Readers Digest
Magazine subscription Podcast
HomeLifestyleTravel

Europe on a budget: Simple travel tips for big savings

BY READERS DIGEST

17th Jan 2022 Travel

Europe on a budget: Simple travel tips for big savings
Jumping from one iconic European city to the next is a rite of passage for school leavers and a dream holiday for avid historians.
However, despite the evident diversity of Europe’s 44 nations, it is still a notably expensive continent in which to travel.
You may not be able to save on entrance fees to the Louvre of the Eiffel Tower, but there are other simple travel tips that add up to significant savings. Check out our ideas for experiencing Europe on a budget.

Packing

You might be amazed at the extent that some people blow their travel budget long before they even have a boarding pass in their hand. With the anticipation of an upcoming trip, it can be challenging to hold back from buying the latest gear. However, we recommend that you pack as simply and efficiently as possible. Second-hand luggage can be found at bargain prices at charity shops.
The first consideration needs to be your choice of luggage: will you be using a wheeled suitcase, a backpack or limiting yourself to hand luggage only? There are benefits to each, with the deciding factor likely depending on your typical mode of travel since there are secure luggage storage options in cities across Europe. We would recommend splurging on an efficient day bag that has the capacity for your valuables and daily essentials.
Remember that you can buy almost everything along the way if needed, so limit your packing but be sure to include:
  • Unlocked smartphone
  • Kindle
  • Universal power adaptor
  • Power cables
  • Underwear
  • Leggings
  • Scarf
  • Sandals
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Wrinkle-free clothing that can mix and match
  • One nicer outfit for going out
  • Toiletries
  • Portable clothesline
  • Ziplock bags
  • Laundry detergent
  • Hand sanitiser

Destinations

It is doubtful that your travel itinerary will take in every European capital. If you stick to travelling in the cheaper European countries, you can save a great deal of money. According to Interrail, the top 10 most affordable European cities and average daily cost on a budget are:
  • Warsaw, Poland - €30.45
  • Krakow, Poland - €24.03
  • Český Krumlov, Czech Republic - €28.61
  • Bratislava, Slovakia - €31.40
  • Budapest, Hungary - €25.69
  • Zagreb, Croatia - €31.07
  • Belgrade, Serbia - €24.60
  • Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina - €26.79
  • Sofia, Bulgaria - €22.35
  • Bucharest, Romania - €24.03
 For more travel ideas, you can check out this Guide to Europe

Accommodation

Taking overnight train trips might sound like a fantastic way to save on accommodation; however, Interrail requires that overnight trips and high-speed train journeys have a seat reservation which is an added cost. Nevertheless, there are other options for finding free or inexpensive places to lay your head which we have included below:

Find a travel buddy

Sharing a room with someone is often much cheaper than the price of a single room. Don’t worry about travelling solo either, as it is often much easier to strike up a conversation and meet like-minded travellers when you are on your own.

Hostels

European hostels are amongst the best in the world. In fact, budget accommodation options in Lisbon often win multiple awards at the annual Hoscars hosted by Hostelworld, the leading online travel agency for hostels and backpackers. You can search for accommodation in your city and whether you would prefer an eco-friendly backpacker or a party place, as well as read up-to-date reviews.

Couch surfing

If you would rather interact with locals and get a genuine feel for a city, couch surfing is a fantastic resource. You can sign up through their website and find hosts in cities all over Europe, whether you are looking for rural, out-of-the-way locations or in the city centre. If you prefer to have a chat first, sign up for one of their regular evening events and ask others about their experiences.
 Prioritising travel is an investment in lifelong memories. We are confident that when you use some of our budget travel tips, you’ll be able to experience even more of what Europe has on offer.
Keep up with the top stories from Reader’s Digest by subscribing to our weekly newsletter.

This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you. Read our disclaimer

Loading up next...
Stories by email|Subscription
Readers Digest

Launched in 1922, Reader's Digest has built 100 years of trust with a loyal audience and has become the largest circulating magazine in the world

Readers Digest
Reader’s Digest is a member of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (which regulates the UK’s magazine and newspaper industry). We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice and are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism. If you think that we have not met those standards, please contact 0203 289 0940. If we are unable to resolve your complaint, or if you would like more information about IPSO or the Editors’ Code, contact IPSO on 0300 123 2220 or visit ipso.co.uk