Top Ten Ways to save money on travel in Europe
1. Decide carefully where and when to go for planning. This should form part of your first file. Central and Eastern Europe (eg Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary and Croatia) is usually cheaper than the West. The United Kingdom, France, Italy and Spain are often more expensive, but with the pound and the euro down against the dollar, remain affordable for American travelers. It also seeks to avoid high season. Many business trips as well in winter, but will miss the tourist crowds – and resulting high prices. Spring and Fall is a good compromise, if you are expecting good weather.
2. Shop around for flights. If you come from America, not cheap to get Europe. Use a meta-search, such as Kayak and Skyscanner to get an idea of which airlines fly their preferred route. But it can be difficult to find cheapest flight dates (midweek prices are usually cheaper). If your dates are relatively flexible, have a look at web sites airline – this may take a little time, but it can potentially make big savings.
3. Research your travel options within Europe. There are many budget airlines (such as EasyJet and Ryanair), which offer very cheap flights if booked in advance. Find out how to get from one place to another before to get there: get a good idea of tourist sites and guides. Look www.routerank.com to find routes and timetables specific. tourist destinations often have good local transport information. You can often save money with rail passes (look at www.raileurope.com).
4. Try to focus on a specific region. Europe is enormous, and there is no way you can explore much of it in depth a single trip. Focusing on a deep instead of trying to fit in several destinations in different countries that are many miles away. Try giving a base of yourself and make day trips from there – by doing so, save on transport fees. If it is determined that to cover great distances, to investigate Interrail tickets.
5. Check first-class hotels, if you want to stay in a hotel. Brands such as Etap, Ibis, Formule 1, Travelodge and easyHotel offer clean, basic for a reasonable price, and often there are bargains if you book in advance. If you're in a group, try asking whether rooms can accommodate a rollaway bed convert a double into a triple or quadruple one will always be cheaper than having to take another room. Hostels in Europe offer very cheap prices well worth investigating. The rooms vary in style and private bedroom, private bathroom doubles. You can also save money self-catering if you stay in a hostel.
6. Consider a holiday apartment. Commonly known as vacation rentals in the U.S., apartments holidays are widely available in both cities and rural locations. Often have much more space than a hotel or hostel for a similar (or cheaper) prices. Apartments are good value for groups or families and longer stays. They also offer kitchen facilities and dining area, giving you the opportunity to cook meals Take out and get a little of what you'll save money on eating out. Because they are private residences, apartments also tend to be located in neighborhoods real, which makes for a good cultural experience. There are many good sites that offer rural apartments, try www.housetrip.com stay in the city.
7. Get a tent or caravan! Campsites in Europe, especially France and Spain, are very popular and therefore tend to be kept in good condition. To explore the rural areas, can be an excellent alternative to an ordinary apartment – and are very cheap. Alan Rogers Guides are the market leader and a great deal of free information available on the www.alanrogers.com. If grinding is not your thing, but you would to see the field and you want something different, consider a stay in a holding. You may want to look into rental of vehicles for field trips, but the price of gas in Europe can make is an expensive option.
8. Entertainment need not be expensive. There is always plenty to do for free in Europe. Try to find a local newspaper or magazine lists with the latest events and attractions. Explore the area – it's free and will have some amazing experiences. And do your research before you start paying – there are always deals available in museums, attractions, tours and public transport. The local tourist offices usually offer good advice.
9. To eat less. Famous budgets blown sky high when you travel. If you go to eat out, try to make lunch food Main day. Many restaurants offer great deals on lunch, but stay away from the tourist spots. You're wasting your money on location, translations Dubious menu and waiters can speak English, rather than just pay for food. If you're feeling adventurous, take a guide (one look out for with a glossary food) and go to local places that are a bit off the beaten track. And make sure you are not too extreme. Europeans tend to only 10% tip, and Tips are often included. Ask the waiter or table mates if you are unsure.
10. Dining in! Even if you is not part of a chef, you can save money by preparing your own food. It is worth eating out once in a while – after all, Food is an intrinsic part of the culture of the new place you are visiting, and would be a shame to lose the opportunity to experience everything – but the purchase of food shops and local markets can still be a cultural experience. Obviously this is easier if you are staying in a hostel or apartment, or if you camping, but even if you are staying in a hotel, you can take food for lunch, and not requiring much effort, locally produced breads, cheeses, meats and salads make a great meal. You can even find a delicious local wine to enjoy after the kids have gone to bed. Do not forget a corkscrew!
About the Author
Ben Doyle is a British travel enthusiast and entrepreneur. He is one of the founders of www.HouseTrip.com, an online marketplace for European holiday apartments. He currently blogs at blog.housetrip.com.
