Europe is one of those dream destinations that many people want to visit at some point in their lives. London, Paris, and Rome evoke history, culture, glamour and the fusion of old and new.
A trip to Europe on a budget is simpler than ever to plan thanks to a variety of discount travel websites. These websites can be used to compare prices, making it easy to find flights, transportation, and accommodations to fit any budget.
Six Month Countdown: Your Europe Itinerary
Planning a trip to Europe on a budget should begin at least 6 months prior to the anticipated departure date, allowing an adequate amount of time to plan and find the best deals.
Start by deciding when to go. Prices are much higher in the summer months from May to August. Spring and fall are more affordable and the weather is still temperate. Prices are lower in the winter months, however, the cold weather is less than ideal for many people.
It is best to book a flight ahead of time to get a good deal and have concrete departure and return dates. The most common, and affordable, cities to fly into are the cities with the big airports such as London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt. Compare prices on flights by using a travel search engine like SideStep.com to get the best price.
Once the flight is booked, decide which cities to visit and plan an itinerary. This is a good time to purchase a Europe travel guide which has sample itineraries, maps, and must-see places.
Three Month Countdown: Transportation Within Europe
Most visitors need a passport to visit Europe. Also, some visitors will a need to obtain visitor visas depending. These requirements should be researched ahead of time. Next, it is time to start planning transportation within Europe.
Renting a car is rather affordable and gives freedom to be completely in control of the schedule. There is an abundance of beautiful scenery while driving that may otherwise be missed. The downside is driving in foreign countries, something many people are not comfortable with.
Traveling within Europe via train on the Eurail system is a popular transportation option for people traveling to Europe on a budget. Eurail passes can be customized to fit individual travel needs. The train rides are relaxing and usually scenic. Travelers can catch up on sleep or use train rides to read and plan what to do in the next destination city.
For travelers with a limited amount of time in Europe, driving or taking trains can take too much time. Flying from city to city is a better option to maximize the amount of time that can be spent in each place. Cheap flights within Europe can be found on discount airlines such as Ryanair, SkyEurope, easyJet, and Wizz Air. Flights can be found for as low as ten dollars.
For more information about transportation options, read Transportation in Europe. Booking transportation within Europe will finalize the itinerary. Next, it is time to start thinking about accommodations.
One Month Countdown: Budget Accommodations in Europe
It is not always wise to book all accommodations before going to Europe because it leaves no room for flexibility. When traveling outside of peak summer months, it is sometimes best to book accommodations for a few days at a time to have flexibility in case there are any unexpected changes to the schedule.
There are several websites that feature budget accommodations in Europe including EuroCheapo.com, SideStep.com, and LastMinute.com. Bed and breakfasts offer a more authentic cultural experience and good food. Bed and breakfasts can be found at BedandBreakfast.eu and Venere.com.
Hostels are an option for those on a very tight budget. Some hostels offer private rooms, a cheaper alternative to hotels while still getting privacy and decent accommodations.
Stay organized leading up to the trip to Europe. Put accommodation booking confirmations, transportation details, tickets, and itinerary information in a folder to take on the trip. It is also wise to have a notebook to keep track of the budget.
Purchase euros at a financial institution before leaving for the best exchange rate. Cash is needed and it is more expensive to exchange money in Europe. Major credit cards are accepted all over Europe. Call the credit card company regarding itinerary details so the credit card account does not get flagged while making purchases in Europe.
Put together a packing checklist and begin packing early. Plan to pack light no matter what method of transportation will be used. Rental cars will not have a lot of luggage space, it is a hassle to lug large suitcases around if taking the train, and luggage allowances on flights within Europe are strict.
Booking.com
By this point, anticipation is building for the trip to Europe. The itinerary is set, transportation and accommodations are booked, and bags are packed. Bon voyage!
Author Paul Linus
A trip to Europe on a budget is simpler than ever to plan thanks to a variety of discount travel websites. These websites can be used to compare prices, making it easy to find flights, transportation, and accommodations to fit any budget.
Six Month Countdown: Your Europe Itinerary
Planning a trip to Europe on a budget should begin at least 6 months prior to the anticipated departure date, allowing an adequate amount of time to plan and find the best deals.
Start by deciding when to go. Prices are much higher in the summer months from May to August. Spring and fall are more affordable and the weather is still temperate. Prices are lower in the winter months, however, the cold weather is less than ideal for many people.
It is best to book a flight ahead of time to get a good deal and have concrete departure and return dates. The most common, and affordable, cities to fly into are the cities with the big airports such as London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt. Compare prices on flights by using a travel search engine like SideStep.com to get the best price.
Once the flight is booked, decide which cities to visit and plan an itinerary. This is a good time to purchase a Europe travel guide which has sample itineraries, maps, and must-see places.
Three Month Countdown: Transportation Within Europe
Most visitors need a passport to visit Europe. Also, some visitors will a need to obtain visitor visas depending. These requirements should be researched ahead of time. Next, it is time to start planning transportation within Europe.
Renting a car is rather affordable and gives freedom to be completely in control of the schedule. There is an abundance of beautiful scenery while driving that may otherwise be missed. The downside is driving in foreign countries, something many people are not comfortable with.
Traveling within Europe via train on the Eurail system is a popular transportation option for people traveling to Europe on a budget. Eurail passes can be customized to fit individual travel needs. The train rides are relaxing and usually scenic. Travelers can catch up on sleep or use train rides to read and plan what to do in the next destination city.
For travelers with a limited amount of time in Europe, driving or taking trains can take too much time. Flying from city to city is a better option to maximize the amount of time that can be spent in each place. Cheap flights within Europe can be found on discount airlines such as Ryanair, SkyEurope, easyJet, and Wizz Air. Flights can be found for as low as ten dollars.
For more information about transportation options, read Transportation in Europe. Booking transportation within Europe will finalize the itinerary. Next, it is time to start thinking about accommodations.
One Month Countdown: Budget Accommodations in Europe
It is not always wise to book all accommodations before going to Europe because it leaves no room for flexibility. When traveling outside of peak summer months, it is sometimes best to book accommodations for a few days at a time to have flexibility in case there are any unexpected changes to the schedule.
There are several websites that feature budget accommodations in Europe including EuroCheapo.com, SideStep.com, and LastMinute.com. Bed and breakfasts offer a more authentic cultural experience and good food. Bed and breakfasts can be found at BedandBreakfast.eu and Venere.com.
Hostels are an option for those on a very tight budget. Some hostels offer private rooms, a cheaper alternative to hotels while still getting privacy and decent accommodations.
Stay organized leading up to the trip to Europe. Put accommodation booking confirmations, transportation details, tickets, and itinerary information in a folder to take on the trip. It is also wise to have a notebook to keep track of the budget.
Purchase euros at a financial institution before leaving for the best exchange rate. Cash is needed and it is more expensive to exchange money in Europe. Major credit cards are accepted all over Europe. Call the credit card company regarding itinerary details so the credit card account does not get flagged while making purchases in Europe.
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Put together a packing checklist and begin packing early. Plan to pack light no matter what method of transportation will be used. Rental cars will not have a lot of luggage space, it is a hassle to lug large suitcases around if taking the train, and luggage allowances on flights within Europe are strict.
Booking.com
By this point, anticipation is building for the trip to Europe. The itinerary is set, transportation and accommodations are booked, and bags are packed. Bon voyage!
Author Paul Linus
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