For those who are travelling to Europe for the first time, it’s easy to entertain grand visions of extravagance and expense. Whether its concerns about the exchange rates, the thought of having to pursue a second mortgage to fund a bottle of wine with dinner or the astonishing cost of a beer in Norway (in some places, nine Euros!) it’s fair to have some trepidation. But overall, Europe, and its major cities, are accessible, fun and can be navigated economically. You just have to know how…
Find a cheap transport hub
If you’re travelling to Europe from the States, consider flying into one of its cheaper airports. Both London and Dublin make for a cheap first port of call, and booking a last minute holiday from Ireland can actually be easier than arranging something direct. Don’t disregard either city as a mere transport hub or a means to an end, either both cities are rich in free museums, galleries and cultural hotspots which will make the most of any layover.
Book last minute
Being flexible on dates will give you the edge when booking, and means you can cherry-pick your destination, and the flight costs, which can be discounted by up to 80%. Scour the internet, subscribe to voucher sites and generally, be a bit of a keen bean. It will pay off when you’re jetting off to Florence, Vienna or Antwerp smug in the knowledge you’re paying considerably less than your fellow passengers.
Know when to go
Europe is considerably cheaper, less crowded and more accessible just after, or just before, the summer months. Schools are typically in session, which means less in-flight caterwauling from antsy kids and the queues for major attractions, restaurants and lavatories are shorter.
Get around like a local
This will vary, depending on what country you elect to visit. In Amsterdam or Copenhagen, it’s likely the cheapest, easiest mode of transport is bike. In France or Barcelona, the Metro is key to easy transportation. Just because you’re in a big city, don’t discount walking – Budapest and Rome are very walkable, despite their scale, and you’ll have a far better overall impression of the city above ground.
Image by Swaminathan licensed by Creative Commons