EUROPE

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Do you want to travel more but are unsure of how you’ll be able to afford it? You’ve calculated the cost of flights, hotels, food and transportation, and you’re left feeling discouraged. Don’t worry! At the end of this guide you’ll be a budget travel guru. The more money you save, the more you can experience the world.

Getting there Booking as far in advance as possible for any trip is a sure way to save money. However, the great thing about living in Europe is that you can be more spontaneous with your trips. For example, a free weekend came up in a couple of weeks and now you want to knock a new country off your list. Your best bet is to check out these convenient and low fare options to get you there:

  • Ryanair is Europe’s most popular low-cost airline. If you’re a first time Ryanair flyer be sure to double-check their rules and regulations. Ryanair is notorious for their fees if you don’t plan accordingly. Simply follow the rules and you’ll get to your destination hassle free and with a much fuller wallet.

  • Flixbus is a bus transportation company known for their low rates. Flixbus has 100,000 daily connections to over 20 various European countries. All of the buses have Wi-Fi so you can pass the time watching Netflix, playing games or scrolling through social media.

Where to stay While it’s common to think that staying in a city center is expensive, it doesn’t always have to be. Staying nearby all the sights you want to see can save you time and money if you’re within walking distance. You will be surprised at how many budget-friendly places there are near main attractions. On the other hand, each destination is different, so it’s best to do some research ahead of time. Look into these trusted sources to find where to stay for your trip:

  • Airbnb allows you to live like a local in a cute apartment or charming house. You can find great deals on Airbnb but it’s important to pay attention to the quality and quantity of reviews of each place to avoid a scam. The more positive reviews there are, the better.

  • Hostel World is the ultimate website to find the best hostels in big cities. Hostels may not have the best reputation, but don’t knock it until you try it! Family rooms have become more popular throughout major city hostels as well. You can interact with fellow travelers, make new friends and exchange travel stories all at an incredibly low rate.

  • Booking.com is a convenient website for finding all types of accommodations. Set your ideal price range, and you’ll find your best options. It’s common to come across wonderful three-to four-star hotels that have affordable prices. Browse through Booking.com early on to find the best deals since they tend to sell out quickly.

Getting around

Walking around is the cheapest transportation option and allows you to experience places in ways you couldn’t by bus or subway. Although walking is free, it’s not the most ideal if you have miles in between point A and point B. Public transportation is your next best bet. Major cities usually have a one-day to seven-day ticket for the metro and public bus. The packaged tickets will always be a better deal unless you are short on time, have limited mobility or want to stay far away from tourist hot spots.

Wining and dining

We all know that one of the best parts of traveling is trying all of the delicious foods. If you’re not careful though it can come at a hefty price. Many places know how to advertise to attract tourists into spending more money than what their dining experience is really worth.

Remember to:

  • Skip out on the restaurants and bars near iconic landmarks unless you want to pay double the price.

  • Ask your hotel or hostel about their breakfast rates. Often times they are much cheaper, convenient and filling than most restaurants.

  • If you have a kitchen available, cook your meals you will be in for and eat out while you’re off exploring.

  • Pack your favorite snacks and small meals to avoid spending money on every meal.

Traveling doesn’t have to be expensive if you plan ahead. Even if you’re pressed for time these budget-travel tips are easy to follow. You can afford to see more of the world if you save on the small things. You know what they say; traveling is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.

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