How Much Money Do I Need To Travel Europe?

How Much It Actually Cost Me To Travel For 3 Months: Complete Europe Trip Cost Breakdown

Thankfully, I meticulously documented every expense during my 3-month trip overseas. Why did I do this? So I could make sure I stuck to my budget as closely as possible. Without a constant source of income, going over budget and living/spending frivolously beyond my means was something I was concerned about.

Luckily for you, this post sheds insight on how exactly I spent my budget over the 3-4 months of travel, including my monetary savings from credit card points as well as sunk costs from flights I never took and rooms I couldn’t cancel. Each country I visited includes a breakdown of costs by accommodation, activities, food, and transportation.

If you happen to be considering an extended trip abroad, I hope you find this cost breakdown useful to better set your expectations. Please learn from my mistakes and deploy some of the money-saving strategies described in this post so you can spend more wisely on your own trip!

This post may contain affiliate links. You won’t be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content.

Table of Contents

MY 3-MONTH TRAVEL ADVENTURE: OVERVIEW

Where I Went

• Italy: Reggio Emilia, Parma, Cinque Terre, Bologna, Venice, Florence, Rome, Italian border villages on the Tour du Mont Blanc
• Czech Republic: Prague
• Hungary: Budapest
• Poland: Krakow, Zakopane, Tatra National Park
• Portugal: Lisbon, Sintra, Porto
• Spain: Seville, Barcelona, Sitges
• Croatia: Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar, Plitvice National Park
• France: Annecy, Chamonix, French border villages on the Tour du Mont Blanc
• Switzerland: Geneva, Swiss border villages on the Tour du Mont Blanc

Trip Duration: 105 days, equating to 3.5 months.

How I Did It

Many things had to line up to make this trip happen. I had to:

• Have no debts or other financial obligations
• Save enough money to survive without a full-time job for 3 months
• Not be constrained by rent, car lease, children
• Find a place to put my car and belongings (this is where my parents’ house came in handy).

With all of these things in place, I took off and had the time of my life!

Want to know more about how it all happened and what it took to get there? Read more about my 3-month Europe trip here.

TOTAL TRIP COSTS

GRAND TOTAL: $9,154.83

As you can see, transportation and lodging made up ~50% of my overall spend in Europe. No surprises here, since flights, train tickets, and nightly hostels/Airbnb’s are very much required for any trip. And since I was moving around quite a bit, these categories added up. Alone, transportation above is showing that it made up only 17% of my out-of-pocket costs–I actually would have spent a lot more on flights, but a lot of it was covered with credit card point. More on that later.

In the chart above, I did not include my guided trek (to give a more realistic expense breakdown of what an “average” 3-month trip would look like), but it is listed in the bullet points and was used to calculate my grand total costs.

Note: The totals here reflect only what I paid in cash, or out-of-pocket expenses. It does not include some of the other additional “expenses” I would have had to pay had I not used my credit card points to help pay for some if the trip.

SAVINGS AND SUNK COSTS

Savings

These savings were entirely as a result of travel hacking! I was able to save a good amount of money by using existing credit card points as well as opening up new cards right before my trip to offset some of my travel costs. If you want to learn more about how I was able to achieve this, check out this post here (how I saved up over $10k to travel the world).

• Chase Ultimate Rewards: 83,000
• SPG Amex Points: 13,000
• Barclay Card: 45,832

Free Travel Redemptions

• Flight – California to New York: $200
• Flight – New York to Milan, Italy: $400
• Activity – Colosseum Tour in Rome: $50
• Activity – Auschwitz Tour: $40
• Flight – Krakow to Lisbon: $137
• Accommodation – Lisbon Hostel (4 nights): $113
• Accommodation – Barcelona (6 nights): $250
• Accommodation – Dubrovnic (3 nights): $200
• Flight – Geneva to California: $1200

TOTAL SAVINGS: $2,587

Read More: How I Saved Up $10,000 To Travel The World For 3 Months

Sunk Costs

• Airbnb – Milan: $138
• Flight – Paris to Milan: $73
• Flight – Krakow to Milan: $72
• Accommodation – Krakow apartment: $66

TOTAL SUNK COSTS: $349

I had originally planned to go to Paris as part of this trip, but after determining that I could explore Poland for a fraction of the cost, I decided to abort the mission and ended up spending a few days in the Tatra Mountains in Poland. In some other instances such as those Milan flights, I had made plans with my now ex-boyfriend, who lived in Milan. Needless to stay, we separated after I had already booked non-refundable flights through Ryanair.

COST BREAKDOWN BY COUNTRY

USA (New York) – 6 days

Prior to my trip, I had two main travel gear expenses– my new all-time favorite travel backpack, the Osprey Aura 65, and some Europe-appropriate clothing that I was lacking (dresses, light jackets, shorts, etc.)

My 3-month journey abroad began in New York. I was born in New York (moved to California when I was a mere 7-year old child), so with half of my extended family still residing here, I decided to pay them a visit for a couple of days shy of a week. I was able to stay with my cousin, which meant I incurred no accommodation costs. Since New York is one of the ultimate foodie destinations in the USA, most of my budget went towards food. (They literally have everything—many restaurants overseas will open their first US location in NY. You can easily imagine how I blew through so much money.) As gratitude to my cousin for allowing me to stay with him, I also covered some of his meals.

ITALY – 4 WEEKS

Italy was by far the largest portion of my budget since I had stayed for 4 weeks, exploring the likes of Reggio Emilia, Bologna, Parma, Cinque Terre, Venice, Florence, and Rome. For a portion of my time there, I stayed with my friend in Reggio Emilia. He had access to a car as well as a bike that I borrowed to get around, thereby saving me some money on both accommodation and transportation costs.

The accommodation piece was the largest struggle for me here in Italy, since I ended up in some pretty touristy places with limited accommodation options such as Venice and the sea-side villages of Cinque Terre. This was partially my fault as well since I didn’t book early enough like I typically do. And I really, really splurged against my will in Rome when I booked a bed and breakfast for 2 (with the anticipation that my friend was going to join me but bailed). Rome’s accommodation costs totaled $550, ouch.

See More: In Photos: Italy

In terms of food, each meal at a sit-down restaurant averaged around $15-20, which was a lot more than food in some of the other countries, as you’ll later see. Italian restaurants don’t really do “takeaway” food, so many times there really wasn’t an option—sit-down restaurant it was. Since I was staying with my friend, I ended up paying for a few 2-3 person meals in order to pay him and his family back for their generosity.

Oh yes, and the sheer amount of coffee I drank here was uncountable. But hey, what’s 1 euro (a simple dig into the pocket—voila! Enough money to get you another shot of espresso). Nevertheless, staying with my friend for a couple of weeks really did help offset some of the day to day expenses in Italy.

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – 2 DAYS

My old coworkers had joined me in this leg of the trip, so a lot of costs were shared costs (thereby making it slightly more expensive since we ate more, took taxis instead of trains, stayed in more luxury accommodations, etc.) During our time in Budapest, we did a boat tour, drank a lot, stayed at a very nice Airbnb rental and went to the bathhouse.

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC – 3 DAYS

My old coworkers had joined me in this leg of the trip as well, so a lot of costs were shared, slightly elevated costs. Nevertheless, the food was so unbelievably cheap. Though they had hipster coffee shops and swanky-type bars/restaurants, the prices stayed relatively low. Since our Airbnb was actually located in Old Town, we spent a bit more here than some other rooms would have cost in Prague. Transportation included an overnight sleeper train which was a great experience in itself, to my surprise. It came with bottled water, slippers, toothbrushes, and a breakfast box—for the low cost of $55, it was pretty darn worth it.

POLAND – 9 DAYS

My time in Poland consisted of 3 nights in the Tatra Mountains at a little mountain town called Zakopane, and 6 nights in the bustling city of Krakow. Poland was by far one of the cheapest destinations of my trip, if not the cheapest overall. Beer was no more than $3 per glass/pint, and meals cost under $5-7 regularly. In the mountains, I “splurged” a bit and booked a bed and breakfast (double occupancy room with an amazing free breakfast every morning) for a whopping $25/night. I told you, Poland is so, so affordable.

Read More: 12 Advanced Ways to Save Money When You Think You Are Too Poor To Travel

PORTUGAL – 8 DAYS

Portugal was relatively affordable, though not as cheap as some parts of Central Europe, like I had just witnessed with Poland, Hungary, and the CR. By far, they had the best hostels I’d ever experienced on this trip. Each hostel was extremely affordable while upholding modernity and aesthetics. In each city I went to (Lisbon, Porto), I had a bed in a 3-person room, which cost me less than some of the 6-8 person rooms I paid for on this trip. Food was more of an expense for me here, but hey, Portugal is known to have great food. Since I have a burning love for seafood, I found the need to eat fresh seafood almost every meal with the exception of breakfast.

SPAIN – 10 DAYS

Spain (Sevilla, Barcelona, Sitges) was nothing short of mind-blowing and awe-inspiring. The food, the people, the vibes, the culture—all of it made for a super splendid time. Lodging costs were low here since I had redeemed ~$150 worth of credit card points for accommodation. The food here was also a large expense, but really, how can anyone deny splurging on food in Spain? I’ll admit, the razor clams, shrimp dishes, squid and paella really got me—take my money! Tapas and seafood for life.

Check out my Spain trip, in photos, here.

CROATIA – 14 DAY

Croatia was definitely not as cheap as I imagined it to be. Some cities were more affordable than others. With the influx in tourism stemming from the popularity of Game of Thrones, Dubrovnik, while still beautiful, was severely overpriced in my experience. Specifically, the restaurants in the Old Town were very expensive compared to other countries I had visited so far.

My activities costs stayed relatively low, since I mostly hung out on the beaches, worked on setting up my blog (yes, this blog was born in Croatia!), and made a few trips to a few national parks. The one splurge activity here worth calling out—I went to 2 days of Ultra Europe, an electronic music festival that occurs once a year. Totally worth the spend. As the national parks were a bit a ways away from the main cities, transportation expenses added up.

TOUR DU MONT BLANC – 11 DAYS

My 10-day Tour Du Mont Blanc guided tour was only $1,600, which was a complete steal compared to some other name-brand tour companies out there. Nevertheless, I ate well, slept well, and had a blast with my friends (who flew out to join me for this leg of my trip), my guide, as well as all of the eclectic members of my tour group. This was definitely a walk of a lifetime, and for such value! Costs also include an extra night of accommodation at a beautiful alpine resort in Chamonix.

MISCELLANEOUS – MILAN & HOME

This category captures some extra spend that I incurred as I made my way over from Croatia to Switzerland, stopping in Milan for 1 night. A portion of the fees here also went towards accommodation and food while in Geneva for a few days before our Tour Du Mont Blanc guided tour begun. It also includes my flight back to Los Angeles from Geneva, Switzerland (which valued at $1200, but due to credit card points usage, I only paid taxes and fees for).

TRAVEL INSURANCE

If you’re planning an extended trip abroad, you should strongly consider investing in yourself by getting travel insurance. Remember, your medical insurance plan from your home country will more than likely not cover you when you’re traveling internationally. Travel insurance is especially important if you plan to be more active, engage in adventurous activities, or even want to get outdoors. Travel insurance certainly gives me peace of mind whenever I’m traveling for over 2 weeks, knowing I’d be covered if anything went sideways.

I recommend World Nomads for insuring your extended travel adventure. They offer comprehensive packages for ‘standard’ or ‘explorer’ levels, covering anything from bodily harm, lost/stolen bags, and even 200+ adventure activities (this usually needs to be purchased separately anyway). For the Tour Du Mont Blanc, I had to make sure I was covered for Emergency Evacuation before going on the trek. World Nomads has a great customer service team, is considered one of the best options in the market, and is priced very reasonably.

Hopefully, at this point, you have a better understanding of how much it costs to travel for 3 months or longer. I had a few decent savings, but I certainly did not make the best financial decisions 100% of the time on my trip. Everyone’s trip will have different costs depending on varying interests, travel styles, and comfort levels. Good luck on your very own adventure!

How Much Money Do I Need To Travel Europe?

For some people, setting a budget is just one more exciting thing to do when planning their European holiday. Mainly because it gives them an opportunity to dream about the castles and banquets they’ll be spending their euros on.

Then there are others who dread the whole ordeal – probably the same people who haven’t visited the dentist in a year.

Knowing things is hard. And who’s got time for calculations?*

Allow me to introduce you to the amazing Holiday Budget robot planner 3000! (Well, it’s not really called that). Planning a budget is hard, it’s not like you just know the cost of a bratwurst and a 1L jug of beer in Munich off the top of your head is it? That’s impressive if you do, but our Holiday Budget Planner actually does know that kind of stuff. Try it out below!

*Ain’t nobody got time for that.

Try our fancy new budget calculator (above) now!

How to plan a trip to Europe with a budget

First up, you need to figure out what you need to budget for.

To work out your rough costs, you’ll need to know:

• Where you’re going – for flight costs.
• How long you’ll be away – for nightly accommodation costs.
• How you want to get around – for transport costs.

It also helps to budget with those you’ll be travelling with, so you can work out what costs are solely yours and what you can share. It’s also a good way to set out what type of holiday you want to have. If you’re a budget traveller who wants to hostel-hop your way through Europe, your budget will be very different to the traveller that wants 5-star, all-inclusive, buffet breakfast, city-view, luxury hotels.

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How much does a Europe trip cost?

Let’s take a look at a few examples of different kinds of holidays you could have in Europe, and address some of those big-ticket costs that need to be budgeted for.

The lovey-dovey couple

This romantic pair is travelling through London for 2 weeks during its beautiful, warm summer. Between them, they’ll need just under $10,000 AUD for flights, accommodation and daily transport.

The solo backpacker

This lucky vagabond is travelling Solo (not even Chewbacca is invited). They’re hitting up France, Spain, Italy and Greece for a whole month of adventure. Depending on how frugal they decide to be, they’ll need about $4,000AUD for flights, accommodation and public transport. Don’t forget to budget your meals and adventures though!

This wonderful family of 2 adults and 2 kids (under age 11) is going on a cruise to visit Barcelona during the school holidays – lucky kids… The parents will need to save around $13,000AUD worth of pennies to afford the flights, cruise and accommodation for this trip.

Note that these are your core expenses. Other costs from travel insurance, daily expenses like food and drinks, sightseeing, activities and all those shopping trips aren’t taken into account.

Europe Travel Guide

From beautiful Paris to smoke-filled coffeeshops in Amsterdam, Oktoberfest to La Tomatina, Europe is a massive, diverse continent with an unlimited assortment of things to see and do. You won’t have any problem filling your time, whether you’re backpacking Europe for a few months on a budget or just spending a few weeks there on a well-earned vacation.

The continent boasts wonderful beaches, historical architecture, amazing wine, and tons of world-class festivals. Every country is incredibly different from the next too, providing limitless variety in what you do during your trip.

I first backpacked Europe in 2006 and was hooked immediately. I’ve been visiting every year since, have run tours around the continent, and even wrote a book on traveling in Europe. It’s a destination I love and never get tired of exploring.

This guide will give you an overview of Europe and the tips and tricks you need to start planning your trip. I’ve also written extensive travel guides to each country on the continent (linked below in this post) so you can get more in-depth information for your specific itinerary too!

Table of Contents

Click Here for Country Guides

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Europe

1. Tour the Greek Islands

These islands are the mecca of summer beach fun. The island of Ios is party central, Kos and Crete are popular destinations for Brits, Santorini has history, Mykonos has luxurious, and Naxos is quiet. With hundreds of islands, you can always find what you are looking for!

2. Ride the rails

Europe is famous for its international rail system. Rail passes like the Eurail pass make it easy to get from country to country on a relatively small budget (and with lots of flexibility). Riding the European rails is one of the best ways to get around and see the continent!

3. Get lost in Paris

The city of lights is everything people say it is. I fell in love with it the first time I stepped foot in Paris. The food, the wine, the atmosphere, the history; it’s hard not to see the magic. It would take years to see everything here, but you can get a good feel of the city in a few days.

4. Go city hopping

There are so many amazing cities in Europe that we’d need a top 100 to list them all. Some of my personal favorites and must see cities are: London, Edinburgh, Amsterdam, Berlin, and Barcelona, Lisbon, Prague, Tallin, Florence, and Stockholm. Criss cross the continent, take in the culture, and enjoy all the historic cities!

5. Hit the Alps

Whether you go skiing in the winter or hiking in the summer, the Alps hold some of the most breathtaking views in all the world. The alps are great whether you’re in Italy, France, or Switzerland — you can’t go wrong no matter where you go as they are one of the greatest natural attractions on the continent!

Other Things to See and Do in Europe

1. Tour Amsterdam

I love Amsterdam so much that I lived here for a short period of time in 2006. Here cobblestone and brick streets weave around lovely canals as people ride their bikes to and fro. Amsterdam has a vibrant art and music scene and there’s a ton of museums here like the Anne Frank house, FOAM, the history museum, and the hemp museum. Be sure you get out of the center into Jordaan and Oost with their wonderful outdoor cafes and fewer tourists.

2. Hang out in Barcelona

Barcelona is a city that goes 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It truly could give NYC a run for the “city that never sleeps” title. Be prepared for late-night dinners and parties until dawn. Besides a great food and nightlife scene, there is a wonderful beach, tons of Gaudi architecture (including the iconic Sagrada Familia, which has been under construction for over 100 years!), incredible food tours, one of the best history museums in the country, and lots of outdoor spaces.

3. Visit Berlin

Hip and trendy Berlin is an energetic destination. It is one of Europe’s most affordable capital cities, with a vibrant music and art scene and a growing foodie movement. Be sure to spend some time learning about the city’s darker history via the many excellent museums, memorials, and landmarks. The East Side Gallery, a section of the Berlin Wall that’s now painted with murals, and the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe are two especially powerful reminders of Germany’s past. For all periods of German history, don’t miss the Deutsches Historisches Museum (German Historical Museum) – it’s one of the best history museums in the world. Once you’ve had your fill of history, relax in Berlin’s many green spaces, from Tempelhof Field, the site of a former airfield and popular local hangout spot, to Tiergarten, a tree-covered former hunting ground for 17th-century aristocrats.

4. Drink beer at Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is a must for anyone going to Germany at the end of September. For two weeks, millions of people from all over the world gather for lots of beer, excitement, music, and wild fun. Watching thousands of people sing together, raising pint glasses for endless toasts, and the enjoying general party atmosphere makes you feel good about the world. (Or maybe that’s just the beer?) Just be sure to book your accommodation well in advance and be prepared to pay top prices for them.

5. Experience London

Get a taste of English culture in diverse London. The museums here are some of the best in the world (most are free) and include the Tate, the British Museum, the City Museum, the National Gallery, the Historical Museum. There’s no shortage of iconic sights here as well, with Big Ben, the House of Parliament, the London Eye, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and of course, Buckingham Palace. The city also offers great food and wonderful pub culture, perfect for after a long day seeing the sights. Head to Brick Lane on the weekends for some amazing food and craft markets. I prefer Paris to London, but there is something sophisticated and fun about London. Just watch those pints — London is not a cheap destination!

6. Get outdoors in Scandinavia

My favorite region in Europe is Scandinavia. The quality of life here is high, the people are beautiful and friendly, and the cities are clean and historic. Cycling the cities, taking canal tours, hiking the vast forested areas, archipelago hopping, enjoying fika (a Swedish coffee break), and warming up in saunas are just a few of the popular activities that await you here. True, this area of Europe is not cheap, but there are plenty of ways to reduce your expenses. Don’t let the high prices scare you away. Highlights for me include Copenhagen, Stockholm, Gotland, Norway’s fjords, and Lapland in Finland.

7. Get enchanted in Prague

Prague has an amazing history and is one of the most beautiful and picturesque cities I’ve ever seen. Highlights include the 9th-century Prague Castle, the magnificent Charles Bridge (built in the 14th century and one of the oldest standing bridges in the world), the 10th-century old square with its iconic astronomical clock, and the winding Jewish Quarter. During the weekends it heaves with people enjoying the bars, cheap beer, and delicious food so try to visit during the week (and in the spring or fall) to beat the crowds

8. Relax on the French Riviera

Here, you can pretend to live the high life for a little bit. Have fun in the sun, relax on the beach, swim in azure blue water, hobnob with the rich and famous, and sail on (or gaze at) gigantic yachts. As for cities, Nice is nice with its palm-tree-lined promenade, old town, and many art museums. The kingdom of Monaco with its tiny streets, beautiful buildings, and world-famous casino is just a skip away too.

9. Enjoy the great outdoors in Interlaken

Located in the beautiful mountains of Switzerland, Interlaken is a gorgeous place to unwind with fantastic hiking, delicious hot chocolate, and plenty of outdoor sports. The area is full of natural attractions to explore, including the St. Beatus Caves (complete with a legendary dragon), the cascading 500-meter-high (1,640 feet) Giessbach Waterfalls, the Jungfraujoch mountain railway (which leads to the highest train station on the continent), and a plethora of lakes (hence the town’s name). It’s a good alternative to all the cities and museums. Interlaken is also a popular party destination for backpackers and other young travelers.

10. Experience history in Rome

In this thriving historical city, you can’t walk two feet without stumbling over a ruin, making Rome a history buff’s dream. Its tiny streets are perfect for wandering as you explore the Colosseum, see the Forum and Palatine Hill, visit the Pantheon, spend time in Vatican City, admire the Spanish Steps, and toss coins into the famous Trevi Fountain. Rome also has amazing food (it’s Italy, after all) and nightlife. Visit the Trastevere area for a taste of “local” Rome and chill bars. It’s my favorite area in the city.

11. Hike around the Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is my favorite part of Italy. These five beautiful cliffside towns are perched near warm waters and beautiful olive and grape groves. There are wondrous and strenuous hikes in these hills; for a real challenge, take trail #8. Or just walk the coastline for something less difficult. Many activities here revolve around the coastline: kayaking, swimming, having a beach picnic, or visiting the Technical Naval Museum. If you happen to be here in December or January, don’t miss the Nativity Manarola, the world’s biggest lighted nativity scene.

12. Tour Krakow

Krakow looks like it stepped out of a medieval postcard. It’s a hip, trendy, and youthful city that’s the center of education in Poland, meaning there are a lot of university students here. Most travelers come to party here (the vodka is cheap) but try to enjoy the city’s history and food besides just the bars. Walk the Royal Road through the Old Town to the 13th-century Wawel Castle, tour Schindler’s Factory (where Schindler saved over 1,200 Jews during World War II), and visit the sobering Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. You can also take a fascinating day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Wieliczka Salt Mine, a 13th-century mine with cavernous chambers, statues, chapels, chandeliers, and cathedrals all carved out of salt.

13. Visit the ruin bars in Budapest

The coolest nightlife in all of Europe is found in Budapest. Built in abandoned buildings, ruin bars feature funky art installations, repurposed furniture, and quirky decor. They are amazing, fun, and great places to meet locals, as people of all ages flock here. Open since 2001, Szimpla Kert is the original ruin bar and one of my favorites, along with Instant-Fogas Complex, which takes up an entire building and is actually many different bars in one. Don’t skip the ruin bars — they’re one of the most unique things about the city!

14. Explore Cornwall

The best part of England is outside London, yet unfortunately, not a lot of travelers leave London. Head west to the area of Cornwall for cheaper prices, welcoming locals, natural beauty, great hiking, rolling hills, plenty of medieval castles, and picturesque small towns. Overall, it’s what you think of as “traditional England.”

15. Walk the Camino

El Camino de Santiago (The Way of Saint James) is an ancient pilgrimage route that stretches from France all the way across northern Spain. It is an 800 kilometer (500 miles) trail that winds through incredible terrain, ending in Santiago de Compostela at the cathedral where St. James is supposedly buried. As a pilgrim, you get a “pilgrim’s passport” which allows you to stay in affordable pilgrim-only hostels, making this a surprisingly budget-friendly adventure. While it usually takes over a month to complete, you can just walk a section if you don’t have the time. To receive a “Compostela” (certificate of completion), you just need to walk the last 100 kilometers (62 miles), which generally takes 4-5 days.

16. Throw tomatoes during La Tomatina

By far my favorite festival, the largest food fight in the world happens during the last Wednesday of August in Bunol, Spain. What started in 1945 as a local brawl has turned into a massive event drawing tens of thousands of people from all over the world. For about an hour, everyone throws tomatoes at each other, leaving streets ankle deep in tomato juice. Afterward, everyone walks down to the river, cleans off, and then heads to the town square for sangria and music.

17. Find Dracula in Romania

Not a lot of people visit Romania but this underrated country in Eastern Europe has undiscovered yet picturesque medieval towns like Brasov (home to “Dracula’s castle”), Sighisoara, and Sibiu; gorgeous beaches on the Black Sea; and incredible hiking in the Fagaras Mountains — all at dirt-cheap prices. Other major sights include frescoed Byzantine monasteries, the steepled wooden churches of Transylvania, the hip university town Cluj-Napoca, the post-communist capital of Bucharest, and the Danube Delta, a huge nature reserve.

18. Drink whisky in Islay

Whisky has a long history on Islay, an island off Scotland’s west coast. It’s been made there since the 16th-century — first in backyards and then, starting in the 19th-century, in large distilleries. Over the years, whisky from the island came to be considered a specialty and was used to flavor a lot of other blends on the mainland. There are currently nine working distilleries on the island, all located along the island’s shores, with Laphroaig, Ardbeg, and Lagavulin being the most famous. Most distilleries here make single malt Scotch, meaning that only one type of grain (barley) is used. My visit here was amazing and, even if you don’t like whisky, there are tons of good hikes and walks throughout this magnificent island.

19. Explore Iceland

Iceland is a magical country with majestic waterfalls, hidden hot springs around every corner, and sweeping vistas unlike anywhere else in the world. After my first visit, the country quickly became one of my favorite countries. With whale watching in the summer, the northern lights in the winter, and geothermal baths for soaking in year-round, there really is no bad time to visit! While Iceland’s main draw is the epic natural landscapes, it’s worth spending a couple of days in Reykjavik with its café culture, artsy feel, and brightly colored wooden row houses.

20. Sail the Croatian coast

With calm winds, short distances, a coastline littered with over 1,000 islands, and countless historical sites, Croatia is one of the world’s best sailing destinations. If you can, go during the shoulder season, when you can find some great deals. Plan to stay at least a couple of days on one of the islands, with the most popular being Brac, Hvar, Krk, Cres, and Lošinj. However, don’t be afraid to get off the beaten path and explore some of the lesser-known islands such as Silba, Vis, and Lastovo. If you want to splash out and spend a week partying on a yacht, check out The Yacht Week, which hosts week-long parties, complete with DJs, from May-September. You can book a full boat to share with friends or just a cabin if you’re traveling solo. Prices start at 5,250 HRK per person and go up to 9,300 HRK.

21. Explore the Balkans

While the Balkans have become more popular with backpackers in recent years, it’s still largely overlooked by most budget travelers, despite being an extremely budget-friendly region. The Balkan peninsula is home to great (and again, overlooked) wine, beautiful medieval towns like Kotor and Mostar, stunning mountainous landscapes, coffee culture, hearty yet inexpensive food, and museums covering the area’s history, including the most recent turbulent events of the early 1990s. I especially loved my time in Albania.

22. Take a wine tour in the Loire Valley

Located in central France, the picturesque Loire Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site and stretches 280 kilometers (174 miles) along the Loire River. One of the major wine-producing regions of France, the area is home to some of the best wine in the world, with over 1,000 vineyards open to the public. Even those who don’t drink wine will enjoy the beautiful small towns, great food, and the region’s over 300 impressive chateaux. It’s an area not to be missed.

23.See Fado in Portugal

Fado is an important musical tradition in Portugal, originating in Lisbon and stretching back some 200 years. The word “fado” likely stems from the Latin word for fate, and it’s very haunting, poetic, and emotional music. Most of the songs follow themes of loss and mourning, and the music was popular with the working class (especially sailors). Performances normally take place in restaurants during dinner. In Lisbon, head to Clube de Fado, Tasca do Chico, Parreirinha de Alfama, or Senhor Vinho.

24. Tour green Slovenia

Slovenia is one of Europe’s least-visited destinations, which is mind-blowing to me because it’s an amazing place to visit. Slovenia offers all the beauty of Western Europe but at a fraction of the cost and with a fraction of the crowds. Perfect for outdoor adventure lovers, Slovenia offers rugged mountains, untouched landscapes, fantastic ski resorts, plentiful wine, sprawling cave systems, incredible food, and postcard-perfect lakes, such as the famous Lake Bled with its castle on an island. Make sure to also spend a few days in the country’s capital, Ljubljana, known as one of the continent’s greenest and most livable cities.

For more information on specific countries in Europe, check out the guides below:

Europe Travel Costs

Accommodation – Accommodation pricing vary greatly by region.
In Western Europe, hostel dorm rooms cost between 15-35 EUR per night, depending on the room’s size and the popularity of the hostel. I stayed in a 6-bed dorm in Berlin for 15 EUR, while the same one would have cost me around 32 EUR in Paris. A room in Paris costs on the higher end and a room in cheaper Athens costs on the lower end.

In Eastern Europe, hostel dorm rooms cost between 6-15 EUR per night depending on the size of the dorm room and the popularity of the hostel. The further east you go, the cheaper it gets. Expect to pay around 27-55 EUR per night for a private room that sleeps two.

In Scandinavia, hostel dorm beds cost around 22-42 EUR, while private rooms are 65-80 EUR. Budget hotels start around 85 EUR.

Most accommodations offer free linens, free Wi-Fi, and a lot offer free breakfast, but it’s important to check specific websites for exact amenities.

Campsites cost between 9-15 EUR per night for a basic plot for two without electricity.

Food – Food traditions in Europe run deep, stretching back centuries to become integral parts of each country’s culture. From baguettes in France to tapas in Spain, from hearty Eastern European stews and goulash to the fresh vegetables and olive oils of the Mediterranean, European cuisine varies as much as the countries themselves. Food prices differ greatly across the continent, so check individual country guides for specifics.

But no matter where you are, even in the more expensive countries, finding places to eat within your budget is easier than you might think. Throughout Western Europe, you can find small shops, street food stalls, or food trucks where you can get sandwiches, gyros, kebabs, slices of pizza, or sausages for between 3-7 EUR. These shops are most often found in train stations, bus stations, and main pedestrian areas, and offer cheap food alternatives that can have you eating on 9-15 EUR per day. Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 7-10 EUR for a combo meal.

Turkish, Middle Eastern, and Vietnamese eateries abound in Germany, while Indian food is incredible and everywhere in the United Kingdom. Meals at these restaurants usually cost between 6-12 EUR.

Restaurant meals in casual, traditional eateries generally cost around 13-25 EUR for a main dish and drink. Food is much cheaper in the east than in the west, and in the west, northern regions like Scandinavia and the UK are more expensive than southern countries like Spain, Portugal, and Italy.

In Eastern Europe, even if you are eating out for all your meals, you can still get by on a food budget of as little as 10 EUR per day.

For drinks, a pint of beer is 2-5 EUR, a glass of wine is 2-7 EUR, a cappuccino is 2-5 EUR, and cocktails range from 4-10 EUR.

If you eat out, do so at lunch and get the prix-fixe menu (two-course or three-course set menu). Restaurants offer this set menu during lunch, and with prices between 10-20 EUR, it’s a way better deal than the regular dinner menu. You can also get affordable lunches at outdoor markets. So many European cities have huge fresh food markets throughout town.

You can cook your own food for around 45-65 EUR per week. This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, seasonal produce, bread, and some meat. You can save money by shopping at discount supermarkets like Profi, Lidl, Aldi, and Penny Market.

If you want to save big money on meals, head to one of the markets, pick up some cheese, wine, bread, meats, or anything else, and go to the park for a picnic. (Or grab a sandwich for later!) You’ll find the locals doing the same thing, and it’s one of the cheaper ways to get a true taste of local food.

Activities – Wine tours are likely the priciest activity at around 90-120 EUR per day. Going up the Eiffel Tower costs 16-26 EUR and visiting the Versailles Palace and Gardens costs 27 EUR. The Tower of London is about 35 EUR. Bike tours and river cruises cost 24-40 EUR. Most museums and tours start at around 14 EUR (it’s cheaper of course in the east). Full-day tours cost between 55-100 EUR. Prices vary drastically per country, so it’s hard to give a good general cost. See country information for more details.

Backpacking Europe Suggested Budgets

Prices for travel in Europe vary greatly depending on how far north, east, south, or west you travel.
If you stick to the budget accommodations, food, and tours listed here and ignore all my tips on saving money, you need about 65 EUR per day in Western Europe, 40 EUR in Eastern Europe, and about 85 EUR in Scandinavia.

Those numbers reflect a traveler who stays in hostels, cooks some meals and eats out cheaply, enjoys a few drinks, and sticks to free and cheap activities like hiking, walking tours, and enjoying nature. This is your typical backpacker budget. You aren’t going to have a fancy time, but you aren’t going to want for anything either.

However, by getting tourist cards and rail passes, avoiding flights, occasionally Couchsurfing or camping, cooking all your meals, and not drinking, you can travel a lot cheaper. On this budget, you could do Western Europe on 35 EUR per day, Eastern Europe on 20 EUR, and Scandinavia on 50 EUR. That would require you to take a train or a bus or hitchhike everywhere, skip most museums, and limit how often you go out.

Generally, the suggested daily budget for Europe is 35-70 EUR. You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Prices are in EUR.

Europe Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Individual country guides have more specific information on how to save money in them but here are some general tips on cutting your costs while you explore Europe:

1. Picnic – This continent has a lot of little shops where you can buy pre-made sandwiches or ingredients to make your own. Buy some food, eat outside, and watch the city and its people go by. It’s a much more enjoyable and cheaper way to eat.
2. Eat local and cheap – Not into picnicking? Eat at local sandwich shops, pizza parlors, Maoz, Wok to Walks, and outdoor street vendors. Avoiding restaurants and eating at a lot of the local “grab n’ go” places gives you a taste of the local cuisine at a much cheaper price.
3. Stay with a local – Hostels can add up really quickly. If you don’t have any friends with whom you can stay, consider using Couchsurfing, which connects you with locals who let you stay with them for free. It’s a great way to save on accommodation and meet a local who can share their insider tips and advice.
4. Camp in a garden – A very good camping service specific to Europe is Campspace, which allows you to pitch a tent in someone’s backyard for free or a small fee (around 10-20 EUR). All of the garden owners have profiles that tell you what services and facilities they offer. Also, many countries allow wild camping (like Sweden), which can save you a fortune if you have a tent.
5. Take the bus – Budget bus companies like Flixbus can take you across the continent for cheap. It isn’t glamorous, but with tickets starting at 5 EUR, you really can’t complain!
6. Get a Rail Pass – Eurail Passes have saved me hundreds of dollars. If you are traveling far distances and through many countries, they are a great deal.
7. Take the free city tours – One of the great things about Europe is that you can find free walking tours in all the major cities. They can be a great way to see the city attractions, take in some history, and learn your bearings without spending any money. Just make sure to tip your guide at the end!
8. Plan accordingly – Plan your trip around Europe so you avoid doubling back. Transportation is a big expense so proper planning can save you a lot of money (and time). Go in a straight line or a loop.
9. Fly cheap – If you know where you are going and a train won’t do, try to book flights early. You can often get round trip fares for as little as 5 EUR from many of the European discount airlines like Ryanair or Wizz.
10. Drink less – Those 5 EUR beers add up. Hit happy hours or pick and choose when you party. Hostel bars are a good place to get cheap drinks or buy your alcohol at the supermarket. Partying your way across the continent will destroy your bank balance in no time.
11. Get a city tourist card – Many local tourism offices sell a tourism card for all their attractions, tours, and restaurants. This card gives you free entry and substantial discounts on all the attractions and tours in a city, free local public transportation (a huge plus), and discounts at a few restaurants and shopping malls. They save a ton of money. If you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing, get one of these cards.
12. Rideshare – If you’re flexible in your schedule, use the ridesharing service BlaBlaCar to catch rides with locals between cities (or countries) by paying a small fee. It’s like Airbnb but for rides. I used this service in Switzerland and, not only did I save a lot of money, but I got to meet interesting people to and learn about local culture and life. Drivers are verified and it’s perfectly safe (though sometimes rides don’t show up (which is why you need to be flexible).
13. Bring a water bottle – The tap water is safe to drink in most of Europe, so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Europe

Looking for the best hostel in Europe? Check out this list of favorites (and for an even deeper selection of favorites, visit our specific city and country guides for even more options):

(Amsterdam, The Netherlands) (Barcelona, Spain) (Barcelona, Spain) (Brasov, Romania) (Bruges, Belgium) (Copenhagen, Denmark) (Dublin, Ireland) (Edinburgh, Scotland) (Ios, Greece) (Kiev, Ukraine) (Krakow, Poland) (Lisbon, Portugal) (Porto, Portugal) (Prague, Czech Republic) (Rome, Italy) (Sofia, Bulgaria) (Stockholm, Sweden) (Stockholm, Sweden) (Tallinn, Estonia)

How to Get Around Europe

A key part of backpacking Europe is choosing how you’re going to travel to your next destination. Transportation around most European cities by local tram, subway, or bus is typically under 2 EUR for a one-way ticket. Intercity transportation varies widely.

Here’s a breakdown of each option:

Budget Airlines – Budget airlines are so prolific that competition helps keep fares low. You can often find tickets where the fare is just 5 EUR round-trip! Companies like EasyJet, Ryanair, Wizz, and Vueling offer mind-blowingly cheap flights throughout Europe. Book at least a month early to scoop up great deals.

Make sure that the airport they fly into isn’t too far out of your way (transportation from the secondary airport sometimes negates the savings from using the budget airline itself).

Also, keep in mind that you’ll have to pay to check your baggage on these cheap flights. It costs about 25-39 EUR for one checked bag. If you wait to pay for your luggage at the gate, you end up paying almost double. Travel carry-on only to avoid this added cost.

Buses – Buses are not quite as comfortable as Europe’s trains, although certain lines do have great amenities (like roomy seats and Wi-Fi). They also take a lot longer than trains. While buses are not the most efficient way to travel around the continent, they’re certainly dependable, reliable, and cheap. You can find last-minute rides for as little as 5 EUR. A route from Berlin to Munich is about 25 EUR, while Paris to Bordeaux can be as low as 10 EUR. Longer routes, like Amsterdam to Copenhagen, start at around 47 EUR.

Each country has its own national bus service, but some lines also take you long distances internationally. Megabus, Eurolines, Flixbus, and Busabout are some of the most popular companies.

Trains – Train travel is a great way to see Europe, albeit sometimes not the most cost-effective or efficient. Most European rail companies allow customers to purchase tickets online in advance, which is recommended for faster trains or popular trains like France’s TGV and Germany’s Deutsche Bahn. Intercity train prices vary wildly from country to country, depending on whether you take the slow train or a high-speed train, and how far in advance you book.

For example, a high-speed train from Berlin to Munich costs around 38-60 EUR, Bordeaux to Paris is about 50-85 EUR, and Madrid to Barcelona ranges from 45-85 EUR. Non-high-speed trains and other intercity lines are a lot cheaper, generally costing about 40-50% of the price of high-speed trains. Eastern Europe inter-country trains usually cost between 45-100 EUR when the ticket is booked last minute. Short trains rides of 2-3 hours within countries cost about 27 EUR.

You may also want to consider getting a Eurail Pass, which allows travelers to explore Europe by providing a set number of stops in a specific time period. These passes are continent-wide, country specific, or regional. It can potentially save you hundreds of dollars.

Ridesharing/Car sharing – If your schedule is flexible, use a ridesharing service and catch rides with locals between cities (or countries). Drivers are verified and it’s perfectly safe. BlaBlaCar is the most popular.

Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking in Europe is very safe, but it’s not for everyone. Hitching is quite common around the continent and I’ve met a number of travelers who have done it (I, myself, traveled this way in Bulgaria and Iceland). Some countries are very supportive (Romania, Iceland, Germany) while others may be a bit more time-consuming (Italy, Spain). HitchWiki is the best website for hitchhiking info.

Here are my suggested articles for how to get around Europe:

When to Go to Europe

There’s no wrong time to visit Europe. Peak season is summertime when Europe gets crowded. Prices increase during this time as well. But the overall atmosphere and weather are great during this time, so it’s still worth visiting during peak season (just book your accommodation in advance — especially in August). Expect the most crowds in Western Europe.

Shoulder season is spring and fall (April-May and September-October). It’s still warm during this time but there aren’t as many crowds and prices are cheaper. This is my favorite time to visit Europe. The weather is good, the crowds fewer, and the prices lower.

Winter is from November to February. It gets cold, even as far south as it gets (like Greece). On the other hand, the Christmas season has a fantastic season, with Christmas markets and festivals galore! Daylight hours are shorter north, however, especially in Scandinavia. Unless you’re here for holiday markets or winter sports, I’d stick to the countries in southern Europe (Greece, Malta, Italy, Spain) to avoid the worst of the cold.

How to Stay Safe in Europe

Europe is very safe for backpacking and solo traveling, even if you’re traveling solo, and even as a solo female traveler. Violent crimes against tourists are very rare.

That said, there are scams and petty crimes you should watch out for, especially around popular tourist landmarks. Always keep your valuables out of reach on public transportation and in crowds just to be safe.

If you’re worried about scams, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

If you rent a vehicle, don’t leave any valuables in it overnight. Break-ins are rare, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Also, be aware that the UK drives on the left and that most rental cars in Europe will have manual transmissions unless you request otherwise.

When hiking, always bring water and sunscreen. Be sure to check the weather before you depart and dress accordingly.

When at the bar, always keep an eye on your drink. Avoid walking home alone at night if you’re intoxicated.

If you do experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

For more information, I wrote a whole article about how Europe is safe to visit right now.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Europe Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability. – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Intrepid Travel – If you want to do group tours, go with Intrepid. They offer good small group tours that use local operators and leave a small environmental footprint. And, as a reader of this site, you’ll get exclusive discounts with them too! – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more! – If you are going to Europe and taking a lot of high speed or long distance trains, get a rail pass. I’ve used a rail pass three times and saved hundreds of dollars each time. The math just works. – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site. – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost. – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag. – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.

Europe Gear and Packing Guide

If you’re heading on the road and need some gear suggestions, here are my tips for the best travel backpack and for what to pack!

The Best Backpack for Travelers

What’s the best backpack for traveling long-term? I recommend the REI Flash 45 Pack. It’s light and comfy, top loading, and fits perfectly in an airplane’s overhead bin.
Size: 45-47L
Straps: Thick and cushy with compression technology that pulls the pack’s load up and inwards so it doesn’t feel as heavy.
Features: Removable top lid, pocket at the front, hydration compatible, contoured hip belt

If you want something different, refer to my article on how to choose the best travel backpack for tips on picking a pack and other backpack suggestions.

What to Pack for Your Trip

Clothes

• 1 pair of jeans (heavy and not easily dried, but I like them; a good alternative is khaki pants)
• 1 pair of shorts
• 1 bathing suit
• 5 T-shirts (Unbound Merino is my preferred company. If you’re a member of TNN+, you can get 15% off your purchase)
• 1 long-sleeved T-shirt
• 1 pair of flip-flops
• 1 pair of sneakers
• 6 pairs of socks (I always end up losing half)
• 5 pairs of boxer shorts (I’m not a briefs guy!)
• 1 toothbrush
• 1 tube of toothpaste
• 1 razor
• 1 package of dental floss
• 1 small bottle of shampoo
• 1 small bottle of shower gel
• 1 towel
• Deodorant

Small Medical Kit (safety is important. )

Miscellaneous

(safety first)
• Zip-lock bags (keeps things from leaking or exploding)
• Plastic bags (great for laundry) (this applies to everyone) (A water bottle with a purifier)

Female Travel Packing List
I’m not a woman, so I don’t know what a woman wears, but Kristin Addis, our solo female travel guru, wrote this list as an addition to the basics above:

Clothing

• 1 swimsuit
• 1 sarong
• 1 pair of stretchy jeans (they wash and dry easily)
• 1 pair of leggings (if it’s cold, they can go under your jeans, otherwise with a dress or shirt)
• 2-3 long-sleeve tops
• 2-3 T-shirts
• 3-4 spaghetti tops
• 1 light cardigan

Toiletries

• 1 dry shampoo spray & talc powder (keeps long hair grease-free in between washes)
• 1 hairbrush
• Makeup you use
• Hair bands & hair clips
• Feminine hygiene products (you can opt to buy there too, but I prefer not to count on it, and most people have their preferred products)

For more on packing, check out these posts:

GO DEEPER: Nomadic Matt’s In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

There’s a lot of free information online but do you want to spend days searching for information? Prob not! That’s why guidebooks exist.

While I have a lot of free tips on Europe, I also wrote an entire book that goes into great detail on everything you need to plan a trip here on a budget! You’ll get suggested itineraries, budgets, even more ways to save money, my favorite restaurants, prices, practical information (i.e. phone numbers, websites, prices, safety advice, etc etc), and cultural tips.

Europe Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Europe travel and continue planning your trip:

Source https://travelswithelle.com/budgeting/3-month-europe-trip-cost-breakdown/

Source https://www.travelmoneyoz.com/blog/destination-essentials/how-much-money-do-i-need-travel-europe

Source https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-guides/europe-travel-tips/