Traveling through several European cities without blowing your savings is all about smart routing and timing. Here is a proven framework for 2026.

• Fly into one hub, out of another: Open-jaw tickets (e.g., into Amsterdam, out of Rome) save both money and backtracking.
• Use overnight trains and buses: FlixBus and night trains double as transport and accommodation, saving a full night’s hotel cost.
• Travel shoulder season: April–May and September–October offer mild weather and hotel prices up to 40% lower than summer.
• Stay in apartments, not hotels: Booking apartments with kitchens lets you cook breakfast and cut daily food costs dramatically.
• Buy city passes strategically: Only buy a pass if you will visit 3+ paid attractions; otherwise pay per site.

Verdict: with smart routing, night transport, and apartment stays, a 10-day multi-city trip is realistic on $80–100 per day.