryside. Overnight journeys help maximize time while saving on a night's accommodation. Eurail passes provide unlimited travel and discounts in multiple countries. But regular tickets booked in advance can be cheaper, especially on shorter routes.
Buses run nearly everywhere, reaching villages and rural areas missed by rail. Flixbus dominates the market after buying Eurolines, operating ultra-low-cost routes across Europe. Tickets typically undercut trains if booked early. Wifi and sockets on nicer buses allow working en route. Just be ready for potential delays in road traffic.
Local public transit like metros, trams and city buses help cut costs within cities. Validate tickets on entry or risk steep fines. Weekly passes save money for longer stays. Walking as much as possible prevents spending on unnecessary rides. Don't hesitate to ask locals for transit help.
Carpooling apps like Blablacar match travelers looking to share costs. Drivers list empty seats on long drives for a small fee, usually under $20. Passengers ride in comfort, while drivers recoup petrol expenses. Meet at designated locations rather than homes for safety. Check driver reviews before booking.
Rideshare services like Uber also operate across Europe and can be quite cheap through UberPOOL. Lyft recently expanded internationally too. Compare prices against taxis and public transit. Surge pricing kicks in during peak times, so avoid airport runs then. Make sure your credit card doesn't charge foreign transaction fees.
For the truly adventurous, hitchhiking still exists in Europe. This eco-friendly form of travel provides stories to share, though safety concerns limit its appeal. Clarify your destination before getting in any car. Only accept rides from approachable, sober drivers in safe conditions. Travel in pairs when possible, and inform family and friends of your plans. Keep phones charged and know emergency numbers. Hitchhiking is technically illegal on motorways, so stick to smaller roads with space to pull over.
Swedes pioneered "hitchhiking 2.0" through apps like Skjutsgruppen that vet both drivers and riders. Payment is handled through the app and paired with chat functions. This restores some safety to hitchhiking while keeping its low-cost, eco-friendly ethos.
Nomadic Matt, founder of the budget travel site with his name, recommends buses as the cheapest form of transportation in Europe. He advises route planning on GoEuro to find the best connections. Overnight red-eye trips allow waking up in a new city, saving on lodging.
EuroTrippin': The Ultimate First-Timer's Guide to Exploring Europe on a Budget - Eating Well Without Breaking the Bank: Markets, Picnics, Cheap Eats
One of the joys of traveling through Europe is experiencing all the delicious regional cuisines and local specialties. But eating out constantly blows up a budget fast. Savvy backpackers have discovered plenty of ways to eat well without breaking the bank across the continent.
Visiting markets lets travelers sample top-quality local ingredients for a fraction of restaurant prices. These buzzing hubs offer immersion in authentic daily life. Parisians flock to outdoor markets like the Marché d’Aligre to select from piles of ripe produce, aromatic cheeses, fresh-baked breads and more. Vendors eagerly share recipe tips or recommendations on what’s freshest that day. Assemble the fixings for a picnic lunch or dinner to enjoy in a park or hostel kitchen.
Street food satisfies hunger on the cheap too. Every country has its specialties for under 5 Euro a pop. Dutch street food runs the gamut from fried croquettes called bitterballen to pickled herring sandwiches topped with onions. Choripán sausage sandwiches are a popular budget bite across Argentina.
Throughout the Mediterranean, kebab shops churn out juicy chicken or lamb stuffed in fluffy pita bread. India’s street food scene dazzles with flavorful curries, piping hot samosas, chai and other treats. Thailand’s ever-present food carts and stalls dish up spicy classics like pad thai noodles and tom yum soup for less than $2.
Fast food doesn’t have to mean bland burgers. Italy’s version features pizza al taglio, rectangular Roman-style pizzas sold by weight. A few savory slices make an inexpensive meal. Schnitzel sandwiches stuffed with cheese and veggies satisfy hunger in Austria and Germany. Fish and chips are ubiquitous pub grub in the UK and Ireland.
Save money by eating your main meal at lunch rather than dinner. Many restaurants offer bargain midday prix fixe menus at half the price of dinner. Startsightseeing in the morning, then stop to refuel at a restaurant’s lunch seating.
Grocery stores provide ingredients to whip up budget meals in hostel kitchens. Stock up on staples like pasta, rice, sauces and snacks. Bakeries sell fresh bread cheap, often day-old loaves at big discounts. Yogurt, fruit and muesli make a fast breakfast. Sandwich stuffers like cheese, cured meats and veggies cost little. Picnic fare avoids pricey hotel minibar snacks between meals.
EuroTrippin': The Ultimate First-Timer's Guide to Exploring Europe on a Budget - Top Free Activities: Museums, Walking Tours, Festivals, and More
Europe overflows with incredible free attractions to fill your days without draining your wallet. Countless museums offer free entry days or times, giving budget travelers access to iconic artworks and artifacts. Time visits strategically to skip admission fees. France lets under-26s into national museums like the Louvre for free. Sundays are gratis for the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. Berlin State Museums are free for under-18s and only 8 Euro otherwise.
Washington D.C. transplant Katie Day took full advantage of free museum days while backpacking Europe after college graduation. "I must have hit at least 15 museums for free," she recalls. "My favorite was the Vatican Museums. I went on the last Sunday of the month and it was so awesome to see the Sistine Chapel and Raphael Rooms without paying a cent."
Walking tours give thrifty travelers an excellent – and inexpensive – introduction to Europe's great cities. Most companies run free tours with guides working for tips. They hit top sights while providing context and stories that bring places to life. Sandemans pioneered the concept in Europe before expanding worldwide. Their enthusiastic guides are founts of obscure trivia; who knew Edinburgh's Old Town sits on top of another city swallowed by volcanic earthquakes in the Middle Ages?
Australian backpacker Trent Robertson enjoyed the original Sandemans "New Europe" walking tour when traveling solo in Berlin. "It was actually one of the highlights of my whole Eurotrip," he says. "Our guide Uli grew up behind the Berlin Wall and shared what it was like as a kid in East Berlin. It's a side of history you can't get from books."
Festivals and events provide endless entertainment without emptying wallets. Music festivals like Exit in Serbia and Sziget in Hungary rival the UK's iconic Glastonbury but at a fraction of the cost. Open-air cinema screenings transform public spaces across Europe into lively movie theaters. Food festivals from pasta parties in Bologna to herring fairs in Holland offer edible entertainment. Dance the night away at Munich's Kocherlball, where traditional Bavarian performers whirl under the stars weekly.
Nature lovers find abundant free recreation hiking, biking and exploring Europe's great outdoors. Ramble past sparkling glaciers on Austria's acclaimed Grossglockner High Alpine Road. Bike through tulip fields surrounding Keukenhof during Holland's colorful spring. Watch whales breach off Iceland's rocky shores. Follow England's Hadrian's Wall past dramatic ruins and landscapes from Roman Britain.
Backpacking blogs overflow with hidden European gems providing free fun. Devour eye candy in opulent 19th-century food halls like La Boqueria in Barcelona. Soak up medieval atmospheres browsing book stalls lining Paris's Seine River and canalside markets of Bruges. See where John Lennon met Paul McCartney at a church fete in Liverpool. Feel small below the soaring arches of Rome's ancient Pantheon, continuously operating since AD 125.
EuroTrippin': The Ultimate First-Timer's Guide to Exploring Europe on a Budget - Hidden Gems: Underrated Destinations and Attractions
Off-the-beaten-path locales reveal Europe's charm away from overwhelming crowds of tourists. Venturing beyond superstar capitals unearths underrated destinations teeming with character at a gentle pace. Wandering charming villages and mingling with friendly locals evokes the spirit of Europe's past before mass tourism took hold.
Lee Abbamonte, the youngest American to visit every country, praises Lucca in Italy's Tuscany as "an absolute hidden gem with its intact Renaissance walls, overflowing greenery, and picturesque plazas.” Avoiding Florence's busy crowds, he suggests, lets you “actually soak in the real culture of Italy.” Founded by Etruscans before Roman conquest, Lucca still exudes tranquility. Meander along Via Fillungo’s boutiques or rent a bike to explore 12th-century walls encircling the city.
Climb a belltower for panoramas without tour groups jostling, then sample Buccellato artisan pastries. This dense, ring-shaped cake originated centuries ago when Crusaders carried it on long pilgrimages. Fill up on pasta crowned with rich wild boar ragù in cozy trattorias before biking back without worrying about locks - theft is rare here.
Rustic alpine charm abounds in Austria’s Salzkammergut Lake District, a peaceful lake-dotted region graced by rugged peaks. Jade waters shimmer below quaint villages like picturesque Hallstatt, acclaimed one of Austria's prettiest. Pastel-hued historic houses frame views of steep hillsides sweeping directly down to the placid lake.
“It felt like walking into a postcard scene,” recalls Eileen Aldis after a day trip from Salzburg. “We strolled the narrow streets and browsed market stalls totally relaxed without crowds.” Hire a solar-powered boat to float between patches of lush green forest and tiny islands. Tour the Hallstatt ossuary's painted skulls for uncommon insights into ancient salt-mining heritage.
The Azores swept Allison Greenaway off her feet with “pristine emerald lakes, flower-filled crater lakes, and steamy thermal springs” contrasting with “rich green cliffs cascading into the sea.” Best of all, she adds, “I felt like I had some of the most beautiful places on earth all to myself.” These isolated Portuguese volcanic islands languish off most tourists' radar across the Atlantic.
EuroTrippin': The Ultimate First-Timer's Guide to Exploring Europe on a Budget - Packing Light: Essential Items for Budget Travel
Embracing minimalism is essential for backpackers trying to globetrot on a shoestring. Restricted budgets mean limited luggage space and weight allowances. Veteran vagabonds stress paring belongings down to bare basics. Packing strategically prevents paying steep fees for extra bags while allowing maximum mobility. Travel guru Rick Steves limits himself to carry-on size. “A light bag keeps you free and flexible,” he notes, “while lugging a big bag around is expensive and tiresome.”
Limiting luggage promotes smart minimalist choices. See an item as a chance to pack something else more useful, advises legendary nomad Alex Halley. Consider whether each piece earns its spot or just doubles up others' functions. “People grossly overestimate how much they need to bring,” Halley insists. “You really just need a few versatile items you can mix-and-match.”
Start with streamlining toiletries down to small bottles fitting TSA limits. “You don't need a different outfit for each day,” says Halley. “Bring quick-drying underwear and socks to wash in sinks.” Choose versatile fabrics like merino wool that resist odors and stains. Rhys Jones swears by his Icebreaker shirts for “looking sharp while withstanding sweaty walking.”
Footwear poses tough choices. “Your feet make or break your travels,” cautions veteran shoestring backpacker Kel Simone. “Only pack what your feet can handle all day.” Sturdy broken-in sneakers with good arch support work for most. Sandals stay cooler in summer but won't be great for winter wanderings. Save space by alternating rather than packing both.
Layers help bundle up in chillier months while sleeveless shirts and shorts keep cool during summer. “I stick to base layers like leggings and long-sleeved undershirts to add warmth under anything in fall and winter,” says frequent budget traveler Mei Williams. Pack a light jacket for warmth and rain protection.
Save critical space for tech essentials like phones, cameras, chargers and adapter plugs. “I always carry external battery packs in case outlets are scarce,” reveals digital nomad Chris Backpacker. Sturdy headphones pass time on long bus rides. Zip-close plastic bags protect electronics from downpours. Memory cards and extra camera batteries will be pricey to replace.
A small first-aid kit prevents minor issues turning into expensive headaches. “Band-aids, disinfectant, pain relievers, antihistamines...you’ll be glad you have them,” says doctor turned wanderer Louise Travex. Motion sickness pills also help endure winding bus journeys through the Alps. Melatonin aids adjusting to new time zones and overnight ferries.
Other handy items cited by veteran shoestring travelers include carabiners for attaching daypacks, spare plastic bags, duct tape, a spare passport photo, small backpack for day outings, laundry soap strips, and a padlock to secure hostel lockers. A travel towel substitutes bulky regular ones. Sarong textiles function as towels, picnic cloths, makeshift blankets, sun shields, and even dresses.
EuroTrippin': The Ultimate First-Timer's Guide to Exploring Europe on a Budget - Staying Safe: Precautions for Solo Travelers and Women
While backpacking Europe can be an amazing experience, safety should always be a top priority, especially for solo travelers and women. Venturing alone into unfamiliar territory comes with inherent risks that require extra precautions. Learning key strategies to avoid dangerous situations is essential.
Nomadic Matt stresses, "As a solo female traveler you'll stand out more and can be an easy target for thieves or harassment if you don't take precautions.” He advises dressing modestly, avoiding deserted areas especially at night, and only taking registered taxis. “Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts if a place feels unsafe,” he adds. “It's better to be safe than sorry."
Solo traveler Megan Starr echoes that sentiment after frightening harassment in Morocco. “I stuck out sightseeing alone as a foreign woman,” she recalls. “Men made lewd comments and gestures daily, and some even assaulted me.” She now avoids potentially risky locations and doesn’t hesitate to firmly confront harassment. “Have a plan if you feel threatened,” Starr urges. “Enter a shop or cafe, snap a photo of the person, ask others for help.”
Travel blogger Brooke Schoenman learned similar lessons backpacking solo around India. “As an American woman, I attracted a lot of unwanted attention,” Schoenman says. She recommends dressing conservatively, limiting eye contact with strangers, and always remaining aware of your exit plan. “I avoided riding alone in taxis or tuk-tuks at night, since drunk drivers can be dangerous,” she adds.
Schoenman also advises being selective when meeting fellow travelers as safety buddies. “Solo men would sometimes aggressively seek me out under the guise of being helpful," she reveals. “Trust your instincts when interacting with overly friendly strangers claiming they just want to ‘keep you safe’.”
All three veteran solo female wanderers insist drinking alcohol moderately while traveling alone. “Limit yourself to one or two drinks so you keep your wits about you,” Schoenman suggests. “Watch your drink being poured and never leave it unattended.” Avoid clubs or bars with seedy reputations or hostile vibes toward foreign women.