The Old Continent has long been a favorite among tourists due to its abundance of fascinating historical sites, vibrant cultural centers that have been around for millennia, and beautiful Mediterranean beaches where one may perfect the art of doing nothing. Now is the time to reserve your hotel room.
Sad to say, there is a price to pay for this. Even though a trip to Europe can set you back financially, the continent is home to some of the world’s best ski resorts and most spectacular summer vacation places. Our vast list of travel advice around Europe will help you tour the continent without breaking the bank.
Prepare a list of items to be completed.
Making a list is the first thing we do, following the age-old practise of all intrepid explorers.
It’s a good idea to start preparing your vacation by writing down all the places you want to go. Therefore, you may maximise your trip and take advantage of everything it has to offer by planning your travels from north to south and east to west. Weigh the benefits of each mode of transportation, including flying, taking the bus, or riding the train (in which case you may get a five- or ten-trip train ticket).
Make a list of everything you want to do in each place. The Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, bike tours, and French degustations are just few of the numerous activities available in Paris. If you come up with a plan ahead of time, you may save yourself time and money by avoiding the classic tourist traps. Your capacity to relax and enjoy your time away is not compromised as you remain updated about your vacation.
To save money, use a website that compares prices.
In many situations, customers might benefit from using a website that compares prices. It might save you a lot of time and frustration on your vacation if you took the time to shop around for everything from airfare and hotel to meals and transportation. However, before booking a reservation, it is smart to double-check the pricing.
In Europe, several budget airlines promote low fares without making it obvious that perks like checked luggage insurance aren’t included. Utilizing a price comparison website is a no-brainer. Don’t rule out other possibilities just yet before making a booking.
There is no admission charge for this museum.
Many of Europe’s best museums provide free or cheap entry on certain days, so planning ahead is essential.
Every month on the first Saturday, everyone six and up is invited to come inside The Louver without paying. Every Friday night from 6 p.m. till closure, those under the age of 26 get in free. With tickets costing just €17, that’s a savings of over $30 per person. The Prado Museum in Madrid also offers free admission from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sundays and from 6 to 8 p.m.
Be on the lookout for city passes.
To a large extent, it is correct. However, they may often out to be fruitless investments. There is no set price for these city passes; rather, their value is determined by the passholder’s intended purpose and level of use. One should have a precise location in mind before making the purchase. You can see whether the pass is worth the price before purchasing it.
A city pass or discount card might be a lifesaver if you want to visit a lot of Europe on a tight budget. But the benefits may not always justify the expense. Depending on your goals and how often you want to use the pass, the price will vary. You should have a particular use in mind before you go out and acquire one. This will allow you to see whether the pass is really useful before purchasing it.
Please disregard the hotel.
A hotel in a major European city may be expensive because of its prime location and the image it conveys of a luxurious vacation. Staying in a campervan, an Airbnb, or a youth hostel might help you save money and give you a truer taste of European culture.
Try to choose an Airbnb that has a good rating and is near to the things you’ll need. It’s a safe bet that a “excellent host” rating means the innkeeper knows what they’re doing and has a good reputation among previous visitors. A tiny, pristine room will cost far less than a larger, less sanitary one.
It’s possible that hostels offering both shared and private accommodations are much less expensive than other hotels. For example, in Rome, you may stay at the Yellow Hostel, in Amsterdam, you can stay at Coco Mama, and in London, you can stay at Hostel One Camden.
In countries like the UK, France, and Switzerland, campervans are the most common method of seeing the countryside. However, they are not ideal for visiting several cities in a short period of time. Spaceships’ small, simple campervans are ideal as a starting point; they come equipped with a bed, refrigerator, and cookware. The high quality of your lodgings and modes of transportation may cause you to pay up to $100 each day.
Use international ATMs sparingly if as all possible.
Getting your hands on some Australian dollars while you’re still in the country might save you from the exorbitant ATM withdrawal fees that come with using a travel money card back at home.
You shouldn’t withdraw more than you’ll need to last you a week from an ATM, since it might be intimidating to carry about large quantities of money in foreign nations. Alternatively, you might seek out restaurants and stores that accept just Eftpos payments.
It’s also a good idea to look for a card that reimburses your ATM costs worldwide. Foreign ATM withdrawal costs will be covered by ING as long as you fulfil the card’s minimum monthly deposit and transaction criteria of $1,000.
Cooperating with an advisor or trainer
The majority of European countries with which I was familiar expanded rapidly and had well-developed train networks. These trains are popular due to their low fares and consistent (when they run) reliability. A major perk of travelling by train is the abundance of scenery it affords you. This is a major choice that requires careful consideration.
Avoid using toll roads if at all possible.
Although the vignette system is gaining popularity in several European countries, most countries still use the traditional pay toll system. If you need to rent a vehicle or travel a long distance, this might add up quickly. Understanding which roads have tolls and which do not is crucial.
When planning a trip from Calais to Nice, keep in mind that you’ll need to spend over $200 on tolls alone. However, if you follow the less direct D routes, you may be able to cover the same ground for free (albeit it could take a little longer).
