How to See Europe on a Budget

How to See Europe on a Budget

Europe is a continent filled with magnificent architecture, rich culture, great food, and beautiful nature. I live in that same continent and know that those things don’t come cheap to tourists, but there are some tips and tricks you can make use of to get the most out of your trip on a budget. The below will work great for you in many cities in Europe, but some might be worth taking on your journeys to the rest of the world.

Be Smart with How You Get There

You can start saving money before you even start your trip. If traveling from another continent, opt for budget airlines – luxury is great, but it is also expensive. If you are already in Europe and plan to see another country, again make use of budget airlines or see if you can get to your destination via bus or train. The journey will take longer, but you will save a lot of money. Additionally, when booking your transport, plan to travel light. Airlines charge extra for more luggage, so if you can live out of a backpack, then do so.

Time of Year Matters

Everyone loves a summer holiday. If you are hitting a beach destination, then guaranteed sunshine is vital. If you are more interested in a city break and doing some sightseeing, then the weather is not all that important. Cities don’t stop because of some rain, but airlines and hotels charge more in the summer because more people travel. Travel out of peak season (mid-June to August), and you will be saving money and seeing yourself in shorter queues for popular attractions.

Airbnb Vs. Traditional Hotels

Airbnb has taken the world by storm. The often cheaper alternative to traditional hotels has many using the service, as well as many turning their properties into accommodation for travelers. Now, it can definitely be cheaper, but not always. Always check out other alternatives and compare the price. You will find that Airbnb is cheaper in some cites, while standard hotels are cheaper in others. If you do opt to go the route of a traditional hotel, price comparison sites can be a great tool, but booking through the comparison site can be more expensive – hotels have to pay a commission to be featured on such a site. Instead, find a hotel you like on one of those sites and then find the hotel's own website. Booking with them without the use of a third-party will often find you saving money.

Public Transport Is Your Friend

 

It may be easy to hop in a taxi and get to where you need to go. However, there are cheaper alternatives, and with some research, you can take advantage of the public transport network. Many Cities will offer a pass just for travelers who intend to stay in the city for a short time. That pass will allow you to use the metro, bus, tram, etc. Taking advantage of public transport will save you a lot of money while on your trip. If you have to use a taxi, find out which companies are reliable and most used by locals. Do not get in an unmarked taxi in any circumstances – you will find yourself incredibly overcharged, or worse. Uber is a great alternative if its available in the City you are staying in.

Do as the Locals Do

You have arrived at your destination, got settled into your hotel or Airbnb, and now its time to get something to eat. Tourist destinations are filled with overpriced restaurants. You can find yourself paying double if not more than you would at another restaurant off the beaten track. Ask locals for recommendations, check menus for prices, and if a place isn’t busy while everywhere around it is, avoid it. Another handy tip is to get a menu in the language of the country you are in. You may not speak the language, but a translation app can help with that. It is often the case that menus already in English will come with inflated prices. Don’t get stung because you don’t speak the language.

Be Alert

Travelling Europe is a great life experience and will leave you with many stories to tell, but you must stay vigilant to ensure all those stories are positive. Scammers operate in many cities, and their tactics are generally the same. Some scams to watch out for include:

·         Deaf, dumb, and blind – You may be approached by a person holding a clipboard with a petition for some cause or another. The person may pretend to be deaf or blind, which is an attempt to guilt you into sparing your time. Do not sign it as when you do, you will also be asked for a donation. The cause is not real, and this is a scam. Say no or simply walk away.

·         A helping hand – These scammers can spot a confused tourist from a mile away. If you are offered help, with buying a train ticket, for example, refuse and walk away. You may come across someone who is generally trying to help, but it is better safe than sorry. One example of such a situation was on the Paris metro, the ticket machine was conveniently not working, someone then claiming to be a metro official approached myself saying I can buy tickets from them directly. I left with haste and bought tickets from a machine at the next stop. Throughout the whole encounter, something felt wrong; always trust your gut and the more I think about, the more signs I can see that it was definitely a scam.

·         You dropped something – While walking the streets of the City, you may be approached by someone holding a ring they claim you dropped. Even if you clarify it's not, they will still try to sell it to you. It is fake, and this is a scam. 

·         Friendship is costly – On your travels to popular tourist sites, you may encounter people who will try and place a friendship bracelet on you. This is not a gift as once they have secured the innocent piece of string, they will ask for money and possibly get violent if you refuse. Do not accept the gift and walk away.

These are only some examples of scams with the list really being endless. Even if you do not fall for the scam directly, be aware that it may be a diversion for pickpockets, so be aware of your belongings at all times. Being alert will save you money, which is what we are trying to do.

Enjoy Europe

Europe is a beautiful continent with lots to see, but seeing it doesn’t have to break the bank. Taking advantage of the above tips will ensure you not needlessly spend money.

Do you have any money-saving travel trips? What great savings have you made while traveling?