Anyone with a penchant for travel conjures up vivid dreams of a European holiday. But a lot of them do not translate that into a reality fearing the extravaganza. We agree it is not cheap, but we also know that it need not cost you an arm either. We have some smart tips up our sleeves to help you go on a European holiday on a budget.
Your mode of commute matters
Flights, rail or road – you can chose your pick.Though Europe has a lot of domestic flights and amazing deals on Euro rail passes, sometimes hitting the road can work out a lot cheaper for you. We recommend you to go down to the bus station and take a coach. The modern coaches in Europe are comfortable, and you can curl up even on an over-night journey. Night journeys are not only cheaper, but it lets you save up on one night’s accommodation too. If you do not mind few extra hours of travelling, then this is really the way to go. Europe also has many services such as BlaBlaCar, where people can share car rides with other tourists who are making the same journey. If you are looking for a holiday in Europe, take a look at our tour packages here and here.
Which is your destination?
Europe is one large chunk of loveliness. But it is upto you whether to dive right into the heartland of Europe or go east to experience the same allure for cheaper rates. If you are doing the big cities or touristy places like Zurich, London or Paris, it is sure to make a hole in your pocket. But if you are a budget-conscious traveller, you should rework on your itinerary and go east. Budapdest, Prague, Bosnia and Serbia are some of the fabulous holiday destinations in eastern Europe.They are as compelling as their more touristy counterparts, complete with culture, art, history and that uncharacteristic European charm. We arrange some of the best holiday packages to Europe.
Pick your time of travel wisely
Whether your holiday causes a big dent in your savings or not depends on the timing of your travel as well. Summer is the peak season (read as most expensive) in Europe, so if you want to travel in summer, limit your escapades to other continents. But if you want to do Europe, then do it over the off-season or shoulder season. For the uninitiated, shoulder season is what comes between the peak season and off-season. Precisely for this reason, they are less crowded and you will find cheap flights as well. But unlike the off-season, it still has a salubrious weather to boot. Now this is a heady combination that you will find hard to resist. So if you have the luxury to cherry pick when to holiday, then you should surely capitalize on it.
Look beyond hotels
Anyone who has travelled to Europe will tell you that the hotels over there are not very fancy. And unless you book a five star hotel, you don’t get value for money. If you are looking for a star spangled holiday, then go ahead and click on a hotel booking site. But if you want to pull the purse strings tight, then there are many cheaper alternative options.Consider booking a bed in a hostel, opt for university dorms or find an entire apartment in Airbnb. And if you are adventurous enough, go for couch-surfing, where you can sleep in someone’s home for a low price. But please take care to find hosts who are not just welcoming, but also safe.
Eat like the locals do
After accommodation, food is where you tend to splurge a lot. You can keep a tab on your food expenses by choosing to shop from supermarkets, just like the locals do. Opt for breads, fruits and cheeses which are locally produced, and hence a lot more cheaper. If you must eat out, then lunch will be easier on your budget. In many European countries, lunch is often the main meal of the day, hence the restaurants are more benevolent with special offers. Also look out for your favourite fast-food chains in the neighbourhood. Trust us when we tell you this – they are lifesavers!
By Neetu George