How to travel Europe on a budget?

Traveling to Europe can be an expensive affair as the cost of living is high. Everybody wants to visit Europe but many people are not able to due to budget constraints. I have listed down some important decisions one has to take and planning that is required to travel Europe on a budget. This would guide and help people wanting to plan an affordable trip to Europe. If you plan it well, you would not spend more than budgeted and would avoid last minute expensive surprises.

Top 15 points to visit Europe:

1) Plan your trip with people who have similar spending habits. This would keep the group's focus in tact and you wont splurge that extra $. If you are traveling with your partner, agree on a budget to spend before you plan the trip.

2) Purchase your air tickets on sale / offers and in-advance to get the best deals. Use your miles where necessary. Every national carrier offers tickets at discounted prices / 2-to-go fares / group buys / etc. Look out for the deal if you plan to visit Europe. This is also applicable for domestic airlines within the European continent.

3) Look out for lounge options while travelling (in case you have connecting flights). Check the benefits of your credit card and the lounges they offer. Apply for that card way in advance of your trip. There can be massive delays in between flights if there is a weather problem. In such times, a lounge comes to rescue. I personally benefited from a lounge in Stockholm whereby our flight was delayed by 6 hrs due to snowstorm.

4) Decide on a budget to spend for accommodation, daily food and travel and other sight seeing - You get very good Air BnB or Hostels for 20-50 USD per person. Always read the reviews before booking any place. Every traveler has a unique requirement and not all places can meet your needs. Read the description properly and write to the property if you seek any clarification. If you are keen to experience specialty lodging, you may have to spend a bit more. Choose as per your needs. My personal requirement is usually - the location from the central station and a hair dryer in the room.

Igloos of Finland

5) Location is key. Stay as much as possible near the central station. The accommodation might be little expensive but it would be worth saving that additional time changing trams / buses or even walking that distance. Usually supplies, groceries, eateries are spanned around the central location - this way you save a lot of time. There are many beautiful properties in suburbs or in locations a little away from the station. Choose wisely whether you want convenience or a pretty property. Requirements are yours ultimately. Be careful about the location of the office vs the actual apartment location. Many companies are smart - they advertise the location of the office whereas the apartment itself is located a few kms away. Check, verify and ask before you book. 

6) Choose to see the city via the walking tours offered  - they are all free (except the tip) and the guides are students (mostly) who have the best knowledge to show around. At night, opt for the pub crawls which can give you the best of the European Bar Deals. You meet new people and tourists from other countries in a walking tour - this is a must do in every European city.

7) Go for the Euro Rail pass to travel across and within the cities. The rail pass can be used for trains, buses, trams and even on some ferries. Even the river cruise is included as part of the pass. Not known to many but the rail pass offers free entrance to many museums across Europe. If you take even 1 taxi, your daily meal allowance will be over.

8) Avoid eating at restaurants which can be heavily priced and you have to pay service taxes and tips. prefer a take away and eat in the parks / gardens or even in your accommodation room. Europe offers plenty of takeaway options - from pizzas, Middle Eastern, Chinese, Hot Dogs, etc. Unless you really want to try a special cuisine, stay away from fine dining! As a group, we spent 105 CHF for a vegetarian cheese fondue in Grindelwald (Switzerland). 

9) Check the weather and guidelines before making that trip to avoid surprise buying. Pack your bags adequately for the summers / winters / snowfall. Shopping in Europe is expensive and can drain all your travel funds buying that thermal jacket to save you for the harsh winters.

10) Unless you have really budgeted for it, avoid stepping into the branded stores. When traveling to Paris / Milan, many women do budget for that branded bag / shoe to be picked from Champs DE Elysee store or Montenopoleano street specialty store. Planned for it? Go grab it!

11) Carry enough travel essentials with you. Some hostels / Air BnB do not offer shower gels / shampoos / etc. If you are extremely particular about what you use / need during the trip, carry it in your suitcase. Carry multiple small bottles that can be discarded as you move places. A better planning would be to make a list of things to carry way before your packing starts. Use your checklist to ensure you have not forgotten any items. 

12) Do not carry lose food items. Carry sealed packets wherever you can. Some countries do have restrictions around items you may bring in. Cup noodles / Maggi packets / Ready to eats are a must have for any emergency. Hot water is available everywhere and if you are unable to step out due to timings / weather issues, the emergency food would save your tummy. 

13) If you plan on sightseeing, do check on timings (can differ in different seasons) and pricing. If you have planned your itinerary well, you may book your tickets in advance to skip queues. This would take care of your cash requirement while on the move (as you would have purchased it before).

14) Carry limited cash and keep only the essentials for that day outside in your wallet. Europe is famous for pick-pocketing. Keep your essentials - passport /cash / cards in close contact of your body. Perhaps, use a sling bag and keep it inside your jacket? You will certainly not enjoy the place if you are constantly worried about your wallet and belongings. Pre-booking and pre-payment helps to reduce cash risk. We experienced this in Switzerland whereby a friend's bag consisting of cash / watch / other valuables was stolen from a moving train. The valuables were never found. Be vigilant all times.

15) Stick to your plan. If you dont deviate, you wont spend much. If you don't relent to temptations, you won't spend much. If you are vigilant, you will be safe.

Enjoy your European vacation!