Traveling through Europe on a budget is absolutely achievable with smart planning. Here is how to make the most of your money.
- Travel off-peak: Visit in April-May or September-October for lower airfare and fewer crowds.
- Use budget airlines wisely: Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air offer cheap inter-Europe flights, but pack light to avoid baggage fees.
- Stay in hostels or apart-hotels: They cost 50-70% less than hotels and often include kitchen access to save on meals.
- Get a rail pass vs. flights: Eurail passes can be cheaper for multi-city trips, while budget flights win for long distances.
With careful planning, a two-week European trip can cost under $2,000 including flights, accommodation, and daily expenses.