With today’s weak U.S. dollar value (the Euro traded at $1.43 as of December 20), the cost of traveling abroad can be crippling to anyone’s budget. However, by taking the time to plan out your trip with your wallet in mind, your trip can be made affordable.
To help put this in perspective, about 85 U.S. dollars a day will let you live with some comforts, while $50 is quite frugal yet certainly doable. The following tips are provided to help you make the most of your time and money while across the pond.
When to Go
The best time to go to Europe is during the off-peak season. This is generally defined as any time except May to August. Not only are you more likely to find cheaper rooms during off-peak months, but you also won’t feel bogged down by mobs of tourists.
What Kind of Room and Where?
The obvious place to stay for the budget traveler is hostels, or pensiones. However, occasionally two- or three-star hotels will offer cheaper rooms.
If traveling with a friend, always opt for a double room. Oftentimes owners charge by the room not by the number of persons.
Additionally, choosing to use a shared bath instead of having a private one is an easy way to chop some Euros off your bottom line.
Apartments or villas are a great way to save money on housing, especially when traveling with a group and/or planning an extended stay in one location (a week or longer).
Dining
The local delicacies of a particular region are often one of the main attractions when visiting foreign countries. By being efficient during breakfast and lunch, a splurge on dinner won’t wipe out your wallet.
First, try to stay in hostels/hotels that offer complimentary breakfast. While most European breakfasts consist of nothing more than coffee and a croissant, it can be enough to last you until lunch—and save you a few bucks.
Try eating at delis for lunch, instead of eating at a full-service restaurant. Local delis generally offer delicious, authentic food for minimal cost. Pack some fresh cold cuts, cheese, and fruit and have a picnic in the countryside.
Transportation
Although some people swear by them, don’t bother buying pre-paid rail passes. They are expensive, encourage you to do more traveling than you otherwise might have (rather than leaving with unused credit), and are not valid in all countries (think Eastern Europe). Rather, buy rail tickets as you go along.
Explore other transportation options such as buses. Bus transportation is often cheaper than rail.
Try walking; not only is it good exercise and better for the environment than auto or rail transportation, but it allows you to see and experience more.
