Traveling to Europe is the dream for many people, and some even take the time to save up and do it. While there are hefty expenses, you can sustain the vacation while having an entertainment-filled trip if you play your cards right. Implement these tips to be more frugal when the opportunity to travel arises.
1. Schedule Free Walking Tours
Berliner Dom
Travel entertainment means seeing as much of your destination as possible. Thankfully, one of the best ways to experience that is through free walking tours. There are routes that you can try out exclusively on your own, but you can also look for professional guides to lead the way. Join a group to boost your savings. Here are a few suggestions:
- Paris: The City of Love is best explored on foot, primarily through its charming streets. Tours specifically cover the must-visit sites in Paris, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower. However, you can also look for those geared toward exploring more hidden gems and landmarks.
- Berlin: Germany has had a reputation for being more walkable than other countries, considering its pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. Most walking tours are centered on historic landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate, which is perfect for travelers eager to learn.
- Budapest: Budapest offers free walking tours daily. Some general routes take you to famous tourist attractions like the Danube Promenade and Elisabeth Square. However, if you want to explore certain parts of the city, search for tours centered on Buda Castle, the Jewish District and the like.
2. Take Advantage of Museum Free Days
If you’ve ever tried figuring out what to see in Europe, you simply have to put museums at the top of your list. They have world-class collections of art, history and culture that pay homage to their country and remnants from around the globe. The best part is that some of the most prominent museums offer free days. Here are some examples:
- The Reina Sofia Museum: The Reina Sofia Museum in Madrid is considered part of the Golden Triangle of Art, which is composed of the Prado Museum and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. Admission is free for two hours on most evenings throughout the week and select holidays.
- The British Museum: The British Museum in London houses some of the world’s most iconic art pieces, from the Rosetta Stone to the Parthenon sculptures. You can book a free ticket in advance to gain prioritized entry during the busier periods. Look out for the list of available galleries to plan your visit.
- The Louvre: The Louvre in Paris also has its fair share of iconic pieces, such as the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Certain visitors, such as art teachers, people with disabilities and individuals on income support, are given free admission. Just remember to book a time slot in advance to ensure entry.
3. Attend Local Festivals
Local events are the most affordable travel entertainment you can get on your visits. You can research relevant festivals in your area online before booking the tickets to prioritize them in your budget and itinerary.
Europe takes its local festivals very seriously. For example, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival offers a variety of shows and street performances. While some venues require tickets, you can spot a few free or affordable ones on foot.
4. Discover Parks and Gardens
Amusement parks are fun, but they are also relatively expensive. Consider going to some of the famous parks and gardens across Europe instead. They often host seasonal events, and the walking paths are gorgeous. You can take a stroll, go people watching and experience even more in these areas:
- Hyde Park: Hyde Park is a large urban park in London. It hosted 6 million visitors in 1851 for the Great Exhibition, so there’s plenty of space for everyone. You can take a leisurely walk, grab an ice cream and check out the waterfront cafes.
- Holland Park: Holland Park is also located in London. It’s a great stop if you’re traveling with kids since it has playgrounds and recreational areas. One of the best parts of visiting here is seeing the Kyoto Garden, a quaint and tranquil space that makes you feel as if you’ve been transported to Japan.
- El Retiro Park: If you’re in Madrid, add Retiro Park to the list. Activities like renting rowboats cost money, but the open and flat terrain allows you to organize your own activities like playing sports or taking a bike ride. There are also so many trees that it feels like a forest.
5. Use Public Transportation for Scenic Routes
If you want to put up your feet while sightseeing, consider taking public transportation. Many routes can help you catch a glimpse of the beautiful cities of Europe and everything in between. Plus, you can easily reach a new corner of the continent, which allows further exploration during your vacation. Here are some suggestions:
- Tram 28: Tram 28 in Lisbon is a tourist-friendly train route that runs through different historic neighborhoods. For the best experience, you should go to the starting point in Martim Moniz and ride all the way until Prazeres, or get off at specific stops. Alfama is great if you want to take a walk through the city’s oldest district.
- Bernina Express Bus: The Bernina Express bus transports you from Tirano in Italy all the way to Lugano, Switzerland. While it may sound overwhelming, it only takes around three hours to travel from one point to another. You can sit back, relax and soak everything in during the scenic journey.
- Danube Ferry: If you’ve wanted to travel by water, buy a ticket on the Danube River ferry. Some of the popular routes connect Passau, Vienna – that has a rep of being expensive but it can also be extremely cheap!, Budapest, and more. Get the best deal by scheduling your cruise during the travel off-season, such as early spring or late fall.
6. Sample Local Street Food and Markets
If you’re after delicious cuisine without breaking the bank, consider strolling through food markets. These places ensure you’re tasting local goods while supporting smaller businesses in the area. Here are some destination options, along with a couple of food suggestions to look for:
- Borough Market: The Borough Market in London has numerous stalls where you can try the best of British and international cuisine. If you want social media-worthy bites, you can keep an eye out for some beautifully handcrafted pastries. Head to the Black Pig for a sandwich if you’re really hungry.
- Mercado de San Miguel: If you have a soft spot for Spanish cuisine, Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid is another must-visit place. Here, you can find an array of traditional dishes like patatas bravas and churros that will fill your stomach. You simply have to try gambas and boquerones to get your fill of fresh seafood, too.
- Stockbridge Market: Stockbridge Market in Edinburgh is a lovely destination that can satisfy your sweet tooth with handmade chocolates and crepes. There are also many savory options like meat and fish. Stock up on jewelry and non-food items to take home as souvenirs.
7. Leverage Money-Saving Travel Tips
Another way to ensure affordable travel entertainment is to plan your money-handling habits. It’s easy to say yes to every single low-cost destination because it seems inconsequential at the time. You might also embrace the you-only-live-once mentality, which can translate into spending a little more carelessly.
While it is good to treat yourself and you deserve the best experience possible, those numbers tend to add up and balloon your expenses out of control. You don’t want to return home and regret spending too much money. Keep a level head from the get-go with these tips:
- Keep a travel budget: A budget is a must to make sure your travel indulgences are in control. It usually helps to have an actual number that you can stick with throughout the process. If you’re having trouble narrowing down what you should and shouldn’t spend on, ask yourself about what destinations are actually on your must-visit list.
- Compare local currency and U.S. dollars: Some people prefer to use their credit card when traveling to earn points. However, you must know whether you’re being charged in dollars or the local currency. Ask if any conversion or processing fees would be assigned to you and your account, too.
- Get a chip-and-signature card: European retailers require customers to use a chipped card and enter their personal identification number when paying for transactions. While U.S. consumers have had this insertion mechanism for a while, it’s best to determine if you have the right card.
- Check your credit card coverage: Remember to look up the benefits and coverage of your credit card by checking in with your issuer. Some may provide auto rental insurance or cashback for international transactions. It’s also a good time to double-check if your credit card actually works in the country you’re going to.
- Keep some emergency cash on you: As handy as it would be to use your cards all the time, certain establishments, like flea markets and street vendors, require straight cash for zero fuss. Keeping money on your person can also prepare you for worst-case scenarios like losing your wallet.
Websites can only provide so much information about affordable things to do in Europe. If you want an authentic experience, look for insider recommendations. You can join online communities and forums where experienced travelers and locals share the best of the best that they’ve tried out.
If you want to connect with people, check up on social media and try making friends. Create a group and schedule a local gathering to hang out, or join an existing one. Get to know about the free or low-cost activities that most people wouldn’t know about, while meeting like-minded travelers along the way.
There’s also the old-fashioned method of just talking to people in person. Whether at one of the museums you’ve visited or a local pub, having a little chat can pay off in a lifelong connection or more.
If you’re feeling shy, know that about 30% of that emotional response comes from genetics, while the rest is just a genuine reaction to your unknown surroundings. It can be quite a process to grow out of, but a foreign place around people you may never see again is the perfect practice ground to break out of your comfort zone.
9. Plan Ahead With Apps
Once you have most of the pieces of your travel entertainment activities sorted out, it’s time to put them all into an itinerary. An Excel spreadsheet works fine if you just want to input the destination names and price estimates, though you can also use travel apps that would help you log your plans. At least they’ll be easily accessible on your handheld device when you’re on the go.
You can also try apps that would make the trip more cost-efficient. For example, carpooling platforms like BlaBlaCar can help you find rides at low prices. Meanwhile, accommodation apps can lead you to hostels and rentals near your destination.
Take the time to look for digital coupons as well. Most people spend five to 10 minutes searching for them, going from rebate-specific apps to search engines. You could also get lucky through email newsletters. Finding ways to save money this way will stretch your budget further.
Keep in mind that most coupons only work up to 30% of the time when you’re getting a deal, potentially because they’ve been fully redeemed or have already expired. Avoid accounting for the savings in your overall budget until you’ve confirmed that they work.
Have a Fulfilling European Vacation
Europe has its fair share of affordable entertainment if you do your homework and head to the right places. Whether you’re backpacking all around the continent or staying in just one country, plan the details of your trip and make it as fulfilling as possible. Nothing will beat the memories you make, the pictures you take or the people you meet during your journeys.
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Jack Shaw is the Senior Outdoors Writer for Modded Magazine. Driven by his passion for writing, Jack loves to traverse the wilderness, travel, and explore the unknown. He has over six years of experience writing professionally and loves engaging in new projects. His works have been published in The Travel Magazine, EcoHotels, Trekaroo, and more.
