If you’re traveling on a budget and looking to see the sights on a shoestring budget, there are some ways to stretch your dollar. Some cities offer better shopping than others, so it’s important to plan ahead for a little bit of extra spending. In general, you’ll want to set aside around $200 for random expenses. This should be enough for sightseeing and some shopping.
Couchsurfing
Couchsurfing allows you to stay at someone else’s home for free in exchange for a few days of hospitality. By sharing their space with others, you can experience the culture of the place you’re visiting and meet people from different parts of the world. Couchsurfers are generally very friendly and open to offering local recommendations and tips.
To get started, you’ll need to create an account on Couchsurfing. You can use your Facebook or email account to log in. Then, you’ll need to upload at least 3 photos to your profile. Make sure to upload pictures of your room or place as well. Besides photos, make sure to include information about yourself.
Before you accept a couchsurfer’s offer, you need to verify their identity with the site. Then, you can contact them. In case you don’t know them, you can also check out the profile to see if they have any references. This way, you can make sure you’re comfortable before you accept their invitation.
While couchsurfing can seem like a daunting task, it’s actually an extremely safe way to travel in Europe. Hosts tend to be friendly and accommodating, so it’s unlikely you’ll experience any serious issues. Often, you’ll even meet new people while couchsurfing, and it’s not uncommon for people to make lasting friendships over the long run.
Stay4Free
Budget airlines are common throughout Europe. With so much competition, fares are low and easily affordable. Use online sites like Skyscanner and Momondo to find the cheapest tickets. However, you should be aware that budget airlines make most of their money from fees. You must also remember that these airlines are very strict with baggage limits, will ding you if you forget to print your boarding pass, and do not provide complimentary meals.
Another way to save money is to take the train. European train travel is comfortable and cheap, and second-class tickets are about 50% cheaper than first-class tickets. You can also purchase rail passes to travel cheaper across many countries. There are a variety of rail passes available, including RailPass and Seat61. It’s also a good idea to check out a country’s direct train website for a discount.
Using hospitality networks is another great way to cut costs on your trip to Europe. These networks pair you with locals, who may be willing to share their home with you for free. This is a great option if you’re looking for space, or if you’re a senior traveling alone.
Hittingchhiking is another cheap way to travel throughout Europe. Although it’s not as glamorous as you may imagine, it’s completely free. Depending on where you’re traveling, it might not be the best option, but it’s worth a try. It’s cheaper than using the public transport system and is usually faster.
Global Freeloaders
Using hospitality networks is an excellent way to cut your expenses on a trip to Europe. Through these networks, you can stay for free in the homes of locals. This will allow you to get acquainted with locals and help the local economy at the same time. You can also take advantage of Home Exchange programs, which will match you up with families in different countries. While they are not as easy as hosting a stranger, these programs are still effective.
Founded in Melbourne, GlobalFreeloaders has more than 100,000 members from over 200 countries. The website features a search function for free accommodation and is free to join. To use the website, you need to sign up as a member of the site and search for free accommodation in different countries.
If you’re on a budget, it’s best to travel in the off-season. In Europe, this means that it’s less popular and cheaper to fly. However, you have to be prepared for cold weather. The off-season in Europe still offers many amazing opportunities, such as skiing in the Alps, visiting Christmas markets, and visiting snowy villages.
Traveling by train is one of the most convenient ways to get around Europe on a budget. Although it’s not as fast as flying, train travel can be comfortable and cheap. You can also look for rail passes to get better prices. There are many of them out there, and you can choose one that suits your needs and budget.
Interrail passes
If you’re on a budget and want to see Europe’s most popular destinations on a train, Interrail passes can help you travel on a budget. You can buy a monthly or annual pass for a set amount of money, and choose a date for travel. Then, you’ll have unlimited travel for either 15 or 21 days, or even 30. You can travel on one train for as long as you want and don’t have to worry about getting stuck in a bus or a train station for hours on end.
First, choose the right season for your travel dates. Usually, the peak travel season is from June to August, when prices are at their highest and locals are on holiday. This time of year can make traveling to big tourist sites less pleasant. If you can avoid travelling during these times, you’ll have a more enjoyable trip. If you’d like to save money on your Interrail passes, consider traveling in late September or October, when the weather is still mild and the price of a rail pass is lower than it is otherwise.
Interrail passes are the ultimate ticket to travel across Europe on a budget. These passes cover train routes in most participating countries. You can choose to visit all countries or a specific region with the same pass. The Interrail map allows you to see which countries are covered by the pass, and book your tickets accordingly. Some countries are not covered by the Interrail pass, including the Ukraine, Iceland, and Latvia.
Buses
Travelling by bus is one of the cheapest ways to explore Europe, and there are many options available to you. Long-distance luxury buses are popular with both locals and visitors, and most operators provide online ticketing and booking. Bus prices do not fluctuate like airline tickets, making it a great way to save money. You can also find tickets to popular destinations for a fixed price, so you can plan your trip as you go.
Buses in Europe are usually very modern, and the service is fast and convenient. However, the quality may vary from company to company. Some buses may not have reclining seats or restrooms, and passengers must make sure their belongings are secured. Additionally, there is a risk of motion sickness on the bus, so you should be prepared with any necessary medication.
Bus routes are operated by many companies, and each one has its own schedules and fares. Luckily, aggregator sites exist that provide detailed schedules from different bus operators. But finding a unified source that contains all available timetables for a specific date can be difficult. Some cities have their own central bus station, which should be able to provide consolidated timetables. Otherwise, you may have to rely on company websites.
In addition to buses, you can also use trains. Trains cut through the countryside and give travelers the opportunity to see more of the country. Most of the trains in Europe are high-speed, and you can also take a sleeper train if you desire. These are both great options for traveling on a budget in Europe.
Buying groceries
Buying groceries in Europe is a great way to save money while traveling. Food in Europe is generally cheaper than in the United States, and you can find prepared food at the grocery store. However, you might be surprised to learn that many Europeans don’t consume large amounts of breakfast foods. The average breakfast in a European country is a cup of coffee, a cigarette and a slice of pie. The best way to save money on your breakfast is to buy your food at a local supermarket. This way, you can save a lot of money and enjoy a healthy breakfast at the same time.
While you’re in Europe, try to eat local food as much as possible. Not only will this help you save money, but it will give you a taste of local culture. You’ll find that local foods are generally cheaper than those from the United States, and you’ll also get a unique cultural experience.
Another way to save money while traveling to Europe on a budget is to buy food at the local market. You can find many different kinds of food in the markets in Europe. There are dedicated cheese and olive vendors, bakeries, butchers, florists, and even daily deals. These vendors know where to find the best local herbs.