Its summer which means that many are beginning to ask the age old question of “How does that person afford to go to Europe every summer?” after scrolling enviously through instagram. The allure of Europe is undeniable, with its rich history, captivating landscapes, and vibrant cultures. However, the thought of financing such a trip might seem daunting, leaving you wondering if it’s a distant dream reserved only for the affluent. Fear not! In this blog post, we will unravel the secrets and share practical tips on how to afford your trip to Europe without breaking the bank.
Europe is not a “cheap” vacation and caution that if you don’t have your finances in order this is not a time to rack up additional credit card debt. Everything in this blog is center around cost-effectiveness aka the bang for your buck, since” “affordability” or “cheap” can mean different things depending on your financial situation. The whole reason I started my blog wasn’t to gloat about all my boujee travels (well maybe a little), but to share with my community that traveling Europe is incredibly manageable and do-able for with time, prioritizing, and learning ways to stretch your dollar.ou can check out my TikTok for more on that!
Let’s break it down with the BIG 5 tips you need to afford your next trip to Europe. Soon you’ll be like Lizzie McGuire riding vespas with strange italian men.
1. Finding Flights
Your flight will most likely be the most expensive thing you have to pay for on your trip. However, there are two tools you need to book cost-effective flights: 1) Google Flights and 2) the mobile app Hopper.
Google Flights is great as it compares multiple airlines in a few seconds, you can also choose to look at other airports nearby that often helps make tickets cheaper. However, my favorite feature of Google flights is the map, you can choose your airport you want to fly out of and the prices for different cities show up around the world from your home airport (you can find my TikTok tutorial here). We book using Google Flights the majority of times we traveled as it was the most user-friendly and most affordable option.
Hopper is another fan favorite of mine, my boyfriend booked a roundtrip ticket from San Francisco to Frankfurt for $630 and went as cheap as $400. You can track different cities, flights and dates to get notifications for all of them so you book the best possible price.
Tips for Americans: It is almost always cheaper to fly to European cities from Canada or the East Coast. If possible, try booking a flight to Boston, New York or Toronto and fly from there. These airports usually have the best rates and the shortest/most direct travel. I have found that these cities are the cheapest to fly into: Amsterdam, London, Frankfurt, Paris, Lisbon, Madrid, Dublin.
My average flight to Europe from the USA cost: $630-$1,300
2. Finding Accommodations
Now being in a digital age, booking accommodations across the world has never been easier. If you’re traveling in a group of four or more, Airbnb can be a cost-effective choice. However, if you’re traveling solo or in a smaller group, hostels can provide budget-friendly options and opportunities to meet fellow travelers. It’s also worth checking out last-minute deals or promotions on Platforms like Hotel Tonight. Remember to read reviews and compare prices to ensure you find a comfortable and suitable place to stay within your budget!!
Tip: Go with a group to Europe and keep it small to about 4-5 people, from my experience it makes staying places more cost-effective and it’s more fun with friends!
My average price per night for accommodations: $60-$170
3. Booking Excursions/Sight-seeing
Many cities offer various sightseeing passes or city cards that provide discounted or free access to multiple attractions, museums, and landmarks. These can be a great way to save money while exploring the cultural and historical sites in Europe. Additionally, some attractions may offer discounted tickets for students or early online bookings. Researching and planning ahead can help you make the most of your sightseeing budget and ensure you don’t miss out on the iconic landmarks and hidden gems that Europe has to offer.
My average price for city sightseeing: $13-50
4. Eating Meals
Europe is great because tax and tip is included in pretty much everything so you’re going to pay exactly what the price states on the menu. The cost of meals can vary significantly depending on the destination, type of dining establishment, and your personal preferences. By exploring local eateries, embracing street food, and occasionally indulging in a memorable dining experience, you can savor the diverse flavors of Europe while staying within your budget.
My average daily price spent on food: $45 -$60
5. Traveling/Getting around while you’re there
Most major European cities are incredibly walkable and thankfully that’s free! When it comes to traveling and getting around to other cities in Europe, budgeting for transportation is an important aspect of planning your trip. The cost of transportation can vary depending on the country, mode of transportation, and distance traveled.’s worth considering purchasing city passes or transportation cards, which can provide unlimited travel within a specific city or region at a discounted rate.
My average price for daily transportation across Europe: $20-$150
Other options for traveling Europe more cost-effective: If it’s your first time traveling to Europe it can be a little scary, if you are not comfortable with traveling alone or organizing your trip yourself there are always other options. The best options for those who are a bit skeptical for traveling alone are cruises and group trips. You can find great last-minute deals for European cruises that organize all the stops and excursions for you. (Norwegian and Royal Caribbean International are my favorites) Another option is to organized group trips, where there are set out itineraries.
Once you book your trip make sure to check out my guide on tips for traveling Europe!
*Note: All averages are estimates based on my 2017 -2022 travels. Prices for these could be cheaper or more expensive depending upon where you are traveling to. If you are interested in a more comprehensive breakdown for the place you are traveling to, please feel free to drop a commentl!
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