Maybe you're recently married with no children. Perhaps you retired recently and you have some time for travel. In both cases, you're not exactly experienced world travelers, and you don't have large amounts of money for a world tour. But you've always dreamed of seeing Europe, and there is now a window of opportunity to do so. Whatever your circumstance, here are 10 strategies (in no particular order) that could make the difference between affording Europe and staying home.
Airfares are often the barrier that keep would-be visitors from the sidewalks, byways and plazas of Europe. Many people get around that by using
frequent flier miles, or by employing other techniques such as scanning airline deal pages or checking courier flight offers. If you can find at least a reasonable trans-oceanic airfare, you'll take a giant step in the journey toward affordable Europe.
Once you arrive in Europe, there is the matter of transportation between cities. At one time, it was unthinkable for anyone but the very wealthy or the business traveler to fly within Europe. But the rise of budget airlines such as
easyJet have made a few well-placed flights a big money-saver on many European itineraries.
Many people who buy guidebooks waste their money. They flock to the "discoveries" recommended in these books and find scores of other readers. They expect restaurant and club recommendations to be current months or years after publication. They lug several weighty volumes instead of finding one good guidebook that will help prioritize itineraries and give practical information with good, portable maps, directions, Web addresses, and more. Check out these recommended volumes.
Many novice travelers actually corral their transportation and lodging costs, only to find restaurant bills break their budgets. It happens all too frequently: Underestimated food costs greatly increase the cost of a trip. Consider these five chances to save on food costs that will work anywhere--not just in Europe.
The booking engines will quickly reveal four-star hotels in Europe providing comfort, English-speakers and name-brand convenience. But make no mistake: With the pillow mints and concierges, you will also receive a hefty bill. You could also feel as if you never left your hometown. Is that why you're visiting Europe? If not, consider staying in smaller, family-owned hotels where you'll meet new people, perhaps speak another language, and definitely save money.
Do you know where to look for clean rooms and low prices on lodging in Rome? What neighborhoods in Venice prey on tourists with over-priced food? What is a cheap but satisfying snack in Berlin? There are destination-specific tips that you should consider as you build your European itinerary. Here are some tips for a few major European destinations.
It's a fact that some parts of Europe are considerably more expensive than others. Why not mix in a few lesser-known but interesting places at lower prices? This link takes you to "The Unknown Germany," the nation's northwest corner where prices are lower and the pace is slower. In such places, you might trade a subway token for a bike rental, and add depth to your itinerary while saving money at the same time. You should also look
eastward for some fine discoveries along with your bargains.
Trains traverse Europe with a level of service not seen in North America. Many first-time visitors invest in rail passes that save time and money. For an added fee, you can also spend the night on some trains. That extra cost rarely exceeds a hotel room bill, so you can mix in some overnight train trips and reduce lodging costs. You also wake up in the center of a new city, ready for the day. One warning: Many people find sleeping on a train very difficult. It is clearly not for everyone.
We're considering whether you can afford Europe, and here is a suggestion to buy a new car at the same time? It's not as crazy as it sounds. If you need a new vehicle and if you are willing to wait a while for it to appear in your parking space, it is possible to take initial delivery in Europe, use the car for transportation and "take a free ride" while others pay top prices for trains, planes and automobiles.
Venice in March? Paris in January? It might sound unorthodox, but many times lower airfares and hotel rates await those who are willing to travel in the off-season. Take a look at some of the advantages and plan for the potential pitfalls.
