Lonely Planet's Europe on a Shoestring is your passport to having big experiences on a small budget, offering the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, what hidden discoveries await you, and how to optimise your budget for an extended continental trip. Hit the streets and free museums of one of the world's greatest capital cities, London; soak up history and art by day and party by night in Berlin; pick your Greek island for fresh food and golden beaches. All with your trusted travel companion.
The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet's Europe on a shoestring is perfect for budget- and value-conscious travellers taking a big trip, and is packed with amazing sights and experiences, savvy tips and recommendations.
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Now, before we dive deep into the budget, it is important to determine what kind of backpacker you are because it is pointless for me to tell you how much I spent when in reality, we have completely different spending habits. I have made a little table down below explaining the different types of backpacking styles, a shoestring backpacker, a mid-budget backpacker and a high-budget backpacker. I suggest you read the table and see which one suits you the most.
Another travel-friendly feature of the app is the categories. When you pay for something Revolut automatically stores that payment under a suitable category. Therefore, you can keep track of how much you are spending on accommodation, transport, food etc..
Now, it is important to take into consideration what part of Europe you will be travelling through. In peak season, nightly prices in hostels can vary greatly depending on which country you are travelling to.
The next spending category I want to highlight is food. While I was away I made the majority of my food in my hostels with the occasional splurge on fast food, street food and restaurant meals.
Again, the cost of food varies greatly depending on what country you are visiting. However, it is possible to keep costs down by making your own meals.
I purchased this collapsable lunch box on amazon and it proved to be very useful throughout my trip. If I was staying somewhere for longer than 3 days I would make up a big dinner the first night, then store the leftovers in the fridge for the remaining days.
It means that you can try everything you want to do in a destination without feeling like you are spending too much money. The last thing you want is to regret not visiting places like the fairytale setting of the Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany or the taking part in the iconic Boat Tours in Budapest.
Personally, I am very satisfied with how much I spent on tours and activities. Yes, some things were expensive like day trips through the Julian Alps or Rafting in Croatia. But I have many amazing memories from these experiences.
There are many convenient ways to travel across Europe, the main ones being train, bus and ferry. The continent is well connected and it is easy to get from A to B.
Many people will argue that using busses is the most budget-friendly option while backpacking Europe. And this may be true to some extent, I believe travelling by train is a much better option.
It is also important to keep a bit of money for transport set aside, many European cities have great Uber services, like Rome, while others like Budapest only have traditional taxi services which will cost a fair bit more. In saying that walking and public transportation is a much cost affective way of getting around.
For my first month of travelling (Croatia), I made my way around by bus or ferry. I then activated my 3-month interrail pass for the remainder of my trip. Below is a breakdown of how much I spent on transport over the 4 months.
Avoid taking busses, taxis and paid modes of transport. A lot of European cities are walkable and while a simple bus journey may only cost a couple of euros. Using them repeatedly can really add up. Walking will save you some extra cash and you may come across a hidden gem or two as you stroll.
If you are visiting from outside the EU, odds are you will need to purchase a sim card. I was lucky, as my phone works as normal in most European countries. However, I made friends with fellow backpackers who were stung by high prices when purchasing sim cards and phone plans from shops in train stations and airports. My advice would be to wait until you get into a city before shopping for plans.
Eastern Europe is considerably more affordable than Western Europe. So, if you are trying to have your money go as far as possible try to stay out of the West. The Balkans is also a budget-friendly spot to travel around and is completely underrated. You will pay a fraction of the price in the likes of Poland, Slovenia and Croatia, compared to the likes of Lisbon, Rome or Dublin.
If you plan on staying in hostels you will find it easy to make friends with fellow travellers. Odds are one of them will want to take part in the same activities whether that is renting a boat, going on a day tour or taking part in an experience. Generally, there a group discounts, its best to take advantage of this as much as possible.
It can be easy to decide to walk somewhere at night alone because it is the more cost effective way of getting there. However, even in safe cities such as Budapest or Rome, I would not advise doing so. Yes, hopping in an Uber may eat a little bit into your budget but it means you get to you hostel safetly.
Planning a Eurotrip can be an exciting adventure, but it can also be daunting when you consider the potential costs involved. However, with a little bit of research and some smart strategies, you can make the most of your travel budget and have an incredible experience exploring Europe without breaking the bank. In this section, we will delve into various aspects of maximizing your travel savings, providing insights from different perspectives and offering practical tips to help you plan your Eurotrip on a shoestring budget.
A. Hostels: Hostels are a great option for budget travelers, offering affordable dormitory-style rooms or private rooms at a fraction of the cost of hotels. They are not only cost-effective but also provide an opportunity to meet fellow travelers and share experiences.
B. Airbnb: Renting an apartment or a room through Airbnb can be a viable alternative to traditional hotels. This option allows you to have more space and access to a kitchen, which can help you save money on meals by cooking your own food.
C. Couchsurfing: If you're open to a more adventurous and social experience, Couchsurfing can be a fantastic option. It connects travelers with locals who offer free accommodation, giving you a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture and make new friends.
D. House-sitting: Another unique option is house-sitting, where you take care of someone's home while they are away. This not only provides free accommodation but also allows you to experience living like a local in a foreign city.
B. Train Travel: Train travel is a popular and scenic way to explore Europe. Consider purchasing a rail pass if you plan to visit multiple countries, as it can be more cost-effective than buying individual tickets.
C. Bus Travel: Buses are another economical option for traveling within Europe. Companies like FlixBus offer extensive networks and competitive prices, making it a budget-friendly choice for shorter distances.
D. Carpooling: If you prefer a more flexible and personalized mode of transportation, carpooling services like BlaBlaCar can be a great option. Sharing rides with locals or fellow travelers not only reduces costs but also provides an opportunity for cultural exchange.
A. Street Food: Explore local street food markets or stalls, where you can savor authentic flavors at affordable prices. From crepes in Paris to currywurst in Berlin, street food offers a delicious and budget-friendly culinary adventure.
B. Picnics: Take advantage of Europe's beautiful parks and scenic spots by having a picnic. Visit local markets to pick up fresh produce, bread, and cheese, and enjoy a leisurely meal while taking in the surroundings.
Planning a Eurotrip on a shoestring budget requires careful consideration of various factors, but with the right strategies, you can make the most of your travel savings. By choosing affordable accommodation, utilizing budget transportation options, and being mindful of your dining choices, you can have an unforgettable European adventure without breaking the bank.
When it comes to planning a budget-friendly trip to Europe, finding affordable flights is often the first step. With numerous airlines and online travel agencies offering competitive prices, it's essential to research and compare flight options to secure the best deal. Consider using flight comparison websites like Skyscanner or Kayak, which allow you to enter your preferred travel dates and destinations to compare prices from various airlines. Additionally, signing up for airline newsletters or following them on social media can provide access to exclusive deals and promotions. It's also worth checking if there are any budget airlines operating on your desired route, as they often offer lower fares compared to larger carriers. For example, Ryanair and EasyJet are well-known budget airlines that offer affordable flights within Europe.
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