Top Tips on How to Travel Europe on a Budget
Ah, Europe – the land of cobblestone streets, romantic sunsets, and price tags that sometimes make you question your life choices. Fear not, as someone who has spent some considerable time (and money!) in Europe, I want to share my top money saving secrets, so you can learn how to travel Europe on a budget.
These top tips are perfect for those travelling on a budget, or those who have simply shoved Europe to the bottom of their bucket list as they’ve deemed it too expensive. As someone who has travelled and lived in Europe, I want to prove you can be thrifty without skimping on adventure.
Before you set off...
Before I dive into how to travel Europe on a budget, it’s important to set off on the right foot. There are three steps you should take before any trip to ensure you’ll maximise your budget.
1. Have a budget in mind
How can you stick to a budget, if you don’t have a budget to begin with? Read our advice on how to afford your big trip for small changes that will have a big impact on your travel budget. Set a daily, weekly or even monthly budget for your Europe trip and stick to it. There are endless budget tracking apps that are free to download or a good old spreadsheet is also ideal. Create a list of your non-negotiables, whether it’s restaurants you’ve dreamed of dining at or must-do activities then plan your budget accordingly.
2. Book travel insurance
As soon as your budget is planned and flights are booked, do not forget buying travel insurance. Travel insurance is essential but even more so for those travelling Europe on a budget. While it is an upfront expense it is a vital investment that could potentially save you thousands later on.
Travel insurance can cover medical expenses, cover for cancelled flights, lost baggage, lost or broken equipment such as drones or mobile phones and more recently most travel insurance companies have added policies should your itinerary have to change due to illness.
3. Save, save, save
That way I’m constantly reminded and motivated to save money. Seeing that image as you unlock your phone to order another takeaway or open your laptop to work on a Friday night (instead of another night out!) is the best way to keep your mind focused on the goal.
Struggling to save? We’ve covered over 20 fun ways to make money for your travels to keep those adventure funds topped up with minimal effort!
Budget mapped out? Insurance bought? Now it’s time to save, save, save! A little tip I use when planning a budget trip is to save an image of the destination as my home screen on my phone or laptop.
How to Travel Europe on a Budget - 13 Top Tips
1. Escape the Cities
Your first step on travelling Europe on a budget, is choosing destinations that are budget friendly to begin with. Although Eastern Europe is considered cheaper, check out our guide to the cheapest countries in Europe to inspire your budget friendly budget list. Venture off the beaten path to discover hidden gems that are kinder to your budget.
I then recommend escaping the cities. Heading off the beaten track means less crowds, less tourist tax and more adventure funds for you! Also, free attractions such as hikes, beaches, lakes and waterfalls are usually outside the city so heading away from the hotspots can save you money on activities too.
As a bonus tip, there are several countries in Europe that are digital nomad friendly and affordable such as the Czech republic, Estonia, Portugal and Hungary. This means you can work as you travel, allowing you to stay on the road for longer.
2. Best time to visit Europe on a Budget
Secondly, choose when to visit Europe wisely. Not only are flights and accommodation more expensive during the Summer months of June, July and August, but you’ll find even restaurants, tours and attractions hike their prices during peak times.
To maximise your money and the weather, I’d recommend travelling to Europe during the “shoulder season” such as March to early June, or September to November. You’ll avoid the crowded Summer months and your funds will take you further.
3. Use Workaway
Whether there are European destinations you’ve always deemed unaffordable (looking at you, Norway!) or you simply want to save as much as you can, use Workaway! During my own travels in Europe, I knew I wouldn’t be able to afford to travel around Switzerland, but really wanted to hike, eat like a local and practise French. An experience I also wouldn’t get from yet another youth hostel.
Instead of putting my Swiss dreams on hold, I stayed with a local family for an entire month through Workaway. In exchange for four hours of volunteering a day, I was able to see, learn and explore far more of the culture than I could ever have dreamed of. Especially on my budget!
From Ireland to Iceland, Spain to Serbia - we have over 4000 hosts dotted all over Europe waiting for you to share your skills, enthusiasm and culture. When you join Workaway, not only do you avoid expensive agency fees, but you have access to 50,000 opportunities in over 170 countries worldwide under one membership. This means you are not limited to one project or country, but have the freedom to explore all over Europe!
4. Explore Alternative Accomodation
While staying with a local can save you some serious money, you can also get a little creative to save cash on accommodation. For example, wild camping is particularly popular around Europe and is practically free once you have your tent. Just make sure to research the local rules around free camping before you pitch up.
It’s also worth noting that Workaway isn’t just useful for homestays or giving farm life a go. We can also connect you with hosts offering some weird and wonderful accommodation that offer bucket list experiences on a budget.
Dreamed of sailing around the Mediterranean? Why not find a host in Europe on a sailing boat? Want to party without the price tag? Volunteer in a youth hostel! How about some furry friends and a home all to yourself? You can try house sitting in Europe with Workaway too!
5. The Cheapest Way to Travel Around Europe
The hardest part about learning how to travel Europe on a budget isn’t always getting there or finding accommodation but getting from A to B. Here’s a few money saving tips for transport to help you travel further for less…
Flights
- Our top tips: Before you travel Europe on a budget, you’ll need to get to Europe. This will likely involve flying, so check out the best ways to find cheap flights here.
- Be Flexible: Understandably, if you need to start a Workaway project on a certain date this won’t apply, but if you can, flexibility will help keep costs low. Using flight search engine like Sky Scanner you’ll have the option to search for the “entire month” and to set the location as “anywhere.” This helped me find flights to Cologne, Germany for less than £10!
Cycling
- Rent a Bike: Many European cities offer bike rental services that are affordable and a great way to explore the local area. Apps such as List N Ride are perfect for borrowing a bike from locals and bike shops all over Europe.
- Use Bike-Sharing Systems: There are also bike sharing systems dotted all over Europe. For example, Vélib' in Paris or Santander Cycles in London. These can be paid for using an app allowing you to rent bikes for short periods at low costs.
- Plan Cycling Routes: Utilise cycling routes and bike-friendly paths for safe and stress-free cycling. Apps like Komoot or Google Maps are particularly great for cycling in Europe.
Car Sharing
- Use Carpooling Services: Platforms like BlaBlaCar are popular in Europe. They connect drivers with extra seats to passengers travelling the same route, so you can share fuel costs and tolls.
- Check Local Online Groups: Some cities have Facebook groups or online forums where locals offer or seek rides. This often works out cheaper than public transport. It’s also better for the environment and a great way to meet locals - win, win!
Driving
- Economical Rental Deals: The best way to save money on car rental is to compare deals, split rental fees with friends and book in advance if you can.
- Relocation: As well as car rental companies look at car relocation. Some companies either charge a super low fee, or they pay you to help transport their cars from one location to another.
- Tolls and Routes: Tolls can add major fees to your road trip. On Google Maps app there is an option to tick “toll free roads” or research alternatives before you set off.
Bus
- Advance Booking: Bus fares tend to be cheaper when booked in advance. Flexibility with travel dates can also help you find lower prices.
- Discount Cards: Some bus companies offer discount cards or loyalty programs that can significantly reduce the cost of multiple trips. Some also offer discounts when booking via the app vs the website as well as booking direct versus comparison websites.
Train
- Use Regional Trains: Regional trains are often cheaper than high-speed options, though they might take a bit longer. So take your time and enjoy the financial benefits!
- Rail Passes: Depending on your itinerary, a rail pass like the Eurail Pass could be cost-effective, especially if you plan on taking several train trips within a specific period.
- Off-Peak Travel: Travel during non-peak hours to find better deals on train tickets.
6. Embrace Overnight Transportation
Talking of the cheapest ways to travel around Europe, don’t forget overnight transport can save you on accommodation! For longer journeys, night trains or buses save on a night's stay at a hostel or hotel. Imagine waking up in a new city, ready to explore.
You can also travel overnight on ferries. I’ve personally done this from Stockholm to Riga and although the ferry was 17 hours, it even had a cinema and nightclub on board so it was both fun and financially better.
7. Walk Wherever Possible
Walking is not only one of the best ways to travel for free but it’s one of the best ways to head off the beaten track. The charming cobbled streets of Europe where you can admire the architecture, chat with locals and stop for a cheeky beer or two on the way makes walking all the more worth it. Not to mention it helps keep your mind and body healthy!
8. Give Hitchhiking a go
As well as walking as much as you can, you could also try hitchhiking. Not only is it a great way to travel Europe on a budget, but it can also lead to unexpected adventures and connections. Always prioritise safety (take note of our safety tips if travelling solo) and travel in pairs if possible. Trust your instincts and chat with fellow travellers for tips on hitchhiking routes.
9. Packing Light
When travelling Europe on a budget, plans can change at the last minute and you’ll need to think on your feet. This means you don’t want 20kg of luggage holding you back, so use these tips to learn how to leave home with less.
It is SO much easier to run for a bus, use a bike, walk and hitch hike when you don’t have a bulky suitcase to drag behind you. It also means you won’t be charged for luggage on budget airlines, saving you even more time and money at check in.
10. Eat and Drink Like a Local
One of the easiest ways to connect with locals is to eat and drink like a local. While convenience stores or fast food are cheap and easy, they’re not only bad for the environment but it’s bad for the local economy too.
From my own experience travelling Europe on a budget, I’ve a few tips to help you eat like a local that often worked out cheaper than those famous fast food chains. They’ve also taught me something about the culture at the same time - win, win!
- Local markets: From La Boqueria in Barcelona, Mercato Centrale in Florence, or Borough Market in London this is a fun and cheap way to sample fresh produce and street food. Stall holders often hand out free samples too!
- Street Food Stalls: Many European cities have vibrant street food scenes that will save your precious pennies. For example, bratwurst in Germany, crepes in France, kebabs in Turkey, or churros in Spain.
- Bakeries: Bakeries are a big deal in Europe. They’re a cheap, convenient and DELICIOUS way to sample local treats.
- Ask Locals for Recommendations: Don't hesitate to ask locals for their favourite places to eat. They will have the inside scoop on the best and most affordable spots.
- Eatwith App: If you’re not using Workaway to live like a local, use the Eatwith app to dine like a local. It connects travellers with locals who offer dining experiences, such as home-cooked meals and food tours, often at a lower cost than dining in restaurants.
- Alcohol: Alcohol can take up a huge chunk of your budget so drink like a local to save money. This usually means opting for the national drink as this will often be the cheapest. For example, Pilsner lager in Czech republic, beer in Germany or Belgium, wine in France and Italy, Madeira wine or port in Portugal and ouzo in Greece.
11. Free Activities
This might sound obvious but you’ll be surprised at what might pop up if you Google “Free things to do in *your destination*” In particular, one of my favourite free activities is walking tours and street art tours. They are super popular in Europe and the perfect way to uncover the secrets of each city as they’re usually led by locals. Not only will you learn about the history and culture, but it’s a great way to meet other travellers.
Other ways to find free activities is by searching on Facebook. Using the events tab, set your location and browse for any free events in the area. Many European countries also offer free admission to art galleries and museums. Sometimes it's only on certain days of the month, but in some large cities (for example, London) nearly all galleries and museums are free.
Churches, cathedrals, and religious sites around Europe are also usually free to enter. Even if you are not religious, they are incredible landmarks and a free rainy day activity. Notable examples include St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City and Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.
12. Use Apps for Discounts
Before your trip to Europe, download these apps to save you some serious cash on the road:
- Too Good To Go: I LOVE this app, even when I’m not travelling, it’s saved me so much money and helps the environment too! It offers discounted meals from restaurants that have surplus food at the end of the day. It’s the perfect way to dine out, without splashing out.
- HappyCow: Are you travelling as a vegan or vegetarian? HappyCow can help you find plant-based restaurants and eateries that can be more budget-friendly than traditional dining options.
- Omio (formerly GoEuro): Omio is a useful app for finding and booking train, bus, and flight tickets across Europe. It often offers exclusive deals and discounts.
- ATM Fee Saver: Nothing is more frustrating than being charged to access your own money. Download ATM Fee Saver to find fee-free ATMs & low-fee ATMs for your cash withdrawal all over Europe.
- Citymapper: Citymapper provides public transportation information and real-time updates for many European cities, helping you save money on transportation costs by choosing the most efficient routes.
- MeetUp: Connect with local residents and like-minded individuals in the destination you are visiting thanks to this handy app. As well as being an easy way to meet people when travelling, many Meetup events are free or have minimal participation fees.
- Splitwise: Once you’ve found those new travel buddies, you’ll want to download Splitwise. When travelling with friends or in a group, Splitwise simplifies the process of splitting expenses and keeping track of who owes what.
- Workaway: There are many ways Workaway can save you money - not just on free accommodation! Use the Workaway app to find hosts, learn a new language, meet Workawayers nearby and more.
13. Use the Sharing Economy
My final tip is to utilise the sharing economy. Also referred to as peer-to-peer economy or a collaborative economy, a sharing economy involves the sharing of goods and services via online platforms. In fact, you’re reading this on one of those online platforms right now!
This collaborative consumption model means you can save and/or earn money by exchanging or renting out items and services to individuals who would rather rent or borrow for a cheaper fee. Whether it’s a lawn mower or a lake house sitting unused, there are so many examples of a sharing economy. It not only connects communities and saves resources but it can benefit your bank balance if you’re travelling Europe on a budget.
Never heard of it? Learn all about the sharing economy here and how it can save you money and help save the planet too!
Remember, travelling on a budget doesn't mean sacrificing amazing experiences. In fact, there are many ways travelling on a budget can improve your trip. By using these travel hacks to learn how to travel Europe on a budget and you’ll make memories that last a lifetime. All while keeping your bank account happy!
About Lauren
Growing up in a small coastal village in Scotland inspired Lauren to seek adventure and challenge the norm. Armed with just her backpack and trusty travel companion Darren, she quit her day job to liv
