How to travel Germany on a budget

Transport is “the big one” and cycling is great free alternative to other modes of transport. 

Tom Bourlet, a Brighton-based travel blogger at Spaghetti Traveller, talked to us about transport in Germany and advised that slower, regional trains will be more affordable in comparison to those that are high-speed.

He continued: “If opting for a train journey, buy the ticket several months in advance to get a great offer. If you happen to be in a big group, there are also group tickets which are significantly cheaper per person. But if the budget is tight, a train might be a luxury too far.”

If you intend to use the Eurostar keep in mind that you can save money by buying tickets at least a week in advance. Shopping around can also offer reduced prices, a daily or weekly card for a train or a bus may also be worth investing in. Bourlet continues: “While the trains run like clock-work with immaculate efficiency, the buses run in the reverse, often arriving late to their destination.”

According to Bourlet, ride sharing is a popular way of travelling around the country. You will need to download the BlaBlaCar app. The drivers have also been reviewed as well as the passengers.

If you’re in the UK, you need to be aware of how Brexit may affect your travel. At times it may seem chaotic, with changes happening almost daily but one thing you must keep on top of is making sure your passport is still valid before you travel to avoid potential extra costs and hassle.

In an age of technology, we don’t always consider going to a travel agent when booking on holiday. If you do, ask them for recommendations; they can give you insider tips. Make sure that they are aware of your set budget before signing up to anything. 

The questions: Where to stay? Do we need to hire a care? What about a flight? are a large part of travel, and it can become quite costly quickly. Skyscanner often offers a bargain and Hostelworld has many recommendations. If you’re not sure what you want to see or do, have a look at their blog. It’s also worthwhile shopping around other websites for potential savings, too.

Region to region, Germany’s cuisine will differ slightly. As a general rule of thumb, outside the city centre will be cheaper—the further you go, the less expensive it is. Bear this in mind when setting a daily budget for your meals.

Make sure you book your tickets for the relevant landmarks before your trip as there's likely to be a discount when you do this. You may also want to consider a guided tour which are often free (even with the complimentary tip to your guide it works out cheaper than many paid tours. To visit the famous Brandenburg Gate, find out more here, and if you're interested in the Reichstag go to visitberlin.de/en/reichstag-in-berlin.

Make sure you buy currency before you leave. This could prevent you being charged extra for withdrawing money and you're more likely to get a good exchange rate.

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