The Top 7 Ways to Travel Europe on a Budget

Europe isn’t cheap, but if you know how to travel through it affordably, it can be one of the best vacation destinations in the world.

Truly, if you are smart about it you can find flights from Montenegro to Greece that are more affordable than going across the country in the US, and if you are willing to travel like a local through the train system you will definitely save a lot of money. So, if you want to travel to Europe on a budget, check out these tips and tricks for making your next European trip more affordable.

The Top 7 Ways to Travel Europe on a Budget

1) Don’t Stay in Hotels

Hotels are expensive, and they’re not always the best way to experience a destination. Instead, try one of these options:

Rent an apartment or house. You can find great deals on vacation rental websites like Airbnb or VRBO.
Stay in a hostel. Hostels are much cheaper than hotels, and you’ll meet other travellers from all over the world.
This is a great way to save money and meet locals. You can stay with someone for free in exchange for being a good guest (i.e., cleaning up, cooking dinner, etc.).

2) Take Local Transportation

Instead of forking over money on expensive taxis, consider taking the train or bus between cities. Not only is this mode of transportation more environmentally friendly, but it’s also much cheaper. If you’re worried about language barriers, don’t be – most Europeans speak at least some English, and you can always brush up on key phrases before your trip.

3) Book Flights in Advance (or the Night Before)

One of the best ways to save money on airfare is to book your flights in advance. Airlines typically release their cheapest seats about three months before departure, so by booking early, you’ll have a better chance of snagging a low fare. If you can’t book that far in advance, try booking the night before. Airlines sometimes release last-minute deals to fill empty seats.

4) Consider Second-Class Trains

Trains in Europe are known for being incredibly comfortable. It is no wonder so many travellers choose it. Booking the second-class trains to travel inter-city is great because it offers all the benefits of first-class seats, it’s just usually a little smaller. If you don’t have a lot of luggage then this one is definitely for you.

5) Avoid Peak Season Travel

Travelling anywhere during the peak season will cost you more money. That’s because most airlines and hotels adjust their prices and increase rates when there are more tourists coming in. The 2 most common peak seasons are the northern hemisphere’s summer and winter. However, some countries have distinct peak seasons. Be sure to do your research before booking anything. Also, avoiding peak season will also help you travel without having a lot of tourists around and give you a more local experience.

6) Use Airbnb Instead of Hotels

One of the best ways to save money while travelling is to use Airbnb instead of traditional hotels. Not only can you often find better deals on Airbnb, but you can also get a more authentic experience by staying in a local’s home. Additionally, Airbnb allows you to book for one night or an entire month so that it fits your schedule and budget.

7) Take Advantage of Free Admission Days

If you want to visit museums and other attractions without paying entrance fees, check what days they offer free admission. There are many days throughout the year when admission is free including the first Thursday of every month, annual events like Museum Day in America (the first Saturday in May) and Tax Day Weekend (April 18th-20th).