How to Travel Cheap in Europe

Travel in Europe, despite expensive cities such as Paris and London, can be cheap if properly organized. Travel in Europe is facilitated by cheap European flights, public transportation and 'walkable' cities. Lodging and food can also be inexpensive if you are prepared to make some sacrifices.

Instructions

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Flights. Travel in Europe can be inexpensively done with various discount European airlines. Booking a flight early ensures that a cheaper seat will be available. Taking a train between cities and countries in Europe can at times be more expensive than taking a cheap European airline but provides a more scenic alternative. Do the research and compare prices of trains to flights. (View link for cheap European airlines in Resources, below article.)

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Accommodation. Europe is home to thousands of hostels which provide a cheaper alternative to hotels. Hostels are inexpensive and supervised accommodations, catered to young travelers (sometimes there is an age limit, make sure by emailing the hostel). Hostel beds can be as low as 10 Euros per night. The more people there are in your hostel room the cheaper your bed it so it is best to reserve online well in advance. Finding cheap hotels in Europe is also possible if you research and book well in advance.

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Transportation. Most large European cities are best seen by walking or by taking a bike. Amsterdam and Paris, for example, have great bike rental systems, so take advantage of this cheap alternative to taxis and public transportation. When your feet can no longer take you somewhere, take a bus or the metro. Be sure to ask about the different passes, most of the time a day pass or even weekly pass are cheaper than buying individual one time use ticket. Don't be afraid to get lost, that's part of the adventure! Think of the good story you will have afterwards. Taxis can be expensive and should be taken as a last result, especially when traveling in Europe on a budget.

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Food. Eating out for every meal or even once a day is not a cheap way to travel (or live for that matter). Set a budget aside if you want to dine out. To eat inexpensively while traveling in Europe, buy food in the grocery store. Buy some bread and make sandwiches for the day in the hotel room before heading out for some sightseeing (most hostels have a common kitchen). Bring with you fruit mixes from home to snack on throughout the day or buy fresh fruits. Sightseeing is exhausting and this provides a cheap and healthy way to re-energize. Depending on which part of Europe you are sometimes eating out can be cheaper than the hassle of making your own food.