10 Keys To Save Money In Europe

Saving money in Europe is the dream of every low or medium budget traveler who wants to visit the Old Continent and not return with empty pockets. The most important thing is to inform yourself, plan everything very well and use your common sense.
10 keys to saving money in Europe

For many, Europe is one of the most expensive places to travel. It is also one of the continents that are in the sights of all world travelers. Saving money in Europe is not easy, but there are some simple steps to prevent bankruptcy.

Obviously, not all European cities are equally expensive. Paris, London, Amsterdam, Rome, and Berlin are some of the least affordable. In contrast, Eastern European countries tend to be cheaper, although probably less attractive for first-time visitors to the Old Continent.

The main keys to saving money in Europe have to do with planning  things and using your common sense. Going on a luxury trip is going to be very difficult if you don’t have a great bank account. Otherwise, you will have to use some tricks like the following.

1. Check the weight of the luggage

Woman packing a suitcase with little clothes to save on a trip to Europe

Find out very well about the maximum weight allowed on flights. The cost of excess weight is very high, so keep this in mind. If you think you are overweight, better wear the excess or give up and buy an additional suitcase before going to the airport, as it is more expensive there.

2. Print the tickets before going to the airport

If you want to save money in Europe, you better get to the airport with the printed tickets. If they print them, some companies will charge you extra money  that can be up to 25 euros or more. Simply take 10 minutes to print and avoid unnecessary expense.

3. Check out accommodation to save money in Europe

Poster of a hotel

In many places in Europe, hostels are not synonymous with lower prices for accommodation. They are sometimes more expensive than some hotels. So don’t forget to look at the options offered by travel platforms or a bed and breakfast . The most common is that they have much more competitive prices.

4. Use BlaBlaCar

This application offers you a good alternative to save money in Europe, at least in transport. Buses are also usually cheap, but sometimes they are not so comfortable. Flights by plane or train are the other alternatives, but they are more expensive.

5. Search for alternative destinations

Big cities, especially if they are very touristy, have the highest prices in all respects. Sometimes it is worth looking for intermediate cities that are well connected to the capitals. You could save up to 50% on accommodation and food costs.

6. Don’t eat in tourist areas

Table in one of Vienna's restaurants

It is not only that in the most touristy areas the prices are sometimes exorbitant, but many times you pay more for something that is not worth it. When it comes to eating, it is best to stay away from those areas and look for the restaurants where the locals eat. Ask locals for recommendations on this matter.

7. Walk a lot to save money in Europe

A good way to save money in Europe is to get to know the cities on foot. The most advisable thing is to have an offline map and design the route in advance, covering the largest number of points of interest at each exit. You only need comfortable shoes and a relaxed mood.

8. Visit the tourist office

Whenever you can, visit the tourist office of the place where you arrive. Request free maps and find out about the benefits they have for tourists. They can inform you about free activities or give you very valuable advice so that you do not overspend.

9. Take advantage of free tours

Tourists on a free tour

In almost all European cities there are free tours. Do not hesitate to sign up for them. Actually, they are not free, you probably have to pay a small amount or whatever you deem appropriate. However, they give you a good orientation to locate yourself in the city. In addition, guides often offer valuable information on places to eat, shop, etc.

10. To save in Europe, take euros

Exchange houses in Europe charge high commissions. Therefore, it is not worth arriving with dollars, or with any other currency. It is better to buy the euros before traveling or use debit or credit cards to pay whenever possible.

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