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Here are 20 practical, tried-and-true ways to keep your trip amazing without burning a hole in your pocket.
1. Travel in the Shoulder Season
Skip peak summer (June–August) if you can. April–May and September–October mean cheaper flights, lower hotel prices, and fewer crowds. Avoid school holidays if you can. Bonus: you won’t melt in Seville or Rome!
2. Be Flexible With Flights
Use flight comparison tools and flexible date searches. Flying midweek is often cheaper. Consider flying into one city and out of another (open-jaw tickets) to avoid backtracking costs. Early flight bookings can save you money too.
3. Use Budget Airlines (Carefully)
Carriers like Ryanair or easyJet can be insanely cheap. Just read the baggage rules like your life depends on it. A €15 flight can turn into €80 fast if you ignore luggage limits. Sign up for their emails to get a warning of impending sales.
4. Pack Light
Budget airlines charge for everything. Travelling with just a carry-on can save serious money—and time. Decant your toiletries into small bottles for a short break away, or buy them in the local supermarket at your destination.
5. Stay Outside the City Centre
Accommodation prices drop dramatically just a few metro stops away from major landmarks. Public transport is usually efficient, so you won’t sacrifice convenience. You can pick up a real bargain that way.
6. Consider Hostels (Even If You’re Not 21)
Modern hostels often have private rooms that cost way less than hotels. They’re clean, social, and sometimes even stylish. Many also have private rooms if you don't want to share bathroom facilities.
7. Book Apartments for Longer Stays
If you’re staying 3+ nights, consider a short-term rental. Having a kitchen means fewer restaurant meals—and buying groceries is way cheaper than eating out every day. Long-term lets at quiet times can be suprisingly cost effective too.
8. Use A VPN
Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) will allow you to access home content on streaming services you already pay for. So you don't have to pay to access films if you are staying in a hotel or apartment. It can also let you access lower rates for travel if you are in an expensive country by setting your location to a cheaper country.
Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) will allow you to access home content on streaming services you already pay for. So you don't have to pay to access films if you are staying in a hotel or apartment. It can also let you access lower rates for travel if you are in an expensive country by setting your location to a cheaper country.
9. Cook Some of Your Meals
European supermarkets are incredible. Fresh bread, cheese, fruit, yoghurt—cheap and delicious. Picnic lunches = iconic and budget-friendly. Even in places that are expensive to eat out, like Iceland, you can go to the local supermarket and buy a substantial lunch for a third of the price of eating out.
10. Eat Where Locals Eat
Avoid restaurants right next to major tourist attractions. Walk a few blocks away. If the menu has 12 languages and photos? Keep walking. It's always good to do your research on sites like TripAdvisor if you are looking for a special meal too.
11. Take Advantage of Free Walking Tours
Many cities offer tip-based walking tours. They’re a great way to learn about a place without paying €40 for a guided experience. You can get a really good tour for less than 10 euros this way.
12. Use Public Transportation
Taxis add up fast. Europe’s trains, trams, and buses are efficient and affordable. Many cities offer daily or weekly transit passes, too. If you are unsure how to use the transportation in a certain county, check out guides on YouTube.
13. Check Train vs. Bus Prices
High-speed trains are amazing—but not always cheap. Buses like FlixBus can be much cheaper for certain routes. Sites like Rome to Rio can help you estimate how much the trip will cost and how long it will take.
14. Book Trains in Advance
For countries like France or Italy, booking train tickets early can significantly reduce the price. Check out InterRail passes if you are thinking of exploring a number of countries on one trip. These can be of very good value.
15. Walk More
European cities are made for walking. You’ll save money, burn off croissants, and discover hidden gems you’d miss underground. Always pack comfy trainers for exploring.
16. Look for Free Museum Days
Many museums offer free entry on certain days each month. Plan around them if culture is high on your list. Many museums in the UK are free all year round.
17. Get a City Pass (If It Makes Sense)
Some cities offer tourist passes that bundle attractions and transport. Do the maths before buying—it’s only worth it if you’ll actually use it.
18. Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees
Use a travel-friendly credit card with no foreign transaction fees. Those 2–3% charges quietly add up. I use Haiifax Clarity credit card as it has no foreign transaction currency fees.
19. Limit Souvenir Spending
Instead of buying trinkets, take photos or pick one meaningful item per city. Your suitcase (and wallet) will thank you.
20. Set a Daily Budget
It doesn’t have to be strict—but having a rough daily spending target keeps you aware. If you splurge one day, balance it the next.
Final Thoughts
Travelling in Europe doesn’t have to mean choosing between pasta and paying rent. A little planning goes a long way. Spend where it matters to you (maybe that once-in-a-lifetime dinner), and save on the stuff that doesn’t.
Smart travel isn’t about being cheap. It’s about being intentional, and honestly, picnics by the Seine taste better when you know you didn’t overspend to get there.
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