Western Europe’s most populous country doesn’t always spring to mind as a low-cost destination. However, in a place this big and diverse, there will always be a smarter way to spend your euros.
21.07.2023 - 07:28 / roughguides.com
Europe has it all: sprawling cities and quaint villages; boulevards, promenades and railways; mountains, beaches and lakes. Some places will be exactly how you imagined. Others will surprise, with their under-the-radar nature or statement-making modern architecture. Whether you're planning to see it all or explore the hidden corners of the continent, these are our top 15 tips for backpacking through Europe.
The information in this article is inspired by the Rough Guide to Europe on a Budget — your essential guide for visiting Europe.
For fewer crowds during the summer season, you could consider heading east. The Balkan coastline, the Slovenian mountains and Baltic cities are all fantastic places for making the most of your money. When tourist traffic dies down as autumn approaches, head to the Med. The famous coastlines and islands of southern Europe are quieter at this time of year, and the cities of Spain and Italy begin to look their best.
Wintertime brings world-class skiing and epic New Year parties. Come spring it’s worth heading north to the Netherlands, Scandinavia, France and the British Isles, where you’ll find beautifully long days and relatively affordable prices.
Getting around by train is still the best option, and you’ll appreciate the diversity of Europe best at ground level. Plus, if you make your longest journeys overnight and sleep on the train, you’ll forego accommodation costs for the night. Most countries are accessible with an Interrail Global pass or the equivalent Eurail pass.
Depending on your time and budget, choose one corner of the continent then consider a budget flight for that unmissable experience elsewhere.
Travelling by train is perfect for backpacking through Europe Pixabay/CC0
Although accommodation is one of the key costs to consider when planning your trip, it needn’t be a stumbling block to a budget-conscious tour of Europe. Indeed, even in Europe’s pricier destinations the hostel system means there is always an affordable place to stay – and some are truly fantastic. Homestays will often give you better value for money than most hotels so they are also worth considering.
If you’re prepared to camp, you can get by on very little while staying at some excellently equipped sites. Come summer, university accommodation can be a cheap option in some countries. Be sure to book in advance regardless of your budget during the peak summer months.
Choosing accommodation is one of the essential tips while backpacking through Europe © pikselstock/Shutterstock
There’s always some event or other happening in Europe, and the bigger shindigs can be reason enough for visiting a place. Be warned, though, that you need to plan well in advance.
Some of the most spectacular
Western Europe’s most populous country doesn’t always spring to mind as a low-cost destination. However, in a place this big and diverse, there will always be a smarter way to spend your euros.
Train travel is undoubtedly the most romantic way to explore Europe. You can sit back and soak up the continent’s most beautiful sights as they zip past, from the towering snow-cloaked mountains of Germany and the glittering fjords of Norway to the sparkling coasts of Italy and vine-carpeted fields of France. Plus, there are few greater feelings than getting from country to country in the knowledge that you are traveling more sustainably and minimizing carbon footprints. But sadly, the evolution of budget airlines has meant that aviation has become a more affordable (and at times faster) alternative for travelers. Below, we look at the ultimate travel hacks for finding cheap train tickets across Europe this summer so you can embrace slow travel – with expert advice from some of the world’s top train travel experts.
In the heart of the enchanting Chianti wine region in Tuscany, Italy, stands an exquisite 16th-century stone farmhouse called "Villa Ardore." Transformed into a luxurious sanctuary for love and acceptance, this remarkable venue is a testament to the enduring power of passion and the triumph of progress over adversity.
With their chic cities, dramatic landscapes and high quality of life, the countries of Scandinavia remain objects of worldwide fascination. Yet if you’re looking to dip your toe into Nordic waters, where do you begin?
If you haven’t heard about the U.K.’s heated debate on cutting ties with the European Union—dubbed a “Brexit”—you certainly will this week. Britons headed to the ballot box on Thursday and made the historic decision to leave the European Union.
Summer, also known as high season for travel, is almost here. And according to AAA just about everyone is poised to hit the road. The organization predicts two-thirds of what it categorizes as “leisure travelers” plan to take vacations this summer, meaning millions of Americans will be hitting the road.
May is here, which means Memorial Day–the unofficial start to summer–is just around the corner. Memorial Day isn’t the biggest travel holiday of the year, with many people choosing quick, local getaways (read: driving, instead of flying).
Holland America Line will launch a 42-day cruise across the Atlantic Ocean and around Europe and the Middle East from Florida next year, inspired by a journey the cruise line took nearly 100 years ago.
If you’re dreaming of long days soaking up the sun, ice-cold drink in hand, soaking up the scenery, the National Geographic Traveller (UK) team has just the ticket. Here are our 10 favourite pubs in the UK for summer drinking, from a remote beachside boozer to an urban brewery bar.
Compared to the rest of Europe, Spain is easy on the eyes and even easier on the wallet. Between the low cost of food and alcohol and the ease of finding budget accommodation outside the large city centers and resort areas, your Spanish holiday doesn’t need to be extravagantly expensive.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Megan Batoon . The following has been edited for length and clarity.