European countries like the Netherlands, France, Italy, Belgium and others are often on many people’s priority lists. However, these destinations remain a dream simply because of the perceived expenses one will incur while traveling in Europe.
Let’s be real, Europe is an expensive destination. You will definitely need a significant amount of money to visit any of its countries. Flights to the region and to the Philippines are expensive. In addition to the flight, you will have to spend on food, accommodation, drinks, attractions and transportation. All this eats into your budget. However, there are ways to save money for your trip without depleting your savings.
Book your flights in advance
If you’re a frequent traveler, whether to the Philippines or Asia, you’ll know that buying flights months in advance can save you a lot of money. You can apply for a visa six months before your target dates. This gives you plenty of time to research the cheapest possible flights for your trip. Once you’ve taken a flight from the Philippines to your desired destination, you can search for regional flights if the distance between cities on your itinerary is too far for a land trip by bus or train. Budget airlines such as Ryanair, Wizz Air, Vueling, EasyJet, Eurowings and others offer discounted tickets for those who book their flights in advance.
Buy your train and/or bus tickets in advance
Train and bus tickets in Europe are like flights: you get lower prices if you buy them as soon as they become available. This is usually weeks or months in advance. It is useful to consult the official pages of the railway and bus companies. Train tickets are often more expensive than the bus. Buying a ticket months in advance can save you a lot of money. Sometimes the one-way train ticket costs as much as a flight if you buy it the day or day before your planned trip. Flixbus is my company of choice for bus travel; you can buy tickets here.
If you plan to primarily take the train throughout your trip, the Eurail Pass might be a good option. However, it pays off when you visit multiple locations in a short period of time. It also offers you more flexibility and spontaneity during your trip. You can learn more about the Eurail pass here.
Buy a museum pass
If you plan to visit many attractions, museums, and art galleries during the first few days of your trip, you’ll save money by purchasing a city, day, or museum pass. Cities like Rome, Vienna, Paris and others offer different types of passes valid for one day or several days. These cover many attractions and give you either a discount or free entry at least once. For example, I purchased a 4-day Paris Museum Pass and was able to visit attractions such as the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, Musée d’Orsay, Sainte-Chapelle, Panthéon, and Château de Versailles. The pass paid off and I was able to save money after the 4thth or 5th attraction (and I continued to see other places covered by the pass).
Take a walking tour
European cities offer visitors tip-based walking tours (these are often marketed as “free”) to provide you with an insightful overview of the city you are exploring. The local guides are knowledgeable and provide historical anecdotes about the streets, squares and attractions you will see. They can also recommend local places that are less expensive than places tourists often visit. Since the walking tour is tipping-based, it’s up to you how much you want to give your guide.
Get a transport ticket
Many European cities have extensive public transportation networks that make it easy to get from point A to point B. European cities I’ve visited often offer unlimited public transportation rides for a day or several days. You can buy these passes at train station counters, vending machines or tourist offices. A transport ticket quickly pays off and saves you a lot of money. Some city passes offer additional benefits but are more expensive than a transport-only pass. These city passes sometimes include free entry to attractions and discounts at partner establishments. These pay off if you plan to visit many attractions in a short time.
Stay in a hostel dorm
Staying in a private room quickly eats into your budget. Consider staying in hostel dorms to save money on accommodation, since you’ll be gone most of the day anyway. Accommodation near popular attractions or neighborhoods is often expensive. Look for accommodation outside of attractions and within a few blocks of tourist areas. You save money this way and you may be able to experience the local side of a famous city. If you decide to stay in a hostel, look for one within walking distance of a metro station or bus stop. This makes it easier to get around the city and compensates for the distance from attractions.
Get a local SIM card
Roaming charges will cost you a small fortune when traveling in Europe. The most affordable way to stay connected when traveling locally is to get a local SIM card. You can buy one that only works in one country or a SIM card that works region-wide. You can choose from a variety of data plans and inclusions. There are also e-SIM cards available; however, you need to determine if your phone can use an e-SIM.
Visit free attractions
The most famous attractions are often the most expensive to enter. Many of them are worth the price of admission. After seeing the biggest hits, you have plenty of options when it comes to free attractions. Many historic buildings, monuments, squares, churches, city centers and neighborhoods are free. Walk the cobbled streets of any old European town and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to another era. You can also just admire a famous landmark from the outside instead of paying the entrance fee.
Traveling in low season
Peak season, which is often around summer, Christmas and New Years, is an expensive time to visit. This is when accommodation is at the highest possible price and rooms are often booked. Crowds also descend on famous attractions with long lines and sometimes long wait times. Consider traveling during the fall and shoulder season. Tourist crowds are smaller and accommodation prices are lower. You will save more money during your trip.
Save money on food and drinks
One of your biggest expenses in Europe will be on food and drinks. Savoring local cuisine every day will add up. Eating at bakeries, buying food at supermarkets and grocery stores, and preparing your own meals will save you a lot of money. Most locals don’t eat out every day anyway. However, if you plan to eat out, opt for lunch rather than dinner. Prices are often cheaper for the same meals.
Consider other destinations
Eastern European countries, the Baltics and the Balkans are not as popular as countries like Belgium, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain and others. All three regions mentioned are very beautiful destinations with plenty of history, culture and attractions to complement your itinerary. These regions are also more affordable. Countries like Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Serbia, Hungary, Estonia, Czechia and others offer good value for money.
Plan ahead
Planning your trip allows you to find the best possible deals and affordable prices for accommodation, transportation and tours. Plan your route and go in straight lines rather than going back and forth, which can cost you more. Once you know your route, it will be easier to decide whether to purchase your train and bus tickets in advance. Booking early and planning your itinerary eliminates spontaneity, but it saves you a lot of money. – Rappler.com