Travelling is a luxury, but just because it is, does not mean it has to break the bank. When travelling from the UK, Europe is one of the cheapest places to visit due to its proximity. Plus, with the price of staycations in the current climate, it is often a similar price to travel overseas as it is to enjoy a UK break. Whilst Europe is full of lavish destinations with expensive travel, attractions, accommodation and food, there are many ways to explore these spots on a budget and many more alternative destinations that are just as impressive but much more affordable. It is easy to save money when travelling in Europe, you just need to know the tips and tricks.
How to Visit Europe Cheaply
When travelling overseas, much of the expense is travelling to your destination and arranging accommodation. However, there are many ways to book travel and accommodation at an affordable price and save yourself some money.
Travel With Budget Airlines
When travelling from the UK to Europe, flight times are so short that there is no need to pay over the odds for extra comfort and facilities on an airline. There are so many budget European airlines that offer flights from multiple UK airports direct to destinations across Europe. These airlines typically highlight the most affordable flight times and offer regular sales.
Use Skyscanner
Skyscanner is an incredible price comparison tool for airlines and can help you make significant savings. Skyscanner compares all airlines travelling to your destination to find the most affordable flight, whilst also comparing dates and showcasing which days it is cheapest to fly. You can search by cheapest month and even choose the ‘Everywhere’ option if you are not set on a destination to find the European cities that are the most affordable to travel to. To top it off, Skyscanner also allows you to set up ‘Price Alerts’, sending you a notification and email when the price of your flight drops.
Use Alternative Travel
With Europe just on our doorstep, it is easy to travel to overseas destinations without boarding a plane. Thanks to the Channel Tunnel, we can catch a train from the UK capital to multiple European destinations and even drive our own vehicle abroad. The Eurostar offers alternative travel options to look into that may be a cheaper alternative to flying, whilst driving provides you with convenience, freedom and flexibility in addition to cost savings. An additional option is to catch a ferry, which takes both vehicle and foot passengers across the English Channel. With numerous travel options, you can compare to find which route and method of transportation offers the best value for money.
Stay in an Airbnb or Hostel
Opting for alternative accommodation to the traditional hotel is a great way to save money. Airbnbs are typically more affordable than hotels, whilst also offering a self-catering base that allows you to save money on food. You can also filter by your requirements to find the exact accommodation you need. To save even more money, hostels are the ultimate budget accommodation, offering a base without the extra amenities, allowing you to save money. Whilst the most affordable are shared dorms, many hostels also offer private rooms.
Utilise Booking.com’s Hotel Map
The hotel map on Booking.com highlights every hotel available to book through the website in a specific location in the city, flagging their price tag so that you can easily find the most affordable hotel. It is an easier alternative to scrolling through the list of hotels and allows you to see at a glance not only if your selected area is an affordable option for you, but also to find the cheapest option in that zone.
Ensure You Have Travel Insurance
When travelling to Europe, many people forgo travel insurance due to short trips or close proximity. However, travel insurance is essential wherever you travel. It covers you for a wide range of accidents, illnesses and emergencies, which hopefully you will not encounter, but if you do, travel insurance can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds. Depending on your insurance provider, your policy may also cover you against flight delays, cancellations and missing luggage.
How to Travel Europe on a Budget
Once you arrive in Europe, the spending begins but there are great ways to explore a city affordably and travel Europe on a budget.
Spend With a Euro Account
When spending on your standard debit card overseas, currency conversion charges are typically charged on top of your payments. With some accounts, this charge may be covered; however, this is usually for bank accounts for which you already make a monthly payment. To avoid these additional charges, a Euro account is a great alternative. Starling offers a Euro account with no monthly fee, which is already in the correct currency, so there are no fees, and you can top up from your regular bank account. Alternatively, Monzo is the bank made for travel, allowing you to pay anywhere, in any currency, without fees.
Use an eSIM
Staying connected overseas comes with additional costs as mobile networks charge data roaming fees to connect to the local network. Using an eSIM is a top option to stay connected at a more affordable price. An eSIM plan can be pre-purchased before you arrive in your destination so that once you arrive, your device automatically connects to the local network and avoids data roaming charges. With an eSIM, you can choose local, international or global plans depending on your trip and also select the duration of your plan.
When you’re trying to stick to a budget while travelling in Europe, controlling your mobile data costs is a simple way to save without sacrificing convenience. That’s why I recommend Saily as my preferred eSIM supplier for European trips. With Saily, you can purchase affordable, pay-as-you-go data plans tailored specifically to the countries you’re visiting, avoiding the unexpected roaming charges that often come with traditional mobile plans. There are no long-term contracts, no physical SIM swaps, and no hidden fees — just transparent pricing that makes it easy to plan your trip expenses in advance.
Saily also enhances your travel experience by providing instant connectivity as soon as you land, so you can start navigating, booking transport, and staying in touch right away. The setup process is straightforward and guided, which means less time fiddling with settings and more time enjoying your destination. For travellers who want reliable service at predictable prices across multiple European countries, Saily is a cost-effective solution that consistently delivers — which is why I recommend it to anyone looking to save money and stay connected abroad.
Opt for Self-Catering
Meals can be one of the biggest expenses when travelling in Europe, but self-catering can drastically reduce the cost. Hotel dining and eating out regularly chips away at your travel budget, so opting to purchase and prepare your own food will help you save money when travelling in Europe. If you are staying in self-catering accommodation, you will have all the facilities to cook your own food. However, you can also enjoy self-catering if you are not staying in accommodation with facilities by opting to purchase meals that do not need to be cooked. Europe is also home to familiar grocery stores such as Lidl, which can make it easier to shop.
Eat Like a Local
If self-catering is not a convenient option for you, eating like a local is a great way to sample the flavours and dishes of the city without the expense. The main streets and tourist spots bump up the prices of dining, whilst heading off the beaten track, just a few minutes from the main tourist areas, will introduce you to more affordable dining locations.
Take Advantage of Public Transportation
Navigating an unfamiliar city, particularly using public transport, can be daunting, and it is easy to jump into a taxi or an Uber. However, the money you will save using the destination’s public transport system over rideshares is significant. Using public transportation is also a great way to get to know the heart and vibe of the city, a great people-watching activity that gives you an insight into local life.
Walk
The best way to explore a new destination is on two feet. You will see so much more walking between points of interest than you would by jumping in a taxi or on public transport. Many European destinations are walkable, and the experience is the ultimate cost-saver as it is completely free.
Take a Free Walking Tour
Every city you visit in Europe will have a selection of free walking tours and experiences. This is a great option to get to know a city, seeing both the highlights and the hidden gems with insight from a local and knowledgeable guide. It allows you to take a tour of the city without the expense, and they typically are of the same quality as one you would pay for.
Visit Free Museums
There are so many museums and attractions that charge high admission fees but many of the best and most famous offer free entry. Take advantage of this complimentary experience, getting to know the history and heritage of your travel destination without spending a penny.
Shop Around for Excursions
There is no doubt that there are many excursions and experiences that are worth the expense. However, make sure you are not booking the first one you come across. Shop around to not only find the cheapest option but also the one that offers the best value for money.
