When living on a tight budget, holiday plans often seem like an unattainable luxury, especially ones to exotic locales such as Tahiti or Thailand, or even a hotel stay in Barcelona or anywhere else in Europe. But the truth is, you can indeed afford to travel even on a thrifty budget!
The secret lies in saving beforehand and paying for your trip in cash. In fact, last year, my spouse and I seized the chance to embark on a week-long European journey, courtesy of my parents offering free toddler-sitting services.
Of course, we had doubts. Is splurging on a European trip a sound move when we’re focused on getting out of debt? Ultimately, we decided to seize the opportunity but committed to keep the expenses minimal. Here are some pointers on planning a cost-effective European trip.
TRAVEL IN THE LOW SEASON
Being child-free allows us the flexibility to travel throughout the year. This offers a significant advantage since we can travel during off-peak periods, thereby taking advantage of lower prices. Here’s a tip – Eye for an April trip to Europe to save substantially on flights and accommodations compared to the peak summer months.
ENJOY COMPLIMENTARY BREAKFAST
Opt for hotels that offer complimentary breakfast as part of their package. This could drastically reduce your meal expenses down to just lunch and dinner. Also, filling up on carbs and coffee at breakfast can help you skip an entire meal!
TAKE THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT
One of the best things about traveling in Europe is its excellent public transport system. There’s no need for car rentals! A little bit of pre-trip navigation, and you’d find efficient bus services, subways, or even walking, an economic and enjoyable option.
BE FLEXIBLE
My spouse and I knew we wanted to indulge in a significant vacation but had no destination preference. This flexibility enabled us to hold out for a terrific deal that appeared on Travelzoo – an enchanting week’s vacation in Paris and Barcelona from LAX!
SIGN UP FOR DEAL ALERTS
In conclusion, we nabbed a fantastic deal by subscribing to TravelZoo’s Top 20 weekly email that lists out the best travel deals for the week. It’s a smart move to sign up for such alerts, especially when you’re planning your European sojourn, allowing you to grab a fantastic deal when one presents itself.
Are you contemplating a European holiday on a budget? Do you have more tips to share about keeping your trip economical? Join the conversation on SmartAsset.com.
