Traveling Europe on a Budget 

 

Traveling to Europe is an exquisite experience for every style of traveler.

This seductive destination is on most people’s bucket list for a reason. Europe is an enchanting come hither continent with intriguing history and modern vibrancy. Breathtaking landscapes will pop your eyes wide. 

After 7 trips to Europe, I’m still ecstatic about visiting and exploring again and again. Each time I land on European soil there are new discoveries because every trip is different. 

Advice on Italy Travel Itinerary here.

So how to explore Europe affordably?

Strategic planning and a pinpoint understanding of the resources available. So let’s jump in and I’ll give you my practical tips for budget-friendly adventures.

Europe Traveling Packages

I don’t recommend packages because it’s more fun to plan your own trip but if you want to not think about all the details you can either come with me to Sicily or Rome traveling with 4 to 6 people. Or Mexico in September 2024. 

This is the thing.

The best of Europe is in the small moments of discovery:

Falling in love with the perfect place you found for your morning espresso, finding the best sculpted marble fountain in Italy (not the Trevi) or just strolling the streets gazing at architecture. 

Need help planning your Italy Travel Itinerary?

And going to the grocery store to see what you can cook up in your kitchen is an everyday fun outing. Why?

Because shoppers are chatting and laughing in the aisles having sparkly conversations; this is what I saw every night in Cefalu, Sicily. Having a kitchen is essential.

See my kitchen in Sicily video here.

Yes you’ll want to eat out sometimes but this isn’t a cost effective way to do Europe. I’d rather stay in Europe for a longer time by making picnics by the sea or pasta in your kitchen. And exploring the fresh produce and meats in the markets. It’s fun!

 

And there are shelves loaded with affordable wine at the grocery store from the specific region you’re staying in which is like going to a winery without having to travel farther than your kitchen.

But yes do visit wineries, taste local specialities, and have fun doing it. You’ll feel like resting after all this activity and other days you’ll want to splash out on a culinary tour or a nature hike.

However if you want to book a Europe package choose one that caters to your specific interests: historical excursions, food tours, or nature hikes, ensuring that you get the most out of your European experience. How do you find them?

Ask your friends who have visited Europe or look online but read the reviews carefully so you know what you’re getting in to. 

Best places to travel in Europe? Depends on the season.

Autumn or early Spring are said to be good times to visit, but my experience is this: April arrives and Europeans are out traveling extensively so there will be crowds. I visit in Winter every year and have enjoyed the lack of over tourism. And I’ll keep doing it! 

What I’ve done:

First day of Spring in Paris

January and February: Winter in Sicily

January and February: Winter in Rome, Florence, and Asissi

May: Spring in Florence and Barcelona

Designing Your Europe Traveling Itinerary

Your itinerary doesn’t have to be set in stone. I like to keep it fluid so you can discover unexpected things and be open to new friends inviting you places. This happens.

You may want to explore your ancestry and visit the town where your relatives were born. I did this and now I go back to Sicily every year because my Grandfather was born there and it feels like home.

And I practice my Italian and eat all the pastries and gelato I want! Bonus.

You could consider a mix of must-see destinations and off-the-beaten-path locales to visit. If you go to Paris, this city is expensive but less costly in Winter.

But afterwards you could go to Lyon, Lourdes, Normandy, Reims, Montpelliers, or Bordeaux and pay much less money for lodging and restaurants.

 

Rome, Saint Peters Basilica, Vatican City

 

How do you get around?

Travel Europe by Train, Don’t Rent a Car.

Europe’s extensive train network makes it possible to travel vast distances relatively quickly and affordably. One thing you can do is get a Eurostar train pass but only buy it in your country of origin. 

What I do is get my train tickets online and there are frequent discounts if you get on their mailing list. Italotreno, trenitalia, italiarail are in italy. This is the country I’ve traveled extensively by train and there is still more exploring to do.

Additionally, the Schengen Area’s borderless travel makes it easier to explore multiple countries without the hassle of border controls, but it’s always wise to be aware of the specific requirements for traveling within Europe.

I rented a car once in Spain and vowed to never do it again. The high speed of drivers was stressful and you don’t realize until it’s too late that street names are on houses and buildings not on poles with signage at the top. 

And you can never find a bathroom while driving. So I don’t have advice about renting cars other than don’t do it. Trains, ferries, and buses are the way to go.

And low cost airlines to fly to different cities: Ryanair, Volotea, Vueling, Easyjet, Transavia, I’ve flown all these and the one thing you have to remember is this: only take carry-on luggage. Dont’ check anything.

You’ll be carrying your suitcases so don’t overpack. Take advantage of the winter sales in Italy and buy clothes you can’t get in the USA or Australia.

Europe Travel Restrictions

Staying informed about Europe travel restrictions is crucial. As of 2024, you don’t need an ETIAS application for the Schengen area, this requirement has been pushed back to Spring of 2025.

So far Covid isn’t an issue but check the visa requirements for the countries you’ll visit and make sure your passport has 6 months validity on it.

Budget-Friendly Travel Tips

Choose Your Destinations Wisely: 

• Eastern European countries; Poland, Hungary, Albania, Serbia, Estonia, and Romania offer a rich cultural experience at a discounted cost. Less than Western European countries.
• Travel During Off-Peak Seasons: Traveling during the shoulder seasons (spring, winter, and autumn) may result in lower prices for flights and accommodations. Especially winter. 

Alternative Accommodations: 

• Hostels have private rooms not only dorm rooms. And community kitchens. 
• Check out rented apartments on VRBO and Booking, and monasteries/convents offer unique and budget-friendly lodging options. I stayed in a convent in Florence, Italy for 35 Euros per night. It had a community kitchen and I had my own room with private bath
• See a video of my room at the convent in Florence here.
• And a video from my thoughts on cooking in your own kitchen in Sicily. And a photo below of my local friends in Cefalu who I rent an apartment from. They know everything about Cefalu. So when you travel ask the people you rent from what their top recommendations are.

Enjoying Local Cuisine on a Budget

Food is an integral part of the travel experience, and Europe’s culinary diversity is second to none. To enjoy local delicacies without breaking the bank, try eating at small, family-run restaurants rather than dining in tourist-heavy areas.

Ask the local people you know for their recommendations on where to eat and where to buy the freshest groceries. 

Don’t ever go into restaurants with a person out front pushing you to come inside. These places are over priced and usually low quality. The best places don’t need to force you to come inside, because they have yummy food and this is the attraction.

Street food markets, a staple in many European cities, offer an authentic and affordable way to sample a variety of dishes. For example, enjoying tapas in Spain at a bar or savoring a crepe on the streets of Paris is economical and delightful.

Free and Discounted Attractions

Many European cities offer free entry to museums and historical sites on certain days of the month. But there will be crowds on those days so my strategy is to arrive when the museum opens.

And then leave when the crowds get to be too much.

Researching these options before your trip will save you money. Additionally, consider purchasing city tourism cards, which often include free or discounted entry to major attractions, along with public transportation.

Traveling to Europe Solo

Europe is an easy place to solo travel. The above photo is my apartment in Cefalu where I love to stay in Sicily. You’ll discover places you want to return to again and again too. 

The first time I visited Europe was for a too short 18 days. Don’t do this.

But! The smooth and rapid transport from Spain to Italy on the train was wildly fun, little did I know I was going to arrive in my favorite country as we sped through the south of France to arrive in Milan for the first time ever.

Why is it easy?

The train is connected to the buses and airports. And you can get tickets to ferries easily when you either walk to the port or take a bus or taxi.

One thing to know is this: many cities don’t have Uber so taxis can be pricey. I’d rather walk, and I did for 9 miles in Paris last April (in one day) but did take an Uber back to my hotel for a nap as my feet were numb.

This time I didn’t visit the Eiffel Tower; I wandered in the Luxembourg garden instead taking photos, and pretending to be a Parisian.

Traveling to Europe with an Infant

Traveling with an infant requires additional planning but can be easier by renting an apartment. Family-friendly accommodations are important.

If you don’t like to cook, eat street food or go to local family restaurants at lunch time when menus are lower cost. Travel with a lightweight stroller or a baby carrier for ease of movement.

Many European cities are well-equipped for families, with plenty of child-friendly attractions and amenities. There is a kids play area in Luxembourg Garden in the middle of Paris. 

Best European Countries to Travel to in March

March offers unique travel experiences in Europe. Italy, Sicily, and Greece are less crowded, offering a more relaxed atmosphere. The mild weather in Southern Europe during this time is ideal for exploring and walking.

I jump in the Mediterranean Sea for a brisk wake up call and do it every year. It’s only about 60F outdoors, not so bad!

March is cool in France but less crowded than the summer. November isn’t the low season like most people think, there will still be crowds but wait until January and you can plan for less tourists and more relaxation, or you could visit the Alpine regions for skiing or experiencing the early signs of spring in countries like France, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. 

Conclusion: Traveling Europe on a Budget

Embarking on a budget-friendly European adventure in 2024 is a thrilling prospect that requires planning and flexibility.

Whether you’re looking to explore the cultural depths of cities like Rome and Paris or seeking the serene beauty of the Scandinavian fjords, Europe offers a rich tapestry of experiences suitable for every traveler. Your European adventure can be a journey of a lifetime, filled with stories, flavors, and sights to cherish forever.

FAQs: Travel to Europe

How Much Will a Europe Trip Cost?

Budgeting for a European trip varies greatly depending on your travel style, destinations, and duration of stay. On average, budget travelers might spend around $50 to $100 per day, while those preferring more comfort might spend $150 to $250 per day.

This includes accommodations, meals, transportation, and entertainment.

Flights are a big expense but you can find discounts by traveling in the winter. Use Skyscanner and Google Flights to find round trip and one way flights. Don’t put in your destination city and see what comes up.

You can often find lower priced flights this way to other cities than the one you’re visiting and then take a train or bus when you land.

Flying to Europe on French Bee Airlines, Air France, Vueling, or JetBlue is a way to cut costs by landing in Paris, Lisbon, Barcelona or another major city, then taking a low cost carrier to your desired destination or taking the train. But don’t bring checked luggage.

How to Travel Light to Europe?

The key to traveling light is to pack versatile, layer-able clothing and limit the number of shoes and heavy items. Bring a travel-sized toiletries kit, and consider packing cubes to organize and compress your clothing.

Roll your clothing don’t pack it flat.

And wear most of your bulky items on the plane so it doesn’t have to go in your luggage. 

Why? Rolling your suitcase over cobble stones isn’t fun.

Here’s a short video on my items I pack for only carry-on.

Is it Safe to Travel to Europe in 2024?

Europe is one of the safest travel destinations globally. However, like any travel, it’s important to stay informed about current events, be aware of your surroundings, and adhere to local safety guidelines.

Keeping track of the latest travel advisories for specific countries is also advisable.

Is it safe to travel to Europe now?

Traveling to Europe is generally safe, but stay updated on current advisories. Increased security measures are in place in some countries due to terror threats, especially around public events and gatherings​​.

COVID-19 protocols vary by country, with some implementing restrictions and vaccine passport requirements for indoor venues​​. In cities like Paris and Rome, pickpocketing is a common issue for tourists, so being vigilant about personal belongings is advised​​.

Always check specific country guidelines for a safe trip.

And if you want travel advice for your itinerary, get in touch with me and we’ll do a one on one consultation on the phone.

Safe travels and keep on having fun adventures!