A European vacation is exorbitant. From flight fares to accommodation, everything quickly drains money. People on a shoestring budget feel like they cannot plan an affordable trip to their favourite destinations in Europe. You need to be a little savvy when it comes to planning a vacation. A little bit of research beforehand could help you explore budget-friendly tourist attractions and activities. Here are essential tips to help you plan your Europe vacation without breaking the bank:
Plan your trip
The first thing you need to do is to plan your trip. You might have a destination in mind but do not dwell on it. Create a list of cities or countries you would like to visit, and then choose a place that fits your budget.
Not to mention, some people determine whether or not a place is cheap based on flight fares. If a flight takes you to a destination at a lower price, you will find that it fits your budget, but do not forget that the overall cost depends on tourist activities. It is likely that food and accommodation cost you more than you expected. There are some websites that would let you know the total cost of visiting a particular destination. Major European cities are ranked based on the cost. Do some research to find cheap places. Here are some affordable destinations:
The Albanian coast
Untouched by modern lifestyle, undefiled Albanians are an inexpensive country in Europe. Eminent for hospitality, Albanian is rich with museums, monuments, parks and heritage sites. In addition, you can enjoy the ambiance of traditional coffee shops and local food.
Other tourist attractions and activities include a day trip to the seaside, unwinding in the grand park, exploring a national park, traditional mosques, and the clock tower. You can also explore local markets. Accommodation and food are not expensive. It would cost you about £75 to £80 every day.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria is another place where you can go without losing an arm and a leg. Orthodox Roman churches capture the imagination of tourists from all across the world. If you love greenery and the natural environment, pay a visit to Mount Vitosha. Apart from this, you will have a chance to explore the monastery. There are several old towns to visit.
You will get to know the risk history of Bulgarians and their traditional lifestyles. Whether you are planning a trip with your family or friends, Bulgaria is the best and cheapest place to visit. The country has a synthesis of traditional and modern values. While the country is brimming with traditional churches and towns, Bulgaria is also popular for some traditional pubs. Your per day stay in Bulgaria would not cost you less than £100.
Czech Republic
Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, has a lot to offer. This country has a rich history, and despite that, it has several other spectacular attractions that draw the attention of tourists from all corners of the world. Charles Bridge is one of the breathtaking attractions. It reflects the rich and important history of the city. If you are on vacation with your partner, this bridge is a nice place to take a stroll hand in hand and some photographs of yours. The city is also known for its cafes, local restaurants, and vibrant culture.
Another attraction is the Vltava River. You will get the best view of spectacular Prague Castle and Charles Bridge. Local food and sweets are also available there, especially on weekends.
Be flexible about when you fly
When planning your trip, you simply do not have to stick to cheaper destinations. You will also have to be flexible about flight fares. Flight fares by day, and therefore, it makes sense to do some research to know when fares drop. For instance, flights on Fridays are more expensive than on Tuesdays. Weekends should be avoided because the cost is extremely high.
Pick the time for your trip. Some destinations are cheaper in the summer, while others are budget-friendly in the winter. Be smart about the time you pick for your travel destination. Flying late at night and in the early morning will also help you save some of your money. Compare prices by different airlines online before choosing a cheaper one.
Be flexible with your transport options
No doubt, flight is a cheaper transport when it comes to travelling to Europe, but you should keep your eyes peeled. Depending on where you put up, trains could cost you less money. The only difference between trains and flights is that the former takes a longer time to take you to the destination.
Book in advance
Booking near your travel dates would cost you a lot of money, but a few weeks advanced booking can help save you a lot of money. If you still need money to finance the cost, you can take out text loans from direct lenders in the UK.
Accommodation
Now you know that you should choose inexpensive locations and the right time for travelling. You cannot stop here. Accommodation also consumes a large chunk of the budget.
Airbnb or hostel
If your budget does not allow, you do not have to stay in a hotel. Aparthotels, hostels, or Airbnb could come in handy. You do not have to worry about locations. You will not be alone. They would be shared by other tourists, too. A sense of community will be built among all. Aparthotels might be slightly more expensive than Airbnb or hostels because you will most likely get a space for the kitchen where you could cook yourself.
Do research about the best places to stay
You should plan your travel destination based on the accommodation. There are some places where you can find public transport connecting tourist attractions. While cabs and taxis are available at almost every location, they are more expensive than public transport. However, if you are travelling in a group, you may share the ride and save money.
Check the best time to book activities
Booking an advance could save you a lot of money, but sometimes, it proves to be more expensive than you ever imagined. Ticket prices sometimes drop near the event date. It is always a good idea to book an event when you are there. Make sure that you visit sites that let you take advantage of some discounts.
Save money during the trip
Here are some ways to save money during the trip:
- If it is not a package holiday, you would need to make arrangements to travel from one place to another. Make sure that you use public transport. Walk if the distance is not too long.
- Eat like a local. Local food is much cheaper than international food. If your stay is longer, it is a good idea to rely on it.
- If you have to buy food, purchase from local markets. Seasonal produce from local markets will save you a lot of money.
The bottom line
Travelling to Europe does not need to be expensive. However, you will have to do some research to ensure that the overall trip fits your budget. Figure out ways to save money on accommodation, flight fares and exploring tourist attractions. It is recommended that you choose better and more affordable places.