Travellers have cited Europe as their most desirable destination for years. The reasons are simple. There are so many countries to visit in such close proximity that you can literally travel from country to country in hours or days. Nowhere else in the world do so many cultures converge in such a small area and with such easy travel available.
Traveling to Europe on a budget can be challenging and one of the best ways to accomplish this is through backpacking. Aside from planning the purchase of the airfare, the cost of lodging, transportation, and food all come into play in your European vacation. Once the airfare is taken care of, there are tips for getting around Europe and enjoying all it has to offer, even when your budget is tight.
Simple Digs
For those who love the experience of diving into the culture of a region, a stay at a five-star hotel isn’t going to make it. Not only are these hotels somewhat removed from the experience, they are very expensive.
Instead, staying in hostels and campgrounds around Europe will give you the freedom to explore the region fully, and without barriers. With just a knapsack on your back and a satchel with a bite of food and fresh water, you can take off anytime to visit festivals, find outdoor music events, or stop at the local street vendors to enjoy real homemade food, beverages, or to find a trinket or two.
Luxury Living for Less
If you are not the type to go backpacking across Europe, you can find affordable motels, hotels, and bed-and-breakfast places. Do the research first, either online or with a travel agent. You can often find discounted rooms with groups, or last minute deals. Don’t forget to look into ‘boarding’ situations. There are some big, old houses, even castles, that feature rooms for boarders at reasonable rates.
Don’t be afraid to book out-of-the-way accommodations to save money, like cottages, farms, or places in small villages. The travel options in Europe are often very modern, fast, and convenient to many cities and towns. A couple subway or train stops, and you’ll be right in the center of the city, enjoying the sights. You’ll even find airfare between countries sometimes to be cheaper than travelling the trains!
Cheap Sightseeing
One of the great things about travelling and exploring Europe is there is so much to see, so much history. Once you get your accommodations settled, you’ll be wanting to see the sights. Oftentimes, your hotel will offer discounts for admission to the most popular attractions and landmarks. Map out your destinations and see if you can get a package rate if sightseeing is big on your agenda.
Each country has something unique to offer, whether it’s the natural beauty, great landscapes, architecture, ocean views, and, of course, the people. Because of this, many things you want to experience will not cost you a thing. Just bring along your camera and enjoy the experience, just for the cost of a memory card.
Taking In One Destination
Perhaps, rather than a ìworld tourî you would like to get and stay entrenched in one country or one culture. Where would you like to spend your time? If you’ve always had one destination in mind, by all means do the research and find out how to immerse yourself in that destination. If staying put or sticking with one theme sounds like a grand idea, it’s time to explore some options.
Take a look at Switzerland. Skiing and the beauty surrounding the mountains is a wonderful destination. Switzerland has great ski slopes and you can find affordable rates for motels either on the mountain top or down in the valleys below. Hiking trails along the mountainside are also an option if you would rather stay on foot instead of braving the deep snow. Research other things the country has to offer as well. Just because itís known for skiing doesnít mean you should miss out on other seasons. Maybe some caving, also known as spelunking, in the summer months is something you would enjoy.
In Croatia, you can experience the colors in lakes and valleys like you have never seen or thought of before. Hues of blues and greens that you did not know even existed will greet you on your journey through Plitvice National Park. This place is known to be one of the most picturesque places to visit in all of Europe. With sixteen interlocking lakes and forests, this is truly nature at its finest.
You may be more inclined to explore a single historic icon of Europe. For instance, something you would never find in your own backyard, like a castle. There are many European countries that have their own collection of historic castles. You could spend days exploring the castle, the grounds, and the relics, while hearing tales of valiant knights and their ladies in distress. Many of these places are open to the public for little or no cost, often just asking for donations. You could map out an entire vacation’s worth of castles to explore, or wineries, or whatever your heart desires.
When you make Europe your vacation destination, it doesn’t have to mean bankruptcy is right around the corner. Whether you want a cozy stay in a country inn, the freedom to explore with just a pack on your back, or all the comforts of a city hotel, with a little planning, you can find the right way to enjoy your European vacation and stay within your budget.
