Tips for budget travel in Europe

Avoid train reservations
We know you’d rather spend your money on memorable moments than on train reservations. Although most high-speed trains require a reservation fee, it’s often possible to research an alternative route. Usually this means taking a slower train, but it does save on extra costs and often adds another element to your adventure. Read more about tips on avoiding reservations.

Use travel days wisely
If you have an InterRail One Country Pass or an InterRail Global Pass with flexible travel days, it’s worth thinking wisely about how you use each travel day. Try to use your travel days for longer or multiple train journeys and if you want to travel a short distance, buy a separate ticket or take a cheap bus. Also take advantage of the 7 p.m. rule – if you board a direct, overnight train after 7 p.m, only the following day is counted as a travel day.

Get around on public transport or bike

• Usually big cities have a number of train stations, so you can often move about the city with your InterRail pass.
• If you’re going to be in a city for a few days, a travel card (for the bus, tram, metro) will often save you money on buying single tickets.
• Rent a bike and experience a town or city at your own pace. Some cities are more geared up for cyclists than others, for example Amsterdam is a cyclists paradise, though it may seem like absolute madness once you first mount the bike...

On any European travel adventure, one of the biggest expenses is accommodation. The choice of where to crash for the night very much depends on your budget and the type of experience you’re looking for. But don't worry, there are plenty of options that won't set you back too much – though we don't recommend sleeping at the train station!

• Camping is a popular and inexpensive way to experience Europe, plus you'll wake up in the midst of some Europe's most spectacular scenery. There's plenty of choice with campsites dotted all over the continent.  In Norway, Finland and Sweden wild camping is permitted, provided you follow certain rules. Camping is economical but be prepared that campsites are often located far from train stations and you'll need to carry camping equipment with you throughout your trip (tent, sleeping bag, etc.).
   
• Hostels are the most popular choice for backpackers as they can be cheap and are a great way to meet like-minded travellers. Often breakfast, WiFi and bed sheets are included in the price. Many hostels organise tours and events at discounted rates.


• Hotels or bed & breakfasts come in all price ranges and standards. The benefit of hotels is that you can have your own privacy, but that does come at a higher price than a hostel. And you are less likely to meet other travellers if you stay in hotels.


• Night trains are a good option for spending less on accommodation. You do have to pay an additional fee to travel on a night train (the amount depends on the type of sleeping accommodation you choose), but this is usually cheaper than staying in a hostel or hotel. You'll also maximise your time by travelling while you sleep. Read more about night trains.
   
• Couch surfing is an increasingly popular way to visit new cities. The Couch Surfing social network connect travellers with locals and it means you can sleep for free at their house. The other benefit is that you have a local to guide you around the city and will get to experience the place through the eyes of someone that lives there. Visit the Couch Surfing website.

City sightseeing pass
Buy a sightseeing pass in most big cities and get free or discounted entry to a wealth of attractions and tours. Some passes also give free travel or reduced rates on public transport. If you're planning on seeing a few of the top sights within a city, you'll find the pass is good value for money.

Student and youth cards
There are several student and youth cards that give you a discount on various attractions and sites around Europe. The most well-known cards include ISE and ISIC. Non-students under 26 can apply for the European Youth Card.

Free stuff
In some cities you can visit a selection of museums and attractions for free. London has an excellent selection of museums and attractions to visit, absolutely free of charge. In other cities, such as Copenhagen, free admission is offered once a week. Also across Europe, many cities have an annual night  where all the museums open their doors to the public free of charge.

Picnic
Buy food from a local supermarket or grocery shop and prepare a picnic to be enjoyed in the local park – that way you’ll eat on the cheap and also get to try the local delicacies.

Eat outside tourist areas
Try to avoid dining in restaurants located in the main tourist areas of cities – they are almost always more expensive and often quality is less than if you walk a bit further. Plus, you'll be surrounded by other tourists, not the locals.

Souvenir hunting
Avoid the busy tourist hot spots for shopping, as you’ll pay over the odds compared to purchasing the same items in local shopping areas.

Fill up your bottle
You’ll save yourself a lot of money if you fill your bottle up with water from a tap, rather than buying bottled water. You’ll also be helping the environment too! Tap water in most European countries is suitable for drinking, but make sure you double check with a local resident first.