5 Easy Ways To Budget Travel Across Europe

AOL Travel News:

With stunning architecture, some of the world's most beautiful beaches and culture to-boot, it's no wonder Europe is the first place many North American travelers flock to. Though airline tickets and hotel prices have gone up, it's still possible to enjoy all the benefits of France, England, Italy and Germany while holding on to a little cash. Ready for the trip of a lifetime? Follow these five simple plans for expert budget travel in Europe.

Read the whole story: AOL Travel News

Comments

[BacSi]

12:43 PM on 01/21/2011

What a lame article. The biggest money savers for the two big ticket items they did not even touch on. Flights and hotels. Unless staying in a hostel is your idea of money saving.

No one with decent credit should be paying for an airline ticket. I do NO paid travel at all yet I get more than enough frequent flier miles to fly to Europe once or twice a year. And since I do not go during the busiest time periods I can always score a seat or two.

I also stay in $250-$300+ a night hotel double rooms for less than $80-$85 a night tax and fee inc. In fact in Amsterdam----a very expensive hotel city--- we can stay in a 4 star double room cheaper than staying in a 1 star double room.

You just have to know where to go for the info and learn how to shop smart.

Something you would get very little from if you only read this article.

[JonnyTruant]

11:16 AM on 01/20/2011

Couchsurfing.org saved my life in Europe. It is THE way to experience whatever country you're visiting.

[messy]

09:44 PM on 01/19/2011

Flying from the US to Europe and back is expensive. Flying within Europe can be cheap. When done right, Ryanair is a good bet.

[eric14]

07:57 PM on 01/19/2011

Segmentation of Market in Eurail Passes makes searching trickier.

Example:
Eurail France-Italy Pass Adult
1st Class 1 adult 8 days in 2 months $550.00
Rail in summer is busy. Go first class unless you are young and hardy.

During stops you can use local transport, car hire.

Link:

http://www.raileurope.com/rail-tickets-passes/eurail-france-italy-pass/discounts-and-pricing.html

In 90's I traveled on 1st class Eurail five times. It works.

[anitaj]

03:27 PM on 01/19/2011

I have heard it many times that one can travel with any two of: heavy, cheap and happy.

I have had wonderful results with cheap and happy, but don't let that get around. ;0)

[janedoe31]

03:11 PM on 01/19/2011

try a healthy holiday as well, it doesn't have to be during prime season....you can walk, hike, bike or scooter around in a vespa in planned groups or have one custom made with your own group or family. Pick a spot...Italy north and south, France, wine regions, Croatia, Turkey, Corsica.... check out www.customwalks.com

[goodintentions1]

02:31 PM on 01/19/2011

flying to different places in Europe is much cheaper than taking the train.

[antaeus]

01:13 AM on 01/21/2011

Unless you have baggage overages. Fees are killer.

[KIVPossum]

11:50 AM on 01/19/2011

All good points.

In many places, especially central and eastern Europe, it's easy to find cheap lodging by asking at the bus or train station. Get a bed on the cheap, meet some nice folks, and usually get a light breakfast out of the deal.

[NIRPUganda]

11:03 AM on 01/19/2011

Travel to volunteer with organisations is very inspiring experience. You contribute to better the lives of those in need in different parts of the world;http://www.betterplace.org/projects/4436-ease-the-pain-of-people-living-with-hiv-and-aids. One of these days you can try it out

[anitaj]

03:25 PM on 01/19/2011

A service trip can have several advantages. Not only are you doing something meaningful on the trip, you are meeting people in a meaningful way. You can get a much better understanding of local culture and customs. It can also help take the stress out of finding appropriate lodging as NGOs will often help with that.