If cobblestone alleys, freshly baked pastries, and picture-perfect views regularly drift into your daydreams… only for you to be rudely awoken by the realities of your bank account, you’re not alone.
Thankfully though, there are ways to experience all the charm and history Europe has to offer without draining your savings.
I’ve strolled down the sunny streets of Seville, meandered through Manchester, ambled down the alleyways of Amsterdam, and even lingered in Leeds, all while sticking to a very modest budget.
I believe that travel should be accessible to everyone so here’s what I’ve learned about how to travel inexpensively in Europe and how you can too.
Budget airlines
If you’re heading to Europe from North America, you might be surprised to discover how many budget airlines offer cheap flights to major European cities. Carriers like Ryanair, Vueling, and Wizz Air offer easy transit under €30. The catch? Baggage fees (so pay close attention to the fine print).
A carry-on will cost a bit extra and anything oversized will come with a higher price tag. Be sure to pack light and book early to make the most of the deals. Be open to strange times (like midweek at sunrise) for snagging the lowest cost tickets. You can sleep on the plane!
Trains
If you’re a romantic, then taking a train is likely already on your list for the ultimate European experience. Just know that the charm can come with a higher price tag than you might think.
You can save a few dollars by booking early on platforms like Trainline or Omio but, much like with the budget airlines, the key is to be super flexible with your travel times.
A night train is a great way to move between cities with the bonus of saving the price of accommodations. A Eurail or Interrail pass is worth considering if you have multiple destinations on your travel agenda; however, if you don’t think you’ll get your money’s worth, then stick to a single ticket.
Buses
Sure, they don’t have the same cachet as trains or planes, but this is how to sacrifice glamour for the sake of your budget. Buses are the functional way to get yourself from one city to the next for the price of a sandwich. Truly!
Options vary from country to country, but companies like Flixbus and Eurolines are worth checking out. Country-specific buses like Alsa in Spain, for example, are ideal for regional travel within one area.
While they’re not as fast as some alternatives, swapping speed for savings is always a great way to travel inexpensively in Europe. Just pack snacks and preload your device with some good podcasts to help pass the time.
Make sure you have an aloSIM eSIM with mobile data for your destination to share your trip on social media while you’re en route.
Sleep cheap
Once upon a time, couch surfing was a fun (albeit still a little risky) option for sleeping cheap while travelling. These days, the option has been monetized to the extreme, and with safety still needing to be at the forefront of travel considerations, it’s not the best choice for most travellers.
There are alternatives that offer both convenience and security and are still somehow not on the radar for most accommodations. One such option is to book a bed at a university or college dorm.
When school is not in session, these rooms offer a safe place to sleep, a clean bathroom, and easy access to any amenities you might need.
Another out-side-the-box option is to stay at a convent or monastery. If you’re okay with a no-frills place to stay (especially great if you just need somewhere to sleep), these are often clean, safe, and much less expensive than traditional alternatives.
