Tips For Budget Travel To Europe

Europe continues to be a top choice destination for many global adventurers

It is a wonderful mix of cultures with its rich history visible through the inspiring gothic architecture, characteristic squares and courtyards and unique cobble-street cities.

The following 5 tips will help you enjoy your next trip to Europe whilst on a budget.

1. Use a travel card

When travelling on a budget, you’ll need to give some thought to your travel expenses. Being organised and preplanning your currency exchange is going to give you better financial control over your trip. Get a prepaid travel card with multicurrency features for great security, flexibility and to save money using current rate lock facility.

2. Eat smarter

Dining out several times a day, can very quickly become an expensive affair in many countries across Europe. Always aim to select a hotel that offers a complimentary breakfast. Ensure that you have a hearty meal before you venture out for the day. Once you’re out on the street, stay clear of restaurants in touristy areas and instead seek out local daily markets, street vendors and carts. Every city has them and you can always spot the best ones, because they’re the ones with often a large queue of customers. Local pubs and tapas bars are often a great option for delicious traditional dishes that will cost far less than at a restaurant. Use your travel card to pay your restaurant bill.

3. Land into a cheaper city

The peak season is the summer time and is the most expensive time to fly into Europe with October to April being the cheapest time to fly in. When choosing a European destination, try and land into the less popular cities that are closest to your intended destination. You may find it cheaper stopping off in two cities over the cost of flying into the more popular one.

4. Shop with your budget in mind

Shopping on vacation is part of the travelling experience. But it also threatens to blow your budget up, if you’re not careful. Always have a budget in mind when you head off to those interesting markets. Don’t be afraid to haggle at these markets either. You’ll be surprised at how much you can save if you just negotiate. Use your multi currency prepaid travel cardto happily shop till you drop.

5. Look for alternative accomodations

In Europe, accommodation can be found within different budget ranges. If one of the larger hotel brands doesn’t match your requirements, then search out for a smaller family-run hotel or a bed & breakfast arrangement on travel booking sites. It’s worth considering a backpacker’s hostel as well. These establishments have become increasingly popular with budget travellers in Europe and more comfortable in recent years too. Couchsurfing is perhaps the ultimate tip for finding cheapest accommodation where people will let you sleep on their couch for economical prices.

6. Lookout for the best sightseeing deals

Thankfully, Europe offers many free sights and attractions. Many top museums in the UK, France and Spain, for example, will cost you nothing. Many European tourist offices will often offer you discount passes for public transportation and sightseeing. Purchase an All-Day train or bus pass to explore a new city. Watch out for free tours that are on offer too.

7. Travel during the off season

Summer is the busiest time to travel, but the truth is, it’s also the most expensive and most crowded time to visit. Traveling in the off season is an excellent way of saving you money and it will enhance your European travel experience.

8. Look for longer transit flights

Business travellers avoid transits, but for the budget tourist heading to Europe, it may be a novel way to save a lot of money. Research transit rules for different airlines. Not only are transit flights often cheaper, some major airlines will provide free hotel accommodations, transfers and meals given a lengthy transit. If you deliberately select a long layover, the chances are, you may get to experience a new city completely free. All major airports have secure facilities to store luggage for a nominal fee. Don’t forget to be absolutely certain which countries will require a visa for you to leave the airport and explore their city.

Follow these basic tips and you are guaranteed to cut down your expenses on that European trip you’ve long been dreaming about!

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