Smart Ways to Save Money When Traveling to Europe

Such a prized travel destination has to come with a hefty price tag. But in reality, it doesn’t. However true it is that visiting some of Europe’s most renowned cities like London and Paris can reel in some cost, there are smart ways that can significantly help you cut back on cost and stay on budget.

Save Money on Airfare

Finding cheap airfare is the first thing you can do to save money on your Europe getaway. Unlike other things on this list, there’s no other way to get to Europe without being on a plane (unless you are considering taking a cruise). Economy flights pricing varies considerably. Hence, if you know where to find cheap flights, you can save up a ton of money and splurge a bit on your trip.

a. Use flight search engines to find deals

Flight search engines can help you quickly and efficiently search and sort through thousands of available flights to your destination and back. You can save even more if you are flexible with your travel plans.

Check out our favorite flight search engines:
1. Google Flights
2. Momondo
3, Skyscanner

b. Travel low season

Another great way to save on flights is to travel during your destination’s off-season. Traveling low season usually means fewer crowds and lower airfare, but can also take away from certain perks your destination might offer. For instance, summer months are generally Europe’s high season when crowds are bigger and accommodations cost more. Low season usually covers winter months stretching from November through April. It also comes with fewer crowds and cheaper accommodations.

c. Choose your departure airport

At times, being flexible with your departure airport can rack in significant savings. What it takes to save a few hundred dollars might be a three hour drive to a major international airport. The bigger the airport, the more likely you’ll find better deals on flights.

d. Use cash back credit cards

Cash back credit cards are great ways to save money while you spend. Most cash back cards offer 1% back for every dollar you spend. Some cards offer more, like the Uber visa card which gives you 3% back on hotels and airfare.

e. Book departure and return flights separately

One neat trick that we’ve learned when it comes to saving money on airfare is to book two one-way tickets back and forth separately, instead of booking two-way tickets. You can always do a price comparison before locking in on that two-way flight. Even though it’s never a guaranteed cheaper rate, it is worth a try.

Save Money on Accommodation

After spending hours on end exploring the lovely streets of Europe, captivated by the scenic panorama of classic elegance and stunning magnificence, every traveler needs a place to lay his head and dream about the next day journey’s unfolding. While we become all too familiar with hotels and inns, there are others ways to cut cost and delight in a more immersive experience with the local culture.

a. Book your hotels through Hotels.com

Hotels are ubiquitous throughout Europe, conveniently located along the continent’s most opulent landmarks. Yet, hotels may not be your cheapest option. If you prefer staying in hotels, you can sign up for your hotel’s rewards program. Otherwise, Hotels.com offers a great reward program where you can book any hotel through their app and earn a free hotel stay after booking your 10th.

b. Rent an apartment or vacation rental

In comparison to hotels, vacation rentals usually cost less, are more spacious, and have more of the luxury of home. It is ideal to accommodate bigger groups and those who would like the benefit of having a full kitchen away from home.

Some of the most popular apps used to find vacation rentals:
a. Airbnb
b. Booking.com (Google Play, Apple Store)
c. Flipkey

c. Try Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a pretty immersive way to experience your travel destination. Through Couchsurfing, you are given a unique opportunity to interact with people, live and explore local experiences, and discover new destinations from an insider’s perspective. You will be connected with local hosts who open up their homes to international travelers. Best part of it all, your stay with hosts is free.

d. Try Housesitting

If you have flexible travel plans, this might be an option for you to save money on accommodations by staying at homes while owners travel. Most arrangements include pet sitting as well. It’s a great way for travelers to live like locals, mingle with pets, and save money on pricey hotel rooms.

Check out the Trust Housesitters website for more information.

Save Money on Food and Dining

From lavish Michelin-star dining to a more humble yet exquisite close-to-home cooking, Europe’s culinary flair extends deep into the heart of its long standing historical roots, elevated with age-tested time-honed artisanal techniques, coupled with their emphasis on using only the freshest local ingredients. Vibrant, bold, sophisticated flavors brings a whole new level of palatability. If you’re on a budget, here’s how you can save.

a. Try the off-the-beaten-path local eats

Dining at Europe’s most touristy destinations might come conveniently close to famous landmarks, but you can end up spending more at these places. If you want to cut back on your dining budget, check your map and find authentic places where the locals eat, or you can use apps like TripAdvisor or Yelp where you can find thousands of reviews from customers like us.

b. Fill up with street foods in local markets

Local markets offer generous selections of mouth watering street foods and fresh local produce. And the best part of it all, they come in affordable portions, perfect for any budget traveler with a thirst for culinary adventure.

c. Indulge during lunch time, not dinner

Most European restaurants offer a smaller lunch menu with items that are generally more affordable than their typical dinner menu selections. If you want to budget up on food, make your main fill at lunch time and save some room for delicious appetizers and desserts for dinner.

d. Book a hotel that offers free breakfast

Some hotels come with a complimentary continental breakfast when you book your stay. That’s one meal you don’t have to pay extra for. Plus, you’ll get your caffeine fix before you even take your morning stroll.

e. Have an outdoor picnic

Nothing like a lovely outdoor picnic while getting a healthy dose of sunshine and fresh air. You can always pack up some sandwiches at the local market and have your lunch while taking delight under a nice shade. Perfect time to do a bit of people watching and relax.

f. Make your own meals once in a while

If you have a nice kitchen on your vacation rental, why not consider making your own meals? Local markets offer a plethora of fresh local ingredients that you can put together for a sumptuous meal for the entire family.

Save Money on Local Attractions

Museums, castles, art galleries, sublime architecture, libraries and beautiful public parks, just to mention a few of Europe’s most prominent local attractions. Some are free to explore, while some requiring a small entrance fee. Here are ways you can save on local attractions.

a. Purchase all-inclusive passes

Look for multi-day all-inclusive passes at your destination city. These usually include access to museums, attractions and even public transportation. Once you add up the costs individually, you’ll end up with significant savings with your day pass purchase.

b. Purchase tickets in advance

If you want to save money on attraction entrance fees, you might consider planning your trip ahead and buy your tickets in advance. Just like airline tickets, you have a better chance of finding deals if you purchase your tickets early on.

c. Compare ticket prices & never buy full price

Log in online or download apps to help you find the cheapest tickets you possibly can. Do price comparisons and search rock bottom pricing. Never settle for paying full price especially if you have the internet at the palm of your hands.

d. Spend time visiting parks, gardens and other local perks for free

You can find ‘free walking tours’ all over Europe’s major cities. You can always sign up for one and tip the guide at the end of tour with what you personally think the tour is worth. Otherwise, there is also a vast selection of local attractions that won’t cost you anything to explore.

Save Money on Transportation

Getting to the airport of your travel destination is one thing, now you have to figure out ways to get around and discover hidden gems at your destination. Here are some of the best ways to get it done while keeping expenses low:

a. Take the train

Taking the train is one of the most economical ways to get around Europe especially in major cities where railway networks are intricately placed. Railway passes for the day are available to purchase, but we ended up spending less money not purchasing it when we were in Paris.

b. Enjoy cheap domestic flights around Europe

Domestic airline tickets are surprisingly affordable. Budget airline companies sometimes offer airfare less than $100 within Europe. They do nickel and dime you with petty charges, so you have to take that into consideration.

c. Enjoy a nice leisurely stroll

Europe has so many sights and sounds that can be best enjoyed on foot, or on a bike if you prefer. This is especially true with smaller towns where the terrain is easier to navigate and so many interesting turns to explore. You can also rent bikes which are a lot cheaper than taking a taxi.

d. Plan your trip & stay centrally

Whatever sights you plan to visit during your stay in Europe, it is always a great idea to pick an accommodation in proximity to your intended stops. You will spend less money and time on your commute, plus you also have the option to venture by foot.

Save Money on Currency

At times, one way to reduce expenses on your trip is to save on how you spend money internationally. Using your credit card, for example, can be extremely convenient but most companies charge foreign transaction fees on top of their lower exchange rate.

a. Use credit cards with no foreign transaction fees

Foreign transaction fee is a charge that credit card issuers add to transactions made overseas. This means that for every purchase you make on your credit card, a 3% charge is added on top of it. How do you avoid this? Simple. Pay with cash, or use credit cards with no foreign transaction fees.

b. Use cash back credit cards

If you’re using your credit card to pay for purchases on your trip, why not get paid for using it? Cash back credit cards help you get some of your purchases back in terms of cash back or redeemable points. Think of it as an additional discount for things you’re already paying for anyway.

Our favorite cash back credit cards with no foreign transaction fees:
1. Capital One Savor Card
4% back on dining and entertainment, 2% back on groceries and 1% back on all others

2. Uber Visa Card
4% back on dining, 3% back on hotels and airfare, 2% back on online purchases and 1% back on all others

c. Bring cash and keep yourself updated on currency exchange rates

If you plan on spending with cash, you have to at least make sure you get a good deal with currency exchanges by keeping yourself updated with up-to-the-minute exchange rates for your currency. We recommend using the XE Currency Converter for its intuitive user interface that constantly updates when online, and works beautifully when offline as well.