How to make your money go further on your European holiday … tips that will help you to have the best value for money vacations in Europe!
Europe is packed to the brim with desirable destinations. But, especially when travelling with family, the cost of a trip away can soon add up. If you’re looking for ways to be slightly more savvy with your euros, keep these tips in mind.
Booking your holiday
When looking to book your flights and accommodation, there are a lot of different factors that will affect the cost, from location to timing. When it comes to your flights, the more flexible you can be, the more likely it is you’ll be able to capitalise on better deals. For instance, if you’re yet to decide on a destination, consider heading to a lesser-known spot away from the tourist trail to make the most of cheaper travel. There are plenty of magnificent hidden gems you may never have heard of that can all offer a truly authentic European experience.
Rather than paying in a lump sum, you may find it more convenient to spread the cost of your holiday and pay it off gradually. This could afford you more flexibility when it comes to spending your travel money and allow you to have a more enriching experience. Just be cautious it doesn’t leave you in a spot of bother once you return home – you’ll want to make sure you keep up with your repayment obligations.
Find free activities
Whether you’re sauntering around a sunny city or kicking back on sandy shores, there are always free or cheap activities on offer wherever you find yourself on the continent. One excellent option, especially if you’re staying in a city, is a free walking tour. They’re run in cities all around Europe and, as the name suggests, are completely free – but you are encouraged to give a tip to your tour guide. These tours are a wonderful way to explore your new surroundings and get some local insight from your expert guide.
Besides that, you’ll often find plenty of free museums or exhibitions where you can spend an afternoon learning more about a country’s culture. With a little bit of ingenuity and research, you may find that the most memorable experiences from your trip are actually the ones that didn’t cost a penny.
Be mindful at mealtimes
Food is often one of the larger expenses of any holiday, but this doesn’t have to be the case. Dining out at a restaurant two or three times a day will soon eat into your holiday budget, so it’s worth considering alternatives to help your money go further. For example, you might consider finding accommodation with kitchen facilities, where you can make your own meals and even pre-prepare dishes if you know you’re going to be out for the day.
Or, instead of a sit-down meal, try visiting street food stalls. Not only is this often a more budget-friendly option, but it’s also an excellent way to immerse yourself in the local culture and try different foods you wouldn’t normally have at home. At the very least, try (as much as possible) to avoid the tourist traps where prices will be inflated; seek local advice on the best hidden spots for a more authentic (and economical) experience. Europe is packed full of beautiful countries renowned for their cuisine, so make the most of the local flavours on your next trip – your taste buds and your wallet will thank you for it.
And if you want to check out more tips and proposals for traveling, just read more here!
