A continent rich with history and mystery
Europe can seem intimidating to travelers who want to explore.
It isn’t easy to find the best way for you to travel across this amazing continent with so many countries.
There is no “best” way to travel across Europe. Each country has its own unique characteristics, and each one is worth seeing.
It is possible to travel to Europe on a budget, no matter what your choice.This maze of countries can be navigated by young, enthusiastic travelers with limited financial resources.
To keep your spending in Europe while on holiday under control, you should follow these steps before and during your journey.
Why go to Europe
- Amazing history
It seems that everything began in Europe. Each place on the planet has its own history, but what we love most about Europe are the preserved historic buildings and monuments. Although you might only see the ruins of their ancient civilizations or ancestors in some parts, Europe is full of vibrant architectural and artistic elements. You can see the incredible cultural level of Europeans in the way they treat monuments and buildings from previous centuries. These buildings are still in use because they are so well preserved. Some buildings are used for their original purpose, while others are converted into different services. It is like walking through a fairytale. A trip to Europe is like traveling back in time. It’s as if you have turned on the time machine and can now see the world’s past. Don’t forget about the many museums you have. Even operas are quite common. Live shows can be held in historic Kings’ residences or other beautiful buildings. - Safety everywhere
Europe is the most secure place in the world. It allows you to move around the streets freely and not be threatened or stolen. Covid-19 has caused substantial health problems. Everyone must adhere to hygiene rules. It’s not only the restaurant and hotel owners who care about cleanliness but also the residents. Here, you can expect no food poisoning or contaminated drinking water. The last thing is that carrying a gun in this country is illegal. Criminality is rare in many places. If you live in an area of extreme poverty, people won’t be interested in your expensive watch. - Diversity in Cultures
The best thing about Europe is the ability to see completely different things from very close distances. Every country has its own culture, and people speak different languages. The European Union isn’t like the United States of America and Mexico. There are no countries in Europe. Each country has its own laws, religion, architecture, lifestyle, and culture. The countries are small in comparison. You don’t have to travel a lot if you want to visit a different country. London, for example, is just 2 hours by train from Paris. The whole experience, from the exotic Mediterranean landscapes to the gothic churches in North European countries, is unforgettable. - Luxurious shopping
One thing Europe is famous for is its wide range of shopping options. These are the two international shopping centers. Both Paris in France and Milan in Italy are great destinations for shoppers. Paris is often referred to as the Capital of Fashion. London is a great place to shop for something unique. Switzerland is the ideal place to find a unique watch for your collection. Do you want to hear some names? Luis Vuitton and Christian Dior are just a few of the greats in fashion. Europe is home to the original stores. Visits to these original stores will give you access not only to their products, which can be done almost anywhere, but also the thrill of purchasing directly from the source. Europe is a must-see for shopping enthusiasts.
When to go to Europe
You should plan your budget trip to Europe between March and May and September to Oct.This is Europe’s shoulder season.This is the shoulder season in Europe. The prices are lower, it’s sunny, and there are fewer people.Avoid traveling to Europe during the summers as it is peak season and prices for accommodation and flights rise.
Pro travel tips on traveling to Europe on a budget
1. Find out the requirements for entry.
Before we start to discuss travel planning tips, let’s first ask if you are allowed to enter the country. It can feel a little confusing with the constantly changing rules of COVID. It doesn’t matter if you have a significant illness. Getting into Europe will be easier if your vaccinations are up-to-date. Europe has been relatively open to summer tourism in the past two years, with only a few steps of entry. The main takeaway? Flexibility is key. The last two years have shown us something: Anything can change at any moment. Masks may also be required in certain countries. This is constantly changing. France has stopped testing triple-vaccinated passengers since I started writing this post. It is continually evolving. The government determines the steps required for entry. Some require a PCR test to enter, while others do not. There are many. When you transfer from one airport to another, such as from San Francisco to Frankfurt or Mallorca to Mallorca, it is essential to understand the entry requirements for each country. This information should be listed on the airport website.When you transfer at an EU airport, customs will be required at the first transfer. This could mean that the country may have its own entry requirements.
2. Book with flexibility and make sure to read all the fine print
You can cancel your travel plans at any time.If you have to cancel your travel plans, it is important that you read the fine print.I recommend that you use third-party websites with good cancellation policies.These are the places that I love to book:
Hotels — Booking.com and Hotels.com offer an extensive selection of hotels with flexible cancellation policies.Both booking engines provide full refunds for cancellations within 48 hours.
Cars –Booking third-party is my top tip when booking vehicles in Europe.Many car agencies offer a cancellation policy that allows you to cancel your reservation up to a week before it is confirmed.
Trains – RailEurope or Omio.Select the flexible fare that best suits your booking if you wish to cancel or rebook.
Flights — This depends on the airline.Many airlines offer the option to rebook if it is a specific fare. Double-check your booking before you make any changes.
3. Private tours, private guides, and advance tickets can be worth the cost.
As we reemerge this year, the travel industry expects a busy summer.To ensure entry, I recommend booking your tickets well in advance.A private guided tour is another great option for travelers.It’s a great way to enrich your travel experience and is often overlooked.Private tours often offer extra perks, such as early entry, so it’s worth looking into when researching.
4. What about train, plane, and car?
The most frequently asked question is, “Should I take a train or plane?”Because planes and trains are meant for longer distances, let’s put them in the same bucket.For example, a trip to Tuscany or Provence by car would be a better choice.What can you do to cover longer distances?Did you know that sometimes flying is cheaper than taking the train?
As I began researching train itineraries for major itineraries this summer, I was stunned at the high prices.These prices are higher than ever.For instance, I compared flying from Paris to Amsterdam with taking the high-speed Thalys train.It cost $75 per person and took approximately 3hr 20min.Air France direct cost $68 and took 1 hour 20 minutes.It’s worth looking at all of them together, especially if they are similar in price. Then you can decide which one is the best for you.
These are the factors I consider when comparing planes and trains:
- Are there too many bags?Carrying your luggage on a plane may be cheaper, even though it is more expensive than taking it with you.
- Is it convenient for the station?I prefer to train from Barcelona to Madrid, for example.Madrid’s central station is located in the middle of the city and does not require a taxi to get there.
- Is it faster to take the plane than the train?You don’t have to be there early for European flights unless you’re traveling on weekends. Security lines in Europe are usually much quicker than those at U.S. airports.Your total time at the airport may be an extra hour before your flight.Flying is more convenient than connecting via multiple train stations.
5. Car rental: Insurance, international license, and more
Do you need to book a car in Europe for your trip?Yes!This is a great way to visit regions such as Tuscany and Provence or islands such as Mallorca, Sicily, etc.You can drive anywhere in Europe, and here are some tips:
- Insurance – Did you know that major credit card companies such as Chase and AMEX offer international car insurance for free when you book using their credit cards? You can get insurance through your credit card, so it’s easier to skip paying extra. This can save you lots of money. Make sure you call your credit card to confirm whether your card offers insurance.One incident occurred in Barcelona when we had to return our car to Sixt. We were fined $600 for a minor ding.Our credit card covered the cost of the insurance.
- International License – You need one to drive a car around Europe.Is it ever checked?It is rarely checked, but having one is a good idea.An international license can be obtained at any AAA participating AAA location for $20 per adult before you leave.
- Tolls are everywhere in Europe.To pay, bring extra cash or a card.They can be pretty expensive in the summer.
When renting a car in Europe, my number one tip is to ensure you have cellular data. This will allow you to use Google Maps and a translation app.If you have to understand specific parking signs, the translation app will be useful.
6. Finding the right destination
Which direction should you travel?This is the big question, especially when there are so many choices in Europe.
When choosing a destination, one consideration is how you will get there.The best budget destinations are usually those that you can use public transport to get around.Renting a car can be expensive if you want to travel to more rural areas. However, it is possible to do so by bus.Personally, I prefer to visit a mix of several spots.My ideal trip would consist of 3-4 nights in a large city, followed by 4-5 nights on the coast or island.
7. Use your international flight for your benefit
When booking roundtrip tickets vs open-jaw tickets, one of my best pieces of advice is to price match when you are visiting multiple places.Open-jaw tickets are where you fly from San Francisco and Paris, then return from San Francisco and Barcelona (different entry/exit points).This is a great way to save money if you are planning on traveling around the world.
This can be a great way to save money and explore more of Europe.You might want to visit Paris and Amsterdam.You fly to CDG (Paris) via SFO. Then, you spend some time in Paris.Take the Thalys train from Paris to Amsterdam.Your return flight to Amsterdam is now from AMS (Amsterdam), rather than paying for another train ticket to Paris.This reduces the cost of your travel in one direction.
8. Reserve a table at a restaurant
After you have finalized your itinerary, I recommend making reservations for most dinners.This is for travelers who are interested in specific restaurants.Restaurants are often busy in summer, so make sure to reserve your spot early.Remember that dinner in America is usually served later than in Europe.
9. Get travel insurance
It is essential that we have it with us when we leave the country.It would help if you were as protected as you can.
These are our top tips for planning a journey to Europe on a budget in 2022. Discover more topics regarding travel to Europe and why you will need ETIAS from 2025 on.
