Globetrotting on a Budget: How to Maximize a Week Exploring Multiple Countries from the US

Globetrotting on a Budget: How to Maximize a Week Exploring Multiple Countries from the US - Leverage Budget Airlines for Inter-Europe Flights

One of the best ways to maximize your budget when globetrotting through Europe is to take advantage of the many low-cost carriers that fly between countries. These no-frills airlines, like Ryanair, easyJet, Vueling, and Wizz Air, operate point-to-point routes across the continent at a fraction of the price of flag carrier airlines. Though you sacrifice some amenities, the huge cost savings allow you to explore more destinations on a limited budget.

I’ve flown budget airlines all over Europe, including trips from London to Dublin, Berlin to Rome, and Barcelona to Paris. The key is being a savvy traveler - know what to expect, read the fine print, and pack smartly. Here are my top tips for flying budget within Europe:

- Be flexible with your dates and airports. Prices fluctuate wildly so run searches on multiple dates and nearby airports to find the best fares. I once flew London Stansted to Dublin for $20 by traveling mid-week.

- Watch out for hidden fees. From seat assignments to checked bags to boarding passes, everything costs extra. Travel light with a carry-on and mobile boarding pass to avoid surprise charges.

- Download the airline app. This is the best way to check-in, access your mobile boarding pass, and choose your seat. I always select my seat via the app as soon as I book.
- Read the baggage policy thoroughly. Size limits are very strict, so make sure your carry-on bag fits the maximum dimensions. Bring a collapsible day-pack you can flatten and stash under the seat in front.

- Arrive early! Budgetairlines board quickly and won’t hesitate to give your seat away if you’re late. I like to be at the gate at least 60-90 minutes before departure.
- Have backup options. Delays and cancellations happen. Make sure you have a plan B if your flight is disrupted, even if it's just a place to spend the night before catching the next flight out.

What else is in this post?

1. Globetrotting on a Budget: How to Maximize a Week Exploring Multiple Countries from the US - Leverage Budget Airlines for Inter-Europe Flights
2. Globetrotting on a Budget: How to Maximize a Week Exploring Multiple Countries from the US - Use Miles for Long Haul Flights
3. Globetrotting on a Budget: How to Maximize a Week Exploring Multiple Countries from the US - Stay in Hostels to Save on Accommodations
4. Globetrotting on a Budget: How to Maximize a Week Exploring Multiple Countries from the US - Travel During Shoulder Season for Lower Prices
5. Globetrotting on a Budget: How to Maximize a Week Exploring Multiple Countries from the US - Pack Light to Avoid Baggage Fees
6. Globetrotting on a Budget: How to Maximize a Week Exploring Multiple Countries from the US - Eat Local Cuisine for Cheap Meals
7. Globetrotting on a Budget: How to Maximize a Week Exploring Multiple Countries from the US - Walk and Use Public Transportation to Get Around
8. Globetrotting on a Budget: How to Maximize a Week Exploring Multiple Countries from the US - Research Cities for Free Activities and Events

Globetrotting on a Budget: How to Maximize a Week Exploring Multiple Countries from the US - Use Miles for Long Haul Flights

While budget airlines are great for short haul flights within Europe, they aren’t always the most cost effective option for long haul journeys across oceans or between continents. This is where leveraging your miles and points can really pay off.

I’m obsessed with earning and redeeming miles not just for free flights but for experiences I could never afford otherwise, like flying Singapore Suites from NYC to Frankfurt or checking out Etihad Apartments from Abu Dhabi to Sydney.

For long haul flights, especially in premium cabins, transferring points from flexible programs to airline partners is the way to go. This allows you to take advantage of sweet spots where your points will get you the most value per mile. Programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou Points, and Capital One Miles can all be transferred to various airline partners.
One of my favorite sweet spot redemptions was using Amex points to book Etihad business class from Abu Dhabi to Seoul at the cost of only 90,000 miles roundtrip. Cash prices for this flight were upwards of $5,000, getting me over 6 cents in value per point. I’d never pay that price, but thanks to miles I enjoyed lay-flat seats, gourmet dining, and a private suite on board.
Another great option is using British Airways Avios points on partner flights. Thanks to BA’s distance-based award chart, you can score deals like flying American Airlines first class domestically from Miami to LA for only 25,000 Avios each way. Transfers from Chase Ultimate Rewards make topping up your BA balance easy.
The key to maximizing miles is being flexible with your dates, routes, and cabin class. Avoid peak holiday travel times when award space is scarce. Consider open-jaw routings with a budget carrier segment, like flying into London and back from Paris on BA using Avios with an easyJet hop in the middle. And don’t be afraid to mix cabins – maybe splurge on business class one way and sacrifice comfort on the return.

Globetrotting on a Budget: How to Maximize a Week Exploring Multiple Countries from the US - Stay in Hostels to Save on Accommodations

When globetrotting through multiple countries on a budget, accommodation costs can quickly eat up your limited funds. While hotels offer privacy and amenities, the nightly rates often don’t mesh with backpacker budgets. This is where staying in hostels can be a smart money-saving strategy.
Hostels provide budget-friendly shared accommodations with just the basics - a bed, shared bathroom, common lounge area and kitchen. By splitting costs across many travelers, hostels keep nightly rates low, with many European destinations coming in at €10-25 per night.

I’m a huge fan of hostels for budget travel. I’ve stayed in them everywhere from Auckland to Amsterdam to Buenos Aires. While not as fancy as hotels, they allow me to spend more on experiences. Here are my tips for saving money at hostels:

- Book direct and pay upfront when possible. Hostels often offer the lowest rates when you book through their website and pay at the time of booking. This also locks in your rate if they have to increase prices later.

- Go for dorm rooms over privates. Sharing a room with others brings down the per person price. I don’t mind dorms and enjoy meeting fellow travelers. Some hostels now offer capsule-style bunks for more privacy.
- Consider private rooms for couples or if you value privacy. If traveling as a couple or family, booking a private room still costs less than a hotel. Some hostels now offer very nice private rooms with en-suite baths.

Globetrotting on a Budget: How to Maximize a Week Exploring Multiple Countries from the US - Travel During Shoulder Season for Lower Prices

One of the smartest ways to save on your globetrotting adventure is by planning your travels during shoulder season. This refers to the period between peak and off-peak seasons when there are fewer tourists. For Europe, shoulder season falls around April-May and September-October. The weather is still mild, attractions are less crowded, and prices are lower across the board - it's a budget traveler's paradise!

In my experience, shoulder season airfares to Europe run 25-50% less than summer high season. I've scored $400 roundtrips from New York to Paris in May versus $800+ in July-August. The reason? Less demand equates to better deals. Airlines and hotels would rather fill those empty seats and rooms at discounted rates than not at all.

The same goes for on-the-ground costs like hotels, tours, and activities. In Frankfurt, I booked a well-located 4-star hotel for $75 in May compared to $150+ during summer. In Italy, museum crowds were blissfully minimal so no need for skip-the-line fees. And walking tours in Croatia I'd have paid $50 for in July were only $30 in the shoulder season.
Even the little expenses like food and transport are often a touch lower. I found restaurants less likely to jack up prices with smaller crowds to feed. And Uber/taxis have little competition during shoulder season, so fares trend cheaper. Every euro saved adds up when you're covering multiple destinations.

Another benefit? The smaller crowds lend themselves perfectly to playing travel photographer. There's nothing worse than jostling with throngs of tourists trying to get that perfect Colosseum Instagram shot. I had ample room to set up my tripod for long exposures at landmarks devoid of crowds during shoulder seasons. No appearacing accidentally in strangers' backgrounds!

The only catch is the weather can be hit or miss. While Europe's shoulder seasons offer mild temperatures overall, there's always a chance you'll get unlucky with cold snaps or rain. I always watch forecasts and pack layers just in case. A light down jacket paired with a rain jacket and umbrella will keep you comfortable no matter what.

For the sun-starved, post-winter shoulder season means budding greenery, blooming flowers, fewer rainouts and longer daylight hours. I found April-May ideal for city sightseeing, hiking and biking. On the flip side, October shoulder season means vibrant fall foliage for leaf peeping paired with harvest festivals and Oktoberfest spirit.

Globetrotting on a Budget: How to Maximize a Week Exploring Multiple Countries from the US - Pack Light to Avoid Baggage Fees

One of the most irritating budget drains when traveling between multiple destinations is getting slapped with pricey checked baggage fees every time you hop on a flight. These fees have become increasingly common, with airlines like Ryanair charging up to €/£25 for the first checked bag and American Airlines hitting you with a $30 fee for the first bag and $40 for the second. Ouch!

When plotting a globetrotting adventure through Europe, the fees can really add up. Let’s say your itinerary includes 4 separate flights... you could easily spend €100 or more just on checked luggage costs. That’s money that could be better spent on gelato and museum tickets!

The solution? Embrace packing light and avoiding checked baggage altogether. Thanks to the generous carry-on size allowances on most transatlantic flights to Europe, you can absolutely survive a weeklong trip with just a carry-on backpack or suitcase.

I’ve mastered the art of packing light through trial and error. The key is choosing versatile, mix-and-match clothing that can be re-worn in different combinations. Focus on lightweight, quick-dry fabrics that can easily be hand-washed. Limit bulky shoes and jackets. Wear your heaviest items like boots and jeans while flying to save interior space. Use packing cubes, compression sacks, and foldable toiletry bottles to maximize your pack. And don’t forget the laptop, phone, chargers and other electronics – you’ll want them easily accessible, not buried deep in checked luggage.

Other globetrotters have raved about the freedom packing light brings. Frequent inter-Europe traveler Norah says “I can maneuver quickly from train to bus to walking around cities without huge suitcases weighing me down.” And digital nomad Jack told us “When I sized down to a 30L backpack, I reclaimed so much time not waiting at luggage carousels or checking bags.”

If you’re still concerned about lacking necessities, remember you can pick up anything forgotten at your destinations. Extra layers if weather is cooler, travel-size toiletries to reduce liquids, even umbrella/rain jackets can all be purchased affordably from European retailers like Primark when needed.

Globetrotting on a Budget: How to Maximize a Week Exploring Multiple Countries from the US - Eat Local Cuisine for Cheap Meals

One of the best ways to save money while globetrotting is to ditch the tourist trap restaurants and eat like a local. Seeking out regional cuisine at hole-in-the-wall eateries, food trucks, and street food stalls can unlock authentic flavor for just a few euros.

As a self-proclaimed foodie, I love experiencing a destination through its palate. And local haunts are where you’ll find traditional recipes passed down generations, not watered-down dishes catering to foreign tastebuds. In Rome, for example, you won’t find better cacio e pepe than at a 40-year old trattoria run by a sweet nonna versus some English menu-toting tourist trap on the Spanish Steps.
The key to seeking out authentic local cuisine is doing your homework. I ask hotel staff or Airbnb hosts for recommendations of their favorite hidden gems. Scour blogs and niche Instagram accounts focused on regional food scenes versus big accounts pushing trendy spots. And don’t be afraid to veer off the tourist path - some of the tastiest treasures are found in residential neighborhoods devoid of TripAdvisor stickers and sightseers.

Pricing is also cheaper at local haunts since their rents are lower and ingredients usually sourced more affordably. Mains typically run €5-15 versus €15-30+ at tourist-geared places. In Portugal, I feasted on grilled sardines, wine, bread and dessert – with change left over from a €20 bill. The same meal in sceney Cais do Sodré would have run €40+.

Street food and food truck scenes also offer tasty local eats on a dime. In Copenhagen, I gravitated towards street carts dishing rød pølse hot dogs and smørrebrød open-faced sandwiches for under €5. And Barcelona’s plethora of food trucks serve up massively stuffed bocadillos sandwiches and patatas bravas for just a few euros.
Market halls are another goldmine for sampling regional specialties at source. At Mercado da Ribeira in Lisbon, I wandered from stall to stall sampling almond tarts, goat cheese, roasted chicken and vinho verde, all for the cost of a standard restaurant main.

Globetrotting on a Budget: How to Maximize a Week Exploring Multiple Countries from the US - Walk and Use Public Transportation to Get Around

Public transportation and walking are budget traveler's best friends when globetrotting between multiple destinations in Europe. Hopping flights and trains between cities and countries quickly racks up costs, so getting around affordably once you arrive is key to sticking to your limited budget.

Luckily, Europe’s extensive public transit networks make navigating sprawling capitals like London, Paris and Rome simple and cost-effective. Extensive metro, bus and tram options connect all the prime sightseeing spots at a fraction of the cost of taxis and Ubers. Even better, many European cities like Vienna and Tallinn offer free public transportation with a visitor pass.

Abi, who relied on metros and buses during her interrail adventure through central Europe, told us “I probably spent no more than €30 total on inner-city transit over 2 weeks while visiting Berlin, Prague, Budapest and Krakow.” That’s an average of just €2 a day!

Even in pricier cities like Oslo and Stockholm, taking advantage of day passes and rechargeable travel cards brought Carl’s in-city transport costs down considerably. “Unlimited travel for 24 or 72 hours was always cheaper than tapping in and out for every ride,” he shared.

When not zipping around underground, hoofing it on foot is often the best way to explore European cities affordably while soaking up the ambiance. Urban centers like Barcelona, Lisbon and Amsterdam are highly walkable, with museums, markets and attractions just a stroll away.

Globetrotter Erica told us about her three days in Prague: “I didn’t even need public transit! The city center was totally manageable on foot. I averaged 8-10 miles and 15k steps per day.” That freed up money for experiences like leisurely Vltava river cruises and coffeehouse stops.

In smaller towns and villages, walking is often the only transportation mode needed. Kim says of her week in the Swiss Alps, “I hiked from village to village along mountain trails and never once needed to call a taxi.” Between the fresh alpine air and stunning scenery, who needs a car?
While riding public transit takes some navigating, apps like Citymapper simplify route planning in major metros like London and Paris. And if a walking tour or transit ride seems daunting, don’t hesitate to ask locals for help. I’ve found Europeans are always happy to point lost tourists in the right direction.

Globetrotting on a Budget: How to Maximize a Week Exploring Multiple Countries from the US - Research Cities for Free Activities and Events

Sightseeing on a budget is an art form when you’re globetrotting through Europe and trying not to break the bank. While famous attractions like the Eiffel Tower and Anne Frank House do charge hefty admission fees, you’d be surprised by how many museums, tours, festivals, and events in European cities offer free entry. The key is doing your homework beforehand and researching openings, schedules, and calendars so you can take full advantage.

I always scope out destinations ahead of time to pinpoint the free and reduced-cost things to do. Rick Steves, GPSMyCity, and Unusual Traveler are great resources for self-guided walking tours covering hidden gems and lesser-known sights. Stadt Wien's events calendar highlights when Vienna’s best museums offer free admission each month. For London, TimeOut and Londonist share listings of ongoing free exhibits and pop-up events. I jot down anything appealing and craft an itinerary mixing paid essentials with budget-friendly alternatives.
Fellow globetrotter Carla raved about Helsinki's abundance of free attractions: “Between museums free on certain weekdays to Senate Square and the cathedral, I barely spent anything on sightseeing for 3 days there!” And Jack found Krakow's lively Main Market Square a hub of free entertainment: “from musicians and breakdancers to craft stalls and horse-drawn carriage rides, I was enthralled people watching for hours."

Don't assume major museums are out of budget either. Many offer one free day or evening per week or month when admission is waived. I thrilled at seeing the Louvre's Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo for free during Paris' monthly no-cost night. And Amsterdam's Van Gogh Museum has no-fee Friday evenings. Just be prepared for large crowds.

Festivals, concerts, and events also often come gratis in Europe. I caught open-air orchestral performances in Lyon and avant garde theater in Prague's Old Town Square at no cost. Europe’s enthusiasm for public celebrations means activities like Bastille Day fireworks in Paris or royal procession watching in Stockholm can be enjoyed gratis.

Savvy travelers also keep an eye out for last minute ticket releases. Shows, sightseeing tours, sports matches, and more often release unsold tickets at the last minute for free or steep discounts. I’ve scored everything from Wimbledon tennis to West End musicals this way through Discount London and TodayTix. You have to be flexible, but the savings pay off!