Europe can be surprisingly affordable if you plan strategically instead of booking impulsively. Here is how to stretch your budget without missing the highlights.

• Travel shoulder season: Late April to early June and September to October offer mild weather and dramatically lower flights and hotels than peak summer.
• Use budget airlines wisely: Fly into a major hub like London or Barcelona, then use low-cost carriers or night trains for intercity hops — just pack carry-on only to avoid fees.
• Choose cheaper base cities: Stay in Lisbon, Porto, Budapest, Krakow, or Valencia instead of Paris or Amsterdam. You get similar charm at a fraction of the price.
• Eat like a local: Skip tourist-trap restaurants near landmarks. Shop at markets, grab street food, and eat the lunch special (“menu del dia”) instead of dinner.
• Book free and discounted attractions: Many museums have free entry days, and the EU’s free walking tours are tip-based — pay what you can afford.

A two-week trip on a budget is very doable at around €70-90 per day in Eastern or Southern Europe — the secret is deciding what matters to you and skipping the rest.