travel expenses in europe

• Travel Planning Guide

Europe Travel Cost Rankings

• Travel Budgets
• Country Travel Cost Rankings
• Cheapest Cities
• Country Budget Comparisons

What are the cheapest and most expensive countries to visit in Europe?

The following travel cost rankings for countries in Europe are calculated based on the travel budgets of real travelers. Also referred to as a Travel Cost Index , or a Backpacker Index , the countries below are in order from most to least expensive by their average daily travel price, per person, per day

• 1 Switzerland € 265.83
• 2 France € 233.73
• 3 Liechtenstein € 231.54
• 4 Monaco € 210.99
• 5 Iceland € 190.55
• 6 Luxembourg € 183.97
• 7 Denmark € 179.13
• 8 United Kingdom € 178.36
• 9 Netherlands € 175.49
• 10 Italy € 166.54
• 11 Andorra € 164.38
• 12 Finland € 157.09
• 13 Greece € 156.50
• 14 Germany € 151.52
• 15 Austria € 150.91
• 16 Spain € 150.06
• 17 Ireland € 142.95
• 18 Belgium € 142.20
• 19 Portugal € 136.31
• 20 Sweden € 128.90
• 21 Slovakia € 126.32
• 22 Turkey € 123.18
• 23 Malta € 117.43
• 24 Latvia € 113.66
• 25 Norway € 109.94
• 26 Montenegro € 104.13
• 27 Cyprus € 103.44
• 28 Estonia € 101.94
• 29 Czech Republic € 101.83
• 30 Croatia € 95.46
• 31 Slovenia € 93.30
• 32 Lithuania € 91.97
• 33 Hungary € 77.13
• 34 Romania € 76.95
• 35 Albania € 74.55
• 36 Bosnia and Herzegowina € 68.44
• 37 Bulgaria € 64.07
• 38 Belarus € 61.60
• 39 Russia € 60.17
• 40 Poland € 60.12
• 41 Serbia € 36.54
• 42 Georgia € 30.75
• 43 Armenia € 27.38
• 44 Ukraine € 23.02
• 45 Azerbaijan € 0.00

The Cheapest Cities for Other Regions

Country rankings for other regions, what are the cheapest countries to visit in europe.

The least expensive countries for travel in Europe are currently Azerbaijan (€0.00), Ukraine (€23.02), Armenia (€27.38), Georgia (€30.75), Serbia (€36.54), Poland (€60.12), Russia (€60.17), Belarus (€61.60), Bulgaria (€64.07), and Bosnia and Herzegowina (€68.44).

What are the most expensive countries to visit in Europe?

The most expensive countries for travel in Europe are currently Switzerland (€265.83), France (€233.73), Liechtenstein (€231.54), Monaco (€210.99), Iceland (€190.55), Luxembourg (€183.97), Denmark (€179.13), United Kingdom (€178.36), Netherlands (€175.49), and Italy (€166.54).

Affordable Travel in Europe

Subscribe to our newsletter.

By signing up for our email newsletter, you will receive occasional updates from us with sales and discounts from major travel companies , plus tips and advice from experienced budget travelers!

Pin This Page

• Privacy / Terms of Use
• Activities, Day Trips, Things To Do, and Excursions

The cost of traveling Europe: real budget numbers from 9+ years of travel

What is the real cost of traveling Europe?

How do you afford to do it full-time? 

How much do I need to save if I want to travel in Europe for a year (or two years or a month or six months)?

As someone who has been traveling full time for nearly nine years, most of that time in Europe, these are probably the questions I get most often about my lifestyle.

Money, unsurprisingly, is the biggest obstacle people think they’ll face on the road. Because if vacations are so pricey, wouldn’t full-time travel be even more so?

(Psst.  Here’s a full breakdown of why it’s not .)

This is why for the last 10+ years, while I’ve been traveling full-time, I’ve kept track of my budgets  all over the world. Because the truth is that full-time travel can be expensive (just like staying put can be expensive), but it doesn’t have to be . And the only way I know to prove it is to share my own real budgets.

Today, I’m back to share more budget updates with you. More insights into how I travel full-time and what it costs to live and travel in Europe.

First, though, let’s talk about travel styles…

What full-time travel looks like for me

First, it’s important to say that there’s no right or wrong way to travel full time . There’s no standard. Every person I know who does it does it differently .

I have friends who circle back to their favorite places every single year. I have friends who are always chasing new adventures. I’ve met digital nomads who live out of hostels and move every few days and nomads who spend a year or more in one place.

So, before I dive into how I travel, I’ll caveat it by saying that my way is not the way . There are people who travel on a much lower budget than mine and people who travel on a higher budget than mine. There are people who travel faster and people who travel slower. This budget breakdown is based on my experiences and my experiences alone.

Okay, so what are my experiences ? 

For the first few years, I traveled solo with my dog . For five years, I traveled as part of a couple (though my budgets here on the blog reflect my half of shared expenses + 100% of my personal expenses). And now I’m back to solo-girl-with-dog-takes-on-the-world. ( Here’s a comparison of costs solo vs. traveling with someone else .)

I mostly travel around Europe, though I’ve also done a bit of North and South America in the past few years (and before I hit the road full-time, I visited every continent except Antarctica). 

I prefer to stay in one place for at least a month (and sometimes two or three) and I tend to rent comfortable apartments in local neighborhoods. If I’m staying in a hotel or hostel, it’s usually only for a weekend trip or a travel day.

I’m a foodie through and through, so I devote a large portion of my budget to good, fresh, usually organic food and I eat out pretty regularly, especially if I’m in a place known for its cuisine.

I work part-time (on writing books , content strategy and copywriting ). This means big chunks of my week are devoted to work, so someone retired or vacationing is likely to spend quite a bit more than I do. 

And in my spare time, I love to cycle, hike, read, explore, and eat, most of which is cheap or free and keeps entertainment budgets on the low side. I rarely do museums or indoor attractions.

The cost of traveling Europe: monthly expense breakdown

Before we get into individual budgets around the world, here’s a breakdown of my general monthly expenses and how I approach them:

Housing : This was my biggest expense in the US, and it’s my biggest expense now. From 2012 to 2015, when I was traveling solo, I spent about $1,000 per month. In 2015 to 2021, my partner and I split the rent, so we could afford a nicer space and usually keep our individual spending on the lower side. I shot for under $800 per person per month and we often came in under $600 each. Now, solo again and with accommodation prices having risen over the years, I’m upping my housing budget to $1,500. I’ll still try to come in under when I can, but that’s my new ceiling.

So, what’s the secret to affordable accommodations while traveling in Europe? Traveling slow. Monthly rental costs are significantly lower than nightly or weekly rentals. On sites like  Flatio and Airbnb, monthly discounts run anywhere from 20% – 70% .

Food:  Perhaps unsurprisingly, this foodie’s second highest expense is meals. I track my spending on groceries separately from my spending on eating out. I don’t put a budget ceiling on groceries because eating fresh, high-quality food is really important to me and I’d rather spend a bit more on groceries (and a bit less on other things) than take shortcuts with my health or joy. 

In the states, I shopped at organic grocery stores and tried to buy healthier options, which were often a bit pricier. In Europe, I shop at fresh markets, local butchers, and tiny bakeries most of the time and stay away from imports that might have questionable chemicals or ingredients.

I always strive to only buy what I need and to buy it in the best quality, most local form I can. I mostly cook at home instead of eating out and when I do eat out I go for quality over quantity. 

Recent grocery budgets have run about $393 ( Zagreb, Croatia ), $614 ( Thun, Switzerland ), $653 ( Bad Ischl, Austria ), and $429 ( Tartu, Estonia ). Eating out budgets in those same locations were around $257 (Zagreb), $0 (Thun), $41 (Bad Ischl), and $88 (Tartu). This means totals for those three places landed at $650 (Zagreb), $614 (Thun), $694 (Bad Ischl), and $517 (Tartu). As you can see, food spending varies, but not enormously. If you read my older budgets, you’ll also notice that the average has gone up over time (which makes sense, because inflation).

Transportation: Since I tend to stay longer in one place, transportation costs generally run pretty reasonable (e.g. far less than I spent when I owned a car). Every month or two, I buy a long-distance train ticket or two, and maybe once or twice a year I take a flight (though I try to fly as little as possible both because I hate flying and I try to be conscious of my environmental footprint).

In between big train journeys, I  choose to walk whenever possible  (which, in Europe, is nearly always) and only take buses and metros when the weather is walking-prohibitive, if the walk would be more than an hour long, if I’m carrying something heavy, or if I’m in a particularly busy city and the walk would be crowded or stressful. 

These days, I spend anywhere from about $25 (Prague unlimited monthly transit pass) on a month where I’m staying put to $300ish (trains from Rennes, France, to Prague, Czech Republic) on a month when I’m moving from one base to another.

Luna the traveling pooch’s food and care: This varies a little from country to country, but rarely exceeds $200 per month. Luna eats a homemade diet primarily consisting of rabbit, fish, quinoa, and veggies (the diet was created with a veterinary nutritionist and if you decide to do the same, I highly recommend hiring one through your vet), and I’m not very strict about separating her food budget from mine, so expect that some of the grocery budget is actually going to Luna.

As with human health care, I’ve found vet care to be significantly more affordable in Europe (compared to the US). In Latvia, four injections, a blood test, two weeks of pancreatic enzyme pills, a vet consult, and an exam cost just over $100. In Dubrovnik, Croatia, in a similar vet emergency, the bill for the sedation, IV fluids, blood work, x-ray, exam, anti-nausea shot, and 100 days worth of pancreas pills was about $150. In the US, the cost would have been at least tripled in each of those cases. A single blood test in Colorado cost us upwards of $200 last time we were there.

Entertainment/fun money:  When I’m traveling, most of my activities are free or cheap, so this line item is always pretty small compared to the others.

Supplies:  These tend to run less abroad as well, in part because I am careful about what I buy, since I carry everything on my back, and, in part because I’m less bored and thus feel less of a need to shop. The ironic and wonderful thing about this is that the things I buy are often higher quality and more expensive, yet I generally spend less overall than I did in the states.

Health insurance   and healthcare : Since I’m currently based in Portugal, I’m relying on the local health system. While traveling more extensively, I previously paid $268 per month for GeoBlue insurance that covered me anywhere in the world except the US. Before that, I tried travel insurance through World Nomads, which I found wildly frustrating (despite marketing themselves to travelers, they require you to jump through a LOT of paperwork hoops that require access to printers, scanners, and copy machines) and IMG Global, who ignored my emails and took months upon months to even acknowledge my claims after I was hospitalized on Malta. I would not recommend either company.

For anyone who’s used a healthcare system abroad, it’ll come as no surprise that pretty much everywhere in cheaper than the US. Pre-Obamacare, I paid $150 for three months of birth control pills in the US. A three-month supply (and a doctor visit to get the prescription) in Germany cost me under $100. In Switzerland, that number dropped to around $50. And in Vietnam, the same pills (same ingredients, different brand name) were $10 and available over the counter.

In all, I try to keep monthly spending under $2,500 (not including my business spending). And even with this as my budget ceiling, I often come in under. A few months ago, I did the math on the 30+ real Europe travel budgets linked below (scroll down for links) and the monthly average came in at $1,637 .

For those who’d like a more detailed look at my monthly budgets around the world, here they all are categorized by price range (click on the links for in-depth details on the budgets):

My real monthly budgets

From cheapest to most expensive monthly budget. Click on each location for a more detailed breakdown.

Non-European locations are marked with an *. My favorite places appear in bold. Cost is in parentheses. And I’ve indicated the year the budget is from (obviously account for some inflation when using budgets from 10 years ago) and whether the budget was solo travel or traveling with a partner/friend (partnered travel typically means lower housing costs).

Under $1350 per month:

Konjic, Bosnia and Herzegovina / one month ($1157) 2017 / partnered

Labin, Croatia / one month ($1175) 2021 / solo

Tartu, Estonia / one month ($1213) 2020 / partnered

Tulum, Mexico / one month ($1232)* 2018 / partnered

Kotor, Montenegro / one month ($1253) 2019 / partnered

Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina / one month ($1296) 2017 / partnered

Sayulita, Mexico  /  one month  ($1301)* 2013 / solo

Riga, Latvia / one month ($1313) 2019 / partnered

Split, Croatia  /  one month ($1317 & $1241) 2019 & 2013 / partnered & solo

Zagreb, Croatia  /  one month ($1337) 2018 / solo

Playa del Carmen, Mexico  /  one month  ($1350)* 2013 / solo

Under $1,500 per month:

Taormina, Italy  /  one month  ($1364) 2017 / partnered

Porto, Portugal  /  one month ($1366) 2022 / solo, living full-time here

Kranjska Gora, Slovenia / one month  ($1385) 2017 / partnered

Toledo, Spain  /  one month  ($1388) 2015 / solo

Kobarid, Slovenia  /  one month  ($1422) 2015 / solo

Brasov, Romania  /  one month ($1433) 2018 / partnered

Dubrovnik, Croatia / one month  ($1443) 2017 / partnered

Tallinn, Estonia   /   one month ($1460) 2019 / partnered

Under $1,700 per month:

Interlaken, Switzerland  /  one month ($1558) 2019 / partnered

Ljubljana, Slovenia  /  two weeks  ($808) 2015 / solo

Bad Ischl, Austria  /  one month ($1618) 2020 / partnered

Rennes, France / one month  ($1648) 2018 / partnered

Nerja, Spain  /  one month  ($1689) 2015 / solo

Edinburgh, Scotland  /  one month  ($1697) 2012 / solo

Under $1,800 per month:

Ljubljana, Slovenia / second stay, one month  ($1735) 2017 / partnered

Grenoble, France / one month  ($1739) 2018 / partnered

Prague, Czechia  /  one month ($1752) 2018 / partnered

Under $2,000 per month:

Perugia, Italy  /  one month  ($1882) 2013 / solo

Flagstaff, Arizona  /  one month  ($1893)* 2016 / solo

Rome, Italy  /  one month  ($1911) 2017 / partnered

Chamonix, France  /  two weeks  ($962) 2015 / solo

Vancouver, Canada  /  one month  ($1988)* 2016 / partnered

Over $2,000 per month:

Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland  /  three monthly budgets compared  (varies) 2015 (and before) / solo

Amsterdam, Netherlands  /  two weeks  ($1008) 2015 / partnered

Biarritz, France  /  one month  ($2029) 2014 / solo

Innsbruck, Austria / one week ($511) 2018 / solo

Paris, France  /  one month  ($2118) 2013 / solo

Thun, Switzerland  /  one month ($2124) 2021 / partnered

New York, New York, USA / one month  ($2297)* 2018 / partnered

Zagreb, Croatia / one month splurge! ($2320) 2021 / solo

Opatija, Croatia / one month splurge! ($2897) 2021 / solo(ish)

Cycling across France  /  one month  ($3091) 2015 / solo

My budgets for shorter trips

Now, what about short trips? Weekends, overnights, week-long vacations? I’ve got some real budgets on those too, though they’re fewer and farther between for me. Here are they, from cheapest to most expensive per-day:

Vrbovsko, Croatia / 3 days ($87 / $29 per day) 2021 / solo

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia / 3 days ($184 / $62 per day) 2021 / solo

Denver to LA road trip / 2 days ($207 / $103 per day)* 2012 / solo

Tbilisi, Georgia / 10 days ($1050 / $105 per day)* 2019 / partnered

Colmar, France / 5 days ($539 / $108 per day) 2019 / partnered

Paris, France / 5 days ($663 / $133 per day) 2019 / partnered

Emilia Romagna, Italy / 5 days ($776 / $155 per day) 2014 / solo

Business costs

It’s worth noting that you won’t see any business costs in the above budgets. My business expenses vary greatly based on what I’m working on, how much active marketing/sales I’m doing, and what kind of side projects (blogs, self-published books, etc.) I’m taking on. 

The few consistent things I pay for business-wise include:

Subscriptions for Microsoft Word, Adobe Photoshop, cloud storage, and a media subscription or two.

I now own a cell phone (turns out living full-time in Portugal requires one), but I also need a US number, so I use TextNow on my iPad for US calls/client calls. The basic number is free (because they serve up ads), but I pay a small fee in order to get a few extra benefits. 

Business insurance , which runs me about $50 per month, and a yearly fee (about $100) for my registered agent to handle my LLC renewal and receive any business mail for me.

Once a year or once every few years, I also have expenses for  web hosting and domain renewal  for the website. This usually costs me less than $100 per year.

Taxes:  Finally, a note on the most unavoidable of all expenses – taxes. In general (though not in every case), you are expected to pay taxes in the place you reside. If you live in the US, you pay in the US. If you live in Switzerland, you pay in Switzerland. 

If you’re from the US, you’ll always have to file US taxes even if you’re a resident abroad, but you may be eligible for the  FEIE , which is basically there to prevent you from paying double taxes. (Rather than get into it further here, I’ll suggest you book a consult with a US tax accountant. Many do free first consults and they will know so much more than I do about all the ins and outs of your particular situation.)

NOTE: If you’re paying in the states and self-employed, taxes are due quarterly, not yearly. This means when I’m paying in the States, I sit down every quarter and calculate the taxes I owe and send the government a check. At the end of the year, I hire a tax whiz (which generally runs me another $350 – $500) to help me make sure everything has been paid and filed properly.

Air travel expenses (& other big one-time costs)

There are a few things I don’t budget for monthly (or include in my monthly budget posts) because they are yearly or quarterly expenses and may vary greatly from month to month. One of these things is  plane tickets .

I’m not a traveler who flies a lot, preferring to explore one continent thoroughly at a time and take trains where possible both because it’s simply a more pleasant way to travel, because it’s more environmentally responsible, and because the older I get the worse my motion-sickness gets, so flying has stopped being even a little bit fun.

So, since I’m not buying them monthly or even bi-monthly, I usually don’t track plane ticket costs monthly and instead factor them into my budget on a quarterly or yearly basis. 

In 2021, I took four flights (one-way Switzerland to Croatia, one-way Croatia to Portugal, then round-trip Portugal – Croatia to collect my visa). In 2022, I only took one (one-way from Paris to Porto – I took trains in the other direction). 

Replacing technology (my laptop or tablet), big one-time medical expenses, and other large one-time purchases (like my folding bike) are also something I look at quarterly or annually rather than monthly.

Saving money while traveling full-time

Finally, for me, part of feeling comfortable starting my business and then, a year or so later, leaving to travel full-time was having a decent financial buffer in the bank. I was advised while starting my business to have at least six months worth of expenses in the bank just in case. Being a bit neurotic about money, I waited until I had 10 months and enough clients that I was already almost breaking even.

Similarly, when I started traveling, even though I would be working normally and hopefully earning normally, part of feeling comfortable was the knowledge that I had a buffer. If all my clients ditched me in month one, I could live for a year without income (assuming I lived relatively frugally).

Everyone operates differently on this. When my aunt started her business, she quickly went into debt. Yet she was wildly successful over time. I’ve also heard stories of those who moved to a cheap part of Asia to start their business, which meant the limited funds they had could last them much longer while they got things off the ground. I know one man who told me it’s going to take $150,000 to start his business. Another woman told me a success story that started with just 3,000 euros in the bank. An old roommate told me she’s been traveling and working for years with just a few hundred euros to her name.

My income is variable , but I also try to set aside a decent percentage each month for the future –both to tackle unexpected expenses or emergencies, to be prepared for my yearly tax bills, and, of course, to create more security for myself in case I ever cannot or no longer want to work.

Any expenses you tend to have during travel that I haven’t mentioned? Any questions about travel expenses and budgeting? Toss them in the comments.

Share this post!

You may also like

How much my digital nomad lifestyle costs: real budget numbers from nearly 7 years..., how much does it cost to spend a month in vancouver, how much does it cost to spend a month in prague, the real cost of one foodie’s week in paris, my major money freak-out (& how i’m getting past it), how much my digital nomad lifestyle costs: real budget numbers from 6+ years on..., leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

17 comments

This is so cool. Thank you for this.

I’m living in a tiny house on a farm right now, but after my kid graduates high school I – or perhaps both of us – have considered living like this for a while. I’m building up my author/editor business, and it certainly would be nice to get around. I get really restless staying in one spot too long.

Glad you enjoyed it! And good luck!

Idnloke to know more about working abroad

If you are looking for info on my freelance career, here’s the skinny: https://gigigriffis.com/how-i-make-money-while-traveling-the-world-full-time-behind-the-scenes-with-a-location-independent-writer/

If you are looking for info on jobs abroad, I’m sorry to say I don’t have much info on that.

I’m not brave enough to try this with my husband and two kids, but I loved reading about how you do it! Kudos!!

Thanks for sharing your experience! This gives us an idea of how to budget for travel in Europe.

I am really enjoying following your adventures. I am waiting for a Portuguese residency permit and will be dipping my toe in the nomadic water soon. One question I am grappling with – what do you do for health insurance when you are back in the US?

For short trips, I get a temporary travel insurance plan (something like World Nomads even though their paperwork hassles are epic). But I think many European health plans also cover emergencies outside Europe, so might be worth looking into whether your Portuguese insurance will cover you once you’re resident there (I know in Switzerland the insurance we looked at covers US travel).

Amazing post!! Thanks for the detailed breakdowns. So happy to have found your site – it’s SO helpful and informative for slow travelers.

Great post! Thanks for sharing these insights with everyone. I wonder if you might answer a tax question. If one were to travel 1-3 months in each country, does that mean you need to file taxes in each of those countries plus the US?? I get if one were in the same country for over 6mo then that country would probably be considered the country of residence for tax filing purposes but what about when hoping county to county, never staying in any one country longer than 3mo??

Thanks in advance for any insights on my tax question!

Most countries don’t consider you a tax resident until you’ve been there more than 180 days in a year. Most tax accountants will do a free consult if you would like a professional perspective on your specific situation, though!

i’m a new dog owner (about 9 months) and also planning for a 6-month travel sabbatical in about 1.5 years. i’m still debating whether i should take my yoshi with me (he’s a 13 lb chiwienie). I’ve never flown with him before, and I’m wondering if you have any tips and tricks to help ease him into the process? you’re an inspiration!

Thanks! If you haven’t already, I’d read the Luna the traveling pooch section of the blog. https://gigigriffis.com/category/luna/ . There’s tons of stuff in there. The short answer is lots of treats and comfort toys inside the carrier (with the carrier open) in your house to get him used to and feeling safe in the carrier.

Thank you a million times over!

Thanks, Gigi. I needed this. It gives me courage as a single 55 yo American dude. I need some challenge in my life…something to conquer…something that will keep me on my toes. I’ve always suffered from bouts of wanderlust and I’m just plain DONE with corporate health/academic full time work. I did a back-of-the-envelope calculation on my expenses and came out around 2,200/mo traveling mostly in European Union with time in Serbia, Montenegro, B/H, SE Asia, Georgia and Turkey to mitigate the Schengen rules. Any reason you spent so little time in the Balkans? Is it a solo-female traveler thing? Sadly Russia appears off the list. I have spent a fair amount of time there before.

I have savings and a professional license (planning to do consulting over zoom). I plan to work part time (10-12 hours/wk) while honing film photography, reading for pleasure, learning about local history, and making friends. My budget is a bit lighter for accommodations (I don’t mind living in an Airbnb room) and heavier on LOCAL travel. I want to hike and spend time shooting landscapes in the areas I choose. This is a giant question mark in my mind. How to get to these places without a vehicle? I’m a bit reticent about using a scooter and don’t want to spend a fortune on taxi. I’m thinking there might be local bus service that gets me close in many places? Any insights here would be appreciated.

Your style is very much how I view my own journey. Stay in one place 1-2 months to maximize accommodation expenditures, minimize European touristy museums (been there done that—going to 1-2 local gems is my thought), mostly eat at home, and take rail day trips once a month with a night-over. Kudos for avoiding the BIG European cities. That is exactly my plan. I don’ think you could force me to spend time in Paris for more than 3 days, mirroring my aversion to New York, Chicago and LA. Lol.

Once again, thank you for the inspiration! Hit me up on email if you like. If you have any tips on making local friends in the places you traveled, I’m all ears. Stay safe and pleasant travels!

Hey! Glad it’s helpful and good luck!

To your questions:

1) I actually spent quite a lot of time in Croatia (in fact, got a visa for a year after living in Estonia 1.5 years during the whole covid fiasco). The Balkans outside Croatia are a touch trickier because of infrastructure (which goes to your second question, I suppose). There’s less train/bus access, so they are trickier to get to and trickier to get around without a car (and I detest driving). Croatia definitely has better infrastructure than some other spots, though I did enjoy my jaunt into Bosnia and Montenegro.

The other reason is the dog. They tend to be the less dog-friendly options in Europe. I felt fine as a woman traveling solo, but the dog complicates places like Bosnia (which I did spend some time in, despite this) and Albania.

2) The Schengen countries (for the most part, with a few exceptions) have great public transit, so I relied on that. For hiking/wilderness areas, I find that there is transit but it sometimes runs less frequently, so I just had to plan well and sometimes find myself a base very close to the wilderness areas to stay for at least a few days (I did this, for instance, for Bohemian Switzerland in Czechia). Other places (Switzerland, France) often have trails very integrated into every location and/or transit to even the remotest spots.

The places that are a bit more tricky tend to be places on the edges of Europe (the center is very well connected). So I had to get more creative in places like Portugal, Spain, and Estonia, which have somewhat less extensive public transit and more car culture. (Even so, I have never rented a car in any of those places and have relied on everything from infrequent buses to my bicycle to taxis or rideshares.)

Great! Thank you for the insights! I poked around your blog and found solid information on making friends. Funny, having a meal at home with a handful of people is definitely my style. :) I enjoyed many of the images on your blog. Particularly one from Italy with the path going along that turquoise river. Sublime! Excellent information on the hiking trails in different countries and your tip on staying close to trail systems for a handful of days. Lastly, your travels helped me to discover the inclusion of Portugal to the digital nomad parade! That’s particularly exciting to me as my younger brother and fam are planning a permanent move to Portugal (getting tired of Seattle/US health care/foods). Looks like potentially a more lengthy process? What an amazing time to see the world and work from anywhere! New DM visas are also popping up in SE Asia. Cheers!

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Opt-out here if you wish! Accept Read more

Share on Mastodon

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Europe Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 18, 2024

From beautiful Paris to smoke-filled coffeeshops in Amsterdam, Oktoberfest to La Tomatina, Europe is a massive, diverse continent with an unlimited assortment of things to see and do. You won’t have any problem filling your time, whether you’re backpacking Europe for a few months on a budget or just spending a few weeks there on a well-earned vacation.

The continent boasts wonderful beaches, historical architecture, amazing wine, and tons of world-class festivals. Every country is incredibly different from the next too, providing limitless variety in what you do during your trip.

I first backpacked Europe in 2006 and was hooked immediately. I’ve been visiting every year since, have run tours around the continent, and even wrote a book on traveling in Europe . It’s a destination I love and never get tired of exploring.

This guide will give you an overview of Europe and the tips and tricks you need to start planning your trip. I’ve also written extensive travel guides to each country on the continent (linked below in this post) so you can get more in-depth information for your specific itinerary too!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Europe

Click Here for Country Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in europe.

1. Tour the Greek Islands

These islands are the mecca of summer beach fun and each is unique in its own great way. There’s Ios (beach party central with archeological ruins and awesome boat tours); Kos (ancient ruins and nature); Crete (Bronze Age ruins of Knossos, hiking, beaches, and wine), Santorini (iconic blue water, white buildings, and local wineries); Mykonos , (the upscale party island with beautiful beaches, villages, and sunsets), Naxos (best island in the Cyclades). Plus, Milos, Corfu, Lemnos, Zakynthos, and so many more! With hundreds of islands in the country, you can always find what you are looking for!

2. Ride the rails

Europe is famous for its international rail system. Rail passes like the Eurail Pass have been around forever and still make it very easy to get from country to country on a relatively small budget (and with lots of flexibility). Europe has some of the fastest trains in the world that travel up to an incredible 217 mph (350 kph). The whole continent is connected by trains and there’s a growing push for even more connections and long-distance, high-speed trains in order to reduce flying and help combat climate change. There’s nothing more quintessential than riding the trains in Europe and I encourage you to take as many trains as possible. It’s one of the best ways to see the continent.

3. Get lost in Paris

The “City of Lights” is everything people say it is. I fell in love with it the first time I stepped foot in Paris . The city is just magical. You have a ton of museums, cafes, jazz clubs, famous art, and beautiful architecture. I love just strolling around the streets of the Quartier Latin (Latin Quarter) or Montmartre neighborhood as it makes for a breathtaking day. Another one of my favorite things to do here is just sit in the Jardin des Champs-Élysées park and picnic like the Parisians. For something a bit different, check out the famous Catacombs and Paris Sewer Museum. With so much to offer in the way of culture, history, and gastronomy, it would take years to see everything here but you can still get a good feel of the city in a few days.

4. Go city hopping

There are so many amazing cities in Europe that we’d need a top 100 to list them all. Here are some of my personal favorites and must-see cities: London is rich in history, culture, and the famous Big Ben clock; Edinburgh is a vibrant medieval city with cozy pubs and a famous castle with a huge New Year’s Eve Party; Amsterdam has cozy coffee shops and canopied tree-covered canals; Berlin has a wild party scene, street art, and the Berlin Wall; Barcelona has tapas, beach, and unique Gaudi architecture; coastal Lisbon has colorful tiles, old tramcars, cobblestone streets and plenty of fresh seafood; Prague has a beautiful intact Old Town, incredible architecture and eclectic bars; Tallinn Estonia has beautiful medieval buildings with colorful roofs. Florence  is a mecca for Italian Renaissance architecture, art history, and gelato; Stockholm mixes medieval architecture and modern art and design. Crisscross the continent, take in the culture, and enjoy all the historic cities!

5. Hit the Alps

Whether you go skiing in the winter or hiking in the summer, the Alps hold some of the most breathtaking views in all the world. You don’t even need to be an expert hiker because there are mountain trails for all levels and crystal-clear Alpine lakes. Check out the spectacular Eibsee trail loop in Bavaria at the foot of Die Zugspitze, Germany’s tallest mountain, for the clearest, multi-colored, sparkling lake you’ve ever seen. Or the Männlichen Kleine Scheidegg Panorama trail in Switzerland’s stunning green and snow-capped Alps. Or visit Italy’s Dolomites in South Tyrol for the scenic Seceda trail. The Alps have trails for every fitness level and in every season.

Other Things to See and Do in Europe

1. tour amsterdam.

I love Amsterdam so much that I lived here for a short period of time in 2006. Here cobblestone and brick streets weave around lovely canals as people ride their bikes to and fro. My favorite things to enjoy here are Amsterdam’s vibrant art and music scene and there are also a ton of interesting museums here like the Anne Frank House, FOAM, the history museum, and the hemp museum. Be sure you get out of the center into Jordaan and Oost with their wonderful outdoor cafes and fewer tourists. Also, a visit to Amsterdam wouldn’t be complete without a canal cruise to visit the many islands and there are many to choose from that include snacks and drinks, sunset cruises, live guided tours, and more.

2. Hang out in Barcelona

Barcelona is a city that goes 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It truly could give NYC a run for the “city that never sleeps” title. Be prepared for late-night dinners and parties until dawn. Besides a great food and nightlife scene, there is a wonderful beach, tons of Gaudi architecture (including the fairytale-like Parc Güell, as well as the iconic Sagrada Familia , which has been under construction for over 100 years!), incredible food tours, one of the best history museums in the country, and lots of outdoor spaces. What I love about Barcelona is that when you’re ready to chill, you can wander around Parc de la Ciutadella and marvel at the majestic fountains, plant life, and buildings created from an ornate military fortress.

3. Visit Berlin

Hip and trendy Berlin is an energetic destination. It is one of Europe’s most affordable capital cities, with a vibrant music and art scene and a growing foodie movement. Be sure to spend some time learning about the city’s darker history via the many excellent museums, memorials, and landmarks. The East Side Gallery, a section of the Berlin Wall that’s now painted with murals, and the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe are two especially powerful reminders of Germany’s past. For all periods of German history, don’t miss the Deutsches Historisches Museum (German Historical Museum) – it’s one of the best history museums in the world. Once you’ve had your fill of history, relax in Berlin’s many green spaces, from Tempelhof Field, the site of a former airfield and popular local hangout spot, to Tiergarten, a tree-covered former hunting ground for 17th-century aristocrats.

4. Drink beer at Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is a must for anyone going to Germany at the end of September. While not a budget option since beers now cost 15 € a maß, I love the energy and friendly camaraderie this event inspires. For two weeks, millions of people from all over the world gather for lots of beer, excitement, music, and wild fun. Watching thousands of people sing together, raising quart-sized beer mugs for endless toasts, and enjoying the general party atmosphere makes you feel good about the world. (Or maybe that’s just the beer?) Just be sure to book your accommodation well in advance and be prepared to pay top prices for them. If you don’t have an outfit, don’t worry, there are plenty of shops even at the main train station where you can buy a Bavarian dirndl dress and men’s lederhosen.

5. Experience London

Get a taste of English culture in diverse London . The museums here are some of the best in the world (most are free) and include the Tate, the British Museum, the City Museum, the National Gallery, the Historical Museum. There’s no shortage of iconic sights here as well, with Big Ben, the House of Parliament, the London Eye, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and of course, Buckingham Palace. I love London’s diversity because of the countless international eateries with great food and wonderful pub culture, perfect for after a long day seeing the sights. Head to Brick Lane on the weekends for some amazing food and craft markets. I prefer Paris to London, but there is something sophisticated and fun about London. Just watch those pints — London is not a cheap destination!

6. Get outdoors in Scandinavia

My favorite region in Europe is Scandinavia. The quality of life here is high, the people are beautiful and friendly, and the cities are clean and historic. Cycling the cities, taking canal tours, hiking the vast forested areas, archipelago hopping, enjoying fika (a Swedish coffee break), and warming up in saunas are just a few of the popular activities that await you here. True, this area of Europe is not cheap, but there are plenty of ways to reduce your expenses. Don’t let the high prices scare you away. Highlights for me include Copenhagen , Stockholm , Gotland, Norway’s fjords, and Lapland in Finland .

7. Get enchanted in Prague

Prague has an amazing history and is one of the most beautiful and picturesque cities I’ve ever seen. Highlights include the 9th-century Prague Castle, the magnificent Charles Bridge (built in the 14th century and one of the oldest standing bridges in the world), the 10th-century old square with its iconic astronomical clock, and the winding Jewish Quarter. Even if you only have a few days there don’t miss the free walking tour which is one of my favorites in Europe and the best way to learn about the Old Town and the tragic history of the city that went from thriving Bohemian capital of art, music, and literature to part of the Iron Curtain after WWII. Some of my favorite gems here include the fantastic black light theater shows in 4D and the one-of-a-kind medieval dinner show in an old tavern complete with musicians and jugglers not to mention hearty food and drinks. During the weekends it heaves with people enjoying the bars, cheap beer, and delicious food so try to visit during the week (and in the spring or fall) to beat the crowds.

8. Relax on the French Riviera

Here, you can pretend to live the high life for a little bit. Have fun in the sun, relax on the beach, swim in azure blue water, hobnob with the rich and famous, and sail on (or gaze at) gigantic yachts. As for cities, Nice is nice with its palm-tree-lined promenade, old town, and many art museums. If you want to go see how the rich and famous live, spend an afternoon checking out Cannes to soak up some glamorous vibes on La Croisette where they hold the famous Cannes Film Festival. The kingdom of Monaco with its tiny streets, beautiful buildings, and world-famous casino is just a skip away too.

9. Enjoy the great outdoors in Interlaken

Located in the beautiful mountains of Switzerland, Interlaken is a gorgeous place to unwind with fantastic hiking, delicious hot chocolate, and plenty of outdoor sports. The area is full of natural attractions to explore, including the St. Beatus Caves (complete with a legendary dragon), the cascading 500-meter-high (1,640 feet) Giessbach Waterfalls, the Jungfraujoch mountain railway (which leads to the highest train station on the continent), and a plethora of lakes (hence the town’s name). It’s a good alternative to all the cities and museums. Interlaken is also a popular party destination for backpackers and other young travelers. By far, my favorite scenic and visually stunning trail was the Oberberghorn panoramic hike, where you can wander the green mountain ridge ogling the amazing views and the turquoise-blue Brienzersee.

10. Experience history in Rome

In this thriving historical city, you can’t walk two feet without stumbling over a ruin, making Rome a history buff’s dream. Its tiny streets are perfect for wandering as you explore the Colosseum, see the Forum and Palatine Hill, visit the Pantheon, spend time in Vatican City, admire the Spanish Steps, and toss coins into the famous Trevi Fountain. The skip-the-line tickets can definitely be worth it so you don’t waste time waiting outside attractions. Rome also has amazing food (it’s Italy, after all) and nightlife. Visit the Trastevere area for a taste of “local” Rome and chill bars. It’s my favorite area in the city because you feel like you’re in a small village in the middle of a big city.

11. Hike around the Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is my favorite part of Italy. These five beautiful cliffside towns are perched near warm waters and beautiful olive and grape groves. There are wondrous and strenuous hikes in these hills; for a real challenge, take trail #8. Or just walk the coastline for something less difficult. Many activities here revolve around the coastline: kayaking, swimming, having a beach picnic or visiting the Technical Naval Museum. If you happen to be here in December or January, don’t miss the Nativity Manarola, the world’s biggest lighted nativity scene.

12. Tour Krakow

Krakow looks like it stepped out of a medieval postcard. It’s a hip, trendy, and youthful city that’s the center of education in Poland, meaning there are a lot of university students here. Most travelers come to party here (the vodka is cheap) but try to enjoy the city’s history and food besides just the bars. Walk the Royal Road through the Old Town to the 13th-century Wawel Castle, tour Schindler’s Factory (where Schindler saved over 1,200 Jews during World War II), and visit the sobering Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. You can also take a fascinating day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Wieliczka Salt Mine, a 13th-century mine with cavernous chambers, statues, chapels, chandeliers, and cathedrals all carved out of salt.

13. Visit the ruin bars in Budapest

The coolest nightlife in all of Europe is found in Budapest . Built in abandoned buildings, ruin bars feature funky art installations, repurposed furniture, and quirky decor. They are amazing, fun, and great places to meet locals, as people of all ages flock here. Open since 2001, Szimpla Kert is the original ruin bar and one of my favorites, along with Instant-Fogas Complex, which takes up an entire building and is actually many different bars in one. Don’t skip the ruin bars — they’re one of the most unique things about the city!

14. Explore Cornwall

The best part of England is outside London, yet unfortunately, not a lot of travelers leave London. Head west to the area of Cornwall for cheaper prices, welcoming locals, natural beauty, great hiking, rolling hills, plenty of medieval castles, and picturesque small towns. If you like biking, the Camel Trail from Bodmin to Padstow is worth the trip and you even pass by a local vineyard. It’s an easy way to spend a day (and it’s pretty flat so it’s not too hard to do.) Plus, I had the best fish and chips in Cornwall! Overall, it’s what you think of as “traditional England.”

15. Walk the Camino

El Camino de Santiago (The Way of Saint James) is an ancient pilgrimage route that stretches from France all the way across northern Spain. It is a 500 mile (800 km) trail that winds through incredible terrain, ending in Santiago de Compostela at the cathedral where St. James is supposedly buried. As a pilgrim, you get a “pilgrim’s passport” which allows you to stay in affordable pilgrim-only hostels, making this a surprisingly budget-friendly adventure. While it usually takes over a month to complete, you can just walk a section if you don’t have the time. To receive a “Compostela” (certificate of completion), you just need to walk the last 62 miles (100 km), which generally takes 4-5 days.

16. Throw tomatoes during La Tomatina

By far my favorite festival, the largest food fight in the world happens during the last Wednesday of August in Bunol, Spain. What started in 1945 as a local brawl has turned into a massive event drawing tens of thousands of people from all over the world. For about an hour, everyone throws tomatoes at each other, leaving streets ankle-deep in tomato juice. Afterward, everyone walks down to the river, cleans off, and then heads to the town square for sangria and music.

17. Find Dracula in Romania

Not a lot of people visit Romania but this underrated country in Eastern Europe has undiscovered yet picturesque medieval towns like Brasov (home to “Dracula’s castle”), Sighisoara, and Sibiu; gorgeous beaches on the Black Sea; and incredible hiking in the Fagaras Mountains — all at dirt-cheap prices. Other major sights include frescoed Byzantine monasteries, the steepled wooden churches of Transylvania, the hip university town Cluj-Napoca, the post-communist capital of Bucharest, and the Danube Delta, a huge nature reserve.

18. Drink whisky in Islay

Whisky has a long history on Islay , an island off Scotland’s west coast. It’s been made there since the 16th-century — first in backyards and then, starting in the 19th-century, in large distilleries. Over the years, whisky from the island came to be considered a specialty and was used to flavor a lot of other blends on the mainland. There are currently nine working distilleries on the island, all located along the island’s shores, with Laphroaig, Ardbeg, and Lagavulin being the most famous. Most distilleries here make single-malt Scotch, meaning that only one type of grain (barley) is used. My visit here was amazing and, even if you don’t like whisky, there are tons of good hikes and walks throughout this magnificent island.

19. Explore Iceland

Iceland is a magical country with majestic waterfalls, hidden hot springs around every corner, and sweeping vistas unlike anywhere else in the world. After my first visit, the country quickly became one of my favorite countries. With whale watching in the summer, the northern lights in the winter, and geothermal baths for soaking in year-round, there really is no bad time to visit! While Iceland’s main draw is the epic natural landscapes, it’s worth spending a couple of days in Reykjavik with its café culture, artsy feel, and brightly colored wooden row houses.

20. Sail the Croatian coast

With calm winds, short distances, a coastline littered with over 1,000 islands, and countless historical sites, Croatia is one of the world’s best sailing destinations. If you can, go during the shoulder season when you can find some great deals. Plan to stay at least a couple of days on one of the islands, with the most popular being Brac, Hvar, Krk, Cres, and Lošinj. However, don’t be afraid to get off the beaten path and explore some of the lesser-known islands such as Silba, Vis, and Lastovo. If you want to splash out and spend a week partying on a yacht, check out The Yacht Week, which hosts week-long parties, complete with DJs, from May-September. You can book a full boat to share with friends or just a cabin if you’re traveling solo. Prices start at 5,250 HRK per person and go up to 9,300 HRK.

21. Explore the Balkans

While the Balkans have become more popular with backpackers in recent years, it’s still largely overlooked by most budget travelers, despite being an extremely budget-friendly region. The Balkan peninsula is home to great (and again, overlooked) wine, beautiful medieval towns like Kotor and Mostar, stunning mountainous landscapes, beautiful pebble beaches, coffee culture, fresh, hearty yet inexpensive food, and museums covering the area’s history, including the most recent turbulent events of the early 1990s. I especially loved my time in Albania . Don’t miss the beautiful beaches in Ksamil, nicknamed the “Maldives of Europe’ as well as the mountain village of Gjirokastër, which was occupied by Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. The Balkans have so much to offer for every budget and every country has its unique cultural flavor.

22. Take a wine tour in the Loire Valley

Located in central France, the picturesque Loire Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site and stretches 280 kilometers (174 miles) along the Loire River. One of the major wine-producing regions of France, the area is home to some of the best wines in the world, with over 1,000 vineyards open to the public. Even those who don’t drink wine will enjoy the beautiful small towns, great food, and the region’s over 300 impressive chateaux. I loved the medieval Chenonceau Castle and Chateau Villandry and the small villages like Saint-Florent-le-Vieil. Spring and Autumn are my favorite times to visit because you can go biking and do outdoor activities when it’s not too hot and there are fewer people. It’s an area not to be missed.

23. See Fado in Portugal

Fado is an important musical tradition in Portugal , originating in Lisbon and stretching back some 200 years. The word “fado” likely stems from the Latin word for fate, and it’s very haunting, poetic, and emotional music. Most of the songs follow themes of loss and mourning, and the music was popular with the working class (especially sailors). Performances normally take place in restaurants during dinner. In Lisbon, head to Clube de Fado, Tasca do Chico, Parreirinha de Alfama, or Senhor Vinho.

24. Tour green Slovenia

Slovenia is one of Europe’s least-visited destinations, which is mind-blowing to me because it’s an amazing place to visit. Slovenia offers all the beauty of Western Europe but at a fraction of the cost and with a fraction of the crowds. Perfect for outdoor adventure lovers, Slovenia offers rugged mountains, untouched landscapes, fantastic ski resorts, plentiful wine, sprawling cave systems, incredible food, and postcard-perfect lakes, such as the famous Lake Bled with its castle on an island. I loved Piran, Slovenia’s often overlooked coastal Venetian-style harbor town that was actually founded 3000 years ago. Stroll around its beautiful windy cobble-stoned streets, beautiful plazas, and take advantage of the many affordable restaurants right on the water. Make sure to also spend a few days in the country’s capital, Ljubljana, known as one of the continent’s greenest and most livable cities. Take a river cruise to see the city and enjoy the friendliness of the locals.

  For more information on specific countries in Europe, check out the guides below:

• Albania Travel Guide
• Austria Travel Guide
• Belgium Travel Guide
• Belarus Travel Guide
• Bosnia & Herzegovina Travel Guide
• Bulgaria Travel Guide
• Czechia Travel Guide
• Croatia Travel Guide
• Denmark Travel Guide
• England Travel Guide
• Estonia Travel Guide
• Finland Travel Guide
• France Travel Guide
• Germany Travel Guide
• Greece Travel Guide
• Hungary Travel Guide
• Iceland Travel Guide
• Ireland Travel Guide
• Italy Travel Guide
• Latvia Travel Guide
• Lithuania Travel Guide
• Malta Travel Guide
• Moldova Travel Guide
• Montenegro Travel Guide
• Netherlands Travel Guide
• Norway Travel Guide
• Portugal Travel Guide
• Poland Travel Guide
• Romania Travel Guide
• Scotland Travel Guide
• Slovakia Travel Guide
• Slovenia Travel Guide
• Spain Travel Guide
• Sweden Travel Guide
• Switzerland Travel Guide
• Ukraine Travel Guide

Europe Travel Costs

Accommodation – Accommodation prices vary greatly by region. In Western Europe, hostel dorm rooms cost between 25-45 EUR per night, depending on the room’s size and the popularity of the hostel. I stayed in a 6-bed dorm in Berlin for 20 EUR, while the same one would have cost me around 45 EUR in Paris. A room in Paris costs on the higher end and a room in cheaper Athens costs on the lower end.

In Eastern Europe, hostel dorm rooms cost between 10-15 EUR per night depending on the size of the dorm room and the popularity of the hostel. The further east you go, the cheaper it gets. Expect to pay around 30-60 EUR per night for a private room that sleeps two.

In Scandinavia, hostel dorm beds cost around 25-45 EUR, while private rooms are 65-80 EUR. Budget hotels start around 85 EUR.

Most accommodations offer free linens, free Wi-Fi, and a lot offer free breakfast, but it’s important to check specific websites for exact amenities.

Campsites cost between 10-15 EUR per night for a basic plot for two without electricity.

Food – Food traditions in Europe run deep, stretching back centuries to become integral parts of each country’s culture. From baguettes in France to tapas in Spain, from hearty Eastern European stews and goulash to the fresh vegetables and olive oils of the Mediterranean, European cuisine varies as much as the countries themselves. Food prices differ greatly across the continent, so check individual country guides for specifics.

But no matter where you are, even in the more expensive countries, finding places to eat within your budget is easier than you might think. Throughout Western Europe, you can find small shops, street food stalls, or food trucks where you can get sandwiches, gyros, kebabs, slices of pizza, or sausages for between 3-7 EUR. These shops are most often found in train stations, bus stations, and main pedestrian areas, and offer cheap food alternatives that can have you eating on 12-17 EUR per day. Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 7-10 EUR for a combo meal.

Turkish, Middle Eastern, and Vietnamese eateries abound in Germany, while Indian food is incredible and everywhere in the United Kingdom. Meals at these restaurants usually cost between 8-12 EUR.

Restaurant meals in casual, traditional eateries generally cost around 13-25 EUR for a main dish and drink. Food is much cheaper in the east than in the west, and in the west, northern regions like Scandinavia and the UK are more expensive than southern countries like Spain, Portugal, and Italy.

In Eastern Europe, even if you are eating out for all your meals, you can still get by on a food budget of as little as 15 EUR per day.

For drinks, a pint of beer is 2-5 EUR, a glass of wine is 2-7 EUR, a cappuccino is 2-5 EUR, and cocktails range from 6-14 EUR.

If you eat out, do so at lunch and get the prix-fixe menu (two-course or three-course set menu). Restaurants offer this set menu during lunch, and with prices between 10-20 EUR, it’s a way better deal than the regular dinner menu. You can also get affordable lunches at outdoor markets. So many European cities have huge fresh food markets throughout town.

You can cook your own food for around 45-65 EUR per week. This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, seasonal produce, bread, and some meat. You can save money by shopping at discount supermarkets like Profi, Lidl, Aldi, and Penny Market.

If you want to save big money on meals, head to one of the markets, pick up some cheese, wine, bread, meats, or anything else, and go to the park for a picnic. (Or grab a sandwich for later!) You’ll find the locals doing the same thing, and it’s one of the cheaper ways to get a true taste of local food.

Backpacking Europe Suggested Budgets

Prices for travel in Europe vary greatly depending on how far north, east, south, or west you travel. If you stick to the budget accommodations, food, and tours listed here and use all my tips on saving money, you need about 65-110 EUR per day in Western Europe, 40-50 EUR in Eastern Europe, and about 85-130 EUR in Scandinavia.

Those numbers reflect a traveler who stays in hostels, cooks some meals and eats out cheaply, enjoys a few drinks, and sticks to free and cheap activities like hiking, walking tours, and enjoying nature. This is your typical backpacker budget. You aren’t going to have a fancy time, but you aren’t going to want for anything either.

However, by getting tourist cards and rail passes, avoiding flights, occasionally Couchsurfing or camping, cooking all your meals, and not drinking, you can travel a lot cheaper. On this budget, you could do Western Europe on 35-45 EUR per day, Eastern Europe on 20-25 EUR, and Scandinavia on 50-65 EUR. That would require you to take a train or a bus or hitchhike everywhere, skip most museums, and limit how often you go out.

Generally, the suggested daily budget for Europe is 80-120 EUR. You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Europe Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Individual country guides have more specific information on how to save money in them but here are some general tips on cutting your costs while you explore Europe:

• Picnic – This continent has a lot of little shops where you can buy pre-made sandwiches or ingredients to make your own. Many supermarkets have delis as well where you can get food to go. Buy some food, eat outside, and watch the city and its people go by. It’s a much more enjoyable and cheaper way to eat.
• Eat local and cheap – Not into picnicking? Eat at local sandwich shops, pizza parlors, Maoz, Wok to Walks, and outdoor street vendors. Avoiding restaurants and eating at a lot of the local “grab n’ go” places gives you a taste of the local cuisine at a much cheaper price. If you’re really on a budget, use your creative cooking skills to prepare meals at the hostel as well.
• Stay with a local – Hostels can add up really quickly. If you don’t have any friends with whom you can stay, consider using Couchsurfing , which connects you with locals who let you stay with them for free. Plus, they tend to also have meetups to meet other locals and travelers. It’s a great way to save on accommodation and meet a local who can share their insider tips and advice.
• Camp in a garden – A very good camping service specific to Europe is Campspace , which allows you to pitch a tent in someone’s backyard for free or for a small fee (around 10-20 EUR). All of the garden owners have profiles that tell you what services and facilities they offer. Also, many countries allow wild camping (like Sweden), which can save you a fortune if you have a tent.
• Take the bus – Budget bus companies like Flixbus can take you across the continent for cheap. I personally feel it’s best for day travel as sitting up for an overnight bus isn’t really ideal for sleeping. It isn’t glamorous, but with tickets starting at 5 EUR, you really can’t complain!
• Get a Rail Pass – Eurail Passes have saved me hundreds of dollars. If you are traveling far distances and through many countries, they are a great deal.
• Take the free city tours – One of the great things about Europe is that you can find free walking tours in all the major cities. They can be a great way to see the city attractions, take in some history, and learn your bearings without spending any money. Just make sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Plan accordingly – Plan your trip around Europe so you avoid doubling back. Transportation is a big expense so proper planning can save you a lot of money (and time). Go in a straight line or a loop. Booking your accommodation ahead helps you save as well since cheap, good places unsurprisingly get reserved first. One thing I’ve learned is that waiting until the last minute means you get stuck with expensive places or cheap places no one wants.
• Fly cheap – If you know where you are going and a train won’t do, try to book flights early. You can often get round trip fares for as little as 5 EUR from many of the European discount airlines like Ryanair or Wizz. Many capital cities have smaller airports farther from the city with ‘inconvenient’ times but cheaper fares. Keep in mind you might need to factor in an early morning Uber or taxi if the busses aren’t running and you have an early flight!
• Drink less – Those 5 EUR beers add up. Hit happy hours or pick and choose when you party. Hostel bars are a good place to get cheap drinks or buy your alcohol at the supermarket. Plus, in Europe, it’s legal to drink outside in parks, plazas, by the lakes or rivers. You’ll find you can save a lot of money by not going to bars and clubs. Partying your way across the continent will destroy your bank balance in no time.
• Get a city tourist card – Many local tourism offices sell a tourism card for all their attractions, tours, and restaurants. This card gives you free entry and substantial discounts on all the attractions and tours in a city, free local public transportation (a huge plus), and discounts at a few restaurants and shopping malls. They save a ton of money. If you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing, get one of these cards.
• Rideshare – If you’re flexible in your schedule, use the ridesharing service BlaBlaCar to catch rides with locals between cities (or countries) by paying a small fee. It’s like Airbnb but for rides. I used this service in Switzerland and, not only did I save a lot of money, but I got to meet interesting people and learn about local culture and life. Drivers are verified and it’s perfectly safe, though sometimes rides cancel at the last minute (which is why you need to be flexible). Check their ratings first and try to use rides where the person has done many trips.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water is safe to drink in most of Europe, so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
• Get a HostelPass – HostelPass is a discount membership for hostels in Europe. Members get 10-20% off select hostels around Europe, as well as perks like free breakfast or free drinks. There are discounts on tours and activities too. It’s a great way to save money if you’re bouncing around Europe as they have hostels in 18 countries around the continent.

Where to Stay in Europe

Europe has a ton of budget accommodation options. The individual country and city guides have tons of recommendations but here’s a short list of some of my favorite budget hostels and hotels around Europe:

• The Flying Pig (Amsterdam, The Netherlands)
• Hotel 54 (Barcelona, Spain)
• Generator Hostel (Copenhagen, Denmark)
• Harcourt Hotel (Dublin, Ireland)
• Castle Rock (Edinburgh, Scotland)
• Ios Palm Pansion (Ios, Greece)
• Greg and Tom’s Party Hostel (Krakow, Poland)
• Largo da Sé Guest House (Lisbon, Portugal)
• Sophie’s Hostel (Prague, Czech Republic)
• The Yellow (Rome, Italy)
• City Backpackers (Stockholm, Sweden)

How to Get Around Europe

Public transportation – Transportation around most European cities is by tram, subway, or bus. Prices are typically around 2 EUR for a one-way ticket in Western Europe and closer to 1 EUR in Eastern Europe. Most large cities also have day passes available that offer unlimited public transportation. These passes are usually 5-12 EUR per day.

In large cities with international airports, there is usually a bus or train available that ferries travelers from the downtown core to the airport. Expect to pay around 5-15 EUR to get to/from the airport.

Bus – Buses are not quite as comfortable as Europe’s trains, although certain lines do have great amenities (like roomy seats and Wi-Fi). While buses are not the most efficient way to travel around the continent, they’re certainly dependable, reliable, and cheap. You can find last-minute rides for as little as 5 EUR. A route from Berlin to Munich is about 25 EUR, while Paris to Bordeaux can be as low as 10 EUR. Longer routes, like Amsterdam to Copenhagen, start at around 47 EUR.

Each country has its own national bus service, but some lines also take you long distances internationally. Megabus and Flixbus (which now owns Eurolines) are the most popular companies.

Train – Train travel is a great way to see Europe. Intercity train prices vary wildly from country to country, depending on whether you take the slow train or a high-speed train and how far in advance you book. For example, a high-speed train from Berlin to Munich costs around 38-60 EUR, Bordeaux to Paris is about 50-85 EUR, and Madrid to Barcelona ranges from 45-85 EUR. Non-high-speed trains and other intercity lines are a lot cheaper, generally costing about 40-50% of the price of high-speed trains. Eastern Europe inter-country trains usually cost between 45-100 EUR when the ticket is booked last minute. Short train rides of 2-3 hours within countries cost about 27 EUR.

To find routes and prices for trains around Europe, use Trainline .

You may also want to consider getting a Eurail Pass , which allows travelers to explore Europe by providing a set number of stops in a specific time period. These passes are continent-wide, country-specific, or regional. It can potentially save you hundreds of dollars.

Ridesharing/Car sharing – If your schedule is flexible, use a ridesharing service and catch rides with locals between cities (or countries). Drivers are verified and it’s perfectly safe. BlaBlaCar is the most popular.

If you’d rather rent a car yourself and find passengers to share a ride with, use Discover Cars to find the best car rental prices.

Flying – Budget airlines are so prolific that competition helps keep fares low. You can often find tickets where the fare is just 5 EUR round-trip! Companies like EasyJet, Ryanair, Wizz, and Vueling offer mind-blowingly cheap flights throughout Europe. Book at least a month early to scoop up great deals.

Make sure that the airport they fly into isn’t too far out of your way (transportation from the secondary airport sometimes negates the savings from using the budget airline itself).

Keep in mind that you’ll have to pay to check your baggage on these cheap flights. It costs about 25-39 EUR for one checked bag. If you wait to pay for your luggage at the gate, you end up paying almost double. Travel carry-on only to avoid this added cost.

Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking in Europe is very safe, but it’s not for everyone. Hitching is quite common around the continent and I’ve met a number of travelers who have done it (I, myself, traveled this way in Bulgaria and Iceland). Some countries are very supportive (Romania, Iceland, Germany) while others may be a bit more time-consuming (Italy, Spain). HitchWiki is the best website for hitchhiking info.

Here are my suggested articles for how to get around Europe:

• 7 Cheap Ways to Travel Across Europe
• Are Eurail Passes a Giant Scam or Do They Save You Money?
• The Ultimate Guide to Finding Cheap Flights

When to Go to Europe

There’s no wrong time to visit Europe. Peak season is summer, when Europe gets crowded and August is the time most European families are at the beach so everything becomes more crowded and expensive. But the overall atmosphere and weather are great during this time, so it’s still worth visiting during peak season (just book your accommodation in advance — especially in August). Keep in mind it’s much hotter in summer so if you like AC, be sure to check that your hostel or hotel has it before you book. You can expect the most crowds in Western Europe. For this reason, I feel summer is a great time to visit the Balkans and the Baltics because many people head to the beaches in Spain, France, Italy, Croatia, and Greece.

Shoulder season is spring and fall (April-May and September-October). It’s still warm during this time but there aren’t as many crowds and prices are cheaper. This is my favorite time to visit hotspot places like Spain, Croatia and Greece, where it’s still hot enough to swim in the sea but you have way more room on the beach. It’s also a good time to go hiking in the Alps in Germany, northern Italy, Slovenia and Switzerland because it’s cooler during the day so you’re much less sweaty on the mountain without shade. The weather is good, the crowds are smaller, and the prices lower.

Winter is from November to February but in much of Central Europe, it’s wet and cold until March or April. It gets cold, even as far south as it gets (like Greece). On the other hand, the Christmas season has Christmas markets and festivals galore! Even if it’s cold, this is a cultural tradition you can’t miss and why I love Europe in December. There is hot mulled wine, sweets, and plenty of hot snacks, which vary by country. One of my favorites is Prague because the Old Town Square is lit up with a gigantic tree with aromas of crispy cinnamon pastries and mulled wine. Berlin takes their Christmas markets very seriously, so there are around 80 different markets with special themes.

Winter is fantastic in Europe for skiing and snowboarding but it doesn’t have to break the bank if you plan carefully. While Switzerland and France are probably the most famous, they are also expensive, but there are plenty of budget winter options.

How to Stay Safe in Europe

Europe is very safe for backpacking and solo traveling, even if you’re traveling solo, and even as a solo female traveler. Violent crimes against tourists are very rare. In fact, some of the safest countries in the world are in Europe. (I wrote a whole article about how Europe is safe to visit right now .)

That said, there are scams and petty crimes you should watch out for, especially around popular tourist landmarks. The most important thing to be aware of is pickpockets in crowds and on public transportation. Zip your bags and don’t put your mobile phone in a jacket pocket where someone could quickly take it. This should be obvious but don’t flash your money to let everyone know you have a huge wad of cash.

When choosing a hostel, look for ones with lockers. It’s always a good idea to carry around a padlock or combination lock. Most hostels are safe and travelers respect each other and I’ve rarely seen things happen to people’s valuables. Nevertheless, I always think that prevention is better.

As anywhere, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). When at the bar, always keep an eye on your drink. Avoid walking home alone at night if you’re intoxicated.

For female travelers in particular, it’s always a good idea to have a bit of extra money on you just in case you need to take an Uber or taxi back by yourself so you don’t take unnecessary risks to save money. If you’re using apps to date people while traveling, please use common sense and meet in public places. Since I’m not a female traveler, please check out the numerous female bloggers who have first hand knowledge of this.

If you’re worried about scams, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

If you rent a vehicle, don’t leave any valuables in it overnight. Break-ins are rare, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Be aware that the UK drives on the left and that most rental cars in Europe will have manual transmissions unless you request otherwise.

When hiking, always bring water, sunscreen, and bandaids or foot plasters. There is nothing worse than being halfway up the mountain with a blister and nothing you can do about it!

Likewise, when at the coast, don’t forget not only to wear sunscreen! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people get burnt to a crisp the first day. Be sure to check the weather before you depart and dress accordingly.

If you do experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary to loved ones so they know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Europe Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

GO DEEPER: Nomadic Matt’s In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

While I have a lot of free tips on Europe, I also wrote an entire book that goes into great detail on everything you need to plan a trip here on a budget! You’ll get suggested itineraries, budgets, even more ways to save money, my favorite restaurants, prices, practical information (i.e. phone numbers, websites, prices, safety advice, etc etc), and cultural tips.

I’ll give the insider view of Europe that I got from years of traveling and living here! The downloadable guide can be used on your Kindle, iPad, phone, or computer so you can have it with you when you go. Click here to learn more about my book on Europe!

Europe Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Europe travel and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Copenhagen

The 6 Best Hotels in Florence

The 7 Best Hotels in Madrid

The 6 Best Hotels in Vienna

The Best Walking Tours in Barcelona

How to Be a Digital Nomad in Europe

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

• EN - English
• PT - Portuguese
• ES - Spanish
• How it works
• Become a Host
• Download the app

Top Destinations

• United States
• United Kingdom

What type of experience are you looking for?

• Non-Profit School
• Permaculture project
• Eco Village
• Holistic Center
• Guest House
• How Worldpackers works

Learn from the most experienced travelers of the community

Traveling with worldpackers, planning and budgeting for travel, make a living while traveling as a lifestyle, travel with worldpackers.

• Using Worldpackers
• Work exchange
• Social impact

Plan your trip

• Women traveling
• Budget travel
• Solo travel
• Language learning
• Travel tips
• Get inspired
• Digital nomads
• Travel jobs
• Personal development
• Responsible travel
• Connect with nature

Top destinations

• South America
• Central America
• North America
• More destinations
• WP Life WP Life
• Exclusive discounts Discounts
• Europe travel tips

What is the average cost of a trip to Europe?

A summary of what a trip to Europe may cost, based on different travel styles, time frames, and destinations.

Gabrielle Budget Travel With Gabby

Mar 05, 2024

Europe is one of the most fascinating continents in the world. With 44 countries packed into a relatively small area, you can hop from country to country quickly and cheaply.

And between each country, the landscapes, cultures, and histories vary so much. You can jump on a bus or train for a few hours and end up in a completely different world from where you started.

Currency, language, architecture, traditions, cuisine, and lifestyles are so different in various European countries. It’s such an amazing place to travel because you can experience and learn so much in a shorter time than you could on other continents.

So for anyone who is planning a trip to Europe , you may be wondering how much money you need. As a whole, Europe is one of the more expensive continents to travel around. South America or Asia would be much cheaper.

But it is possible to explore Europe on a budget . And it is important to note that every traveler is different, so the average cost of a trip to Europe could vary greatly from person to person.

But we’ll provide a general Europe trip budget that can be used as a guideline. We’ll also explain some of the main factors that may affect your Europe trip cost, such as where you go, how long your go for, and your travel style. So let’s dive into the average cost of a trip to Europe.

Important to consider when creating a Europe trip budget

The cost of a European vacation will be different for every person because every traveler is different. But there are some factors that will greatly influence your Europe trip cost . Here are some important things to consider when planning a trip to Europe and estimating how much money you will need.

Some countries are cheaper than others

As I mentioned earlier, countries in Europe are completely different from each other despite being so close together geographically. When thinking about the average cost of a trip to Europe, it is important to think about which countries you will be visiting .

Generally speaking, countries in Eastern Europe are much more affordable than countries in Western and Northern Europe. Most tourists tend to head to Western Europe, whereas the eastern side of the continent isn’t as touristy. That means you get much better value for money in the east.

Some of the cheapest countries to visit in Eastern Europe include Albania , Romania , Bulgaria , Serbia , Montenegro , Hungary , and more. Countries like Greece and Croatia are a bit more touristy and expensive, but they are still generally cheaper than Western Europe. If you spend more time in these countries, your money will go much further.

The most expensive countries in Europe to visit include France , England , Sweden , Norway , Denmark , Switzerland , and Germany . All of these are in Western or Northern Europe, with Scandinavia being one of the most expensive regions in the world. If you spend lots of time here, you’ll need more money for your trip. Countries that are mid-range include Italy, Portugal, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Austria, Spain, Latvia, and more.

What is your travel style?

Another factor that will affect the average cost of a trip to Europe is your travel style. Are you a frugal budget traveler? Or do you enjoy luxury? The way you choose to spend your money will greatly affect your Europe travel budget.

For example, a luxury travel style may look like this: staying in 5-star hotels, eating in nice restaurants, getting cocktails in bars, booking expensive excursions and guided tours, shopping for clothes or souvenirs, taking private taxis everywhere, etc. This type of travel style means you will need a lot more money than the average person. 

A budget traveler in Europe may have a travel style that is more like this: staying in backpacker hostels , couchsurfing, doing work exchanges , cooking their own meals, eating street food, taking public transport, hitchhiking, prioritizing free attractions, avoiding tourist traps and souvenir shops, flying budget airlines, drinking cheap beer and wine at happy hours, shopping at local markets, etc. With this type of travel style, you won’t spend as much money so you can do more with a smaller budget.

A mid-range traveler will be somewhere in between. It’s a good idea to have balance while traveling. You can travel longer with less money if you use some budget travel tips, but it’s fun to treat yourself as well. 

Work exchanges are a great way to travel in Europe because you can save money on accommodation, get to know the locals, and use your saved money for other things like tours and attractions. Some examples of popular work exchanges in Europe include:

• Work in an organic kitchen at a sustainable community in Germany 
• Volunteer at a permaculture project in Bulgaria 
• Help take care of the local dogs at a homestay in Spain 
• Work as a yoga teacher on an island in Greece 
• Help with gardening and animal care at a guest house in Sweden 
• Take care of the horses at a homestay in Ireland 
• Work at a fun, social hostel in Croatia 
• Learn to grow food at an eco farm in Slovenia 
• Work with a local family at a winery in Italy 

These are just a few examples of top-rated work exchanges in Europe where you can lower your trip costs.

Average cost of traveling to Europe on a budget

For the purpose of this article, I’ll be breaking down the average cost of traveling to Europe on a budget . This is the bare minimum you’ll be spending on your trip if you travel on a backpacker budget. So take into account your travel style and tack on more money accordingly.

Accommodation

Budget travelers in Europe have a few different options for accommodation . Hostels, work exchanges, and couchsurfing are the most popular. All of these options are significantly cheaper than staying in a hotel.

One night in a hostel dorm room in Europe will cost around 20 Euros , on average. This will vary depending on where in Europe you are staying. For example, expensive cities like London , Paris , Reykjavik ,  Amsterdam , Berlin , Stockholm , or Interlaken will have prices closer to 30 Euros per night. Cheap cities like Warsaw , Budapest , Sofia , Bucharest , and Tirana will have prices closer to 10 Euros per night.

And if you want to find free accommodation in Europe , work exchanges or couchsurfing is the way to go. Accommodation is usually the biggest expense while traveling, so finding free places to stay will significantly lower the average cost of a trip to Europe. 

For a work exchange, you’ll work around 20 hours per week to get free accommodation and sometimes free meals. Couchsurfing is another option - It's an online platform where you can find locals that open up their homes to travelers for free.

Average cost of meals

How much money you spend on food in Europe is hugely dependent on the individual. Eating out can get very expensive, so budget travelers tend to mix in some nice meals with some cheap street food or cooking at your hostel or work exchange kitchen.

The cost of a meal in a restaurant also varies greatly around Europe. An average estimate is also about 20 Euros per meal . Lunch and breakfast are usually cheaper than dinner, especially if drinks are involved. In Western Europe, you’ll easily spend 20 Euros on just breakfast or lunch with a coffee or drink. Dinner could be 30 or 40 Euros with wines and cocktails. In Eastern Europe, you can eat a massive meal in a restaurant for 15 Euros or sometimes less.

Street food and cheap takeaway places around Europe sometimes sell sandwiches or meals for around 10 Euros. So if you’re a budget traveler, let’s say you’d spend an average of 30 Euros per day on food . Again this will vary, especially if you’re doing a work exchange and you get some or all of your meals provided. But if you’re buying some groceries, snacking on street food, and eating out for one meal a day, you’d spend roughly 30 Euros on average.

Transportation in Europe

If you’re a budget traveler, stick to public transport to save money . The amount you’ll spend on transport depends on where you are and how far you want to venture. Many cities in Europe are walkable, so if you get some comfy shoes you can walk to many attractions. But if you’re traveling in more rural areas, public transport, taxis, or renting a car may be necessary.

For the sake of this article, let’s just say you’re staying in a city. To get from place to place, you take public transport, whether it be the train , bus, metro, or anything else. You try to walk as often as possible. Public transport is usually affordable around Europe, even in expensive cities like London. A single journey is only a couple of Euros .

So in one day in a European city, you’ll probably spend around 10 Euros on public transport . Some days you may spend more, such as when you travel to and from the airport or take day trips, which usually cost more than an inner-city journey. But some days you may not use any, so we’ll say 10 Euros is average.

European attractions 

Europe is full of touristy, paid attractions, and free attractions. Many churches, beaches, lookouts, museums, markets, statues, parks, gardens, and galleries are free around Europe -but many have a steep entry fee.

The average cost for museums and galleries around Europe is 10-20 Euros. Day tours are around 100 Euros, but lots of stuff is free as well. We’ll put an average spend of attractions at 20 Euros , to account for the cheaper and the more expensive options.

Keep in mind, this is just an estimate. Extreme budget travelers can very easily avoid paid attractions and just enjoy the sights around Europe for free. So you could definitely spend less than 20 Euros per day. But you also don’t want to miss out on things.

So to recap, the average cost of traveling to Europe on a budget is:

• Accommodation: 20 Euros per night
• Food: 30 Euros per day
• Transportation: 10 Euros per day
• Attractions: 20 Euros per day

This will vary from person to person, and of course, costs will be lower if you’re sticking to Europe’s cheaper countries. But it’s just a quick estimate.

Average cost of a 2 weeks trip to Europe

Now let’s look at a two-week trip to Europe. Based on the information I just gave, you have an idea of what the daily expenses look like for a budget travele r in Europe. I’ll now summarize what the average cost of a 2 weeks trip to Europe might look like for each type of budget range (backpacker, mid-level, and splurge).

Backpackers traveling through Europe will be sleeping in hostels or doing work exchanges , cooking some meals at home, eating at cheap local restaurants or street markets, drinking local alcohol, and choosing free attractions.

Based on the prices I estimated in the above section, here is what 2 weeks in Europe may look like for a budget traveler:

• Accommodation: 20 Euros per night for 14 nights = 280 Euros
• Food: 30 Euros per day for 14 days = 420 Euros
• Transportation: 10 Euros per day for 14 days = 140 Euros
• Attractions: 20 Euros per day for 14 days = 280 Euros

So for 2 weeks in Europe, a budget traveler may spend around 1,120 Euros . This could be lower if you budget to the extreme. Keep in mind, a work exchange cuts your accommodation costs down to 0, and your food, transport, and activity costs may be lower as well depending on what your host offers.

Mid-level budget

Two weeks in Europe on a mid-level budget will give you a combination of budget travel tips as well as plenty of opportunities to treat yourself. You may stay at a few hostels and a few nicer hotels, or maybe you’ll spend all of your time in affordable budget hotels.

You may also eat out somewhere nice once per day, and mix in some nights out with some affordable meals. Transportation will still be relatively low , unless you opt for taking taxis instead of buses or metros. And attractions will be about the same, with maybe a few expensive day trips or tours to take your trip to the next level.

Here is an estimate of what 2 weeks in Europe might look like for a traveler with a mid-range budget:

• Accommodation: 40 Euros per night for 14 nights = 560 Euros
• Food: 40 Euros per day for 14 days = 560 Euros
• Attractions: 50 Euros per day for 14 days = 700 Euros

So your total might be around 1,960 Euros for two weeks.

Splurge in Europe

If you have a budget with no limits, you can really live like a king or queen in Europe . There are so many fancy hotels, restaurants, and services that you can indulge in. The real luxury options will have outrageous price tags that suit the rich and famous, but even if you’re an average person who wants to splurge, you can keep the budget reasonable without missing out on anything.

Splurging in Europe, within reason, means staying at nice hotels, taking taxis, dining out, getting cocktails, and booking every attraction you want to regardless of the fees. Here is an overview of what two weeks in Europe on a high budget may look like:

• Accommodation: 200 Euros per night for 14 nights = 2,800 Euros
• Food: 80 Euros per day for 14 days = 1,120 Euros
• Transportation: 30 Euros per day for 14 days = 420 Euros
• Attractions : 70 Euros per day for 14 days = 980 Euros

That adds up to 5,320 for two weeks of luxury in Europe.  This could easily be more, but it’s just a starting point.

Average cost of a trip to Europe wrap-up

The main factor you should take away from this article is that you are in charge of your own trip.  These estimates are designed to help you formulate your own budget that suits your destinations and your travel style.

Also be sure to budget for flight costs , travel insurance , and any other purchases you think you might make abroad. And if you’re looking for the best way to cut costs while traveling in Europe, work exchanges are the way to go.

Check out our full list of work exchanges in Europe if you want to save money during your trip!

Join the community!

Create a free Worldpackers account to discover volunteer experiences perfect for you and get access to exclusive travel discounts!

Gabrielle Boucher

Budget Travel With Gabby

Hello! I am a 25 year old from the USA with a knack for traveling on a budget. I fell in love with traveling while studying in Europe, and that love grew even more when I started volunteering abroad in South America. Since then, I've worked odd jobs and volunteered all over the globe while cultivating passions for hiking, wildlife photography, food, wine, animals, permaculture, and more!

Be part of the Worldpackers Community

Already have an account, are you a host, leave your comment here.

Write here your questions and greetings to the author

May 10, 2023

my name is Arslanbek I need a job I can assemble furniture can you help me

May 14, 2023

How to pour from me

Jul 10, 2023

How to come...........?

I'm interested how can I contact you?

More about this topic

Germany on a budget: a guide with the best tips and the cheapest places to visit

Best way to travel europe: all you need to know to plan your trip.

Backpacking through europe: all you need to know

How do worldpackers trips work.

As a member, you can contact as many hosts and travel safely as many times as you want.

Choose your plan to travel with Worldpackers as many times as you like.

Complete your profile, watch the video lessons in the Academy, and earn certificates to stand out to hosts.

Apply to as many positions as you like, and get in contact with our verified hosts.

If a host thinks you’re a good fit for their position, they’ll pre-approve you.

Get your documents and tickets ready for your volunteer trip.

Confirm your trip to enjoy all of the safety of Worldpackers.

Have a transformative experience and make a positive impact on the world.

If anything doesn’t go as planned with a host, count on the WP Safeguard and our highly responsive support team!

After volunteering, you and your host exchange reviews.

With positive reviews, you’ll stand out to hosts and get even more benefits.

• January 19, 2022

Budget for a trip to Europe: How much do i need?

Table of Contents

That Europe is one of the most sought after destinations for tourism travel everyone already knows, we even have a list of 5 most visited countries in Europe and their incredible sights that certainly corroborates this conclusion! However, planning this trip can be a difficult task, since there are so many things to think, research and organize that can leave you lost, even more with the high costs that are a big problem for your plans, right? That’s exactly why we are here! We can help you with the basics or, if you prefer, you can start by taking a look at how to plan a trip to Europe during the pandemic and then come back here to create your budget for a trip .

So, have you gone and come back? Or did you prefer to stick around here? Well, roll your mouse over and find out all you need to know about how to make a cheap trip to Europe !

ON THE POINT: Writing down expenses

To plan a trip you should go through a basic itinerary of where you want to go, how many days you intend to stay, which places to visit and make reservations . This will all be part of your budget. As we are here to help you we recommend that you take into account two very important things: the external conditions and the standard expenses .

External conditions

When we talk about external conditions, we talk about a tip that can change everything! This is because each one of them greatly influences your pocket when it comes to buying and booking. They are:

• The country : some countries are cheaper than others and the difference can be quite significant, as you can check in Little Money: 3 countries to visit in Europe with little money ,
• The period : times with less tourist movement is called low season, and this term, like its name, is synonymous with low prices, ranging from tickets to accommodation and attractions.
• The European currency quote : the value of each currency is constantly changing and it is important to be aware of its current value to catch its best times.

Standard spending

The standard expenses are the essential costs of the trip – or at least the basics of a complete and still economical trip – that you should write down considering the above conditions and the time you intend to stay abroad:

• Return air tickets;
• Travel insurance;
• Accommodation;
• Tourist attractions.

Now that your expenses are organised, open your browser, take out your pencil, paper and calculator and get to work!

WHAT TO DO TO SAVE MONEY?

Before starting the calculations, it is best to follow a few steps thinking about the external conditions of your trip, so you will have an overview of the expenses, besides finding the cheapest prices for when you calculate the rest of your budget for a trip.

Step one: plan everything in advance!

• When it comes to planning, even more so when you want low prices, you have to be willing to be flexible with dates and times , plus the earlier you book the better it is!
• So the first step for your planning and subsequently your budget is to choose dates well ahead, such as booking tickets 2 to 6 months in advance .

Step two: look for a cheap city!

• The cities located in Eastern Europe are a bargain! With a list that includes Budapest , Krakow , Istanbul , Prague and Sofia and prices of up to 40 euros per day .
• Others between Greece, Italy, Spain and Portugal have a cheap average spend, between 50 and 60 euros per day .
• And there are still some very popular tourist destinations such as Berlin , in Germany, London , in England, Paris, in France, and Rome , in Italy, as well as Amsterdam , Barcelona , Brussels and Lisbon , with average prices ranging from 60 to 70 euros per day .

Step three : choose the best time!

• The period of your trip matters a lot, after all you can catch the low season at the right times, besides, of course, less suffocating with queues and crowds.
• In most places it occurs in the winter period as seen in some countries mentioned in 5 incredible places to visit in the European winter , starting in late autumn . From November to March are the months with the lowest prices .
• Spring is also a good time. In general, the landscapes in the season of dry leaves and flowers in bloom are beautiful and unite natural beauty with good prices.

Step four: keep an eye on the European currency!

• The value of the European currency changes constantly and even small amounts make a big difference when it comes to paying.
• Many hostels and locations only accept European currency.
• Therefore, you have 2 options: one is to convert it when calculating the expenses, always keeping in mind a margin of error; and the second and more practical option is to exchange the currency of your country for the Euro, so you reduce the difficulties of your trip.
• As the currency can overvalue or depreciate depending on the weather, it is good to exchange in advance.
• Also bear in mind that although the Euro is the official European currency, some regions make use of other currencies such as England with the Pound Sterling and the Swedish Krona and Czech Koruna , respectively of Sweden and the Czech Republic.

Step five: search for reliable sources and websites!

• Once you find it, you can search and book (in advance) your tickets and accommodation.

Lean more at How Much Does it Cost to go to Europe?

PRE-TRIP EXPENSES

After following the recommended steps, start to really calculate each of the standard expenses, starting with those that must be done in advance, because then it is less of a worry and it is enough to save for when the day of the trip comes.

As the item that should be purchased the furthest in advance, tickets should be your priority, and remember:

• As the goal is cheap tickets, we will follow the previous tips aiming at the low season period;

Flights booked in December with a date in March of the following year, that is 3 months, 4 days of stay in the city, being the time that interchanges the outward and return trip, and for 1 adult in economy travel, stay around

• Flight with (1) connection NY – Lisbon: from 181,22 euros;
• Direct flight NY – London: from €257.73;
• Direct flight NY – Paris: from 250.83 euros
• Direct flight NY – Rome: from 316.04 euros

* These cities were just some examples, the values may change depending on the place of embarkation and disembarkation.

Ps: don’t forget to look for flexible airlines! So, if necessary you can change the date of your trip without problems or having to pay extra for it.

Travel insurance

I’ m sure you’re already tired of hearing about travel insurance when it comes to Europe, right? But that just goes to show how essential it is. And if you’re lost about it, we recommend you check out how to travel safely to Europe during the pandemic in 2023 to learn how important it is. But to put you in context, this obligation is a guarantee that, in case you have an accident or something similar happens, you will be able to pay for the medical-hospital expenses.

So what do you need to know about them for your budget for a trip?

• Which countries require travel insurance . Not all of them, but many countries do, including the member countries of the Schengen Treaty (if you haven’t seen the first article mentioned, take the opportunity to check it out now, there is a list of all of them);
• What insurance covers . Of the main services offered from travel insurance, medical-hospital and pharmaceutical costs are top of the list, however insurance still covers other issues such as:
• Flight cancellation due to medical emergency or otherwise;
• Tracking and compensation in case of lost luggage;
• Compensation for disability or accidental death, as well as funeral assistance;
• Legal costs and bail bonds;
• The best plan for you . Depending on the length of your trip or what collateral you find most essential, you can choose an insurance plan that covers what you want, for the most affordable price. You can do this using simulators.
• The price of insurance is from 2,35 euros per day;
• From 13,80 euros per day without luggage insurance;
• And a more complete plan around 20 euros per day.

Ah, keep an eye on the European Travel Visa! Soon the Schengen Visa Waiver will come into effect, which will have a fee for the service, but its cost-benefit is also great, as it will be valid for 3 years. You can see more in United States and Europe: will you need a visa in 2023 ?

Accommodation

As well as the time of year, the country and the location of the accommodation you choose will also influence the price of the accommodation you choose, whether it is a simpler or more elegant hostel, budget hotels or flats for rent, always keeping the focus on the low price.

Best hostel options

• Lisbon (daily rate – 1 person): from 12,49 to 78,47 euros;
• London (daily rate – 1 person): from 12.24 to 70.39 euros;
• Paris (daily rate – 1 person): from 21,81 to 39,08 euros;
• Rome (daily rate – 1 person): from 12.56 to 53.52 euros.

Best options for flats

• Lisbon (daily rate – 1 person): around 53.83 to 152.86 euros;
• London (daily rate – 1 person): from around 47.87 to 166.67;
• Paris (daily rate – 1 person): from 45.36 to 137.64 euros;
• Rome (daily rate 1 person): from about 55,40 to 180,80 euros;

Best hotel options

• Lisbon (daily rate – 1 person): from 12 euros;
• London (daily rate – 1 person): from 18,05 euros;
• Paris (daily rate – 1 person): from 24.48 euros;
• Rome (daily rate – 1 person): from 33,27 euros.

Expenses during the trip

Now that you have seen the expenses before the trip, you need to know how much you will spend during the trip, which on average is around 50 euros per day for one person. Let’s break this down?

Sightseeing and tourist attractions

When talking about saving money, you have to be aware that it requires a lot of searching. Attractions are no different. They can vary a lot, from attractions that cost nothing or have very low prices , as is the case of Serra da Estrela, in the Portuguese winter period, or can be quite high, depending on its fame and how much is demanded.

However, on average the cat cost with attractions is 20 euros per day for a person, enough to visit the main sights. Even because, with the incredible landscapes

that there are, walking a little bit through the streets enjoying the view, is one of the best experiences and doesn’t cost anything! Of course you don’t have to miss out on an attraction you like because of the price, just make sure you control how many you go to so you don’t lose your hand on the budget and a lot of money in your pocket.

Transport when travelling is essential, especially if you don’t want to get lost in unknown lands. And it is even possible to go from city to city only with train rides , so it is a very interesting expense, don’t you agree? But you have to think well about the cost-benefit before spending. So, decide if you want to stay in one city only or travel between several.

• If you choose to stay in only one city, bus or train rides are very cheap, ranging from 1 to 3 euros . You can also buy 24 to 72 hour passes.
• From Lisbon to Madrid: 16 euros;
• From Madrid to Rome: 26 euros;
• From Rome to Paris: 23 euros;
• From Paris to London: 38 euros.

If you are interested, read more about how to travel by train in Europe: the best itineraries!

The cost of food to be cheap just depends on you! There are many famous restaurants in Europe, but the price can be discouraging. However, you can still choose a good option, get to know the cuisine and culture you want without having to spend too much!

• The first tip is: book hotels or hostels with breakfast included ! Even if it doesn’t, opt for the cheapest, so you can spend between 3 and 5 euros .
• The same tip goes for lunch; if possible, eat at the hotel . Or just leave lunch as your “out of town” meal. A simple meal will cost you around 12,56 euros .
• For dinner, you can eat at the hotel, which is much cheaper, or you can try the fast food at those times, which are always cheaper, and can be as low as 5 euros !
• Another cheap option is the “ Tourist Menu “, going for 9 euros .
• And then there are the markets, with excellent prices and a great alternative for buying meals.
• On average, opting for good quality and still economical, your meal will be around 20 to 25 euros per day.

SUMING IT ALL UP: How much does a cheap trip to Europe cost altogether?

After writing down all the expenses before and after the trip, choosing the best periods and following the tips for an economical trip, and taking the average of tickets and hotel accommodation for 4 days, the expense that a person would have to visit Europe for four days is 500 euros . Very economical, isn’t it? With this you can even spend a little more, since it is impossible to do a tour like this and not buy anything or take souvenirs home – which by the way are an expense of about 30 euros a day! And now, do you know everything to plan a budget for a trip and start your journey?

If not, we have a complete budget for a trip: Holidays in Portugal: how much money do I need?

If so, how about doing some more extensive planning and a 10-day trip to Europe?

Want to keep up with our blog?

Get our most valuable tips right inside your inbox, once per month!

• budget for a trip , Europe , travel cheap , travel cheaply , Travel in 2022

Related Posts

Madeira Expedition: Sunrise at Pico Ruivo and Camping in Encumeada

I woke up early, around 6:30 am, my goal there was to capture the best

Madeira Expedition: Lunch at Pico do Areeiro and camp on Pico Ruivo

I woke up there in Pico Alto, it was cold, it was 8 am, I

Madeira Camping Expedition: Funchal to Pico Alto

This is the article number 1 of this series I left work on a Friday

Exploring Lauterbrunnen: A Day in the Swiss Paradise

This was a special Saturday. It was a cloudy morning, rainy weather in Switzerland, and

Swiss Hiking Adventure: Lucerne to Mount Pilatus

That day I had arranged with my cousin to go to a lake near Estavayer-le-lac.

Venice to Lucerne: Exploring Swiss Beauty and Italian Flair

We got up early in Venice to catch the flixbus to Milan. We went from

LATEST ARTICLES

© all rights reserved. 2021.

Travel costs in Europe: Which country costs what?

Planning a trip to Europe? Congratulations! Chances are if you are reading this you are new to travelling or at least new to the continent of Europe. Well, fear not, I’ve got you covered! I have been travelling to Europe solo for the last 8 years. My first experience was daunting and overwhelming, but since then I have visited at least once a year and sometimes up to five times a year. So if you are wondering about the travel costs in Europe, get your notepad ready! I’ve got all of the information below to help you plan and budget for your trip.

Travel Costs in Europe by Country

So you’re planning a trip to Europe – exciting times! Europe is by far my most favourite part of the world to explore – so much so that I make sure I visit every year.

But you will soon realise Europe is expensive if you don’t know where to go for your budget. Below I will break down the average daily cost of visiting each popular tourist country, as well as how to save money along the way.

For reference, the below prices are costs per person, per day, on average spend. While this budget is a generalisation, you could easily budget to spend less or splurge and spend more. To put it simply, they’re somewhere in the middle! Prices for travel costs in Europe are accurate at the time of publishing in 2020.

The most Expensive Countries in Europe

Daily cost: €182.19

The most expensive country in Europe on a daily basis goes to France. This probably doesn’t come as a surprise to many of you – I know I’m not shocked after many trips to Paris!

But the high cost of visiting France is slightly inflated because of Paris. Most travellers visit Paris for a few days of jam-packed sightseeing and then hot tail it out of there to other European cities.

Tips for budgeting:

If you want to save money in France, venture beyond Paris. Food is very affordable throughout the country and even in Paris if you know where to go (hint: its the latin quarter).

Stay at an Airbnb instead of a hotel. They’re way more affordable and you’ll have a much more local experience.

Switzerland

Daily cost: €181.55

Another country I’m sure no one is surprised to see topping this list is Switzerland. Honestly just looking at things in expensive feels expensive! Breathing the clean mountain air feels expensive!

Shorten your stay. No matter which way you look at it, Switzerland is expensive in every way imaginable. If you have friends or family you can stay with, this will cut out a huge portion of the cost.

Daily cost: €161.46

I visited Denmark in my early twenties and it was so expensive I gave up converting prices and just decided I couldn’t afford anything. If I remember correctly, I ate supermarket sandwiches for dinner and washed them down with a coke zero. Très chic!

Stay outside of Copenhagen. This is notoriously one of the most expensive cities in Europe. I can personally vouch for that!

Daily cost: €133.63

I knew before I visited Iceland that it was going to be an expensive trip. The flight itself was a steal (Barcelona to New York via Reykjavik), offering a cheap stopover en route to NYC.

Iceland is expensive in terms of hotels, food, petrol and entrance fees. Even to visit the waterfalls you need to pay an entrance fee!

Road trip between destinations and travel with a friend to split the costs. Affordable hotels are available throughout the country, especially where there is more demand in Reykjavik.

United Kingdom

Daily cost: €127.40

When you visit Europe for the first time it is highly likely London will be on your agenda. And for good reason! This iconic city is year after year the most visited city in the world. The main expense when visiting the United Kingdom is accommodation. It doesn’t help that the pound always performs favourably to most other world currencies.

Waitrose and Sainsbury’s are your friend. You can grab a quick sandwich snack to eat on the go and skip the expensive restaurants. Many if London’s museums are free, as are the parks and just walking around Soho will fill an entire day of entertainment. Other cities outside of London are much more affordable to visit.

Daily cost: €124.14

This one may come as a bit of a surprise to you, because with cheap pizza and house wines, how could it be expensive!? While the food is affordable, the price to travel through Italy quickly adds up. Cities like Rome, Venice and Florence are the most expensive.

Get outside of the touristic cities and stay in small towns. Instead of staying in Florence, try Lucca. Instead of staying in Venice, stay in Verona. You can always take a train and make day trips!

Netherlands

Daily cost: €122.66

When you think of the Netherlands , you think of Amsterdam. That’s normal! But I promise you there is so much more to the Netherlands beyond the city of Amsterdam. Besides, other cities are much cheaper to visit! The average price per day spent in the Netherlands is €122.66 . But you can easily save money with these few tips.

Check in to an Airbnb in Amsterdam or a local hostel if that’s your style. You can also save money by splitting the cost with a friend. Street food is readily available in major cities and is not only cheap but tasty!

Daily cost: €120.73

Finland is an expensive country to visit whether you’re in the capital, Helsinki , or further afield in small towns.

Try staying with a local family for a local experience. I stayed with a family in the lakes district and not only was it affordable but also gave me an insight into the local culture.

Daily cost: €112.67

The most expensive city to visit in Sweden is Stockholm. But don’t let that stop you! There are some great free attractions plus the public transport is easy to use.

Use the public transport and swap restaurants for cheap eats and supermarket lunches. If your accommodation offers breakfast, make this your biggest meal of the day.

Somewhere in the Middle

Daily cost: €111.96

Spain is reasonably expensive to visit but as soon as you exit the big cities (like Barcelona and Madrid) it becomes a lot more affordable.

Swap big cities for small towns. Indulge in tapas and kick back with a jug of sangria!

Daily cost: €110.33

Greece can be expensive but it doesn’t have to be. There are some great ways to save money, especially if you aren’t short on time. Local ferries are a great option for island hopping and they’re much more affordable than flying between the islands.

Use local transport to save on travel costs between the islands. It will take a little longer but it is the journey, not the destination that matters! If you are carefully considering travel costs in Europe, sometimes you have to sacrifice time to save money.

Daily cost: €109.47

Ireland is one of my favourite countries to explore in Europe. It is so naturally beautiful and sets the scene for a perfect road trip! As soon as you leave Dublin, the country becomes much more affordable to enjoy.

Road trips are a great way to see this country but public transport is much more affordable if you’re on a budget.

Daily cost: €106.78

Germany is in the heart of Europe, meaning it is really well connected with trains. This makes for a great adventure by land and will also save you money. The large cities like Berlin, Cologne and Munich are much more expensive than the countryside.

Swap the major cities for countryside escapes.

The Cheapest Countries in Europe

Daily cost: €18.75

Serbia is the most affordable country on a day-to-day cost analysis. If you are carefully considering travel costs in Europe, Serbia is a great option for budget travellers. Belgrade is a surprising city with so much to offer visitors and I can highly recommend it!

Daily cost: €23.00

Ukraine is another great choice for travellers considering travel costs in Europe. The local transport might seem daunting at first (as no signs are in English). However, you would be surprised how much you can converse with hand gestures and broken English!

Daily cost: €38.92

Russia is one of the more affordable countries in Europe to explore, however Moscow and St Petersburg are still quite expensive. If you’re up for a real adventure, head out into the small towns and spend more time off the beaten path.

Daily cost: €41.31

One of my friends recently went on her honeymoon to Albania. It isn’t the ordinary first choice for a honeymoon but she said it was a great adventure! Albania is still one of the least visited countries in Europe. This makes it very affordable and quite underrated.

Daily cost: €51.04

Still in Eastern Europe, Bulgaria is a great choice for budget travellers. As you might have already noticed the more you venture East, the more affordable it becomes.

Bosnia & Herzegovina

Daily cost: €54.85

Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of my fondest travel memories. This country is so underrated and the locals are so welcoming to foreigners. To save money on my trip, I stayed with a local Bosnian family in Blaggaj. They were kind enough to cook me breakfast every day and even drive me to Mostar each day!

Daily cost: €57.68

Budapest has become one of the most sought after cities to explore in Europe. The capital city of Hungary has a high supply of accommodation, making it affordable to stay for a while.

Daily cost: €58.58

Finally we round out our list with Poland. This country is often overlooked by visitors, although many travellers make their way to Krakow in the South. However if you make it all this way, I would strongly encourage you to spend more time in Poland! The capital city of Warsaw has been one of my favourite capital cities in Eastern Europe.

For more of my adventures, follow along on Instagram .

Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.

Find me on: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

You may also enjoy:

These are the best cities to travel ….

Los Angeles

Plan a trip

First trip solo

Packing guide

20 Best Places for Solo Female Travel

Travel after a break up

20 Places in your 20’s

WAYS TO TRAVEL

Solo travel

Adventure travel

Luxury travel

Learn a language

Become a blogger

Travel Europe on a Budget

The Savvy Backpacker

City Guides .\33 a132798-3f3b-4585-954d-7e70cf863447{fill:#231f20}

How to travel europe on a budget | 100+ money-saving travel tips.

My MEGA list of the best ways to save money while traveling Europe on a budget.

I’ve spent the last 10 years writing hundreds of articles helping people just like you travel Europe on a budget, so I thought it might be a good idea to list out some of my favorite money-saving travel tips.

Estimate Your Overall Travel Costs

Before we jump into ways to travel Europe on a budget it’s helpful to give you an estimate on how much it actually costs to visit Europe — after all, having a baseline will help put costs into perspective.

In my experience, I’ve found that most frugal backpacker-style travelers spend around $70-$120/day in Western Europe and $40-$85/day in Eastern Europe.  At this level, you can travel fairly modestly without making too many sacrifices — but you’re not going to be living it up.

If you’re on a budget but not a “backpacker” then you can expect to pay around $90-$225/day — your accommodation choice will make the biggest impact on your daily budget.

Note: These are just ballpark figures so your results will vary. Also, these don’t include transportation (i.e. train tickets, airfare, etc.). Learn more about estimating travel costs by reading my How Much It Costs To Travel Europe guide.

How To Find Cheap Flights To Europe

Your first major travel cost will be your flights to Europe as they can cost anywhere from around $400 to $1,400+. There are dozens of factors that go into how much you’ll spend on your airfare but I’ve listed some general strategies to help you get the best price.

Online Flight Booking Resources

There are tons of online resources to help you find cheap flights but after years and years of searching I’ve narrowed it down to a few favorites:

• Google Flights: I’m a huge fan of Google Flights because it allows you to search through multiple routes quickly and they do a great job of organizing the search results. My favorite feature is how you can simply put “Europe” as the destination and it will find you the cheapest destinations. Visit Google Flights
• Momondo and Skyscanner: While Google does a good job of finding most flights, I’ve found that Momondo and Skyscanner can sometimes find cheap flights that don’t show up in Google’s results. Visit Momondo or Visit Skyscanner
• Scott’s Cheap Flights: Finding random deals can take a ton of time so that’s why I’m a huge fan of Scott’s Cheap Flights. SCF is an email newsletter that emails multiple cheap deals every day. Most of the deals featured on in their newsletter are only available for a day or two so this is best for flexible travel dates. Visit Scott’s Cheap Flights

Book Flights Early (But Not Too Early)

In general, your flights will be the cheapest when booked a few months before departure. However, if you book too early you’ll end up paying more because the airlines figure that anyone who books 6-8 months early is dead set on those specific travel times.

On the other hand, booking last minute will also be very expensive since the airlines also assume that you’re locked into that specific travel time.

My strategy is to start looking 5-6 months early and continue monitoring prices over the next month or two. Once I find a price I’m comfortable is when I pull the trigger.

Save On Flights By Traveling Off-Season

Traveling to Europe in the summer is always going to be expensive — it’s hard to get around that. Additionally, Christmas and New Year’s can also be expensive times to fly.

My favorite time to fly is April/May or September/October because you can still score some great deals and the weather is still generally nice.

Of course, traveling during the winter will be the cheapest but then you have to deal with poor weather.

Be Flexible and Save Big

I’ve said it before but it being flexible is the absolute best way to save money on flights to Europe. Even shifting your travel date by a day can save hundreds of dollars.

Switching up your destination airport can also result in big savings.

I love flying direct but it’s usually more expensive than buying a flight that has a layover.

Pay Attention To The Costly Drawbacks Cheap Flights

Cheap flights certainly have drawbacks and many budget airlines tack on all kinds of extra fees and restrictions. It’s important to pay attention to these extra fees as they can make “cheap” flights not so cheap. Here are some things to watch out for:

• Bag Fees: Many cheap tickets only allow a personal item that can fit under the seat so you have to pay for a checked and carry-on bag. Adding a bag can easily cost $50-$80 each way. Some airlines are very strict on weight limits and will charge you extra if the bags are overweight.
• No Free Food/Drink: Some airlines charge extra for water, soda, and all food.
• Non-Refundable: Almost all tickets are non-refundable these days and have expensive change fees.
• Secondary Airports: Some cheap airlines fly into smaller airports that are further away from the city they service than the major airport. These smaller airports may not be well served by public transport so that could be an extra expense.

Fly In And Out Of Different Airports

Often flying in and out of different airports can save you time and money — for example, flying into Paris and flying home from London.

This prevents you from wasting time and money backtracking to a city you already visited so you can spend more time exploring somewhere new. It also lets you expand where you visit so you’re not stuck to a small region for the sole purpose of needing to stay near a specific airport.

Look Into Free Flights via Airlines Miles and Credit Card Offers

I’ve never been one of these travel hackers who use airline miles to earn free flights but I know it’s a very popular thing to do. It’s important to be smart about your spending because you don’t want to end up spending more money than you save on a free ticket.

How To Fly Cheaply Within Europe

Flights within Europe are way different than what many of us non-Europeans are used to. Basically, Europe has a ton of budget carriers and they also have to compete with the high-speed trains, so you can find some crazy cheap airfare — like Paris to Berlin for $50. I once flew from London to Edinburgh for $2.

The strategies for finding cheap flights within Europe are similar to how we find cheap flights to Europe:

• Use A Flight Search Engine: Google Flights, Momondo, and Skyscanner are my favorite places to find the best deals on flights.
• Book A Few Weeks Early: Booking last minute can be expensive you can find some excellent deals but booking a couple of weeks in advance. Conversely, booking multiple months in advance can also be expensive.
• Budget airlines are often sticklers about luggage restrictions so pay attention to the size and weight limits as it’s an easy way for them to make money.
• Factor In Transportation Costs: Getting to and from the airport will be an extra cost so take that into account.

How To Save Money On Travel Gear

I’m a huge fan of travel gear but it’s easy to go overboard by spending a ton of money on travel stuff. In fact, there is a good chance that you already have basically everything you need.

Saving On Big Ticket Travel Gear

• Travel Backpack/Suitcase: A nice travel backpack can cost between $100-$300. Suitcases start around $50 but can easily go over $300 as well. Check with friends to see if anyone can lend you theirs. You can also buy these used on eBay for a decent price. Read more about my favorite travel backpacks .
• Comfortable Shoes: You want a solid pair of shoes but there is a good chance you might already have a perfectly suitable pair. Read more about my favorite travel shoes .
• Travel Clothing: There are lots of companies making clothing designed specifically for travel— i.e. quick-drying, wrinkle-resistant, odor-resistant, lightweight, etc. This stuff is nice to have but you can live without it.
• High-End Camera : Lots of people spend $600-$1000+ on a new camera for their trip. A nice camera can be great if you know how to use it but I find myself using my iPhone 99% of the time. In fact, even people who are good at photography get sick of lugging around a large camera and then switch to their phone.
• Laptop/iPad: Unless you absolutely need it for work, leave the laptop at home. An iPad does come in handy but I find that using your smartphone is more than enough.

More Money-Saving Packing Advice

• Pack Light & Save On Checked-Bag Fees: Almost every budget airline within Europe will charge a hefty fee ($30-$60) for checking a bag so you’ll save a lot by flying with a carry-on only. However, the weight of a carry-on bag is usually limited to around 20 lbs — which can be difficult for a lot of people.
• Pack Minimally and Buy As You Travel: Many people end up packing a ton of stuff they don’t need because they think they “might need it.” However, I find that it’s wiser to bring the essentials and then you can buy things while traveling.
• Borrow Gear: There is a good chance that someone you know has a bunch of travel gear packed away in a closet. Ask around before shelling out a ton of cash.
• Buy Used: Backpacks, cameras, guide books, electronics — all this stuff can be found at a heavy discount when bought second-hand.
• See What Gear You Have: Buying new stuff for your trip to Europe can be exciting but there’s a good chance you already own plenty of things that you might need for your trip.

Additional packing resources:

• Backpacking Europe Packing List
• Travel Europe Packing List for Women
• Europe Packing List  (for any travel style)
• Hostel Packing List
• Ultralight Travel Packing List
• Winter Packing List for Europe

Choosing When To Travel

The time of year you travel will have a major impact on your overall travel costs — notably for airfare and hotel/hostel costs.

The summer will always be the most expensive time to travel — which generally runs from June to mid-September. Finding affordable airfare during this time can be difficult. Additionally, scoring affordable accommodation is also a challenge since there are lots of people looking for a place to stay.

The absolute cheapest time to travel Europe is during the winter (not counting Christmas & New Years) since the weather is generally cold and possibly rainy. That said, you can find some truly cheap airfare — I’ve flown from NYC to Copenhagen in November for $300. Hotels, hostels, and rental apartments also drop their prices to attract travelers.

My favorite time to travel is during the shoulder season — which roughly runs from late April to early June and mid-September to late October. These times offer a great mix of enjoyable weather and reasonable prices.

Visit Cheaper Countries

Scandinavia and Switzerland are all very expensive so you’ll pay a premium for food, alcohol, and accommodation.

Western Europe (especially major cities like London, Paris, Amsterdam, etc.) is also expensive but you can sometimes find decent deals.

Southern Europe is a little cheaper and you can often travel affordable in cities like Rome, Barcelona, and Lisbon.

Prices get even cheaper as you move east so you can find very solid deals in Berlin, Prague, Budapest, etc. Greece also has a lot of good deals to be found.

I’ve written 30+ city price guides for many of Europe’s most visited cities to give you an idea of how much you might spend when visiting.

Here are a few of my most popular city price guides:

• Amsterdam Travel Prices
• Athens Travel Prices
• Barcelona Travel Prices
• Berlin Travel Prices
• Budapest Travel Prices
• Copenhagen Travel Prices
• Dublin Travel Prices
• Florence Travel Prices
• Lisbon Travel Prices
• London Travel Prices
• Madrid Travel Prices
• Paris Travel Prices
• Prague Travel Prices
• Rome Travel Prices

Plan Around Major Cultural Events

Ok, this one can be a little harder to plan for but when cities host major cultural events it tends to spike accommodation rates.

For example, cities with large Christmas markets get a lot of travelers over the holidays and that raises rates. It’s the same around New Years in London, Paris, etc. because people come to party. Another example is Munich during Octoberfest as hotel rates can triple.

However, those events are predictable but there are other events like marathons, large sporting events, trade shows, local festivals, etc. that aren’t as apparent to foreign visitors. It doesn’t hurt to do a quick search as you’re planning your trip to make sure you don’t get stuck having to pay super-high rates.

Track Your Spending

If you’re on a strict budget then you’ll want to actually track your spending and review your notes often — because, let’s face it, it’s easy to lose track of how much money you’re spending.

There are various travel spending apps or you can simply write things down in a notebook as you go.

Save Money By Using ATMs and Avoiding Currency Exchange Offices

There are plenty of enjoyable ways to spend money while traveling Europe but spending money to get money from money exchange offices is never enjoyable.

The best (and cheapest) way to get money while traveling is from the ATM. In most cases, European ATMs don’t charge a fee (some airport ATMs that are attached to money exchange places will charge — those are tricky). Your own bank might charge a fee since it’s not your bank’s ATM but overall it’s the cheapest option.

Don’t bother getting cash from currency exchange offices because they charge big fees and commissions.

Similarly, don’t get a bunch of cash from your home bank before you leave because they also give you lousy exchange rates. If you’re really worried, get $100 worth of your first stop’s currency and then use ATMs after that.

Seriously, ATMs are everywhere in Europe.

Be Smart About ATM, Debit Cards & Credit Card Usage

Here is my strategy for paying for things while traveling:

• ONLY use your debit card to withdraw cash from ATMs.
• Use your credit card to pay whenever possible.

There are two main reasons to follow this strategy — it’s the cheapest option and it’s the safest way to use money.

Here’s the deal, card skimming (i.e. making a copy of a credit/debit card) is a very common scam in Europe — basically a waiter will take your card and scan it through a card reader that “copies” the card. The process takes a split second.

While most banks have fairly good fraud detection, if someone skims your card and then makes fraudulent charges the bank will cancel your card — which sucks if you’re traveling because getting a replacement card is nearly impossible.

So what happens if your debit card gets canceled? It means you have no way of getting cash from the ATM anymore. Furthermore, your debit card is directly connected to your checking/savings account so getting the money back is a much longer and more difficult process.

On the other hand, if you get fraudulent charges on your credit card it will still get canceled but you still have your debit card for cash from the ATM. And your credit card isn’t attached to your checking/savings account so you don’t have to worry about trying to claw back the stolen funds. In fact, I travel with two different credit cards just to be safe.

Financially speaking, there are some credit cards that don’t charge a foreign transaction fee and most use the current exchange rate so you’re not getting nickel and dimed on every purchase. Many credit cards also offer other benefits like cashback, travel insurance, travel credits, etc.

As far as getting money from ATMs, I recommend making large withdrawals so you can minimize the fees you’re paying. For example, my bank charges me around $3 per withdrawal so if I take out €300 ($325) I’m only paying about 1% in fees but if I take out €50 then I’m paying 5.5% in fees.

Skip Taxis & Use Public Transportation

It seems like a no-brainer but using public transportation is much cheaper than using taxis. Most rides on public transit cost between $1-$3 so it’s hard to beat the price.

Where I get into trouble is when I feel like taking a taxi from the airport after a long flight — since I’m tired and have luggage. However, most airport taxi rides will cost €30-€70 so it’s a real budget killer when compared to the €2-€5 public transportation option.

Another thing to watch out for is taxi scams — which are most common in southern and eastern Europe. These scams can generally be avoided with Uber/Lyft but not all countries/cities allow ride-share companies.

Note: Only use taxis that are officially licensed taxis. There are plenty of “car services” that say they’re a taxi but they’re actually a private car and they can legally charge any rate they feel like.

How To Save Money on Train Tickets

I’m a huge fan of train travel and the Europeans truly know what they’re doing. In fact, I’d gladly pay a little extra for the train than have to deal with the hassle of air travel. Luckily, there are many ways to save on train tickets.

Book High-Speed Trains Early

As a general rule, high-speed trains are cheapest when booked as early as possible and get gradually become more expensive as the departure date approaches. If you book last-minute you’ll pay a premium.

Local and medium-distance trains are usually priced per distance so booking early doesn’t offer any money-saving benefits.

Here are some examples of high-speed train ticket prices to show you the price difference between booking early and booking last minute. Note: I used  Omio  to find these train ticket prices.

• Booked a few weeks before departure: €66-€100
• Booked two or three days before departure: €190-€250
• Booked a few weeks before departure: €99-€120
• Booked two or three days before departure: €133-€145
• Booked a few weeks before departure: €70-€100
• Booked two or three days before departure: €135-€155
• Booked a few weeks before departure: €13-€22
• Booked two or three days before departure: €20-€40
• Booked a few weeks before departure: €45-€70
• Booked two or three days before departure: €45-€70
• Booked a few weeks before departure: €25-€35
• Booked two or three days before departure: €25-€35
• Booked a few weeks before departure: €14-€30
• Booked two or three days before departure: €20-€35

Buy a Eurail Pass

I won’t say that Eurail Passes are always a great deal but many travelers find them to be a worthwhile investment.

In my opinion, the true value of the Eurail pass is its flexibility as you can essentially jump on any train without much planning — thus you’re not paying crazy high prices for last-minute train tickets.

On the other hand, pre-booking train tickets a few weeks/months early will almost always be cheaper than using a rail pass — but you give up flexibility/spontaneity.

Look Into Railcards

Most countries have some form of railcard that gives discounts on train travel. The discount can range from 15%-30% off the ticket price.

These railcards are usually for students (under 26 years old) and seniors — but there are some cards for people under 30 as well.

Railcards are typically meant for residents of the country but anyone can usually buy them.

Ask About Youth & Student Discounts

Pretty much anyone under 26 is considered a “student” in Europe and there are plenty of discounts for things like museums and train tickets.

Discounts vary by country and sometimes by the mood of the person selling tickets. Some countries only give a discount if you hold a student ID from a European Union university but others will give a discount to anyone.

It doesn’t hurt to ask so always bring your student ID just in case.

Travel With Friends

I love solo travel but there are certain times when traveling with a group of friends can cut down on travel costs.

Most notably, sharing a hotel or rental apartment with one or more people cuts down the per-person cost considerably. For example, splitting a $130/night Airbnb with four people ends up costing around $33/night per person — which is cheaper than a hostel.

Rental cars can also end up being very cheap when the cost is split between multiple people.

Meals can also be cheaper when split with others — you can split portions or make a meal for the group.

Get Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a cheap investment that can save you thousands of dollars if you end up needing to use it. Trust me, you don’t want to get hit with a medical bill if you get injured overseas.

Travel insurance can also help you recover travel costs that you already paid for if your trip gets canceled/cut short and it can also help cover the cost of replacing lost/damaged luggage.

Personally, I use World Nomads as they’re geared toward budget travelers so their prices are very reasonable.

How To Save Money On Food & Alcohol

Ok, this is a big one because you can spend a fortune on food if you’re not careful. Luckily, if you’re flexible, there are plenty of ways to cut back drastically on your food expenses.

Research, Research, Research (Before You’re Hungry)

Here is my number one tip for saving money on food — do your research!

Whether you’re eating in restaurants or cooking your own meals, it’s super important to take the time to plan your meals.

Why? Because waiting to think about your meals until you’re hungry or as you’re “out and about” (and you’re usually in the touristy part of town that’s filled with tourist prices) is a surefire way to settle for a meal that’s too expensive or low-quality.

That’s why I always research potential places to eat so I know where I can find a quality meal at a fair price.

Shop At Farmer’s Markets and Grocery Stores

Farmer’s Markets are great for multiple reasons — they’re fun to explore, it’s a great way to experience the local culture, the food is high quality, and the prices are very fair.

Your cheapest option will be shopping at grocery stores — I also think it’s a fun cultural experience. The quality of produce isn’t as good as farmer’s markets but it’s still an excellent resource.

Plan A Group Meal

If you’re staying in a hostel that has a kitchen try getting a few people to pitch in for a group meal. This is an excellent way to make friends and save a ton of money.

Have A Picnic For The Park or City Square

A picnic in the park or city square is an unbeatable way to spend your lunch or dinner time. Even if you don’t feel like making your own picnic, you can easily find takeaway restaurants selling affordable food options.

Chow Down On Street Food And Takeaway

I love street food because it’s filling, tasty, and affordable. Each country/region has its own street food specialty — France has crêpes, Berlin has currywurst, Belgium has fries with a million types of sauce, pizza slices in Italy, and fish ‘n’ chips in the UK, so it’s a good way to try some local favorites.

Also, check out bakeries as they usually have quality sandwiches.

Local Favorites Are Usually Great Values

Do your research to find local favorite restaurants because they usually offer the best value in terms of quality and price. I’ve found that the best way to find these little gems is through local food bloggers and local food tours (they usually also have blogs on their websites).

I’ve also had a lot of luck looking on Reddit for restaurant recommendations as many locals post there and are happy to share their insider knowledge — r/Paris , r/London , r/Berlin , r/Amsterdam , r/Lisbon , r/Rome , r/Barcelona , etc.

Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern Food Are Great Deals

Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Indian, Turkish, etc. food are all delicious and is often very reasonably priced.

Save With Lunch Specials

Plenty of restaurants, especially those popular with locals, often have a fixed-price lunch specials to attract people who work in the neighborhood. This is a great time to sample the local cuisine at a discount.

The Menu Speaks Volumes

One sign that a restaurant isn’t a tourist trap is by looking at the menu. A handwritten menu usually means the ingredients are fresh.

Additionally, if the restaurant has a menu in multiple languages it often means they cater to a lot of tourists. Granted, some perfectly fine places have multi-language menus, but it’s a good rule of thumb.

Stick To Tap Water To Save

If you ask for water at a restaurant there is a good chance they’ll bring you a large bottle of water so you have to specifically ask for tap water.

Furthermore, skip the soda as well because you’ll be given a tiny expensive bottle that costs as much as a beer or wine.

Eating Inside vs Outside

Restaurants often charge a slightly higher price if you sit at their outside sidewalk tables. I love people-watching on a sidewalk cafe but if you’re trying to save a little then you’ll want to eat indoors.

Leave The Tourist Areas

Don’t get me wrong, you can find quality meals at fair prices in “touristy” parts of any European city but you’ll have to do your research. However, you’ll find much better deals by venturing out to more residential neighborhoods.

Drink At The Bar

Whether it’s alcohol or coffee, it’s often cheaper to drink standing up at the bar as opposed to at a table.

Drink Local

Every city will have its own regional beer, wine, and spirits — all of which are usually the most affordable option.

Look For Happy Hour Specials

The concept of happy hour isn’t quite as prevalent in Europe as it is in the US but it’s becoming more popular. Most bars will advertise these deals on their windows.

Local and Student Bars

Most bars in the center of the city are more geared towards tourists so the prices tend to be higher. Seek out places near universities or smaller local joints for better prices.

Buy Drinks From The Grocery Store (And Drink In Public)

Most European cities are very lax when it comes to drinking in public parks and squares as long as you’re not causing a scene. So head to the grocery store to pick up a perfectly fine $8 bottle of wine or some cheap beers and enjoy yourself!

Don’t Overtip

Tipping comes automatically to Americans but many European waiters are paid competitive wages so tipping isn’t expected or you might only add a little extra to the bill (but certainly not 15%-20%). Additionally, some restaurants automatically add a tip so pay attention. Each country has its own customs so do a little research first.

How To Save Money On Accommodation

In many cases, your largest overall expense will be your accommodation but there are plenty of budget tips that can save you quite a bit of money.

You’ll Pay For the Location

The joy of visiting Europe is exploring its old cities so you’ll pay a premium if you want to stay in the center of it all — especially with hotels. And even within the city the prices will vary greatly based on neighborhoods.

I’ll be honest, staying way outside the city can take away some of the “magic” of Europe but it’s a great way to save a lot of money.

Stay In A Hostel

Hostels are one of the cheapest accommodation options in Europe and every city will have multiple different hostels that cater to just about every travel style. In fact, there is a recent trend toward “boutique” hostels that have many of the same amenities you’d find in a hotel (but they are a bit more expensive).

Most hostels start around $20-$50/night for the cheapest dorm bed option but private rooms can range from $60-$120/night.

To learn more about hostels, check out my guide to hostels in Europe and my recommended hostels in many of Europe’s top cities:

• Best Hostels in  Amsterdam
• Best Hostels in  Barcelona
• Best Hostels in  Berlin
• Best Hostels in  Brussels
• Best Hostels in  Budapest
• Best Hostels in  Copenhagen
• Best Hostels in  Dublin
• Best Hostels in  Edinburgh
• Best Hostels in  Florence
• Best Hostels in Lisbon
• Best Hostels in  London
• Best Hostels in  Madrid
• Best Hostels in  Milan
• Best Hostels in  Munich
• Best Hostels in  Nice
• Best Hostels in  Paris
• Best Hostels in  Prague
• Best Hostels in  Reykjavik
• Best Hostels in  Rome
• Best Hostels in  Venice
• Best Hostels in  Vienna

Try Booking Directly

You can sometimes get a better price on your hotel by booking directly with the property since booking websites like Hotels.com, Booking.com, etc. charge the hotel a hefty fee.

However, I haven’t always found that hotels are willing to lower their prices but sometimes they’ll throw in a free breakfast or other perks for booking direct.

Seek Out Independent Hotels Not Listed On The Booking Sites

As mentioned previously, there are still some independent hotels that don’t list themselves on booking websites since those websites take a large cut of the booking. Naturally, these hotels are a little harder to find but the extra work can save you a decent amount of money.

Bed and Breakfast Offer Great Value

Many people forget about B&Bs but they’re a great way to get a comfortable place to sleep while also getting a little closer to the local culture.

Start Looking Early

There are some good deals to be found but it’s easier to find deals if you start looking early.

Rent an Airbnb/Apartment

Rental apartments can be an excellent way to save big — especially if you’re traveling with a group. Rental apartments also come with a kitchen so you can save more by cooking a few of your own meals. Click here to save $30 off your first Airbnb stay .

Rent A Room

People often don’t realize that Airbnb lets you rent a room in someone’s apartment and this is another great way to save a lot of money. Additionally, Airbnb hosts who rent rooms are often happy to share their favorite local restaurants and sights. Click here to save $30 off your first Airbnb stay .

Check Weekend Rates

Hotels and hostels often raise their prices significantly on Friday and Saturday so that’s something to consider when booking and comparing prices.

Pay Attention to Extra Fees

The price you see when looking at hotel prices can sometimes be misleading as they’ll tack on extra fees when you go to book your hotel — and these extra fees can be significant.

Try Couchsurfing

The ultimate way to save on accommodation is by not paying anything — which is why Couchsurfing has become so popular. There are plenty of obvious downsides to Couchsurfing but a lot of people love it and it’s an excellent way to experience a different side of the local culture.

Become A Housesitter

If you’re going to be in one location for an extended amount of time then you might consider becoming a housesitter. The most popular website is Trusted Housesitters . It’s essentially a service that matches up people who need someone to watch their house while they’re away — usually to take care of their pets.

Popular locations have a lot of competition so you might need to do a few housesits in less popular spots to build up your reputation.

Focus On A Region or Visit Fewer Places

I know I’m guilty of this but many people who visit Europe want to jam their itinerary with multiple cities — after all, it’s so hard to choose where to visit.

However, moving around a lot can get expensive. First, there’s the extra transportation expense (trains, planes, etc.) and then you’re also losing time.

Next, some hotels and rental apartments will give you a slight discount if you book for a week and an even bigger discount if you book for longer.

Focusing on a small region also gives you more time to explore the area and to get to know it better — which I feel ends up being a much more rewarding trip.

How To Save Money On Sightseeing

You visit Europe for the sights but that doesn’t mean you need to spend all your hard-earned money seeing everything! Here are some money-saving tips:

Invest In A Guidebook

Despite their drawbacks, I still think guidebooks are an excellent resource for travel information and they can help you get the most value out of your trip. If nothing else, guidebooks help you make the most of your trip so you don’t waste your precious vacation time.

Both Lonely Planet and Rick Steves guidebooks are geared toward independent, budget travel but Lonely Planet is a little more focused on a younger demographic.

Visit The Tourism Office

Every city will have a tourism office and in many cases, they’ll have resources like free city maps and free wifi. They can also be a good resource about fun local things that are going on in town

City Passes and Sightseeing Cards

Most cities have some form of tourism card that gives you access to museums, cultural sites, and other touristy attractions. These cards can actually end up saving you a lot of money but other passes end up either being a waste of money — it really depends on your travel style.

When evaluating a city pass, it’s important to look carefully at what the pass includes and if those things actually look interesting to you.

Here are the general guidelines for how I evaluate the value of sightseeing passes:

• What It Covers: Many passes are loaded with tacky things like wax museums but skimp on cultural attractions (i.e. museums, etc.). So study the pass to see if you actually want to visit the attractions it covers.
• Pass Utilization: Sure, you can save a lot of money if you visit 5 different things in a day but that’s no way to travel — I try to limit myself to one or maybe two museums in a day, and then I might do another non-museum attraction. Trying to see too much is a surefire way to get burnt out.
• Cost Without The Pass: Most passes cover two or three “big ticket” attractions so the pass is rarely worth it if you don’t do those. The passes also tend to cover a lot of “cheaper” attractions that might only cost $5-$10/ticket so you’ll have to visit multiple sights to get your value’s worth.

In cases you’re interested, I’ve already written reviews of multiple city passes:

• London Pass Review
• Paris Pass Review
• Go Berlin City Pass Review
• Rome & Vatican Pass Review and the Go Rome Pass Review
• Vienna Pass Review
• Dublin Pass Review
• Stockholm Pass Review
• Go Barcelona City Pass Review
• New York City Pass Review
• Go Madrid City Pass Review
• Amsterdam Pass  
• Gothenburg Pass
• Helsinki Pass

Free Museum Days

Most cities in Europe have one day a month when all the museums are free. For example, museums in France are free on the first Sunday of the month and many attractions in Italy are also free on the first Sunday.

Some individual museums have weekly free days or they’re free after a certain time of day.

Note: Free days/times at museums attract a huge crowd so expect it to be a little more crazy than normal.

Take Free Walking Tours

Nearly every city in Europe has free (aka pay-what-you-wish) walking tours and they’re an excellent way to see a new city while also learning a bit about its history.

Mix In Free Attractions With Paid Attractions

I like to pad my sightseeing with free things like parks, monuments, or simply exploring a neighborhood. These activities also force you to slow down a bit so you’re not rushing from attraction to attraction.

Enjoy A Leisurely Drink At A Sidewalk Cafe

While you’ll probably pay a premium for a beer or glass of wine at a sidewalk cafe, it still makes an excellent way to spend an hour or so relaxing and people-watching.

Search For “Free Things To Do In X”

A good guidebook will tell you about free attractions but there are often free concerts, events, shows, galleries, etc. happening on any given day. That’s why I always do a quick search for free things before arriving to see if anything looks interesting.

Pre-book Your Museum Tickets

Ok, pre-booking your museum tickets online won’t really save you any money but it can save you from spending hours waiting in line — and time is money, right?

In fact, some cultural sights require everyone to pre-book tickets but they split the available tickets between normal visitors and tour groups. Therefore, once the normal tickets are sold out, you’re forced to take a more expensive tour if you want to visit.

Walk or Bike When Possible

Exploring a city on foot or with a cheap rental bike is not only a great way to save money but it’s an excellent way to get to know a city.

For example, I love the Paris metro. However, if I can walk to my destination in 30-45 minutes I’d rather do that and see the amazing city than using the subway where I see nothing. And then you can spend the €2 you would have spent on a ticket at the bakery instead — win-win!

Many European cities now have free/cheap bike rental stations and this is another fun way to experience a city.

Rent A Car (For Group Travel)

I’m not a huge fan of driving in Europe because it’s expensive (gas, tolls, insurance, parking, etc.) but if you’re in a group of 3-4 people a car can actually be a very affordable way to get from point A to point B.

That said, driving in any European city is a nightmare so I recommend parking outside the city if you’re driving.

I’ve used AutoEurope in the past to book my rental car because they search multiple car rental companies. Read my guide to renting a car in Europe for more tips.

Travel Europe By Bus

The cheapest way to travel around Europe is by bus and it actually has a very extensive long-distance bus network. Granted, the bus will be much slower than the trains since trains travel 2-3x faster and there is no traffic, but it will be cheaper.

Many of these long-distance bus companies will have random deals with super cheap advance fare tickets that are as cheap as €5. You can search for bus fares/routes on Omio .

Another possible way to travel around Europe cheaply is via carpooling with people who are already making the same trip. The most popular service is BlaBlaCar (it’s basically Airbnb for ridesharing) and they make matching up drivers and riders easy.

Avoid Tourist Scams

It’s one thing to spend too much money while traveling but getting scammed is another.

Let me start by saying that the chance of getting scammed or pickpocketed in Europe is low but it’s smart to know what scams are out there. Here is a list of Travel Scams in Europe but below are the most common:

Pickpockets

Any city that attracts a lot of tourists will have pickpockets — which is why Europe has gained the reputation of a pickpocket hotspot. Here are some things to pay attention to:

• Beware Of Crowds:  Busy streets, subway cars, buses, trains, and places with a lot of tourists are where pickpockets strike.
• Smartphones Attract Thieves: Thieves love smartphones because they’re easy to steal and easier to sell. One of the most common places phones are stolen are off tables at sidewalk cafes.
• Lock Your Zippers:  You can get little luggage locks for your bag’s zippers and this is enough to stop a pickpocket.
• Beware of Distractions:  Most pickpockets work in teams. One person distracts you with a map or something similar, and the other person swipes your stuff. Groups of little kids are often used as distractions.
• Watch Your Wallet:  Keeping your wallet in your back pocket is a pickpocket’s dream so keep it in your front pocket.
• Money Belt:  Money belts are a popular way to hide valuables under your clothing.

Credit Card Skimming

I covered this earlier but credit card skimming (aka cloning) is very popular in tourist areas. The best way to prevent skimming is to not let people take your card out of sight and to check ATMs to ensure they haven’t been tampered with.

Some cities/countries have a well-earned reputation for taxi scams. Do your research on normal taxi prices and common scams to keep yourself informed — and don’t be afraid of speaking up if you feel like you’re being scammed.

Research Your Phone’s International Data Plan

Don’t return home from your trip to Europe to find a huge phone bill. Spend some time researching if you can use your smartphone’s data plan. Some plans give you free data in Europe and some let you pay extra to get high-speed data while abroad.

You also have the option to buy a new SIM card while in Europe — which is often the cheapest option but it’s a bit of a hassle.

Hit Up The Dating Apps

One way to experience a city like a local is by meeting up with a local — which is why many travelers are logging into their dating apps as they travel.

• Recent Posts
• Best Prepaid UK eSIM | Data Plan Buyer’s Guide - April 21, 2024
• How to Avoid Pickpockets in Europe — Tips for Outsmarting the Thieves - April 19, 2024
• Best Prepaid eSIM For Italy | Data Plan Buyer’s Guide - April 18, 2024

No Funny Business

The Savvy Backpacker is reader-supported. That means when you buy products/services through links on the site, I may earn an affiliate commission—it doesn’t cost you anything extra and it helps support the site.

Thanks For Reading! — James

Questions? Learn more about our Strict Advertising Policy and How To Support Us .

Related Reads

Itinerary planning advice for backpacking europe on a budget.

Choosing well-researched itinerary is essential for budget travelers. This guide will help you make the most of your time & money.

Money & Budgeting , Planning

How To Buy a SIM Card In France | Guide to High-Speed Mobile Data in France

Your guide to using SIM cards and mobile data plans in France.

How To Buy a SIM Card In Spain | Guide to High-Speed Mobile Data Plans in Spain

Your guide to using SIM cards and mobile data plans in Spain.

Money & Budgeting , phones and technology , Planning

How To Buy a SIM Card In Italy | Guide to High-Speed Mobile Data in Italy

Your guide to using SIM cards and mobile data plans in Italy.

City Guides

Choosing travel insurance, travel packing lists, budget travel newsletter.

The best budget travel tips sent straight to your inbox.

Join My Journey

Europe travel tips, advertising & privacy policies.

TheSavvyBackpacker.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

© 2010 - 2024 The Savvy Backpacker

Website Design by FHOKE

11 tips for traveling Europe on a budget

Traveling Europe — in Normal Times — can be an expensive splurge or an affordable adventure depending on where you go, how you plan to arrive and what you plan to do at your destination. Although the continent seems small, a quick hop to Ireland is a world away from a five-hour flight to the Canary Islands or an Interrail adventure to the Swiss Alps. With so many diverse countries to choose from, it can often be overwhelming to plan a trip -- especially if you're tight on funds. But if you follow the below tips, you can have a fantastic vacation that won't blow your budget.

1. Get creative with points and miles

Having a stash of points and miles is great, but if you don't really know how to use them , they won't get you very far. So get creative with your points and miles and remember to think outside the box when using them.

For example, if you can't find award availability on British Airways using your Avios, you can transfer them to Iberia or Aer Lingus for a whole slew of other redemption options.

Remember that partner airlines are always an opportunity and that your credit card points are transferrable to airlines that maybe aren't as common. For example, American Express Membership Rewards points transfer to airlines like Aer Lingus and Air France-KLM.

Read more: The ultimate guide to Amex Membership Rewards

2. Fly low-cost

With many spots in Europe just two-hours or less away by plane, flying a low-cost carrier isn't so bad -- as long as you know the rules. Remember that you'll be charged extra for pretty much everything, so plan ahead if you want to check a bag, board first or reserve your seat. If you are country hopping, consider choosing a home base and planning weekend trips so you don't have to check all your luggage. And when you snag a deal for $50, $25 or even$10, just grab your under-the-seat backpack and go -- you won't regret it.

3. Travel in the off-season

Traveling in off-season or shoulder-season will save you money on flights, hotels and award redemptions. Plus, you'll deal with fewer crowds and avoid long lines, especially when visiting major tourist attractions.

Flights and hotels may offer cash deals in the off-season and remember that most airlines have peak and off-peak calendars when it comes to award redemptions, charging fewer miles/points during off-peak dates.

And consider that some hotel loyalty programs, such as Bonvoy, now have both peak and off-peak points redemptions , so if you choose to redeem during off-peak dates, your points will extend even further.

Generally speaking, most European countries' off/shoulder-seasons are October to November and January to June. Of course, avoiding major celebrations like Christmas and Easter, as well as busy bank holiday weekends, will also ensure you get the best rates.

4. Visit affordable destinations

Visiting Paris and Amsterdam (even if you do get an affordable flight deal and are able to use points for a hotel stay) won't run cheap. Instead, consider some cheaper cities in Europe, such as Krakow, Porto, Bucharest, Kiev, Budapest and beyond. A good rule of thumb is to decide what type of vacation you hope to have and then look for alternative options.

For lazy beach days, skip the French Riviera and head to Sicily or the Albanian Riviera instead. Ditch Santorini for a lesser-visited Greek Island like Paxos, Sifnos or Symi. Wine taste in Estonia, not Bordeaux, admire art in Madrid, not Vienna, or ski in Spain's Sierra Nevada instead of the Swiss Alps. Whatever style of European vacation you'd like to have, you can do on a budget -- just pull out a map and think outside of the traditional hotspots.

Read more : Long layover in Madrid? Here's all you need to know

5. Stay in a home rental or hostel

Home rentals can actually save travelers a lot of money -- and not just on the actual rate of the rental, but also on dining out or doing laundry . Since home rentals often come with amenities like a full kitchen or washing machine, you can cook your meals and wash your clothes at home, which is a huge money saver -- especially for a lengthy stay. And living like a local has cultural benefits, too, like getting a real feel for a city and how its residents go about their daily routines.

Hostels are another cost-effective alternative to hotels. And it's not what you think: these types of lodgings aren't all bunk beds and backpackers. In fact, many European hostels come with private bathrooms and bedrooms, more like small hotels than anything else. Plus, Europe is seeing an uptick of trendy boutique hostels such as the Generator brand, meaning you can still have a comfortable accommodation experience while not overspending.

6. Use the right card for purchases abroad

Unfortunately, some points-earning credit cards charge a foreign transaction fee (about 3%). However, depending on the value of the points you can earn, you may (or may not) come out on top when using it abroad. To find out, check out the TPG's monthly points valuations to see how valuable certain point currencies are.

While we almost never recommend using a debit card, but it may make sense in many instances when spending abroad. For the best cards to use, check out this guide on best cards to use abroad .

7. Know the tipping rules

Whether it's 10% or nothing at all, understanding the tipping culture can help you avoid a faux pas post-meal or after a taxi ride, as well as ensuring you don't spend money unnecessarily. Apps like Gratitude Tipping can help, showing you the rules by country for tipping drivers, guides, restaurant waiting staff, bartenders and hotel staff.

8. Don't discount trains

Although trains aren't always super cheap, sometimes they can be affordable and easy -- especially when booked in advance. Trains will help you avoid airport delays, turbulence and are generally more comfortable than a teeny airplane seat. If you need to travel with a lot of baggage or extras, trains can also be an ideal choice. And some European train journeys are incredibly scenic, making the train ride a vacation in itself. For those heading off on a backpacking adventure, Interrail passes are a valid option.

9. Travel light

Almost all European airlines charge for checked baggage -- and many taxi drivers around Europe will also add on fees for luggage, too. You can avoid this by packing light and right, using things like packing cubes or wearing travel clothing .

10. Do a free walking tour

Most European cities offer free walking tours. Check online before traveling, sign up in advance if necessary and enjoy your free tour. Although tipping is suggested, it's likely you'll still spend a lot less, even after generously tipping your guide. You may also meet other like-minded travelers, which can be welcome if you're traveling alone or looking to make new friends.

11. Check on your mobile data

While some mobile networks offer free roaming in Europe, it's a good idea to confirm to ensure you won't see any added roaming charges. There's nothing worse than receiving a hefty mobile bill upon return when you're already dealing with post-vacation blues. If your network doesn't offer free-roaming, see how much roaming rates cost before traveling, or consider buying a local SIM card upon arrival to your destination.

Wondering How Much a Trip to Europe Costs? Find Out What to Expect in 2024

When I first starting taking my family to Europe, I got a lot of side eye from other parents. You could almost see the thought bubble that says, “you must be rich.” There were also a lot of off-hand comments about how they couldn’t afford to go to Europe (from families that frequently dropped a few thousand dollars on trips to Disney.) TL;DR, we aren’t rich, but we do prioritize spending money on travel. The fact is, there are some misconceptions around how much a trip to Europe costs.

There were actually times when we decided to go to Europe because the flight was cheaper than getting to Florida! Of course, when, where, and how you travel can greatly impact your European trip budget. But after visiting 14 European countries, many multiple times, I’ve learned a lot about how much a trip to Europe costs.

Now I won’t lie, it can get REALLY expensive, especially if you are traveling with a family and need two or more rooms (this is why we have used Airbnb ), prefer private tours (worth it with kids!), or if you can only travel during the expensive summer months.

But, I have some tips to help you lower those costs and choose more affordable destinations. I’ll also walk you through average costs for a European vacation , including airfare, accommodations, activities, food, and transportation .

First, if you are interested in a specific country, I have very detailed cost breakdowns for:

• Iceland trip cost
• Ireland trip cost
• Scotland trip cost
• London trip cost
• Amsterdam trip cost
• Paris trip cost
• Portugal trip cost
• Italy trip cost
• Greece trip cost

Ways to Save on Your European Trip Cost

f you are looking for ways to save some money on your trip to Europe cost, here are some ideas;

Visit Less Expensive Countries

If you want to go to Iceland or Scandinavia, you are going to need a healthy budget. Even places that used to be considered budget-friendly, such as Portugal, have gotten pricier in the last few years as tourism has increased (although it is still cheaper than other Western European countries.).

However, if you go the bit off-the-beaten path, you can find great deals, it may just be a bit trickier to find direct flights. Look at destinations like Scotland , Wales , and Eastern European countries like Hungary or Slovenia.

Avoid Big Cities

Everyone wants to visit Paris , London , and Rome , but the less time you spend in these large European capitals, the better it is for your budget. Sevilla is going to be cheaper than Barcelona, and so on.

You can also stay in less-popular countryside destinations, like Piedmont or Umbria instead of Tuscany in Italy or Languedoc instead of Provence in France. We have stayed in gorgeous chateaus in the Languedoc region of France for half the cost of our hotel in Paris.

Stay in Rentals

If you are visiting Europe with kids , one way to save money is to find an apartment or villa rental through Airbnb, vrbo, or other vacation rental alternatives . Since it is hard to find family rooms in Europe that sleep four or more, often the cost of a two or three-bedroom apartment is cheaper than renting two hotel rooms or an expensive hotel suite.

Even couples will benefit from staying in agriturismos, which are farms that offer accommodations on-site in Italy, or something similar.

Travel Outside of Peak Season

I know it is hard to travel during shoulder season or low season if you have kids, but remember that Europe has different holidays and school schedules. You can find great deals around our U.S. Thanksgiving. And, if your kids get out of school early, you can still find better deals and availability in June than July or August, when European schools have summer break.

If you have more flexibility, traveling in late October through May (outside of holiday weeks) will save you some money. Just do some research about half-term or school break weeks.

Use Points and Miles or Low-Cost Carriers

There are a lot of ways to hack your way to free flights to Europe using sign up bonuses and flexible points transfers if you can easily meet the minimum spend amounts with your current spending. However, even if that isn’t an option, you can often find great deals on flights to Europe.

We have flown to London and Vienna for under $500 each. I highly recommend signing up for a  flight deal subscription service such as Going . With the premium level you can set up your preferred airports and dream destinations and receive alerts on airfare sales and even points deals.

There are also a number of low cost carriers that offer flights from the United States including Norse Atlantic Airways, Condor, and French Bee. You can also use Play Airlines, which connects through Iceland.

Fly to a Hub and Then Use a Low Cost Carrier

If you find a great flight deal to a major European city, you can then use a low-cost carrier such as Ryan Air, EasyJet, Vueling, or others to connect to your final destination. These flights are typically under $100 per person, but make sure you are aware of the luggage restrictions on weight and size, which are different from U.S. carriers.

Trains are also another option, but don’t assume they will be cheap, especially if you book first class with assigned seats and luggage storage. Be sure to research your options before you book.

How Much Does a Trip to Europe Cost

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you.

Now let’s look at some average costs for a trip to Europe. I’ve based these on two people traveling to Europe from the United States for a one week (7 night) trip.

Airfare to Europe Cost

Airfare from the United States to Europe can range from $500 per person (if you find a great deal) to over $2,000 (if you book late and travel during high season on a standard carrier.) As I mentioned above, you can save money by looking for flight deals, traveling off-season, or using low-cost carriers or connecting flights.

However, you can assume an average cost of $1,000 per person.

Total Airfare Cost = $2,000 ($1,000 x 2 people)

European Accommodations Cost

Accommodation costs can vary greatly depending on if you are staying in a big city or elsewhere, or if you are in a luxury hotel or a rustic rental. You will usually want to split your trip between a city and somewhere in the countryside. If you only have a week, I’d suggest three nights in the city and four nights elsewhere. Think Rome or Florence + Tuscany, Milan + Piedmont, Paris + Burgundy, Edinburgh + Highlands, London + Wales, etc.

In the city, expect to spend $250-500 per night and $150-350 per night in another location. Remember, you can refer to each of my detailed cost breakdowns for specific hotel and itinerary recommendations for those various destinations.

Total Accommodations Cost = $2,050 ($350 x 3 nights + $250 x 4 nights)

European Transportation Cost

Even if you plan to stay in one city for your entire trip to Europe, you will still need to spend some money on transportation. For example, when we went to Amsterdam for three days, we walked all over the city but we still took a transfer to and from the airport. So whether it is Uber, taxis, public transportation, or private transfers, you will need to budget for transportation expenses.

More likely, you will need to also either rent a car or take a train between destinations. If you are renting a car, be sure to book it early as the prices go up the closer you get to your arrival. Automatic transmission cars are also more expensive than manual transmission. Try to pack in carry on suitcases if possible so that you can rent a small to mid-size car. Driving in some countries (especially Ireland, the UK, and parts of Italy) can be challenging on small roads so you will appreciate it for more than the price point! Also keep in mind that gas is more expensive in Europe than the United States.

Total transportation cost = $800 (estimated)

European Activities Cost

Your activity costs vary greatly depending on where you go in Europe. For example, if you are visiting Scotland or Wales and you just want to spend a lot of time in the outdoors and maybe visit a few castles, your expenses will be minimal. But if you are going to Paris or Rome and you want to explore historic sites and museums and get the most of the experience, you will want to take a tour.

When in Greece, you can spend your days by the pool or the beach, but you will probably want to at least take a sunset sail and maybe a food or wine tour. I know it can get expensive, but don’t skimp on your activities. This is what you will remember most about your trip. More than your hotel. More than your airplane ride. It is also what matters the most when visiting a foreign country. After all, you want to experience the local culture. You want to learn more about the destination’s history. And you will want to see what makes a place unique.

Total Activities Cost = $1000

European Food Costs

It used to be that food in Europe was more expensive than in the United States but in the last couple of years, I have not found that to be the case. You can still spend a bundle on food if you elect for hotel breakfasts or fancy chef’s tasting menus. But in general, you can find affordable meals especially in destinations like Scotland, Wales, Portugal, and Italy.

You can also save money by preparing some of your own meals if you rent an apartment or stay in an aparthotel with a kitchenette. Remember, you don’t need to tip as much in Europe (or sometimes at all) and the alcohol is usually a lot cheaper because it isn’t marked up as much. These factors can make a big difference in your bottom line.

As a rule of thumb, plan to spend:

• $10 per person for breakfast (stop at a bakery for pastry and coffee or juice)
• $15-20 per person for lunch (think pizza, sandwiches, or street food)
• $25-50 per person for dinner (maybe plan for one splurge dinner too of up to $100 pp)

Total Food Cost = $1150

You may also want to budget some money for souvenirs and travel insurance.

Total Trip to Europe Cost

A seven-night trip to Europe for two people will cost an average of $7,900, or $564 per person, per day.

Save this to Pinterest

Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Publisher of We3Travel. A former marketing executive and travel advisor, Tamara is an award-winning travel writer and recognized expert in family travel. Tamara is a member of SATW and the Adventure Travel Trade Association, and serves on the Board of the Family Travel Association. She is also the publisher of YourTimetoFly.com and the co-host of the Vacation Mavens travel podcast.

Find this useful? Share it!

Publish Date: March 12, 2024

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER & RECEIVE A FAMILY VACATION PLANNING KIT!

We3Travel.com will use the information you provide on this form to send you newsletters. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting [email protected] . By clicking below, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with these terms.

Start typing and press enter to search

You are here

How much money do i need to travel europe.

For some people, setting a budget is just one more exciting thing to do when planning their European holiday. Mainly because it gives them an opportunity to dream about the castles and banquets they’ll be spending their euros on.

Then there are others who dread the whole ordeal – probably the same people who haven’t visited the dentist in a year. 

Knowing things is hard. And who’s got time for calculations?*

Allow me to introduce you to the amazing Holiday Budget robot planner 3000! (Well, it’s not really called that). Planning a budget is hard, it’s not like you just know the cost of a bratwurst and a 1L jug of beer in Munich off the top of your head is it? That’s impressive if you do, but our Holiday Budget Planner actually does know that kind of stuff. Try it out below!

*Ain’t nobody got time for that.

Try our fancy new budget calculator (above) now!

How to plan a trip to Europe with a budget

First up, you need to figure out what you need to budget for.

To work out your rough costs, you’ll need to know:

• Where you’re going – for flight costs.
• How long you’ll be away – for nightly accommodation costs.
• How you want to get around – for transport costs.

It also helps to budget with those you’ll be travelling with, so you can work out what costs are solely yours and what you can share. It’s also a good way to set out what type of holiday you want to have. If you’re a budget traveller who wants to hostel-hop your way through Europe, your budget will be very different to the traveller that wants 5-star, all-inclusive, buffet breakfast, city-view, luxury hotels.

I_DemiQuinn_Mykonos-770x578_90kb.jpg

How much does a Europe trip cost?

Let’s take a look at a few examples of different kinds of holidays you could have in Europe, and address some of those big-ticket costs that need to be budgeted for.

The lovey-dovey couple

This romantic pair is travelling through London for 2 weeks during its beautiful, warm summer. Between them, they’ll need just under $10,000 AUD for flights, accommodation and daily transport. 

The solo backpacker

This lucky vagabond is travelling Solo (not even Chewbacca is invited). They’re hitting up France , Spain , Italy and Greece for a whole month of adventure. Depending on how frugal they decide to be, they’ll need about $4,000AUD for flights, accommodation and public transport. Don’t forget to budget your meals and adventures though!

The fun family

This wonderful family of 2 adults and 2 kids (under age 11) is going on a cruise to visit Barcelona during the school holidays – lucky kids… The parents will need to save around $13,000AUD worth of pennies to afford the flights, cruise and accommodation for this trip. 

Note that these are your core expenses. Other costs from travel insurance, daily expenses like food and drinks, sightseeing, activities and all those shopping trips aren’t taken into account.

Costs of travelling Europe per day

We’ve looked at the big stuff, now let’s get into the intricate expenses.

First of all, a good holiday budget will keep in mind where you can tighten up on expenses – and where you can splurge! Having this type of flexible holiday budget is essential because you never know when an opportunity might come up that you don’t want to miss out on.

For a middle-of-the-road holiday (neither budget nor luxury living) we recommend from:

AU$100 to AU$150 per person, per day.

This will cover sightseeing, food and drinks, shopping and other nitty-gritties.  But of course, there are heaps of ways to cut down on this cost – or add to it – to create your preferred budget.

Travel Money Oz Infographics_14_Blog.jpg

Consider your bookings

It helps knowing exactly what’s included in what you’ve booked. Does your hotel include breakfast in the per night cost? If it does, then that’s one less thing you need to budget for. Or does your accommodation have kitchen facilities? That gives you a cheap’n’easy, DIY meal option.

You can also look for other ways to save. Can you purchase a public transport pass, rather than buying single tickets (as usually, this will offer some savings)? Or can you purchase a sightseeing pass that includes entry costs and public transport? If you can, why not go for it and save.

Final words on budgeting

Well, that was probably a lot to take in, so let’s finish up with some easy-peasy dot points.

• It can help to have a pre-agreed cost for things (pre-agreed with yourself, or your travel companions if you’re splitting costs). This avoids arguments, stress and overspending.
• Put time and research into your ‘per day’ budget and include the things you really want to do. Once you know the costs, you have a goal to save for.
• It pays to book things in advance, but sometimes you might be able to find a cheaper price when you are in the country
• Don’t forget to factor in your pre-travel costs (e.g. travel insurance, immunisations and visas).
• Budget for cheap eats some days so you can gorge other days. From enjoying a glass of champagne at the top of the Eiffel Tower to devouring food at Germany’s food stalls.
• Don’t forget those sneaky costs (e.g. transfers, tours and tipping).

If you still need help with setting a holiday budget, our travel money experts have a handy budgeting tool available in any of our 165 stores across Australia and New Zealand.

*Flight costs based on search from www.flightcentre.com.au and are indicative costs only, based on prices available on 10 August 2018. ^Accommodation costs are based on an average per night price for budget , moderate or luxury hotels, as indicated in the table. ~Cruise cost is based on search from www.ncl.com for a 7 night Western Mediterranean cruise onboard Norwegian Epic, departing Barcelona in May 2019, and is an indicative cost only, based on prices available on 10 August 2018. **Rail Pass cost is based on search from http://www.eurail.com and is an indicative cost only. COST COMPARISON TABLE: All costs are based on estimated approximate costs from major metropolitan cities in each country. “From” costs indicate costs that start from the indicated price and may be higher than shown. Average prices indicate a typical estimated cost you would pay for the indicated item. Prices may vary from time to time, and in different cities and towns within each country. Cities included are: London, United Kingdom; Rome, Italy; Paris, France; Berlin, Germany; Barcelona, Spain; Athens, Greece; Budapest, Hungary; Prague, Czech Republic; Amsterdam, The Netherlands. This blog is provided for information only and does not take into consideration your objectives, financial situation or needs.  You should consider whether the information and suggestions contained in any blog entry are appropriate for you, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.  While we take reasonable care in providing the blog, we give no warranties or representations that it is complete or accurate, or is appropriate for you.  We are not liable for any loss caused, whether due to negligence or otherwise, arising from use of, or reliance on, the information and/or suggestions contained in this blog.

AUD News: Global growth concerns continue to put a cap on Aussie dollars performance

Travel hacks: halloween hotspots around the world, more like this.

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

The Epicurean Traveler

Inspiring Cultural Exploration Through Culinary Travel

How to Save for a Europe Trip: 13 Money-Saving Tips for Your Dream European Vacation

Dreaming of a European vacation, but wondering how you’ll ever afford it? Saving for a trip to Europe from the US can seem daunting, but it is achievable! With these 13 money-saving tips, you’ll soon master how to save for a trip to Europe.

In this post, you’ll learn:

• How to budget for your Europe trip expenses
• Ways to earn and save more money for your trip
• Ideas on how to reduce your overall trip costs

Disclosure:  This guide on how to save money to travel to Europe contains affiliate links. When you click on one of these links and make a purchase, I may earn a commission. Of course, this is at no extra cost to you.

13 Tips for Saving Money to Travel in Europe

If traveling to Europe has been a dream vacation you’ve wanted to take for as long as you can remember, why not begin taking the necessary steps to make it a reality?

From seeing the beauty of Santorini in Greece to exploring the vibrant culture in Barcelona, Spain, there is no question as to why so many people strive to make their dream vacation in Europe a reality.

However, a trip to Europe from the US comes with a heftier price tag this year. With a high demand for international travel this summer, US-to-Europe airfare averages nearly $1,200 , a 37% increase from 2022.

Once plane tickets, accommodations, and other travel expenses quickly add up, it’s easy to get discouraged on your European vacation savings journey.

If you’re feeling discouraged about the financial aspects of preparing for such a trip, you don’t need to worry. Saving money for an exciting and fulfilling European vacation is entirely doable!

By implementing the following tips for saving money for a Europe trip, you can — and will — see your European vacation fund grow.

1. Create a Trip Budget

The first step in saving money for your European vacation is to set up your trip budget, and this will require research.

How much money do you need to save for your trip? To come up with an accurate number, you should think realistically about the costs associated with traveling to Europe.

Whether you create your budget spreadsheet using Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel, or old-fashioned pen to paper, you’ll need to include line items for each aspect of your trip. 

Don’t forget to factor in the price of plane tickets, accommodation, food, ground transportation, travel insurance, various tour and attraction tickets, and any other expenses, such as Europe travel essentials that you need to purchase before your trip!

Creating a trip budget is also key to keeping your travel spending on track as you book transportation, lodging, and activities. 

Tip: Use the sample Europe trip budget planner below to create your own Europe trip budget!

2. Add Travel to Your Personal Finance Budget

Once you have created your Europe trip budget, you should add your European vacation as a line item on your personal finance budget.

If you don’t already have one, you’ll first need to create a monthly budget for your personal finances. Make sure your personal budget includes both your fixed and variable expenses.

This will give you a better understanding of what you can and cannot afford regarding everyday expenses (like your daily coffee allowance), splurges like dining out or new clothes, and unexpected expenses such as a surgical procedure at The Bunion Cure at Northwest Surgery Center .

3. Cut Unnecessary Expenses

The easiest way to save money for a trip to Europe is by reallocating the money you typically spend on variable expenses in the everyday expenses and splurges categories of your budget to your travel fund.

For example, if you normally stop at your local coffee shop for a latte on your way to work, you could switch to brewing your morning cup of joe at home.

Do you typically rely on taking ride shares or cabs to get around? Or, are you regularly at the gas pump filling up your vehicle’s tank? Taking public transportation, riding a bicycle, walking, or carpooling could save you money for your trip!

Are there any subscription services that you could sacrifice for a few months? Could you eliminate your cable bill and keep one streaming service instead?

Do you really need a new dress for the wedding you’re attending? Could you style a dress already in your closet with different shoes or accessories for a “new” outfit? Borrow from a friend? Go thrift shopping or hit the sales rack for a less expensive alternative?

Every little bit counts and can add up to huge savings in the long run!

4. Earn More from Your Savings

Speaking of every little bit counts, you might consider putting your vacation funds into a high-interest-yielding savings account. Some online savings accounts are offering over 4% APY, as of July 2023.

Also, if you currently have accounts with a bank that collects monthly maintenance fees, foreign transaction fees, and/or ATM fees, you might also consider switching banks before your trip.

Not only will you save money before your trip without paying monthly banking fees, but you’ll also be able to use ATMs abroad without getting dinged with fees from your bank on top of the local bank.

5. Open a Travel Rewards Credit Card

Another way to save money for Europe is to open a travel rewards credit card.

Travel rewards cards allow you to save money by redeeming the points you’ve earned on both everyday and travel expenses for airfare or hotels.

Plus, some travel rewards cards offer additional perks, such as protection on travel purchases, car rental insurance, lost luggage insurance, or airport lounge access.

Additionally, sign-up bonuses can offset some of your Europe trip expenses. For example, you could earn 75,000 bonus miles, a $750 value in travel expenses, when you open a Captial One Venture Rewards Credit Card and spend $4,000 on your normal expenses (or trip-related expenses) within the first three months.

However, with great benefits comes a cost, and you should carefully consider if opening a travel rewards credit card is a good financial option for you.

First, though there are some travel rewards cards without an annual fee, others have annual fees of $95 or higher. For example, the Platinum Card from American Express has a lucrative introductory offer, access to airport lounges, elite status with Hilton and Marriott, and a concierge service that helps travelers book hard-to-get reservations, but the annual fee is $695.

If you are interested in applying for a travel rewards card, you typically need a good to excellent credit score to be approved. Additionally, to maximize the benefits of your travel rewards credit card, you should be in a state of good financial wellness and able to pay off monthly balances.

In addition to general travel rewards cards, you may also consider credit cards that offer benefits and the ability to earn miles/points for your airline or hotel brand of choice. The benefits of these cards can be quite advantageous for brand-loyal travelers and frequent fliers.

6. Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees

Did you know you can incur a foreign transaction fee before stepping foot outside the US? That is because a foreign transaction fee is not based on where you are located at the time of purchase.

Rather, a foreign transaction fee is charged by your credit card issuer when financial transactions are made outside of the country. For example, you could incur this fee when purchasing your rail tickets online in advance of your Europe trip.

Though the fees are relatively small at 1-5%, they can add up as you are booking your European vacation and, of course, while purchasing meals and souvenirs during your trip.

So, before you make reservations or bookings for your Europe trip, check that your credit card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.

Having no foreign transaction fee is another perk of travel rewards credit cards, but you may have a credit card with no foreign transaction fees already in your wallet.

It’s certainly worth checking which of your cards offer this money-saving perk!

7. Utilize Rebates, Coupons, and Discounts

Another way to save money for your Europe trip is to shop using rebates, coupons, and discounts on everyday items, such as groceries, as well as your travel gear and trip bookings.

There are a number of mobile apps and browser extensions you can install to earn rebates. Personally, I use the Ibotta , Capital One Shopping Rewards , and Rakuten browser extensions to earn cash back from my online purchases. I also earn cash back from Ibotta on in-person grocery shopping by clipping rebate coupons on the mobile app.

You can even utilize Ibotta for saving money as you book your Europe trip. Ibotta changes its offers from time to time, but a quick browse today showed cash-back earnings of 10% for AirportParking.com, 4% for Viator, 3.5% for Priceline, and 3% for Booking.com purchases among many others.

It’s beneficial to utilize multiple rebate apps or browser extensions (depending on how you shop) to maximize your savings. For example, Ibotta is offering 3% cash back on Priceline purchases as I pen this post, but Rakuten’s deal of up to 6% back beats it.

Rakuten also has rebate offers on travel booking sites, airlines, hotel chains, car rental services, cruise lines, and more travel-related products and services.

What I like most about using the Capital One Shopping Rewards browser extension is that it will automatically run coupon promo codes to get you the best deal when you check out from any online retailer. I’ve saved $788 using Capital One Shopping Rewards while online shopping over the past two years!

8. Pick Up a Side Hustle

If you need additional savings for your Europe trip, try picking up a side hustle. This could include freelancing gigs, taking online market research surveys, or even creating a small business of your own.

As long as your everyday expenses and a cushion for unexpected expenses are covered by your paycheck, the extra cash you make from your side hustle can be diverted towards your vacation fund. This can help you reach your vacation-funding goals even faster!

9. Sell Your Stuff!

Do you have items you no longer want but could be useful to someone else? Selling those no-longer-needed belongings is another way to earn more money for your European vacation.

In particular, if you have furniture, collector’s items (especially in the original packaging), or designer or brand-name clothing in good to “like new” condition with the sales tags still attached, then you should research the value of these items before selling.

For designer and name-brand clothing, you may want to consider taking those items to a local consignment or resale shop or listing them on Poshmark.

There also are a number of free online marketplaces where you can sell your gently used items. These include Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and OfferUp.

Of course, if you have a lot of items to sell that aren’t specialty or higher-priced items, consider hosting a yard or garage sale. You can also partner with a neighbor, friend, or relative to advertise a multi-household sale, which may attract more customers.

10. Ask for “Travel” as Your Gift

Do your relatives ever ask what you want for your birthday or Christmas? If you normally exchange gifts for birthdays, holidays, or other special occasions with family members or close friends, you can ask for cash for your trip!

Or, is this dream European vacation your honeymoon? If so, in lieu of registering for kitchenwares and home furnishings, set up a virtual honeymoon fund into which your wedding guests can contribute.

And, if it feels too awkward to directly ask for cash, you could offer other gift ideas that would help offset your travel expenses, such as an airline gift card, a new suitcase, or any other European travel essentials you still need.

11. Invite Friends to Split Costs

One of the best ways to save money when traveling is to share the cost of accommodations and transportation with travel companions. Rather than saving up for a solo trip, ask a friend or a group of friends to join you.

Of course, there are some travel expenses, such as your flight to Europe, that will be your own financial responsibility. This remains true whether you travel solo, with a travel companion, or with a group of friends.

However, you can invite your significant other, friends, or family members to join you on the trip and split some of the other travel costs.

By splitting the cost of your accommodations and ground transportation, you can reduce the overall cost of your trip and more quickly reach your trip savings goal.

RELATED:  Five Tips to Successfully Navigate Travel with Friends

12. Avoid Traveling in Peak Tourism Season

One sure way to reduce the overall cost of your trip to Europe is by traveling outside of the high tourism season.

For many European destinations, prices are higher in the summer months as well as in early winter around the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

Usually, the shoulder seasons (the weeks or months before and after high season) have lower airfare and hotel prices and fewer tourists crowding popular attractions than high season. Plus, the weather is still relatively pleasant in many European destinations during the spring and fall.

Of course, if your dream European vacation involves sipping glühwein at Christmas markets in Germany or swimming in the warm Mediterranean Sea, this bit of advice may not apply to your specific travel dream.

However, if you are open to traveling during a less popular time of year for Europe travel, you will likely save money on two of your biggest travel expenses — airfare and accommodations.

13. Choose a Cheaper Flight

Your flight will be one of your biggest expenses in planning your trip to Europe. Don’t get discouraged though — there are ways to find flight deals to Europe

First of all, the more flexible you can be with your travel itinerary, the cheaper your flight options may be.

For example, if you can schedule your flights for midweek rather than Friday through Monday, you’ll usually save money on cheaper airfare.

You can also use mobile apps and online tools, such as Skyscanner and Google Flights, to search for and alert you to cheaper fares.

Or, earn cash back on your flight (and hotel bookings) by joining the travel-deal aggregator website WayAway Plus .

MONEY-SAVING TIP: Get 10% off your WayAway Plus membership to start earning cash back on your Europe travel bookings today! Just click on my promo code EPICUREAN to get your discount!

Money-Saving Tips for Travel in Europe

If you are planning your dream trip, I hope you learned some money-saving tips for traveling to Europe.

In this post, I recommended that you research prices to create your trip budget. This way you will know how much you’ll need to save and spend on travel expenses.

I’ve also shared strategies to implement to save or earn more money for your vacation fund.

You could increase your travel funds by putting your savings into a high-interest yielding account, taking on a side hustle, asking for cash (or trip-related gifts), or selling your gently used belongings that no longer spark joy.

Finally, I also shared ideas of how to keep your costs lower when traveling to Europe from the US. By inviting travel companions to join you or taking your trip at lower-cost times, your overall trip costs will decrease.

Need inspiration for your Europe trip? Browse top Europe tours and activities below!

TL;DR: Remember these tips to save money for a Europe trip!

• Research travel costs for Europe early on, create your trip budget, and use your budget spreadsheet to track your spending.
• Save money for your trip by making small cuts to your everyday expenses and splurges, such as carpooling rather than driving solo to work.
• Earn more money for your European vacation fund by switching to a high-interest bank account, asking for cash gifts, selling your gently used stuff, and/or getting a side hustle.
• Download rebate mobile apps or add their browser extensions to earn cash back as you shop online for your travel gear or make trip bookings.
• Open and use a travel rewards credit card, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card or the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, for your everyday expenses to earn travel rewards that can be redeemed for airfare, hotel stays, car rentals, and cruises.
• Use Skyscanner or Google Flights to search for cheaper airfare, or join WayAway Plus (10% off with my promo code EPICUREAN ) to earn cash back on your flight to Europe.
• Reduce your Europe trip costs by flying midweek, traveling in the off season, or sharing accommodations with travel companions.
• Pay for your hotels, rail tickets, and tickets for attractions and tours with a credit card that has no foreign transaction fee.
• Bonus Tip: While you are traveling in Europe, pay with a credit card to get the best exchange rate.

Read These Posts for More Europe Travel Tips

• Packing for Europe: How to Pick the Best Women’s Shoes to Wear in Europe [Summer Edition]
• 12 Famous French Foods in Paris to Eat — And One to Avoid!
• Five Amsterdam Restaurants Where You Should Eat (According to a Netherlands Travel Expert)
• Top 8 Copenhagen Seafood Restaurants
• Cyprus Dining Guide: Best Restaurants in Five Top Cyprus Travel Destinations
• Paros, Greece Travel Guide: Tips for Visiting the Greek Island
• 10 Photos of Ireland to Inspire Your Trip
• Italian Coffee Guide: 15 Things You Should Know Before Drinking Coffee in Italy

Planning a trip to Europe? Save this post to your Europe travel board on Pinterest to easily refer back to it later!

Editor’s Note:  Photo credit for the lead image of a traveler counting cash while trip planning (© Syda Productions /Adobe Stock)

About Erin Klema

Erin Klema is the founder and editor of The Epicurean Traveler, combining her journalism background with her passion for culinary travel. When she isn't exploring the world through unique, local culinary experiences, she enjoys cooking with her husband, planning her next trip, and reading or watching a good rom com.

Reader Interactions

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of new posts by email.

Privacy Overview

• 71 Pinterest
• More Networks

discover Travel

Cookie Policy

Privacy Policy

Terms of Use

Follow Us on Instagram

© COPYRIGHT 2023 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Template overview

Purchase the template

Company or personal landing

Magazine style

CMS Article

Detail CMS page

CMS Audience

CMS Gallery

UI Kit page

Sections & components

Style guide

Search page

Password page

Planning Your Europe Trip Budget: Using a Travel Cost Calculator

Travel Tips

Marcus Shen

Content writer

March 27, 2023

A travel cost calculator can be a useful tool when planning a trip to Europe. It helps to estimate the total cost of the trip, including expenses such as airfare, accommodation, food, transportation, and attractions. By using a budget calculator, travelers can better determine how much money they will need to bring with them on their trip and avoid overspending. This information is especially important for those on a tight budget or those who want to make the most of their travel budget. Using a travel cost calculator can help travelers make informed decisions about where to go, where to stay, and how much to spend on different activities. ‍

Gathering cost information: What do you need to factor in?

When planning a trip to Europe, it's important to gather all the necessary cost information to budget effectively. This includes factoring in expenses such as accommodations, transportation, food, and entertainment. Use a travel cost calculator to estimate the total cost of your trip to avoid overspending or coming up short on funds. Take into consideration the cheapest and most expensive destinations in Europe and decide where you can save or splurge. Also, consider the differences in costs between Western and Eastern Europe, as well as the unit costs for eligible travel expenses for EU funded projects. By using a budget calculator and determining the cost breakdown of specific expenses, you can better plan and budget for your trip.

Cheapest and most expensive destinations in Europe: Where can you save or splurge?

When it comes to traveling in Europe, some destinations are more budget-friendly than others. In this section, the blog discusses the cheapest and most expensive destinations to help travelers save or splurge accordingly. In general, Eastern Europe is less expensive compared to Western Europe, and travelers can save money by visiting countries such as Poland, Hungary, or Croatia. On the other hand, popular destinations like France or Switzerland can be more expensive due to high costs of accommodations, food, and attractions. However, there are still ways to save money even in these expensive destinations, by choosing budget-friendly accommodations or dining options, and priorities must-see attractions. By using a travel cost calculator and researching beforehand, travelers can make informed decisions about where to save or splurge in Europe.

Eastern vs Western Europe: How much does your money go farther?

When planning a trip to Europe, one of the biggest considerations is how much your money will get you in each region. As mentioned earlier, Eastern European countries tend to be more budget-friendly than their Western counterparts. Frugal travelers can expect daily budgets between $40-$70 in Eastern Europe, compared to $70-$125 in Western Europe. Of course, these figures can vary depending on your travel style and chosen destinations, but generally speaking, your money will go farther in the east. Some popular cheap destinations in Eastern Europe include Budapest, Prague, and Krakow. However, that's not to say that Western Europe isn't worth exploring! There are plenty of ways to save money while traveling in the west, such as staying in hostels or opting for budget-friendly food options. Ultimately, where you decide to go will depend on your travel goals and budget. By using a travel cost calculator and considering factors like unit costs for EU funded projects and international travel expenses, you can get a better idea of how to plan your trip and make the most of your money.

Unit costs for EU-funded projects: How to calculate eligible travel expenses

Unit costs for EU funded projects are an important aspect to consider when calculating eligible travel expenses. The European Union has set out eligibility requirements for project expenses, specifically for travel, accommodation, and subsistence allowances. To ensure that your Horizon Europe proposal budget adheres to the directive, it is essential to accurately calculate the grant amount for travel costs. MIELES, an E CBHE project selected for funding in 2016, has five budget headings, including staff costs and travel costs. When planning your trip budget, using a budget calculator can help you factor in all necessary costs, whether for road trip tolls or international airfare. By understanding the unit costs for EU funded projects and using a travel cost calculator, you can better plan and manage expenses for your next European adventure.

Using a budget calculator: What to consider when planning your trip budget

When planning a trip to Europe, using a budget calculator can be extremely helpful in estimating the costs of your trip. It's important to consider all factors, such as accommodation, transportation, food, attractions, and souvenirs, when creating your budget. By using a budget calculator, you can easily input your estimated costs for each category and get an overall estimate of your trip. This will help you determine if you need to adjust your itinerary, accommodations, or activities to fit within your budget. Additionally, if you're considering a road trip, be sure to factor in tolls, fuel, and vignettes. You can also use the budget calculator to compare costs between eastern and western Europe, as well as between other regions. By carefully planning your budget using a budget calculator, you can ensure a stress-free and enjoyable trip to Europe without breaking the bank.

Road trip costs: Detailed journey costs for tolls, fuel, and vignettes

Planning a road trip through Europe can have its fair share of expenses, especially when it comes to tolls, fuel costs, and vignettes. However, with the help of a travel cost calculator, you can easily factor in these costs and budget accordingly. In addition to toll expenses, the cost information to gather includes fuel prices, hotel rates, and travel insurance. Learning about the cheapest and most expensive destinations in Europe, as well as the differences between Eastern and Western Europe, can also help save money. For those embarking on an EU funded project, understanding unit costs is crucial. By using a budget calculator, travelers can make informed decisions on where to save and splurge when planning their trip budget. For those opting for a road trip, detailed journey costs for tolls, fuel, and vignettes can be easily acquired. So whether planning an international trip or a two-week journey through Europe, using factual data and travel cost calculators can make the planning process stress-free and enjoyable.

International travel costs: How does Europe compare to other regions?

When planning an international trip, comparing the costs of different regions is crucial. Europe is often seen as an expensive destination, but how does it compare to other regions? Using a travel cost calculator can help with this comparison. According to data, Asia is a more budget-friendly option, with frugal backpackers spending an average of $40-$90 per day in Eastern Europe compared to $125 per day in Europe and Australia. However, it's important to note that travel costs also depend on the type of trip and travel style. Ultimately, it's up to the individual to weigh the factors and decide which destination fits their budget and preferences best.

Sample trip cost breakdown: A 2-week trip to Europe with airfare, accommodations, local transportation, and attractions

Based on the averages provided for each expense, the estimated cost for a one-week European vacation would be around $2,225 for one person or $3,400 for a couple. However, this cost may vary depending on the destination and the level of luxury desired. The previous sections of the blog provided insight into the cheapest and most expensive destinations in Europe, as well as how far your money can go in Western versus Eastern Europe. With this information, readers can use a budget calculator to plan their trip accordingly and make the most of their travel budget.

Conclusion: Tips for saving money on your next Europe trip.

In conclusion, after using a travel cost calculator for Europe, travelers can save money by choosing cheaper cities to fly into and budgeting accordingly with the help of budget calculators like Traveltipy and MoneyFit. The eastern part of Europe is generally less expensive than the western part, so it's worth considering when planning a trip. Furthermore, travelers can calculate eligible travel expenses for EU funded projects, and they can even save money on road trips by planning ahead and knowing the unit costs for tolls, fuel, and vignettes. Finally, by utilizing the sample trip cost breakdown of a 2-week Europe trip with airfare, accommodations, local transportation, and attractions, travelers can have an idea of how much it costs and can adjust their budget accordingly. By following these tips, anyone can save money on their next Europe trip and make the most of their budget.

Personalized Recommendations

Hi there! My name is Marcus, and I'm thrilled to be a Content Writer at Arctrav.

Sign up for our newsletter and follow along as I uncover the best places to travel to around the world.

Travel Buys

Working in Europe

Travel Destinations

Must-See Attractions

Food and Drink

Cultural Experiences

Outdoor Adventures

Other articles

Best Time Travel to Rio de Janeiro: A Guide to the Ideal Season for Your Trip

Best eSIM for Travel to USA: Top Picks and Comparison

Top 15 Best SIMs for Travel Europe: Top Picks for Affordable and Reliable Data Plans

Best Travel eSIM for Japan: Stay Connected Hassle-Free

Top 10 Best Jackets for Women Traveling in Europe: Top Picks for Style and Functionality

Cose Da Vedere A New York: La Guida Completa

Let's keep in touch

An error has occurred somewhere and it is not possible to submit the form. Please try again later or contact us via email.

Why subscribe

Arctrav is the go-to place for discovering your next bucket-list travel destination.

© COPYRIGHT 2023 All Rights Reserved

• Destinations
• Travel Tips
• Travel With Us
• Paid Travel Internship
• TTIFridays (Community Events)
• SG Travel Insider (Telegram Grp)

18 Budget Tips to Travel Europe For a Month Under S$2.4k

Travelling in Europe is notoriously expensive. While it may seem so on the surface, there’re always ways to stretch your dollar (or euro, for that matter). Here, we’ve put together some nifty money saving tips to make travelling a whole month in Europe for under S$2.4k a reality.

Fret not, none of these tips involve sleeping on the streets 😉

Budget Breakdown Accommodation: €517 Food: €375 Transport: €485 Activities + Miscellaneous: €150 Total: €1,527 (S$2,326.8)

PRE-TRIP TIPS

1) avoid the peak season.

Airfare will probably take up the bulk of your cost so the key to keeping flight costs low is to fly during non-peak season .

Summers (June to September) are popular travel seasons in Europe so try to avoid those. Not only will the flights be expensive, prices for hotels and restaurants will hike between 20 – 50% — not to mention the risk of having everything booked out early.

Plan to fly between November to March and you’ll see a pretty significant drop in price; you’ll get to enjoy fewer crowds too. You might think travelling in December is expensive, but it will still be cheaper than flights in the peak summer season.

*Pro-tip: Visit in December to soak in the festive atmosphere at Christmas markets seen in most major European cities.

2) Search for flights early

Planning early allows you to scout for the cheapest European cities to fly to. Keep a lookout for promotional airfares to European cities which major airlines will run from time to time.

*Pro-tip: Look out for special deals under the “ Promotions ” tab on UOBTravel for extra discounts on flights, hotels and tour packages.

I was able to book a flight from SG to Munich, Germany with Singapore Airlines for just under S$1,000 in December 2015, which was really a steal for European cities on a direct flight.

3) Check out Eastern Europe

While countries like France and UK are must-visit European destinations, Eastern European countries have their own charms too and are cheaper travel destinations compared to their Western siblings.

Take Budapest for example, a medieval city filled with hidden historical wonders. Find yourself transported back in time at Buda Castle and Citadel, while feasting your eyes on a panoramic view of the city on Gellert Hill.

Meals in Eastern European cities are also on average about half the cost of that in Western European cities. Take the path less explored, and open up to wonders of what the lesser known can bring.

ACCOMMODATION

4) take overnight sleeper trains.

Imagine going to bed in Vienna and waking up in Zurich, how cool does that sound?

As long as there’s space to lay flat, I have personally grown to love overnight train travel. Not only does it save time but also a night’s accommodation in the city.

Cross-border sleeper or couchette trains tickets start at €59 per bed in a 6-berth couchette cabin. Fresh sheets and blankets are provided. Some services even provide a simple breakfast with croissant and coffee. Check out Seat61 for more information on Sleeper Trains.

5) Try Couchsurfing

While sleeping on the couch of a stranger’s home may be a terrifying idea to many, I’ve heard a fair share of incredible experiences from friends who’ve tried and tested this.

Not only is this free, it is also a great way to interact with locals! These locals are usually very friendly since they too are taking up the risk of opening their homes to absolute strangers.

The couch-surfing community maintains a safe environment for hosts and surfers alike by sharing information and leaving references for each other. Besides couchsurfing.com , another notable free accommodation platform is stay4free .

6) Consider Youth Hostels

On days you just want to pamper yourself and rest your head on comfy pillows but not spend too much on accommodation, turn to youth hostels. Although this cheaper form of accommodation is targeted to younger travellers and backpackers, there are usually no age limits imposed.

Communal spaces within the youth hostels allow for interaction between guests, and that’s the charm of youth hostels, where like-minded travellers come together and share travel stories and experiences with one another.

Many youth hostels also offer private rooms which are great for days you want a little more privacy. Some even come with ensuite toilets and are still more than half of what it would cost in a three to four-star hotel.

Expenses on Accommodation: Sleeper train x 3 nights: €59 x 3 = €177 (S$287) Couch-surf x 10 nights: FREE Hostel x 17 nights: €20 x 17 = €340 (S$551) Total expenses for accommodation: €517 (S$838)

7) Avoid ordering set meals

It may be tempting, but you can save a lot ordering à la carte instead of full meals. I mean do you really need that extra serving of soup and drink?

Apart from avoiding the post-lunch coma, you’ll be saving your stomach for other interesting snacks along the way!

Avg. cost per meal in Europe: €7.50

8) Prepare your own meals

If your accommodation permits, cook your own meals. Fresh local produce can be bought at local farmers’ markets and supermarkets. Ingredients for a week’s worth of meals will cost you between €50-60 — a lot cheaper than eating out, where meals will cost you around €10 each.

Avg. cost per self-prepared meal: Under €2.50 (S$4)

9) Save money on drinks

i) Cut down on sugary drinks. These €3-6 add up with every meal. Not only do you save money, also save your calories for better grub such as steak and escargots.

ii) Tap water in most Western European cities is safe for consumption. When I visited Vienna, I was told that their tap water came directly from the Alps, and is comparable to Evian.

iii) At restaurants, always request for “tap” water. If you simply say “water”, servers might serve you bottled water which can be more expensive than wine.

How much you can save per meal when not buying drinks: €6 (S$9)

Expenses spent on food: Self-prepared meals: €2.50 x 30 days = €75 E ating-out: €10 x 30 meals = €300 Total : €375 (S$571.40)

10) Get the Eurail Pass

If you are travelling across more than three European countries, get the Eurail Pass as it will be more economical. It also saves you the trouble of buying single trip tickets for each and every leg.

If you are between 12 to 27 years of age, you can get the Eurail Youth Pass — 20% cheaper than regular adult tickets. Above 27 years old but travelling in a group? There’s a Saver Pass for people travelling in a group of 2-5pax — you save 15% on adult prices.

Prices : Youth Pass (7 Days in 1 Month): €456 (S$695) Adult Saver Pass (7 Days in 1 Month): €484 (S$738) Children under 12 travels for FREE with accompanying adults.

Read also: The Essential Eurail Pass Guide For a Fuss-Free Europe Trip

11) Get a City Pass

Most greater cities within Europe have city passes for tourists, which includes free rides on public transport, free admission to major attractions, and also discounts to certain shops and restaurants.

Prices of city passes range from €9.90 (S$16) to €49 (S$80), and is worth purchasing if you have plans to check-off most attractions in the city you want to visit. Do note that many city passes are valid for 24 to 72 hours only.

12) Skip that city pass

Yeah, I know, it’s like giving myself a slap in the face for advising you otherwise from the previous point. While city passes offer a lot of value and convenience, they are only worth getting if you plan on conquering at least 70-80% of the attractions within the validity period (24/72hours).

Otherwise, buying a single day or single trip ticket on the subway will be cheaper.

13) Walk whenever you can

After visiting Europe twice, I have learnt to let my feet bring me wherever I want to go. Cities such as Amsterdam, Munich, Vienna, and Budapest are very walkable. Pathways are very pedestrian-friendly, and some subway stations are so near to each other you’d reach faster if you walked.

Total Transportation expenses: Eurail Pass: €456 (S$694) Avg. cost of a City Pass: €29 (S$44)

14) Sign up for free walking tours

Paid guides and tours are often unnecessary money spent as information and historical facts can be easily obtained from the Internet. Instead, when in Europe, sign up for the FREE walking tours.

Simply register and sign up for a walking tour — while will bring you around some notable landmarks and attractions.  SANDEMANS  is a pretty popular choice.

Price: Free, but a tip of €5-10 (S$7-15) is quite common

15) Visit museums on free admission days

Some museums have free admission during certain time periods. In Paris, admission to the Louvre museum is free for those under 26 every Friday from 6pm — applies to all nationalities as long as you present a valid ID.

Musée Rodin, Musée Picasso, and Musée d’Orsay open their doors to the public for free on the first Sunday of every month.

But of course, do be prepared to squeeze with the crowds on free admission days.

16) Go for free (or ridiculously cheap) music events

Free open-air concerts and music festivals are quite common in Europe. If you don’t mind standing, you can find standing pit tickets for musicals for a fraction of the original price. In Vienna, there were standing tickets for under €5.

*Pro-tip: Start queuing 2 hours earlier to get cheap standing tickets.

More information:  Italy  –  Amsterdam  –  Paris  –  Salzburg  –  Vienna  –  Munich

17) Picnic at local parks

People-watching from an al fresco Parisian café, sipping on a café au lait is almost a mandatory experience in Paris. But that can also be expensive.

A cheaper alternative to people-watching is from the comfort of a sprawled out mat on top of freshly cut grass. Pack some sandwiches and head to a local park — it’ll cost close to nothing!

Some beautiful parks to spending an entire afternoon just watching the world go by: English Garden in Munich, Hyde Park in London, Stadtpark in Vienna, Champ de Mars in Paris.  

18) Buy postcards instead of souvenirs

Unless your friend or family member is a collector of tacky souvenirs from around the world, chances are, they would much prefer a handwritten postcard. Not only are they more meaningful than magnets and key chains, postcards cost less and won’t take up much luggage space.

I once wrote a birthday postcard to my best friend en route Grindelwald to Jungfrau, Switzerland. Turns out she only received it four months after her birthday. Well, it’s better late than never! I’m sure that was the best birthday present she received that year 🙂

With this list of Europe budget tips, we hope to have piqued your interest in fulfilling your European adventures soon! If you are looking for more inspiration on touring Europe on a budget, check out these budget guides too!

2-Month Europe Itinerary: 10 Countries Under S$5K with the Eurail Pass 10-Day Switzerland Itinerary: 6 Cities Under S$2.3k with the Swiss Travel Pass 10-Day France Itinerary: Paris And Beyond Under S$1.5k 7-Day Summer Norway Itinerary: Under S$2.5k Incld. Round Trip Flights From Singapore 9-Day Greece Itinerary : Under S$1.5k incl. flights & accom — Athens, Santorini, Meteora

Itching for a getaway? Book your flights, accommodation and activity packages with UOBtravel.com

UOBTravel’s newly revamped site  allows you to search and book your flights, accommodation and travel packages — which is great for UOB card members because you can now pay for your travel essentials in UNI$!

On top of offsetting your flight with UNI$, every redemption of UNI$3,088, earns you an extra $50 off your flight!

Earn up to five miles (UNI$2.50) for every S$1 spent on  selected travel packages . Once you’ve clocked up enough UNI$, spend them on entire holidays like an epic  8-day trip to Turkey  or a relaxing  2D1N spa getaway to Batam .

In celebration of UOBTravel’s 45th birthday, the first 45 flight and accommodation bookings on UOBTravel will receive $20 GRAB e-vouchers and $20 off your second night stay (respectively).

Don’t have a UOB Card? Sign up now at  http://www.uob.com.sg/credit-cards/all-cards.html

This post was brought to you by UOB Travel .

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Madeira Travel Guide — What to Eat, See, Do in The Most Beautiful Place on Earth

5 Europe Itineraries to Check Off While You’re Young — Perfect for First-Time Solo Travellers

Nørrebro: Denmark’s Coolest District with an Unfortunate Bad Rep — Cultures Explained

10 Smart Money-saving Tips to Combat High Travel Costs in 2022

10-Day Switzerland Itinerary — 6 Cities Under S$2.3k with the Swiss Travel Pass

5 Epic Getaways From Singapore with Flights Under S$500

14 comments.

Hey Thanks for sharing such an budget friendly tips. Especially not to travel in peak seasons . And taking overnight trains seems awesome idea’s .

this is great! anything on a multi-trip tour? i’ve looked at a few but they’re all super expensive

Hi Casey! Tours will generally be expensive because they do the planning and coordination for you. We travelled free and easy to keep the costs low!

Well, I just stumbled across this blog while surfing about traveling. Being a travel blogger I know traveling is fun but expensive too. Thank you so much for your tips it will help all the users. Great!

I guess I traveled too much frugally… completed 3 months in 676$. Ye Even I can’t believe it. Though the flight rates cost much to me as I live far away.

Wow that’s amazing! What tips do you have to share?

Could you email me? I plan to go soon and I would love to hear your tips…

rail pass is not cheap at all, and u need to pay booking fees on some rail.. not recommand

Hi Ken, While I do agree that rail passes can be expensive, they are undeniably cost-effective. Also, having a rail pass in hand makes boarding trains convenient, especially for first-timers in Europe 🙂

We recently explored Europe via rail on three separate trips, and we do hope to inspire more people to discover the beauty of Europe. – UK By Rail: 10D Scotland, Wales And London Itinerary Under S$1,400 – 10-Day France Itinerary under S$1.5k — Paris and Beyond by Rail – https://thetravelintern.com/europe-budget-itinerary-eurail-pass/

Cheers! 🙂 -Edelyn

Very helpful. Specially youth hostels to stay in is a great tip.

1527 euro = 1699 us dollars

Hey, you’re absolutely right! Though the converted prices shown in this article are in Singapore dollars . Hope you’ve found these budget tips useful! 🙂

Really sensible, doable and moolah-saving tips. Great going. Thanks for that.

Other options: 1. Avoid buying water and opt for free drinking water from safe sources 2. Try to join a compatible group to rent a car to share car-rental costs. Risky at times… 3. Try to budget and make fewer ATM cash withdrawals to avoid various charges. But tis means keeping/carrying more cash 4. Carry a sleeping bag and rough it out whenever possible 5. Many restaurants, bakeries, supermarkets etc sell food at discounted rates late in the evening…

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

11 Unique Things to Do in South Australia — Quirky Wineries,...

7 Boutique Hotels in Singapore For an “Out of the Country”...

How to Pay in China Without WeChat or Alipay — New...

11 Things to do in Clark, Philippines — A Quiet Adventure...

20 Things to Eat-See-Do in Sabah’s Capital Besides Climbing Mount Kinabalu

• Terms Of Use
• Privacy Policy

Travel Expenses in Europe

How to budget your travel expenses in europe.

Working out your travel expenses in Europe on a budget can be a bit of a challenge. How much you will need varies from individual to individual depending on how cheaply or otherwise, you want to travel. There are a number of factors that determine your travel costs, so if you want the best value for money, it is best to do some planning in advance. Your planning process should include deciding early the places you want to stay and if possible, book hotel reservations, buy a eurail pass and make other arrangements in advance. Since many places have hidden fees associated, your day city trip can so easily become expensive. Living expenses vary from city to city but you’ll find that anything in Western Europe will generally take a large slice out of your purse than in Eastern European countries.

Travel Expenses in Europe – What You Will Need for Day to Day Activities

Here are a few facts that may help you. If you shop at a supermarket, approximately 10 to 15 euro will feed you for the day. Most hotels offer a complimentary continental breakfast. You could shop at a local supermarket to keep you going through lunch, so if your hotel room comes with a kitchenette, make the best use of it. If you’re not too fussy about your diet, you may also like to stock up with bread, jam, cherry tomatoes and cheese, as well as pasta and/or rice in bulk if you are staying in one place for a few days. These are some of the cheapest items, so if you won’t get tired of eating the same thing it will help you cut down your European travel expenses. On the other hand, a decent meal out at a restaurant may cost you over 20 euro. Part of any real travel experience includes sampling the local culture so you may wish to try the local cuisine sometimes. But if you’re on budget, try keeping eating out to minimum.

Travel Expenses in Europe – Accommodation

Accommodation doesn’t come very cheap. Typically, three star hotels may cost anything over 70-90 euro per night. Generally, hotels in Italy and Belgium are more expensive than hotels in eastern Europe. Hostels and backpackers lodgings are a cheaper option and you can generally score one of these for around 20 euro per night.

Cost of Getting Around

Much of your transportation cost and worries can be easily addressed if you buy bus or train passes in advance. Many of these passes cover periods of time rather than “per trip” fees. It should help avoid those unexpected ‘incidentals’ while getting around Europe. Try booking in advance by purchasing tickets online for the best deals. Websites such as www.busabout.com and www.eurorail.com include some great deals.

Travel expenses in Europe can be managed with advance planning. If you haven’t booked and paid for everything or most of the things in advance, you should put aside the amount you need to pay for any flights, trains or buses. You can buy day passes for local trains and buses. On average, 10 euro a day is about all you may need to visit local sights. You can also walk through many cities to see the sights on foot. It promises to be more fun this way as you discover some unknown hideaway or have opportunity to meet the locals going about their daily business.

There are many sights that are free, while some major ones charge entry fees. You can do a thorough research on expenses involved in sight seeing in each city you plan to visit. As a rough estimate, you may plan around euro 15 a day on average for sight seeing. This is only a rough estimate, as most museums and galleries cost not more than 10 euro to enter.

So, the least you may have to spend on travel expenses in Europe should average around 60 euro per day.

Here’s the break up once again:

• Food – 15 euro;
• Accommodation – 20 euro;
• Transport – 10 euro;
• Sightseeing – 15 euro.

This is the minimum cost you should budget for, over and above the expenses you may have already incurred prior to leaving for your European tour. If you have decided to stay in a two to three star hotel, it may cost you over 50 euro each day on average. However, off-season and early booking can provide discounts.

There are several other factors that may increase the cost of travel in Europe depending on your travel choices. The overall cost will be influenced by whether you are travel alone or with a group. The minimum indicated budget for a single person’s travel expenses in Europe may go up several times over with 5 or more star hotels accommodation, restaurant meals, and car rentals. The less expensive trips are those that are one week or less to a single city in Europe. Anything over one week begins to get more expensive.

Take a look at this interesting video that describes a country-by-country cost guide app that you can get for an iPhone. You can use it to find out pretty much anything you need to know about travel expenses in Europe.

You May Also Like

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Calculate unit costs for eligible travel costs

Commission Decision C(2021)35 , as amended by Commission Decision C(2023)4928, authorises the use of unit costs for the reimbursement of  eligible travel costs  awarded under any action or programme financed by the Union budget under the 2021-2027 MFF period. This page provides two calculators to allow the granting authority calculate the relevant distance for identifying the correct unit cost under point 5.1 of the Decision (Amounts for return air, rail and combined air/rail journey).

The unit cost to be paid depends on the distance between the place of departure and place of arrival. The two calculators below can be used to calculate this distance. The appropriate unit cost for a return trip will be determined by comparing the distance from the calculator to the distance bands listed in table 1 and table 2 below. The table to be used will depend on the date of opening of the relevant call and the end date of the project (see explanations under table 1 and table 2 below).  

Rail calculator

For rail travel  of more than 400km:

Flight calculator

For flights of more than 400 km:

Table 1: Unit cost per distance band (reference Commission Decision C(2021)35)

for calls with an opening date before 26/07/2023 and for projects with end date on 31/12/2022 or before, or ongoing on 01/01/2023 and where the beneficiary has voluntarily opted not to use the increased amounts listed in table 2.

Table 2: Unit cost per distance band (reference Commission Decision C(2023)4928)

for all calls with opening date as of 26/07/2023, and for projects ongoing on 01/01/2023 or with start date after that and where the beneficiary has voluntarily decided to use the amounts increased from those published in the original call and listed in table 1.

Share this page

• Today's news
• Reviews and deals
• Climate change
• 2024 election
• Fall allergies
• Health news
• Mental health
• Sexual health
• Family health
• So mini ways
• Unapologetically
• Buying guides

Entertainment

• How to Watch
• My Portfolio
• Latest news
• Stock market
• Premium news
• Biden economy
• EV Deep Dive
• Stocks: Most Actives
• Stocks: Gainers
• Stocks: Losers
• Trending Tickers
• World Indices
• US Treasury Bonds
• Top Mutual Funds
• Highest Open Interest
• Highest Implied Volatility
• Stock Comparison
• Advanced Charts
• Currency Converter
• Basic Materials
• Communication Services
• Consumer Cyclical
• Consumer Defensive
• Financial Services
• Industrials
• Real Estate
• Mutual Funds
• Credit cards
• Balance transfer cards
• Cash-back cards
• Rewards cards
• Travel cards
• Personal loans
• Student loans
• Car insurance
• Morning Brief
• Market Domination
• Market Domination Overtime
• Opening Bid
• Stocks in Translation
• Lead This Way
• Good Buy or Goodbye?
• Fantasy football
• Pro Pick 'Em
• College Pick 'Em
• Fantasy baseball
• Fantasy hockey
• Fantasy basketball
• Download the app
• Daily fantasy
• Scores and schedules
• GameChannel
• World Baseball Classic
• Premier League
• CONCACAF League
• Champions League
• Motorsports
• Horse racing
• Newsletters

New on Yahoo

• Privacy Dashboard

Yahoo Finance

Summer 2024 travel trends: gen z spends, europe reigns.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. , April 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite the rising cost of travel , travelers are sparing no expense on their summer getaways, according to Squaremouth.com , the nation's leading travel insurance marketplace.

Analyzing traveler spending data from thousands of travel insurance policies purchased for trips this summer, Squaremouth reveals the top summer travel spending trends of 2024 and which top locations are the most wallet-friendly.

Over 75% of Summer Travelers Are Heading Abroad 

In 2024, 77% of travelers booking summer trips through Squaremouth are heading abroad. These destinations come with a high price tag, as international trips have an average trip cost of over $9,000 , compared to just over $7,000 for domestic trips.

Top 10 International Summer Destinations for 2024

Budget-Friendly Destinations for Summer 2024

With travel prices higher than ever, many travelers are searching for attractive destinations that don't break the bank. Consider these 5 popular budget-friendly international destinations with the lowest average trip costs in 2024.

Gen Z Spending the Most on Travel

All generations are spending more on trips this summer, with trip costs rising an average of 36% compared to 2023.

Notable Stats: 

Gen Z is spending an average of $11,766 on trips, surpassing all other generations for the first time in 4 years

While Millennials are spending the least on travel this year, their year-over-year spending has increased the most by almost 50%

Methodology: Squaremouth identified trends amongst travel insurance policy sales purchased with travel dates between 6/20/24 – 9/22/24.

Notes to editors

Available Topic Expert: Jenna Hummer is available for comment and interview. [email protected]

About Squaremouth:  Squaremouth.com has insured over 3 million travelers. Using Squaremouth's intuitive quoting and comparison engine, award-winning support team, and verified customer reviews, travelers can save time and money to find the best travel insurance policy for their trip.

View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/summer-2024-travel-trends-gen-z-spends-europe-reigns-302126898.html

SOURCE Squaremouth

Wealth of Geek$

Affordable European Travel: Destinations for the Perfect Honeymoon on a Budget

Posted: October 24, 2023 | Last updated: October 24, 2023

Despite the uptick in travel costs, it’s possible to go on a European honeymoon without breaking the bank. With the Euro and the U.S. dollar hovering around parity and new low-cost airlines making it easier to get over the pond, couples can plan the honeymoon of their dreams even with a more limited budget.

If you’re interested in ideas for an affordable yet unforgettable European honeymoon, we have some information you won’t want to miss.

Flying To European Destinations Can Be Affordable

By saving money on flights, newlyweds can say “I do” to a honeymoon in Europe. Low-cost Icelandic airline PLAY offers cheap flights and no-frills service to romantic destinations such as Paris, Barcelona, and London. Their paradigm is that by paying less, you can play more. Their New York Stewart, Boston, and D.C. flights connect through Iceland to many different destinations in Europe. PLAY frequently runs offers from the United States to Europe so you can snag more a more affordable flight and save some cash for your getaway.

If you plan a honeymoon in the shoulder or off-season, you can also score more affordable flights on traditional airline carriers.

Milan is the place to be if you want a less touristy city. It is the architecture, food, and fashion capital of Italy.

Milan is one of the cheapest countries to fly to in Europe. There are numerous flights from JFK via American, Delta, and Alitalia. The best time of the year to score a cheap flight will be January and February.

2. Copenhagen

A city full of canals, impressive churches, and Danish food, Copenhagen competes with Helsinki as one of the happiest cities in the world. Copenhagen offers stunning Danish cuisine, beautiful churches, and museums.

With round-trip flights to Copenhagen ranging from $300 to $ 850, you can save extra cash to keep your wallet happy and indulge in Danish culture.

London is one of the top tourist destinations in Europe, offering a wide range of hotels and price points. Use the extra cash to explore attractions such as Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and the Greenwich walking tour. Or enjoy a romantic evening observing the city from The London Eye, one of the world’s tallest Ferris Wheels.

Rome is a city like no other, where emperors ruled and gladiators fought. As a major European city, it hosts a hub for ITA Airways and Vueling Airlines, with cheap flight options to the rest of Europe.

Round-trip flights can range from $345 to 850 from many of the major cities in North America.

Many people have talked about moving to Portugal, but you may be asking why. Lisbon sits in the most affordable country in Europe, boasting excellent weather and fantastic food, and it is close to many other European countries like France and Spain .

There’s only one way to know why everyone you know has just returned or is planning a trip to Portugal!

6. Amsterdam

Amsterdam features 16th-century architecture, romantic canals, museums, and even the Stroop Waffle. Amsterdam has the third busiest airport in the world, with direct flights from 19 U.S. cities, making it a great entry point into Europe. With round-trip flights ranging from $300-900, it’s possible to find one within your budget.

Paris is an iconic Europe destination that screams expensive. But it’s possible to book an affordable flight. Use the money you save on airfare to visit cafes, have a romantic dinner at one of the fine French cuisine restaurants, and tour any of the city’s finest sites like the Louvre, Versailles Palace, and the Eiffel Tower.

Madrid is full of world-class attractions, fantastic food, and plenty of soccer, all in one of the cheapest major cities in Europe. A round-trip ticket in the offseason to go to Madrid can range from $400 to $800. With the many airlines flying through Madrid, there are plenty of opportunities to find a great flight deal .

The home to the Guinness brewery, impressive castles, and excellent countryside, Dublin is a Medieval city with picturesque views and so much more. The round-trip tickets can go for as little as $400 to $500. 

10. Barcelona

Barcelona is one of the most beautiful European cities, with fantastic architecture, stunning beaches, and more great soccer. Catching a flight from NYC or Boston to Barcelona can be as cheap as a $300-700 round trip. With Iberia, Vueling, and LEVEL bringing about cheap fares, it is a perfect time to book that trip to Spain!

11. Reykavik

Looking for more adventures, then visit Iceland. Reykjavik can be the cheapest European city to fly to from North America, with PLAY offering some shockingly low fares.  You can see geysers in the Golden Circle, relax in the Blue Lagoon, and enjoy an adventure-packed trip for cheaper than you may think!

Oslo brings city life to nature. It is surrounded by forest hills perfect for hiking and a waterfront where people swim and kayak. Travelers can find affordable round-trip tickets from North America for as little as $550, helping to offset the high prices commonly found once you’re in Oslo.

13. Helsinki

Helsinki has become one of the cheapest European cities to fly into. Round-trip flights from NYC, Boston, and LAX can range from $600-800. Ranked as one of the happiest cities in the world, see for yourself what it is all about.

A city transforming into one with a fun night scene and a blossoming foodie scene, Zurich draws visitors from all over. Stroll the shops set amongst the scenery of the lake and snow-capped Alps mountains.

Even though Switzerland is an expensive country, there are cheap flights to be found. Flying on Swiss Airlines, you could find flights ranging from $540 to $700 round trip with other options available.

15. Frankfurt

A modern city full of glass, steel, museums, and shopping avenues, Frankfurt especially comes alive in December. With the third busiest airport in Europe, competition among the airlines has created lower fares for budget-conscious travelers.

16. Istanbul

Istanbul has it all; architecture, 2500 years of history, and cuisine from many lands. As a bustling metropolis, Istanbul invites people from far and wide to visit, admire, and enjoy the cultural melting pot. As the central hub of Turkish Airlines, the world’s largest fleet of airplanes, you can be connected to other destinations for a more extended honeymoon.

Warsaw may not be on everyone’s bucket list, but it should. This city has beautiful landmarks, incredible old town streets, active parks, and traditional Polish Cuisine. As one of the cheapest European cities to fly into, it will not break the bank to experience the extraordinary Polish epicenter.

A world-class city with history, museums, palaces, and so much more, Vienna has magic that is often overlooked.  It has been ranked the most livable city in the world, bringing many people through and acting as another cheaper entry point into Europe.

If you want history, architecture, food, and great beer, look no further than Prague . It is one of the most affordable cities in Europe, showing off its beauty with beautiful castles, fantastic 16th and 17th-century architecture, and unique beer at great prices.

20. Stockholm

Stockholm is where fashion, music, technology, and nature all exist in a destination that genuinely welcomes anyone. Stockholm is full of hip bars, dining, and luxury shopping close to nature, offering splendid views and hikes.  Stockholm is not on the cheap side of European cities, but more affordable flight options make a trip possible for a broader range of travelers.

21. Budapest

Known as the “Pearl of the Danube,” Budapest is an affordable, vibrant, and dynamic city. It comes with lively nightlife, great food, incredible architecture, and a rich history. The town is known as one of the cheapest cities in Europe.

Athens, Greece, is a city full of culture, historical landmarks, and Greek culture. Experience the picturesque town through neighborhoods like Plaka, with museums, taverns, and beautiful restaurants. Visit the marketplace, where Socrates and Plato would have great debates, and visit many ancient landmarks. Flying to Athens can be a cheap trip during off-season months if you can travel outside of summer, helping you save across the board.

More From Wealth of Geeks - Most Haunted Places in All 50 States

Most Haunted Places in All 50 States

More From Wealth of Geeks - Ten Fall Activities in Pigeon Forge, TN

More From Wealth of Geeks - Fall in New England: 11 of The Best Places To See Fall Leaves

Fall in New England: 11 of The Best Places To See Fall Leaves

More for You

One of these pictures of me is real and the other is AI – but which is which?

I’m a psychologist and mom—here are 3 phrases I wish more parents would say to their kids

Jayson Tatum Makes NBA History During Celtics-Heat Game 3

18 Most Common Reasons Women Leave Their Marriages

Map reveals best places to live in the US if nuclear war breaks out

'10-foot-tall people' discovered by archaeologists in Nevada cave

John Jacob Astor IV was one of the richest men in the world when he died on the Titanic. Here's a look at his life.

I’m a Bank Teller: 3 Times You Should Never Ask For $100 Bills at the Bank

Southwest Airlines Is in Trouble

What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Peanut Butter Regularly

Illinois’ Isaiah Williams signs with Lions as undrafted free agent

The first interracial kiss aired on TV more than 55 years ago—and more shows that broke racial barriers

Scientists say they have found a chapter of the Bible hidden under a section of text for more than a thousand years

Here is the average credit score at every age in the U.S.—see how yours stacks up

We Tested 4 Copycat Samoas Against the Original Girl Scout Cookie

The Longest Living People In the World All Abide by the ‘Power 9’ Rule

“One vote from the end of democracy:” Weissmann sounds alarm on SCOTUS immunity case

They Wrote it Off as School Stress. I Hid the Truth Out of Terror

A man who 'hopes he runs out of money' before he dies explains why you may not need as much cash to retire as you think

This American bought a $1 home in Italy and spent $446,000 renovating it—it improved her work-life balance

Tourism deputy rings up N.B. government's largest 2023 expense account

Moving costs and an $800-a-night hotel help push yennah hurley's expenses over $77,000.

Social Sharing

Luxury-hotel stays during an unpublicized trip to London and Paris and a personal move from Quispamsis to Fredericton helped deputy tourism minister Yennah Hurley, the former adviser to Premier Blaine Higgs, amass $77,710 in expenses in 2023.   

It's the largest amount claimed by a senior official in the New Brunswick government for the year, including the premier and cabinet ministers, according to online departmental expense reports.

New Brunswick releases information on expenses paid to ministers and senior government officials quarterly for travel, living expenses, car allowances, accommodations and other costs.  

It calls it an "effort to improve transparency, accountability and enhance the proactive disclosure of information."

In 2023, the largest amount claimed by an elected official for the calendar year was $52,522 by Higgs. That included $10,999 spent on a trip to Europe last May highlighted by Higgs's speech at the World Hydrogen Summit in the Netherlands.

Charges by the premier, however, were eclipsed by Hurley, whose expense claims ran nearly 50 per cent higher.

Hurley is a former small adventure business operator and travel blogger who has been New Brunswick's deputy minister of tourism since 2020.

She was hired in 2019 on a two-year consulting contract by Higgs to work in the Tourism Department and report directly to him on changes that might be made.

One change that came quickly was the firing of the previous deputy minister, Francoise Roy, a month after Hurley began work. Ten months later, Hurley had Roy's old job 

"I am proud that she is working with the people in the department," Higgs said in the legislature in 2019 in defending Hurley's initial hiring.

"I am proud that she is working with the minister because we are going to get things done by thinking differently. I am proud that she is part of the team."

In 2023, reports show, Hurley took several trips on government business both inside and outside Canada.

Expense reports contain little information on the purpose of trips, and Hurley was not made available for an interview.  However, her reports show $21,488 was spent on hotels in multiple locations, including Banff, Quebec City and North Carolina.

According to information provided by the province, the most expensive trip, an eight-day visit to Europe last September was an effort to boost international tourism interest in New Brunswick.

It was also said to be for gathering information on tourism sites of significance that are recognized by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization.

"The purpose of the mission was to discuss opportunities with international tour operators for visits to New Brunswick," Bruce Macfarlane, New Brunswick's senior director for media relations, wrote in response to a request for information about the trip.

"The mission also included site visits and meetings with UNESCO properties and museums with four nights in London and a four-night stay in Paris."

Four Tourism Department representatives went to Europe, according to Macfarlane, including Hurley and the minister, Tammy Scott-Wallace.

The group stayed at the Trafalgar St. James, a London hotel, before eventually moving to Hotel Lumen in Paris.

According to prices advertised online and expense reports submitted by both Scott-Wallace and Hurley, the hotels charge about $800 and $600 per night, respectively.

Hurley's expenses also included receipts for visits to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, an unspecified British museum, the London Eye, and the Palace of Versailles.  

There appeared to be no specific charges for business meetings during the eight days by either the minister or deputy minister. Hurley's expenses eventually totalled $12,328 with Scott-Wallace charging $10,199.

Isabelle Theriault, the deputy Liberal leader and opposition tourism critic, said she is surprised to hear about the trip.  

By coincidence last September, the Tourism Department was in front of the legislature's public accounts committee two weeks after Hurley returned from Paris, and Theriault questioned her about departmental efforts being made to promote New Brunswick in Europe.   

The trip was never mentioned.

"If I had known I would have asked questions about it," said Theriault.

"If they just came back from those regions in Europe why didn't they tell me, 'We went there to work on how to attract people from those regions.' But they chose not to tell."

Hurley's largest expense in 2023 was not travel-related. After her return from Europe, she sold her house in Quispamsis and moved to Fredericton, ending four years of commuting.

• Hand-picked Higgs officials living outside Fredericton cost taxpayers extra
• Taxpayers foot bill for 2nd residence in Fredericton for deputy tourism minister
• Blaine Higgs hire unaware of social media ban on politically partisan posts

That move cost taxpayers a further $19,321.17 in relocation costs.  

Those included $15,000 for the real estate commission paid on the house Hurley sold, $3,550.67 for movers and $770.50 in legal fees.

According to the New Brunswick government's relocation policy, moving expenses for an existing employee are allowed at the discretion of a departmental deputy minister "if" the employee "is transferred."

Hurley was not transferred to a new job, and she did not take a loss on the sale of her home, which sometimes adds to relocation costs.

Real estate records show the house sold last October for $405,000, well above the listed asking price of $324,900.

Nevertheless, Macfarlane said it was determined Hurley did in fact qualify to have moving expenses covered and emphasized she did not approve her own claim. He declined to say who did.

"As outlined in the relocation policy, in no case can the Deputy Head authorize their own relocation expenses," wrote Macfarlane.

"Another designate approved the relocation expenses within the policy directive. Although we cannot talk about specific cases, the relocation expenses fell within the policy."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Robert Jones has been a reporter and producer with CBC New Brunswick since 1990. His investigative reports on petroleum pricing in New Brunswick won several regional and national awards and led to the adoption of price regulation in 2006.

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

What to Know About Venice’s Fees for Day Trips

Venice is trying to mitigate overtourism with a small fee on busy days. City leaders hope it will make visitors more aware of the city’s fragility.

By Elisabetta Povoledo

Reporting from Rome

After years of debate , Venice on Thursday began charging day visitors five euros to visit its fragile historic center on peak days, making it the first city in the world to adopt such a measure to counter overtourism.

Critics question whether a nominal fee will put people off from visiting one of the world’s most desired destinations. But officials hope that it might encourage some to rethink their plans and decide to come on weekdays or in the off-season.

That might help mitigate the impact of the estimated 20 million visitors who descended last year on the city’s beleaguered residents, who number fewer than 50,000, according to municipal statistics . About half of those visitors came only for the day, city officials said. Overnight guests are exempt from the fee.

The spirit of the initiative, city officials have said, is to make people aware of the uniqueness — and fragility — of Venice. Overtourism is creating an economy solely based on tourism that risks killing the city by pushing its dwindling residents out, said Nicola Camatti, an economics professor and expert in tourism at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice.

When will Venice start charging?

The fee went into effect on Thursday, a holiday in Italy. For 2024, city officials have singled out 29 peak days when single-day travelers in Venice between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. have to pay. The days run until mid-July and are mostly on national holidays and weekends. The access-fee website provides a list of the dates.

Who must pay?

While just about everyone visiting the city has to register to obtain a QR code, not all visitors have to pay the fee. Overnight guests at registered accommodations like hotels or Airbnbs are exempt, because they already pay a daily tourist tax, as are people who study or work in Venice and those visiting relatives. There are other exemptions as well.

Residents of Venice, those born there and minors under 14 are among those who do not have to register. But they must have documents that prove their status.

It is possible that different fees will apply next year on a sliding scale that will depend on how many people city officials expect on any one day. City officials said the fees could be as high as 10 euros per day.

How will the system work?

Before coming to Venice on peak days, visitors should use the website to register and get a QR code.

The code will be scanned at points where visitors enter, like the train station, the city parking lot, the airport and the sprawling waterfront along the San Marco basin where boats dock. The access points will have one line for tourists and another for residents and what officials call city users, who are coming into Venice for reasons other than sightseeing.

At least for now, those who do not register ahead of time can do so at some access points or on their cellphones, officials said. Assistants will be available.

Initially, the controls will be “very soft,” said Michele Zuin, the municipal councilor responsible for the city’s budget.

Speaking to reporters at the foreign press association in Rome this month, Mayor Luigi Brugnaro said the fee was not about cashing in on tourists. “The costs of the operation are higher than what we’re going to make,” he said.

Why is Venice doing this?

City officials hope to relieve some of the stress that tourists put on the city by encouraging them to come on less busy days. They also say that by knowing ahead of time how many visitors to expect, the city can better deploy services.

“We want to better manage the numbers of tourists and disincentivize mass tourism” that makes it difficult for residents and visitors to “live in this city,” Mr. Zuin said this month.

To track the flow of visitors, the city already monitors them via phone location data and surveillance cameras, a system some critics have likened to Big Brother .

Venice has also fallen under the scrutiny of the United Nations’ culture agency, UNESCO, whose experts are concerned that not enough is being done to protect the city. Last year, Venice risked being added to UNESCO’s list of Endangered World Heritage Sites after experts at the agency listed mass tourism , along with climate change and development, as a major threat to its future. It urged City Hall to take steps to ameliorate the damage.

The municipal council approved the access fee just days before UNESCO was to vote on its status, and Venice stayed off the “in danger” list . But UNESCO officials said in a statement that “further progress still needs to be made” to conserve Venice.

Critics of the access fee note that officials have not capped the number of visitors, and they say that the nominal fee is hardly a deterrent. As recently as Friday, city officials said that about 80,000 visitors swelled the city’s narrow calli, as the streets are known, and the gardens of the 2024 Venice Biennale , still the world’s principal place to discover new art .

How else is Venice trying to restrict visitors?

Venice also has taken other steps it hopes will reduce what city officials call “mordi e fuggi” tourism, or “eat and flee,” referring to those who seek the city’s greatest hits — the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square — and who bring packed lunches and dump their garbage, contributing little to the local economy.

After years of heated debate and protests by vocal Venetians, the city banned cruise ships from its inner canals in 2021 , though Mr. Camatti, the tourism expert, said the ban on the ships had not reduced the number of day visitors.

This year, the city imposed a limit of 25 people per tour group and also banned the use of megaphones.

Elisabetta Povoledo is a reporter based in Rome, covering Italy, the Vatican and the culture of the region. She has been a journalist for 35 years. More about Elisabetta Povoledo

Ukraine-Russia war latest: Fighting 'intensifies in eastern Ukraine as troops fall back'; UK estimates 450,000 Russian losses since war began

Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi says his troops have taken up new positions west of Berdychi, Semenivka and Novomykhailivka in order to conserve their forces while armed forces minister Leo Docherty tells the UK Defence Journal tens of thousands have deserted Russian's military since February 2022.

Sunday 28 April 2024 22:34, UK

• Fighting intensifies in eastern Ukraine as troops fall back
• UK minister estimates 450,000 Russian losses since war began
• Tajikistan citizens warned not to travel to Russia
• 'Well-provisioned' Ukrainian troops could prevent Russian advances
• Russia destroys 17 drones launched by Ukraine
• Explained : Why is Chasiv Yar the next target for Russia?
• Your questions answered: Will Ukraine launch another spring offensive?
• Listen to the Sky News Daily above and  tap here  to follow wherever you get your podcasts

That's all from our live coverage for tonight. For a reminder of today's updates, you can scroll back through this live blog. 

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Ukraine is still waiting for promised supplies from its allies, urging the international community to hurry up. 

In his nightly video address today, he said: "We are expecting those volumes and scope that can change the situation on the battlefield in Ukraine's interests." 

He also said he had spoken with US House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries, and had thanked Congress for passing the long-awaited aid package for Ukraine. 

"In my conversation with Mr Jeffries, I underscored that Patriot systems are needed, and as soon as possible," he said. 

Ukrainian forces are facing a worsening position in the east and are still awaiting the delivery of US weapons. 

Mr Zelenskyy has repeatedly called for more air defence systems to protect its citizens and infrastructure, particularly the Patriot systems. 

Russia will start restricting those called up for military service from leaving the country, according to news site Meduza. 

Electronic summonses will reportedly be sent out from 1 November.

Those who are called up will not be allowed to leave Russia, and they will face further restrictions if they do not go to a military registration and enlistment office within 20 days.

In that case, they will not be allowed to register to run a business, drive a car, take out loans, or conduct real estate transactions, Meduza said.

New satellite imagery appears to show damage at Russia's Kushchyovskaya military airbase in the Krasnodar region. 

Planet Labs shared images comparing how the base looked on 19 March compared with today. 

A source in Ukraine's security and defence forces earlier told Ukrainian media that Kyiv had launched drone strikes against the airbase and two oil refineries overnight. 

They told the Kyiv Independent the SBU and Ukraine's Defence Forces hit the airbase where "dozens of military aircraft, radars, and electronic warfare devices were stationed".

Earlier we brought you news of a Russian drone strike on the Black Sea city of Mykolaiv. 

The attack set a hotel ablaze and damaged energy infrastructure, Ukrainian officials said. 

Vitaliy Kim, the governor of the southern Mykolaiv region, said in an update the attack had "seriously damaged" the hotel.

The strike also damaged heat-generating infrastructure in the city.

There were no casualties, he said. 

A priest sprinkles holy water on believers holding willow branches during an Orthodox Palm Sunday service. 

The service is being held in Donetsk, in an area occupied by Russian forces. 

Russia gained full control of the city of Donetsk in October 2022, but the area has been a major site of fighting since 2014. 

The majority of people in Ukraine are Orthodox Christian, although they follow different branches. 

As we've been reporting, Russia has been pushing forward in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region. 

Ukrainian military officials say their troops are falling back to new positions in at least three places along the frontlines. 

But they are facing public criticism about the transparency of their military updates. 

Ukrainian military blogger Myroshnykov and Ukraine's DeepState monitoring group, which updates daily changes in frontline positions, both say the updates have been unrealistic. 

DeepState shared a video on social media of a Russian soldier being killed in a drone strike in the village of Soloviove, arguing such footage was being used to mask a bigger picture. 

"You can watch with pleasure forever the video of a Russian [soldier] being torn to pieces, but nearby there is another location that requires attention: Muscovites calmly moving around the village, keeping it under control. 

"The [Ukrainian] Defence Forces inflict fire damage on them, and one can repeat at least a billion times that two-thirds of the village is under the control of the Ukrainian military, but the picture of reality is completely different." 

It appeared to be referring to a statement from Nazar Voloshyn, a spokesperson for Ukraine's military in the east, who also said the nearby village of Ocheretyne was still two-thirds controlled by Ukraine. 

However, DeepState says it believes Russian troops have been in control of the centre of Ocheretyne for at least three days. 

The site accused some military spokespersons of incompetence last week. 

Police have arrested a 57-year-old Russian on suspicion of murder following the killings yesterday evening, German news agency dpa reported. 

The two Ukrainians were 23 and 36 years old, and lived in the southern German county of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

They were killed at a shopping centre in the village of Murnau in Upper Bavaria.

The names of the victims and suspect have not been released due to German privacy rules. 

It is not clear if the men knew each other. 

More than one million Ukrainian refugees fled to Germany following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. 

Donald Trump's stance on Ukraine is "not as black and white as some people think", the Polish foreign minister has said. 

The former US president, who is running for election again this year, has said he will not commit to providing Ukraine with defence assistance. 

Republicans aligned with Mr Trump were also the reason behind a six-month delay to aid for Ukraine. 

But foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski said in an interview with the Axel Springer media company that Mr Trump had sent Ukraine anti-tank missiles before Russia's invasion "when others were not doing it". 

He was referring to Javelin anti-tank missiles supplied by the US in 2018. 

Mr Sikorski also said Mr Trump was "right in urging us all in Europe to spend more on defence".

He said he "did not hear any protests from Trump" once the $61bn aid package for Ukraine was approved. 

"So, I hope that candidate Trump has seen that this opposition to helping Ukraine is not actually popular in the United States, that it is harming his chances [to be re-elected]," he added.

Earlier we reported that a top Ukrainian general said troops had fallen back from three villages in the east of the country. 

We can now bring you more from Oleksandr Syrskyi, the chief of Ukraine's armed forces, about the situation on the ground.

Mr Syrskyi said the Donetsk region (in the east) remains one of the hottest sectors of the frontline as Russia continues its offensive.

He described the situation in the eastern cities of Pokrovsk and Kurakhove as "the most difficult one" now.

Russia is reportedly using up to four brigades (anywhere from an estimated 8,000 to 32,000 personnel) to conduct assault operations in the direction of both the cities, which lie west of Avdiivka, which was captured earlier this year. 

Mr Syrskyi said the situation is changing "dynamically" on the frontline as a result. 

Meanwhile, Mr Syrskyi said the situation in the south also remains "intense" as Russia tries to advance near the village of Krynky in Kherson.

It also wants to advance towards the villages of Robotyne and Verbove villages in Zaporizhzhia.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free