How to Travel Around Europe on a Budget

European countries have a myriad of magnificent, breathtaking places. Especially in spring when nature wakes up, many European cities are perceived differently, as they acquire a special and unique atmosphere.

As spring gets closer, some European cities get ready to welcome spring by having festivals, like the one that takes place in Seville, called La Feria de Abril. Paris also bounces back from the long winter, with the openings of beautiful street cafes around the city. It’s a true delight to the visitor’s eye.

For a college student, spring is the ultimate season to visit Europe. There are not too many tourists and there are some unique events to attend, which you won’t find anywhere else. However, traveling to Europe as a college student can be quite cost-intensive. So how can you afford a trip to Europe as a college student with a limited budget? Here are some effective tips.

1. Opt for Budget Airlines

Besides accommodation, fights are the most costly part of the journey. For instance, a round trip ticket from New York JFK airport to Paris CDG airport can cost you up to $900, which is too much for a college student on a budget.

The best way to save on a flight is going for budget airlines. Although they have specific luggage limitations, it’s still cheaper to pay for some extra luggage. The list of budget airlines is quite impressive, including Ryanair, Wizz Air, and EasyJet. If you still want to go for the “flag-carrying” airlines, download the Skyscanner app. It works out the best when it comes to finding available cheap flights and discounts.

Pro tip: Note, that many airlines have a discount club. For an extra price, you get a permanent discount, helping you save tons of money on flights.

2. Plan Accommodation in Advance

Like with flights, booking accommodations in advance when planning your trip will save you a lot of money. The closer the date of your arrival is, the higher the prices get. So, if you plan to visit Seville for that La Feria de Abril festival in May, you better start looking now.

One way is to choose traditional websites like Booking.com or Airbnb to find accommodation. They offer many options, including hotels, hostels and even rooms for rent. However, if you want both to experience local culture more and save money, the best way to look for an apartment is to try a local service like Flatfy or even go for a completely different experience called Couchsurfing, which allows you to stay with locals, who will give you useful advice on which places to visit and what experiences to try.

3. Use Public Transport to Get About

Lastly, let’s talk a bit about getting around a European city. If you plan to stay long in one location, you need to think about how you’re going to explore the city and which transport you will use.

Using a taxi service can be a bit harsh on your wallet, and public transportation is a very good option in this case. If you want to save money on traveling around a city, you can buy a tourist travel card. For instance, the Tourist Welcome Card offered in Berlin costs only 20 euros and gives you unlimited access to all means of public transportation. It’s a great way to save some extra money and to enjoy the experience of exploring the city.

Visiting Europe should be on the Must-Do list of every college student. There’s no other place with such variety of cultures, architecture, and cuisine. Hopefully, these tips will help you enjoy Europe more without it having to be too cost-intensive. GradGuard is here to help both your finances and all your college tips.

BIO: Kate is a passionate writer who likes sharing her thoughts and experience with the readers. Currently, she works as a real estate agent at https://hu.flatfy.com. She likes everything related to traveling and new countries.