To travel through Europe on a low budget, you should focus your journey on Eastern and Southeastern Europe, where your money stretches the furthest. I have spent years exploring the Balkans and Central Europe for less than €50 a day, and you can do the same with the right plan. This guide will show you how to experience the culture and beauty of the continent without draining your bank account.
Where to Travel in Europe on a Budget
When you think of a European vacation, names like Paris or London probably come to mind. These cities are beautiful. However, they are also very expensive. If you want a low cost travel experience, you must look toward the “value-frontier” of the East.
Albania: The Best Kept Secret
Albania is quickly becoming a favorite for those who want low budget travel destinations in europe. I first visited in 2022 and I was shocked by the beauty of the blue seas.
- Daily Budget: You should plan for $30 to $50 per day.
- Key Spots: The Albanian Riviera is stunning, but for the best value, you should visit Korca and Gjirokastra.
- Costs: In Korca, I stayed in a renovated apartment that was amazing value. You can find hotels for as low as €30 per night. In Gjirokastra, prices start from €25.
Albania is one of the sunniest spots in Europe. It is perfect for a summer trip. Additionally, it is legal to camp anywhere in the country. This can save you a lot of money on housing fees if you have a tent.
North Macedonia: Ultra-Cheap and Beautiful
If you wonder how can I travel to europe on a low budget, North Macedonia is the answer. It is arguably the cheapest country in the Balkans.
- Daily Budget: A mere €30 ($30-50) is often enough.
- Highlights: Skopje is the capital and it is full of history. Ohrid is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a deep, old lake.
- Food: You can get an excellent meal for €5 to €10.
I fell in love with Ohrid. It is peaceful and calm. First of all, the landscapes around the lake are breathtaking. Later, I found that apartments on the water start from only €25 per night during the off-season.
Bosnia & Herzegovina: History and Value
Bosnia is a top choice for solo travelers and couples. I have traveled through here twice and the warmth of the people is unmatched.
- Daily Budget: You can survive on €32 ($45-65) per day.
- Must-See: Sarajevo and Mostar are the big draws. The train ride between these two cities is one of the most beautiful in the world and costs only about $6.
- Savings Tip: Use the local markets. They are great for fresh produce if you prefer to cook your own meals.
Best Low Budget Travel Destinations Europe: Regional Breakdown
The cost of your trip depends heavily on where you go. Europe is split into different price tiers. Therefore, you should choose your “Value Frontier” wisely.
| Region | Budget Tier (€/Day) | Key Countries |
| Southeastern Europe | €30 – €50 | Albania, Bosnia, North Macedonia, Serbia |
| Eastern Europe | €35 – €65 | Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary |
| Southern Europe | €40 – €75 | Greece, Portugal, Spain, Italy |
| Central/Western Europe | €70 – €120 | Germany, France, Austria, Belgium |
| Northern/Nordic Europe | €110 – €200 | Norway, Denmark, Switzerland, UK |
On top of that, Southeastern and Eastern Europe allow for a “Mid-Range” experience for the same price as a “Shoestring” budget in London or Paris.
How Much Should I Budget for a Trip to Europe?
To answer this question, you must look at your own travel style. Gradually, you will learn how to balance your spending.
- The Shoestring Budget (€35-75/day): This involves hostels, street food, and free attractions.
- The Mid-Range Budget (€75-125/day): You can stay in budget hotels, eat at local restaurants, and join some guided tours.
- The Premium Budget (€125-200+/day): This allows for nice hotels and fine dining, especially in cheaper countries.
What is a good budget for travelling europe if you want to be comfortable? I suggest a range of $60 to $100 per day for most people. This covers a nice bed and good food in places like Poland or Hungary. Similarly, if you are a couple, you might spend €60 to €90 total per day by sharing a private room.
Transportation: Saving Money on the Move
Getting around can be your biggest cost. However, you have many cheap choices.
The Power of the Bus
The bus is definitely the cheapest way to cross the continent. Companies like Flixbus have thousands of daily connections.
- Flixbus: I have found tickets from Berlin to Hamburg for only £5.
- BlaBlaBus: This is popular in Western Europe. Routes like Paris to Brussels can cost as little as £6.
- Lux Express: This is the best way to travel through the Baltics. A trip from Riga to Vilnius is about €11.
Low-Cost Airlines
Europe has many budget airlines. They are perfect for long distances. Ryanair is the most famous. Similarly, easyJet is a reliable choice that uses major airports.
- Average Fares: You can often find flights for under €20 ($22) if you book early.
- Beware of Fees: These airlines charge for everything. You will pay for checked bags, seat selection, and even printing your boarding pass. Therefore, you should travel with only a small backpack to save the most.
Train Travel and Interrail
Trains are comfortable and scenic. The Interrail pass allows for unlimited travel on national trains.
- Prices: An adult pass for 4 days in a month starts around €283.
- Pros and Cons: It offers great flexibility. On the contrary, high-speed trains in France, Italy, and Spain often require extra reservation fees of €10 to €35.
Smart Tips for Low Budget Europe Travel
I have learned many tricks over the years. These will help you keep your costs down.
- Travel During the “Shoulder Season”: This means visiting in April-May or September-October. Prices for flights and hotels can drop by 30% to 50% compared to the summer.
- The Picnic Strategy: Instead of eating at cafes, you should visit a local grocery store. I like to buy local bread and cheese. It is a cheap and healthy way to eat in a beautiful park.
- Avoid ATM Traps: Some ATMs, like Euronet, charge high fees. You should use ATMs that belong to a real bank, such as Santander or BNP Paribas. Also, always choose to pay in the local currency to get a better exchange rate.
- Use Apps like Wise or Revolut: These digital banks offer the mid-market exchange rate. They help you avoid the high fees that traditional banks charge.
Accommodations: Beyond the Basic Hotel
You do not have to stay in a crowded hostel dorm to save money. Plus, many apartments are surprisingly affordable.
- Apartments: In cities like Sofia, nice apartments were once €15 per night. While prices have risen, they are still a bargain compared to Western Europe.
- Hostels: Dorm beds in Eastern Europe can be as low as $10 to $20. Many hostels also offer private rooms and free walking tours.
- Stay Outside the Center: You can save 30% to 40% by staying just a short bus ride away from the main tourist area.
Is Low Budget Travel Europe Possible?
Yes, it is. I have seen it for myself. Travelers like Kanak Agrawal often share similar stories of finding hidden gems in the East. You just need to be flexible. Though inflation has made things harder, a smart traveler can still stretch their euros.
Finally, remember that spending less money often leads to more authentic experiences. A week in Bulgaria or Albania can cost the same as two days in Switzerland. You get to see the real culture. You meet the locals. You explore places before they become crowded with tourists.
If you plan well and follow these steps, your European adventure will be a dream come true. Safe travels!
FAQ
Which country is best for travel in low budget in Europe?
North Macedonia is the absolute best choice for a small budget because it is underrated and ultra-cheap. You will find that your money lasts much longer here than in any other part of the continent.
Where in Europe is it cheapest to travel?
It is cheapest to travel in Eastern Europe and the Balkan states. These regions are the primary zones of opportunity for any traveler who wants to save money.
How to travel Europe in low budget?
You should use intercity buses like Flixbus to get around for very little money. Additionally, you should stay in hostels or apartments and eat local street food to keep costs low.
Where to go for 3 nights in Europe?
Kaunas in Lithuania is perfect for a three-night trip. It is a smaller city that is highly walkable and full of interesting culture.
Where is still cheap in Europe?
Albania, Poland, and Romania remain very affordable even as other places become more expensive. However, you should also look at Montenegro or Slovakia for great value.
Is $100 a day enough in Europe?
Yes, $100 is more than enough for a comfortable mid-range trip in many regions. This amount of money will cover a nice hotel room and good restaurant meals in the East [Body].
Which Schengen country is the cheapest?
Bulgaria is the cheapest Schengen country to visit right now. It offers significant savings on food and housing compared to Western Europe.
Where to go for a cheap holiday in Europe?
You should head to the Albanian Riviera for beautiful beaches that do not cost a fortune. The Bulgarian Black Sea coast is another great choice for a low-cost summer getaway.
What is the cheapest month to fly to Europe?
Winter is usually the cheapest time to fly, but you must avoid the weeks around the Christmas holidays. Gradually, prices begin to rise as the spring weather arrives.
Is 1000 euros enough for 2 weeks in Europe?
Yes, 1000 euros is enough if you stay in countries where the daily cost is between €30 and €50. This amount will easily cover your needs in places like North Macedonia or Bosnia.
Where is the best affordable city break in Europe?
Sarajevo and Tirana are the best affordable city breaks because they are very fairly priced. You can walk the streets for hours and enjoy the history without spending much money.
How to go to Europe cheaply?
You should fly into gateway hubs like Dublin, Lisbon, or Madrid to find the lowest fares from North America. First of all, these airports have high competition which keeps the ticket prices down.
What are the top 3 tourist destinations in Europe?
Paris, London, and Rome remain the three most popular destinations for travelers. However, these cities are also among the most expensive spots on the continent.
Which country is best for 3 days?
Kaunas is the best country-specific choice for a short three-day visit because it is perfect for a weekend break or a stopover.
Where not to go in Europe right now?
You should avoid high-cost cities like Zurich or Amsterdam if you have a strict budget. On top of that, some northern countries like Norway are very expensive and will drain your funds quickly.
Concluding words
My journey through the East shows that a low budget does not mean a low-quality trip. You can see the medieval beauty of Romania or the pristine beaches of Albania for a fraction of what you would pay in France. Therefore, you should focus on the “Value-Frontier” to make your money go further. Finally, remember that the most authentic experiences often happen when you move away from the crowded tourist hubs.
