| Let's face it. We all need a vacation once in awhile. | | | | are very popular in Europe. You can find hostels |
| The major problem is that besides paying to get | | | | with private rooms and they aren't limited to |
| to the dream destination, there are other | | | | youngsters. If you insist on staying in a hotel then |
| expenses that add up as well such as paying for | | | | try budget hotels like Travelodge and EasyHotel. |
| accommodations, food, souvenirs, money to pay | | | | They often offer deals and great prices. Holiday |
| for tours and other activities which will make your | | | | apartments are usually available in the cities and |
| trip memorable as well as other travel expenses | | | | rural regions. They are better than a hotel |
| in the country like taxis and trains and you must | | | | because you get a bigger space and a cheaper to |
| always have emergency money as you never | | | | similar price. It's a great option if you're traveling in |
| know what may happen. Wow! This looks like a | | | | a group. Finally, you can get a tent or camper |
| lot! Well, it definitely adds up and especially when | | | | van. There are campsites in Europe to stay. But, |
| you are talking about Europe.... | | | | as I said previously, this depends on the type of |
| But, what's the point of ruining your European | | | | trip you want - you must be willing to forgo |
| getaway with worries about money? That | | | | certain amenities and revel in the camp vibe |
| defeats the purpose of taking a vacation. So I will | | | | instead. |
| give you some tips on how to save major bucks | | | | What to do for Fun |
| and the rest is up to you to make it the trip of a | | | | Research activities available in the country before |
| lifetime. | | | | you start shelling out money. Lots of places will |
| When and Where to Go | | | | have offers such as museums, attractions and |
| In planning for a trip, the first thing to decide on is | | | | tours. Europe is so culturally rich there is no way |
| where to go. We already know you want to go | | | | your trip should be boring. You just have to know |
| to Europe hence you reading this but Europe is | | | | where to find what's happening. For this I |
| enormous so you have to narrow it down with | | | | recommend searching local newspapers and/or |
| your favorite locales. Central and Eastern Europe | | | | magazines listing events and attractions. You can |
| is typically cheaper than the Western region. | | | | also visit a local tourist office as they give good |
| Examples of Central and Eastern European | | | | advice. |
| countries are Austria, Hungary and Germany. | | | | How to Get Around |
| Countries like France, Italy and the UK (anywhere | | | | Research transportation costs. Cars are usually |
| with famous shoe designers) are very expensive. | | | | expensive in a big city. Public transportation is a |
| Also, it is best to travel after peak season as this | | | | reasonable alternative. If you plan on traveling a |
| is after the tourist season. Peak season works | | | | lot, Eurailpasses will save you money. However, if |
| out to be more expensive as this is when | | | | you are only going to make short trips then you |
| everyone gets a chance to make money and so | | | | may want to purchase tickets as you go along. |
| they raise the prices on everything. Good months | | | | The local bus system will also keep some money |
| to travel to Europe are April to June and | | | | in your pockets. |
| September to early October as you still get good | | | | Where to Eat |
| weather and you will avoid the high prices. | | | | Eating out a lot can blow your travel budget. Be |
| Where to Stay | | | | careful to stay away from tourist spots and look |
| This is dependent on where you have decided to | | | | for restaurants which offer lunch specials. Listen |
| go and the kind of vacation you want to have. | | | | to local advice to discover those eateries that |
| The common factor in your options is to stay | | | | aren't popular with the tourists. You can save a |
| away from expensive hotels. Europe has so many | | | | lot of money by making your own food. Stick to |
| options for accommodations. Bed and Breakfasts | | | | restaurants for maybe one or two meals. |
| will offer a comfortable stay and will give you the | | | | Preparing food of course is accommodating in |
| experience you crave about local culture. Hostels | | | | hostels, holiday apartments or camp sites. |
