I used to think traveling Europe meant spending a fortune, but I quickly learned that with the right hacks, you can explore for way less. On one of my first budget trips to Italy, I found a €20 flight, stayed in a cheap guesthouse just outside the city, and ate the best pasta at a local spot for a few euros. Since then, I’ve mastered how to travel cheap without missing out on amazing experiences.
In this guide, I’ll share my best money-saving travel hacks for Europe—from scoring budget flights to finding affordable stays and eating like a local. Get ready to see more, spend less, and travel smarter! ✈️🌍
Table of Contents
1. Be Flexible with Travel Dates & Destinations
One of the best ways to save money while traveling is to be flexible with your dates and go off-season. Since I don’t have kids yet, I can travel anytime—but my favorite time to explore is September and October. By then, most families have wrapped up their vacations, kids are back in school, and the crowds start to thin out. This means cheaper flights, discounted hotels, and a more relaxed experience with cooler weather. Like in Rome in October is the perfect weather.
Flights and accommodations tend to be more affordable during shoulder seasons (spring and fall), and if you venture off the beaten path, you can find even better deals in less touristy destinations.
🔹 Budget Hack:
✅ Use Google Flights & Skyscanner to compare prices and find the cheapest months to fly.
✅ Book flights on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, as they’re often the most budget-friendly.
✅ Avoid peak travel periods and major holidays to score the best deals on flights and hotels.
2. Find Cheap Flights & Transportation
Flights have become ridiculously expensive lately, but there are still ways to score great deals if you compare prices across multiple platforms.
Always check sites like Kayak, Google Flights, and Booking.com before booking. Personally, I’ve started booking all my flights through Booking.com since I have Genius Level 2, which gives me extra discounts on both flights and accommodations—a total game-changer for budget travelers!
✈️ How to Fly for Less:
✅ Use flight comparison websites like Momondo, Kayak, and Skyscanner.
✅ Take advantage of loyalty programs or membership discounts (like Booking.com Genius perks).
✅ Book in incognito mode to avoid price hikes.
✅ Consider budget airlines (like Ryanair, AirAsia, or Spirit Airlines).
✅ Look for error fares & last-minute deals on websites like Secret Flying.
✅ Use travel rewards & points from credit cards for free flights.
✅ Be flexible with dates and departure airports—sometimes flying a day earlier or later can save you hundreds.
🚆 Other Budget Travel Options:
✅ Take night buses or trains to save on accommodations.
✅ Use rideshare apps like BlaBlaCar for cheap intercity travel.
✅ Rent bikes or use public transport instead of taxis.
3. Save Money on Accommodation
If you’re traveling solo and want to save money, consider alternative accommodations instead of expensive hotels. One of my favorite budget-friendly options is Couchsurfing—it allows you to stay with locals for free while getting an insider’s guide to the city! It’s a great way to meet new people, experience the culture, and cut costs at the same time.
Hostels are another fantastic choice, especially for solo travelers. They’re cheaper than hotels, offer social atmospheres, and many have private room options if dorms aren’t your thing.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re visiting a high-demand tourist spot (like Cinque Terre in Italy), don’t book a place right in the center—prices are usually sky-high. Instead, stay in a nearby town where accommodations are significantly cheaper. When I traveled to Cinque Terre, I skipped the overpriced hotels and stayed in La Spezia, a charming town just 10 minutes away by train—saving me a ton of money!
💰 Budget Accommodation Hacks:
✅ Compare hotel prices on Agoda—it sometimes has better deals than Booking.com.
✅ Consider house-sitting or work exchanges—sites like TrustedHousesitters let you stay for free in exchange for pet sitting.
✅ Try van life or camping—if you love adventure, renting a campervan or staying in campsites can be a fun and cheap way to explore.
✅ Look into Airbnb private rooms—cheaper than entire apartments but still offer privacy.
Finding the right accommodation can make a huge difference in your travel budget!
4. Eat Cheap Without Sacrificing Quality
Food can easily become one of the biggest travel expenses, but with a little planning, you can eat delicious meals without breaking the bank!
Whenever I travel, I research affordable local restaurants in advance—usually small, family-run spots away from the touristy areas. I check YouTube, Google, and food blogs to see where locals actually eat. This way, I don’t waste time wandering around looking for a place to eat, and I end up enjoying authentic, traditional cuisine that’s usually cheaper and tastier than tourist traps.
Another simple hack? Pack snacks or even a homemade sandwich before heading to the airport. Airport food prices are insanely overpriced, and this trick has saved me money (and hunger) more times than I can count!
🍽️ Cheap Eating Tips:
✅ Eat where locals eat – Look for street food stalls and small, family-run restaurants for affordable and delicious meals.
✅ Visit local markets – Buy fresh, cheap ingredients for a picnic or quick meal.
✅ Cook your own meals – If your accommodation has a kitchen, making a simple breakfast or dinner can save you a lot.
✅ Avoid eating near tourist attractions – Prices can be double or triple just because of the location!
With the right strategy, you can enjoy amazing food while staying on budget.
5. Travel Light & Save Big on Luggage Fees
When I travel for just a weekend or a quick 2-3 day trip around Europe, I always bring only one backpack that fits under the plane seat. This trick has saved me tons of money on ridiculous luggage fees from airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air, which charge a fortune for checked bags.
My go-to travel essential? This amazing Nike backpack is the perfect size for budget airline restrictions, fits all my clothes, underwear, and cosmetics, and even has a special back pocket for my laptop. Plus, it opens like a suitcase, making packing and unpacking super easy!
One of my best packing hacks? Packing cubes! 🧳 They maximize space, keep everything organized, and prevent my clothes from getting messy—a total game-changer for traveling light.
🎒 Why Pack Light?
✅ Avoid luggage fees – Budget airlines charge crazy prices for extra baggage.
✅ Move faster & stress-free – No heavy suitcases, no waiting at baggage claim, no extra transport costs.
✅ Mix & match clothing – Pack versatile pieces that work for different outfits.
Traveling with just a backpack is so freeing and budget-friendly—I highly recommend trying it for your next short trip!
6. Enjoy Free & Cheap Activities While Traveling
You don’t have to spend a fortune to have an amazing time while traveling! Some of the best experiences are completely free or cost just a few bucks.
Whenever I visit a new city, I always check for free walking tours. They’re a great way to explore, learn the history, and get insider tips from locals—all without spending a dime (just tip your guide!). I also love taking advantage of free museum entry days and discovering hidden nature spots like quiet beaches or scenic hiking trails.
A great hack? City passes! Many destinations offer discount cards that include unlimited public transport + discounts on attractions, saving you money if you plan to visit multiple sites.
🎭 Budget-Friendly Activities:
✅ Join a free walking tour – Great way to explore & meet fellow travelers.
✅ Visit museums on free entry days – Many cities offer this weekly or monthly!
✅ Enjoy the outdoors – Hiking trails, beaches, and local parks are always free.
✅ Look into city passes & discount cards – Can save you 50%+ on attractions!
Exploring doesn’t have to be expensive—you just need to know where to look! 😊
7. Be Smart About Money & Payments While Traveling
When traveling, hidden fees on currency exchange, ATM withdrawals, and card transactions can add up fast—but there are simple ways to avoid unnecessary costs.
I always use a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card to save money on purchases abroad. If I need cash, I withdraw larger amounts at once to avoid multiple ATM fees. And one golden rule? Always pay in the local currency—choosing “pay in your home currency” at the card machine usually means a terrible exchange rate!
💳 Money-Saving Tips:
✅ Use a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card – Saves money on every purchase abroad.
✅ Withdraw cash in larger amounts – Fewer ATM fees = more savings.
✅ Always pay in local currency – Avoid bad exchange rates & hidden fees.
✅ Consider digital banking apps – Wise & Revolut offer great exchange rates.
A little financial planning goes a long way in keeping your travel budget intact!
8. Work & Travel: Earn While Exploring the World
If you dream of traveling longer without draining your savings, consider making money on the road! There are plenty of ways to work remotely or exchange work for free accommodation. How to travel cheap is now easier than ever.
Personally, I love the flexibility of freelancing—it allows me to work from anywhere while funding my travels. Websites like Upwork & Fiverr make it easy to offer services online and make money while on the move.
Another amazing option? Work exchange programs like Workaway, where you can volunteer at hostels, farms, or eco-projects in exchange for free stays. I also know travelers who teach English abroad—a super popular way to live and work in countries like Thailand, South Korea, or Spain!
💼 Ways to Work & Travel:
✅ Freelancing & Remote Work – Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or PeoplePerHour let you work from anywhere.
✅ Teaching English Abroad – High demand in Asia & Latin America, great salaries & benefits!
✅ Work Exchange & Volunteering – Stay for free with Workaway, WWOOF, or Worldpackers.
✅ Seasonal Jobs – Farm work, hostel gigs, ski resorts, or tour guiding can fund your travels.
With so many options, traveling full-time is more possible than ever! 🌍✈️
How to Travel Cheap: Travel More, Spend Less
Traveling cheap isn’t about sacrificing fun—it’s about traveling smarter. With the right planning, flexibility, and a few money-saving hacks, you can see more of the world without draining your wallet.
So, are you ready to start your next adventure without overspending? Save this guide for later, share it with your travel-loving friends, and let’s make budget travel easier and more exciting! ✈️🌍
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