I first went to Europe in 2006 and I was hooked immediately. I have visited every year since that time. I even wrote a book about it because I love the continent so much. I know that you want to see the world without spending every penny you have. I also know that planning a big trip is hard work. You want to find Popular Cheap Travel Agencies For Europe that make life easy. I have spent years looking for the best deals and the most reliable companies. I want to share my experience with you today. I will show you how to find a Cheap Travel Agencies For Europe that fits your life. You do not have to be a billionaire to see the Eiffel Tower or eat pasta in Italy.
First of all, I have learned that Cheap travel agencies for europe all inclusive are a dream for mature travelers. You get your flights, your bed, and your food all in one price. This takes away all the stress. You do not have to worry about the bill at the end of dinner. Additionally, these packages often include travel insurance and local guides. I found that companies like TUI and First Choice offer great all-inclusive deals. They even give away “free” child places if you bring the grandkids. You should always check if the price includes alcoholic drinks or just soft ones. Gradually, Finally, I realized that all-inclusive is often the best value if you plan to stay in one spot for a week or more.
The Best Agencies I Have Used
I have a list of my favorite companies that I always check first. Rick Steves Europe is a top choice for me. He has spent decades teaching people how to travel like locals. His tours are budget-friendly but they still feel very special. He focuses on cultural connections and “back door” experiences. You will use public transportation and stay in small, local hotels. I like this because it feels real. However, you must be ready to walk a lot. It is not a lazy vacation. On the contrary, it is a deep dive into history.
Intrepid Travel is another agency I love. They focus on small groups of about twelve people or fewer. This means you can go places that big buses cannot reach. I remember sharing a home-cooked meal in a tiny Croatian village because of them. They use local guides who know all the secrets of their home. They are also very big on responsible travel. This is important to me as I get older. I want to make sure my money helps the local people.
If you want a Travel agent for Europe trip near me that feels like a classic choice, look at Trafalgar. They are masters of the “easy pace” trip. They mix the big landmarks with local secrets. They have special “Be My Guest” dinners in family homes. These are memories you will keep forever. Similarly, Globus has been around since 1928. They have over 90 years of travel knowledge. They offer First Class Tours that go beyond the guidebook. Their sister brand, Cosmos, is even more affordable. They help you see more for less money.
The Secret of Package Holidays
I used to think I could save more money by booking everything myself. At that time, I did not know about the power of package holidays. I found that Travel agency Europe packages can actually be cheaper than just a flight alone. One time, I saw a flight to Florida for £689, but a whole package was only £662. Plus, you get much better protection. If the airline goes bust, the ATOL or ABTA schemes will protect your money. This is a huge relief. You will get a refund or a way home if things go wrong.
You should use comparison sites to find these deals. I start with Skyscanner for flights because they search the small budget airlines. Then I check Kayak and TravelSupermarket for packages. Kayak is often the cheapest starting point. TravelSupermarket is great because you can filter by TripAdvisor scores. I also check Expedia directly because they sometimes beat the big search sites.
I have a secret tip for you. I call travel agents on the phone to haggle. Different agents sell the same holiday for different prices. It is like buying a suitcase from different shops. I tell them the best price I found online and ask if they can beat it. I saved £141 per person on a trip to Mexico this way. You must be polite and charming when you do this. Travel agents do not always like it, but it works. Therefore, you should never pay the first price you see.
Watching Out for the Europe Express
I always do my homework before I book a specific tour. For example, some people look at the Europe Express winter tour from Topdeck. This is an 11-day trip that hits Paris, Venice, and Amsterdam. I always check Europe Express reviews complaints on sites like Reddit or TripAdvisor before I pay. You want to know if the bus is comfortable and if the hotels are clean. Most travelers like these fast-paced tours, but they are not for everyone. You spend a lot of time on the bus. I prefer a slower pace now that I am more mature.
On top of that, I look at the group size. Some companies like Contiki have groups of up to 50 people. That is too many for me. I prefer the small groups of G Adventures. They are based in Canada and focus on connecting with local communities. They have 23 different tours for different ages. They often use locally-owned guesthouses. This makes the trip feel more personal.
The Beauty of River Cruises
I have recently discovered that river cruises can be affordable if you pick the right line. Most people think they are only for the very rich. However, there are budget options. Gate 1 Travel is a great example. They own their own ships and offer “More of the World for Less”. Their cruises on the Rhine and Danube include a walking tour in every port. You also get wine and beer with your dinner. This is a very elegant way to travel without going broke.
I also look at A-Rosa. They are a German company that has ships with red lips painted on the hull. They are very family-friendly. On top of that, kids under 15 often travel for free. They have swimming pools and saunas on their ships. Another good choice is CroisiEurope from France. They have short trips of four or five days. You can combine a short cruise with a longer land trip. Plus, tipping is optional with them. This saves you even more cash.
Saving Money on the Ground
I save a lot of money by being smart once I arrive in Europe. First of all, I take the train as much as possible. Europe has some of the fastest trains in the world. Some travel at 217 miles per hour. I love the Eurail Pass because it is flexible and saves me hundreds of dollars. If you travel in a group of six or more, check out the Deutsche Bahn group saver fares. You can get tickets for as little as €14.99 per person. That is a total steal.
I also use budget buses like Flixbus. I once took a bus from Frankfurt to Prague for only 20 dollars. It took ten hours, but it was very cheap. I only do this for short trips now. Additionally, I use ridesharing apps like BlaBlaCar. You catch a ride with a local person and pay a small fee. I used this in Switzerland and met some wonderful people. It is safe and very affordable.
Eating and Sleeping for Less
I do not eat at restaurants for every meal. I love to picnic. I go to a local market, buy fresh bread and cheese, and sit in a park. This is a very Parisian thing to do. It is much more enjoyable than a busy cafe. I also look for “set lunch menus”. These are often three courses for a low price. You can have a big meal at noon and just a small snack for dinner.
I am careful about where I stay. I like hostels that have private rooms. You get the fun atmosphere of a hostel but you have your own space. I always look for ones with lockers and free breakfast. I have a list of favorites like The Flying Pig in Amsterdam and The Yellow in Rome. Gradually, Finally, I started using Airbnb less because it has become very expensive with all the extra fees. Sometimes a hotel is actually cheaper if you book it at the right time.
Avoid These Common Scams
I have seen many people lose money to scammers in Europe. You must be very careful. Rick Steves warned me about the “found ring” scam. Someone pretends to find a gold ring on the ground and offers to sell it to you for a “good” price. It is never real gold. Also, watch out for the “friendship bracelet” vendors. They tie a string around your arm and then demand money. It is a distraction so an accomplice can pick your pocket.
I always keep my money in a money belt. I never carry a big wad of cash in my pocket. In crowded places like the Rome train station, people will try to “help” you find your seat and then demand a tip. Just say no thank you and keep walking. Plus, always pay in the local currency when you use a credit card. The machine will ask if you want to pay in dollars or euros. Always pick euros. The bank will give you a better exchange rate than the shop will.
Knowing Your Rights
I feel much safer traveling in Europe because of the strong consumer laws. The European Commission recently made big travel sites promise to refund money faster. Companies like eDreams, Kiwi.com, and Mytrip must now refund you within 14 days if a flight is canceled. At that time during the pandemic, it was very hard to get money back. Now, the rules are much clearer.
You should also know about your rights if your hotel is overbooked. The law gives you legal protection if the facilities you were promised are missing. This only applies if you book a package or a “linked travel arrangement”. If you book every piece separately on different sites, you lose this protection. This is another reason why I love Travel agency Europe packages.
My Favorite Budget Destinations
I have found some amazing places that do not cost a fortune. Bari in Italy is one of my top picks. It is in the Puglia region and it is a fraction of the cost of the Amalfi Coast. I stayed there for four nights for the same price as one night in Positano. You can see the “trulli” houses that look like gnome hats. The food is incredible, especially the “little ear” pasta made by local grandmas.
Bratislava in Slovakia is another hidden gem. It is very close to Vienna, but much cheaper. I stay in Bratislava and take a cheap train for a day trip to see the sites in Vienna. The people are very friendly and the castle is beautiful. Prague is also still a great deal if you are smart. Do not eat on the Old Town Square. If you walk just two blocks away, the prices drop by half. You can get delicious duck and dumplings and world-class beer for a few euros.
I also love Bamberg in Germany. It is one of the prettiest cities I have ever seen. The prices have not changed much in ten years. You must try the “smoke beer” and the white sausage. Most tourists there are Germans, so it feels very authentic. It is a great alternative to expensive cities like Munich.
Planning Your Trip
I start my planning by looking for Mega Sales on sites like TourRadar. They sometimes offer up to 70% off on organized tours. You can filter by the month you want to go and how many people are traveling. I also sign up for newsletters from companies like HolidayPirates. They send hand-picked deals right to my phone. You have to be fast because the best deals disappear quickly.
I travel during the shoulder season to save even more. This means going in the spring or the fall. The weather is still warm, but the crowds are gone. I went to Patagonia in November and paid half the price of a trip in December. The same is true for Europe. August is the most expensive month because all the European families are at the beach. If you go in September, you will have more room and more money in your pocket.
FAQ
Which travel agent is best for Europe?
Rick Steves Europe is excellent for budget-friendly authentic travel. Intrepid Travel is the best choice for authentic small-group adventures. Trafalgar acts as the master of effortless iconic and hidden-gem itineraries.
Is it cheaper to use a travel agent when traveling?
Package holidays are often the cheapest way to travel to certain spots. These deals can sometimes be much cheaper than just a scheduled flight alone.
Where in Europe is it cheapest to travel?
Prices are generally lower in Central and Eastern Europe. Bari in Italy is a fraction of the cost of the Amalfi Coast. Bratislava is much more affordable than nearby Vienna.
What is the cheapest month to go to Europe?
Shoulder season in spring and fall offers lower prices. November is a very affordable month to travel.
How to travel to Europe cheaply?
You should buy budget flights through airlines like Ryanair or EasyJet. Unlimited train passes allow you to hop across the continent at a low price. Hostels provide a great option for budget travelers.
Is $100 a day enough in Europe?
Backpackers need about 100 EUR per day in Western Europe. On the contrary, you only need about 70 EUR in Central Europe and 50 EUR in Eastern Europe.
What is the disadvantage of using a travel agent?
Some tours move at a fast pace with a lot of activities packed into every day. Additionally, budget river cruises might limit your included drinks or use older ships.
Do travel agents save customers money?
Travel agents often sell the same package at different prices. Therefore, you can save money if you call different agents to haggle for a better deal.
Is it better to book through an airline or travel agent?
Traditional package holidays through an operator offer more financial and legal protection than DIY trips. You will find it easier to get a refund if things go wrong.
What is the cheapest way to travel between European countries?
Flixbus offers routes between twenty countries with prices starting as low as five EUR. Budget airlines also keep fares low due to high competition.
Which Schengen country is the cheapest?
Slovakia and the Czech Republic are very affordable for budget travelers. Hungary is also a good choice as prices have risen in other spots.
Which country is best for travel in low budget in Europe?
Romania features medieval towns and incredible hiking at dirt-cheap prices. The Balkans are also extremely budget-friendly and often overlooked by tourists.
What is the cheapest airport to fly into Europe?
I found that it is often significantly cheaper to fly into Frankfurt airport than other major cities like Prague.
What is the most expensive month to visit Europe?
August is the most expensive time because families head to the beach. Peak season generally runs from June through August.
How to stay in Europe for a month cheaply?
You save money when you stay in hostels that have a kitchen to cook your own meals. Similarly, you should buy your food at local markets instead of at restaurants.
Concluding words
I have learned that a visit to Europe does not have to cost a fortune. You can find Popular Cheap Travel Agencies For Europe that offer great value and protection. Always look for Travel agency Europe packages to save more than you would on your own. Use budget buses and trains to move around without stress. Plus, remember to haggle with your travel agent to get the best price possible.
