45 Ways to Save Money During Your Trip to Europe

Traveling to Europe can be an exciting and memorable experience, but it can also be expensive. However, with a bit of planning and some helpful tips, you can save money during your trip and still have an amazing time. In this article, we will provide 45 ways to save money during your trip to Europe, from transportation to accommodations to dining and activities.

In this article, we have provided 45 different tips for saving money during your trip to Europe, ranging from using public transportation to staying in budget accommodations to shopping at local markets for souvenirs and gifts. We have also suggested ways to save money on dining and activities, such as avoiding eating in tourist areas and looking for free or low-cost activities to do in each destination.

45 Ways to Save Money During Your Trip to Europe

Here are the 45 suggestions to save money during a trip to European countries:

1. Travel during off-peak seasons when flights, accommodations and attractions are generally less expensive: This means avoiding the peak tourist season, which can vary depending on the destination but is generally during the summer months. Traveling during the shoulder seasons or winter can save you money on flights, accommodations, and attractions.
2. Book your flights in advance and use price comparison websites to find the best deals: Booking your flights early can save you money, and using price comparison websites like Kayak, Skyscanner, and Google Flights can help you find the best deals.
3. Use public transportation instead of taxis to get around cities, and consider renting a bike or walking to save even more money: Public transportation like buses, trains, and subways are usually cheaper than taking a taxi or ride-sharing service. Renting a bike or walking can be even cheaper and a great way to explore a new city.
4. Stay in hostels, Airbnb, or budget hotels instead of luxury accommodations: Hostels and Airbnb rentals are often cheaper than hotels, and can offer a unique travel experience. Budget hotels can also be a good option if you are looking for more privacy.
5. Cook your own meals instead of eating out in restaurants, and shop for groceries at local markets or supermarkets: Cooking your own meals can be a great way to save money, especially if you are traveling with a group. Shopping at local markets or supermarkets can help you save money on groceries.
6. Use discount cards or passes to save money on attractions, museums, and public transportation: Many cities offer discount cards or passes that give you access to multiple attractions, museums, and public transportation at a discounted price.
7. Avoid tourist traps and overpriced restaurants by eating where the locals eat: Restaurants in tourist areas can be expensive, so try eating where the locals eat to save money and experience local cuisine.
8. Research free walking tours or other free activities in the cities you plan to visit: Many cities offer free walking tours or other free activities, which can be a great way to explore a new place without spending a lot of money.
9. Use cash instead of credit cards to avoid foreign transaction fees: Many credit cards charge foreign transaction fees, so using cash can help you avoid these fees.
10. Exchange money at a bank or use an ATM instead of exchanging currency at an airport or currency exchange kiosk: Currency exchange kiosks and airports often charge high fees to exchange money, so it is better to use a bank or ATM to exchange currency.
11. Book your accommodation outside of the city center where prices tend to be lower: Accommodations outside of the city center are usually cheaper than those in the city center.
12. Use loyalty programs or credit card rewards to save money on flights, hotels, and rental cars: Loyalty programs and credit card rewards can help you save money on future trips.
13. Take advantage of student discounts if you are a student or have a student ID: Many attractions, museums, and transportation services offer student discounts.
14. Use apps like Skyscanner or Hopper to find cheap flights: Apps like Skyscanner and Hopper can help you find the cheapest flights available.
15. Consider using overnight trains or buses to save on accommodation costs: Overnight trains or buses can be a good way to save money on accommodations, as you can sleep while traveling.
16. Use a water bottle with a filter to avoid buying bottled water: Buying bottled water can add up, so using a water bottle with a filter can help you save money and reduce waste.
17. Shop for souvenirs at local markets instead of tourist shops: Souvenirs at local markets are often cheaper and offer a more authentic experience than those sold at tourist shops.
18. Use free Wi-Fi at cafes, libraries, or public spaces instead of paying for data or using roaming: Using free Wi-Fi at cafes, libraries, or public spaces can help you save money on data charges or roaming fees.
19. Avoid using ATMs that charge withdrawal fees: ATMs that charge withdrawal fees can add up quickly, so it is best to avoid them and find ATMs that do not charge fees.
20. Use a travel credit card with no foreign transaction fees to save money on purchases: Using a travel credit card with no foreign transaction fees can help you save money on purchases and earn rewards for future trips.
21. Consider taking a free walking tour instead of a paid guided tour: Free walking tours are a great way to learn about a city’s history and culture without paying for a guided tour.
22. Use ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft instead of taking a taxi: Ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft can be cheaper than taking a taxi, especially if you are traveling with a group.
23. Avoid using your phone’s data plan while traveling by turning off data roaming or using an international SIM card: Using your phone’s data plan while traveling can be expensive, so it is best to turn off data roaming or use an international SIM card to save money.
24. Check for discounts on attraction tickets online before buying them at the venue: Many attractions offer discounts on their website or through online booking, so it is best to check for discounts before buying tickets at the venue.
25. Plan your itinerary ahead of time to avoid last-minute expenses or impulse purchases: Planning your itinerary ahead of time can help you avoid last-minute expenses or impulse purchases, and can help you stick to a budget while traveling.
26. Choose destinations that are cheaper than others: Europe is a diverse continent, and some destinations are more affordable than others. For example, Eastern European countries like Hungary, Poland, and Czech Republic tend to be cheaper than Western European countries like France, Italy, and Spain.
27. Use public restrooms instead of paying for toilets in tourist areas: In some tourist areas, public restrooms charge a fee to use them. To save money, look for public restrooms or use restrooms at cafes or restaurants.
28. Use a travel rewards program like Airbnb or Booking.com to earn rewards for future trips: Travel rewards programs like Airbnb or Booking.com offer rewards for booking through their platform, which can help you save money on future trips.
29. Consider staying with a local host through platforms like Couchsurfing or Homestay: Staying with a local host through platforms like Couchsurfing or Homestay can offer a unique travel experience and help you save money on accommodations.
30. Bring your own snacks or food for long train or bus rides: Long train or bus rides can be expensive if you buy food onboard. To save money, bring your own snacks or food for the journey.
31. Consider taking a day trip instead of staying overnight in expensive destinations: Staying overnight in expensive destinations can add up quickly. To save money, consider taking a day trip instead of staying overnight.
32. Check for free admission days at museums or attractions: Many museums or attractions offer free admission days, so it is best to check their website before visiting to save money.
33. Use a travel adapter instead of buying new chargers or electronics: Buying new chargers or electronics can be expensive, especially if you need to buy them in Europe. To save money, bring a travel adapter to use your existing electronics.
34. Use a travel app like Google Maps or Citymapper to navigate public transportation: Travel apps like Google Maps or Citymapper can help you navigate public transportation in a new city and avoid getting lost or paying for expensive taxis.
35. Be flexible with your travel dates and destinations to take advantage of last-minute deals: Being flexible with your travel dates and destinations can help you take advantage of last-minute deals and save money on flights, accommodations, and attractions.
36. Shop at local markets for souvenirs and gifts: Local markets are a great place to find unique and affordable souvenirs and gifts. You can find everything from handmade crafts to local foods and wines.
37. Pack light to avoid extra baggage fees: Airlines in Europe often charge extra fees for checked baggage or overweight luggage. To save money, pack light and only bring the essentials.
38. Consider staying in hostels or budget hotels instead of luxury accommodations: Hostels and budget hotels can be a more affordable option for accommodations, especially if you are traveling solo or with a group.
39. Use public transportation instead of renting a car: Public transportation is often cheaper than renting a car, and can help you save money on gas, parking, and other fees.
40. Use a budgeting app to track your expenses: A budgeting app can help you track your expenses and stay within your budget while traveling. You can also set reminders for bills or expenses due during your trip.
41. Bring a reusable water bottle instead of buying bottled water: Buying bottled water can add up quickly, especially if you are traveling for an extended period. To save money and reduce waste, bring a reusable water bottle and fill up at public fountains or restaurants.
42. Book flights and accommodations in advance to take advantage of early-bird deals: Booking flights and accommodations in advance can help you take advantage of early-bird deals and save money on your trip.
43. Look for free or low-cost activities to do in each destination: Europe offers plenty of free or low-cost activities, such as visiting public parks or attending local festivals. Look for these options to save money while still having a great time.
44. Avoid eating in tourist areas and instead dine where locals eat: Eating in tourist areas can be expensive, so it is best to dine where locals eat to save money and try authentic cuisine.
45. Use a language translation app instead of hiring a translator: A language translation app can help you communicate with locals without hiring a translator, which can be expensive.

Conclusion – 45 Ways to Save Money During Your Trip to Europe

By incorporating these tips into your travel plans, you can save money and still have an enjoyable and memorable trip to Europe. From using a budgeting app to track your expenses to bringing a reusable water bottle to avoid buying bottled water, there are many small steps you can take to stay within your budget and make the most of your trip. Remember to prioritize experiences over material possessions and enjoy the journey!