Sustainability

Europe has always been an attractive travel destination to people worldwide, with its picturesque cities, stunning architecture, rich history, museums, and a vast array of different cuisines from different countries and regions. However, traveling in Europe can be pretty expensive, when you account for everything from transportation to accommodation, food, and leisure activities. Nonetheless, traveling on a shoestring is possible if you’re willing to put in the effort and do some research. So here are some tips for exploring Europe on a shoestring budget.

Traveling on a shoestring budget entails staying at affordable hotels, eating budget-friendly meals, finding cheap flights, and experiencing the local lifestyle. It’s also about knowing how to find cheaper ways of doing usually expensive activities. The key is identifying those activities that work best for you while still enjoying your travel experience to the fullest. Here are some key tips on exploring Europe on a shoestring budget.

Budget Airlines

One of the best ways to explore Europe on a budget is by using budget airlines such as EasyJet, Ryanair, Norwegian, and Wizz Air, among others. These airlines are known for offering low airfare rates, which can be as low as $10 or $20 per trip. However, be sure to read the fine print as budget airlines often charge extra for baggage, food, and other amenities. But, if you can pack light, it’s an excellent way to save money when traveling.

Use Carry On Luggage on Planes Only

This is another great tip for exploring Europe on a budget. Many airlines charge fees for checking in luggage, so if you can manage with just carry on luggage, you can save some money. This is especially true for budget airlines like the ones mentioned above. But it’s important to ensure that all your luggage meets the carry on size and weight requirements set by each airline. Each of the main budget airlines in Europe has slightly different luggage dimensions and weight allowances for carry on luggage. So if you’re planning on using multiple budget airlines, make sure your carry on luggage meets the requirements for all.

Get Compensation for Delays or Cancellations

It is not uncommon for flights to be delayed or canceled, especially in Europe. If your flight is delayed or canceled, you may be able to get compensation from the airline. This can save you money on ticket costs and other associated expenses caused by the delay or cancellation. Unlike in the United States, there are rules in place for EU flight delay compensation, and airlines may be required to provide customers with compensation.

Send Souvenirs Home

If you’re traveling light in terms of luggage, you don’t have to miss out on buying souvenirs. Instead of buying them in person, you can send souvenirs home. Many countries have mail order services that allow you to purchase items online and have them delivered to your home. This can be a great way to save money on souvenirs and still have something special from your travels. And this will often work out cheaper than paying for an extra luggage allowance on planes. Many companies will also ship your souvenirs for free. You can also get some unusual souvenirs that you wouldn’t be able to put in your luggage anyway, such as tulip bulbs from Holland!

Travel Off Season

The busiest seasons in Europe are summer, and from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day. When you travel within these periods, everything is more expensive, from flights to hotel accommodation, and other leisure activities. Therefore, to explore Europe on a shoestring, it’s best to travel off-season. You can save up to 50% on travel costs such as flights and hotels and still enjoy everything Europe has to offer.

Choose Affordable Accommodation Options

One of the major expenses when traveling is accommodation. However, you can reduce the costs of accommodation by staying in hostels or apartments instead of hotels. Hostels provide an excellent opportunity to socialize and meet fellow travelers while saving money, while apartments allow you to save on food expenses by providing a kitchen to cook meals at home. Also look for couch surfing and home sitting options for an even cheaper way to stay.

Use Public Transportation

Instead of taking taxis or renting a car, use public transportation such as buses, trains, or trams. Public transportation is not only cheaper but also provides an excellent opportunity to explore the city like a local. Many cities also offer multi-day or week-long travel passes at discounted prices, which can save you even more money.

Try Local Cuisine

When exploring Europe on a shoestring, don’t hesitate to try the local cuisine. Local eateries or street food stalls often offer the most authentic and affordable food options. Avoid expensive restaurants unless you’re celebrating a special occasion and instead try local cafes, bakeries, and markets. You can often get delicious food for less than half of the cost of a fancy restaurant.

Take Advantage of Free Attractions

Europe is home to plenty of free attractions, from world-famous art galleries to charming local parks. Spend your days exploring these attractions and you can save a lot of money on tourist attractions. Many cities also offer free walking tours for travelers to get to know the city better.

Get Off the Beaten Track

If you’re looking to really explore Europe on a shoestring budget, it’s best to get off the beaten track. Instead of visiting all the touristy places, explore some of the lesser-known areas and attractions. You can often find unique experiences at a fraction of the cost. Plus, you’ll often get more authentic experiences when visiting such places. As well as avoiding the tourist hotspots in well known destinations, visit the regions of different countries that aren’t so well known.

Europe is a vast continent with many cities to explore and lots of things to do. Traveling on a shoestring can help you save money while still experiencing the local culture and lifestyle. Start by using budget airlines, traveling off-season, choosing affordable accommodation options like hostels or apartments, using public transportation, and trying local cuisine. In no time, you’ll be exploring Europe while staying within your budget. Happy travels!