Backpacking through Europe is an incredible opportunity to experience diverse countries, cultures, and landscapes first-hand; plus it can be one of the most fulfilling travel experiences possible!
Price tags may seem daunting, but there are budget-friendly ways to backpack across Europe. Continue reading for expert advice and tips that can help get your journey underway!
1. Don’t buy a car
If you’re traveling through Europe on a tight budget, busses and trains offer excellent ways of traversing Europe for less than renting one would cost.
Though car rental in Europe can be relatively affordable during the summer season, legal registration can sometimes prove more complicated if you do not live there permanently.
Prior to purchasing a car, it is vitally important that you have a valid travel visa in place – this will guarantee access to an emergency vehicle should one arise.
Backpacking through Europe can be one of the greatest experiences ever, yet can often become daunting and tiring. To ensure an enjoyable trip and minimize frustrations it is wise to create an itinerary and set limits on how long each city should remain your focus.
2. Don’t spend more than two days in each city
Europe may seem costly to visit, but that doesn’t have to be the case. There are plenty of budget travel tips that can help you save money during your journey, including planning ahead for discounted train fares and taking advantage of free museum days or shopping around for reduced-price groceries.
Assuming you’re traveling through Europe on a tight budget, spending two or fewer days in each city should give you enough time to explore without overspending on accommodations and food costs.
Staying at hostels instead of hotels can also help save money. Hostels tend to be significantly cheaper, while still providing comfortable sleeping accommodations.
As another way of saving money while traveling through Europe on a budget, consider choosing countries that experience less visitors than popular hotspots. By doing this you will experience authentic cultures of these areas while appreciating more about what makes them special.
3. Don’t skimp on your backpack
Traveling on a budget can be challenging, but there are ways you can cut costs and save money. One example would be cooking your own meals instead of going out to restaurants; this will save considerable money.
Discovering free attractions can save money when looking for things to do. Nearly every city in Europe boasts museums, galleries or other activities you can experience at no charge.
As a student, you may qualify for discounts at major attractions and transportation if you bring your student ID with you – especially if it is an ISIC card.
An important part of backpacking through Europe on a budget is not skimping on your pack. Make sure you purchase a durable, well-constructed one to last long into your journey.
4. Don’t go on a long trip
Traveling Europe on a tight budget may seem impossible, but it is definitely doable if you do your research and make wise choices.
Europe is filled with beautiful cities and landscapes – as well as fascinating history, mouthwatering food and incredible people – making for a wonderful travel experience that helps travellers “find themselves”. Travellers also can often benefit from exploring their inner selves during this journey – an invaluable gift that many travellers treasure greatly.
If you have an extended trip planned, conducting a cost analysis of your itinerary before setting off will allow you to select more cost-effective destinations and transportation modes such as trains, buses and flights.
As long as you lack both time and resources to explore each country in depth, backpacking through Europe on a budget should involve less long trips. There are plenty of amazing, lesser-visited countries you could spend your time visiting instead, which will create an even richer experience if you can focus your energy on just a few items instead.