Bargain 7: Hosteling International's Annual Membership Card
One of the time-tested techniques for affording European travel is to stay in hostels. This membership card opens access to more than 4,000 hostels worldwide (many of which are in Europe), discounted phone calls, travel insurance and other benefits. The cost is $28 USD per year (ages 18-54). If you're under 18, it's free. If you're older than 55, it's $18.
Bargain 8: Book a Cruise
Travel to Europe and Cruising are two things that previous generations conceded to the wealthy.
How about combining the two and actually saving money?
Cruising is an excellent way to see Europe because you're paying a fixed, volume price for a number of high-priced commodities: travel, accommodation, and food. Shore excursions can be costly, but independent travelers can still plan their own adventures outside of whatever the cruise line offers. The only catch is that you must work within the general itineraries set by the cruise line. You won't be able to linger an extra day in Copenhagen if the ship is leaving at 5 p.m.
Need to jump start your planning? Check out some ideas for planning a European cruise vacation.
Bargain 9: Spend a Night on the Train
The cost savings are significant, especially on an extended trip. Replacing three nights in a hotel (which could easily cost $300 USD) with train stays should cut your expenses for those nights by two-thirds.
More importantly, think about the time savings. You will own the daytime to sightsee, eat, drink and be merry. This makes your travel hours more cost-effective.
Arriving early in your new destination brings advantages, too. You'll be first in line at the museum, tour office, or budget hotel of your choice.
Fair warning: Not everyone can sleep well during a series of starts, break squeals, and stops. This option is not for everyone, and certainly not recommended for more than a few nights (probably not consecutive nights) at a time.
