Traveling to Europe is a dream for many people, but the cost of travel can be a major barrier. Fortunately, there are many budget-friendly destinations in Europe that offer incredible experiences without breaking the bank. In this article, we’ll explore the cheapest places to travel in Europe, including some of the best destinations for summer vacations, beach holidays, and family trips whether you’re a backpacker looking for a cheap adventure or a family seeking an affordable vacation.
In this article, we will cover multiple topics :
- Factors that Affect the Cost of Travel in Europe
- Top 5 Cheapest Places to Travel in Europe
- Honorable Mentions
Factors that Affect the Cost of Travel in Europe
When planning a trip to Europe, one of the biggest considerations is the cost of travel. Fortunately, there are many ways to save money while still enjoying all that Europe has to offer. Here are some of the factors that affect the cost of travel in Europe:
Transportation Costs
One of the biggest expenses when traveling to Europe is the cost of transportation. Airfare can be expensive, consider flying into a nearby airport or taking a train or bus to your destination. Using public transportation, such as buses and trains, can be a cost-effective way to get around once you arrive.
Accommodation Costs
Accommodation costs can vary greatly depending on where you stay. Hotels can be expensive, but there are many budget-friendly options such as hostels and vacation rentals. Consider staying in a smaller town or outside of a major city to save money.
Food and Drink Costs
Eating out at restaurants can add up quickly, so consider shopping at local markets or grocery stores and cooking your own meals. Street food can also be a delicious and inexpensive option.
Entertainment and Activities Costs
There are many free or low-cost things to do in Europe, such as visiting museums and parks, attending concerts or festivals, or taking a walking tour.
Miscellaneous Expenses
We also need to consider travel insurance, visas, and souvenirs. Be sure to research any necessary visas or travel requirements before your trip to avoid unexpected expenses.
Top 5 Cheapest Places to Travel in Europe
There are the top 5 cheapest places to travel in Europe, but anyways it’s important to budget carefully if you’re planning to live or travel there. A lot of people search for cheap Europe trips for students, or the cheapest European countries to visit in summer. So let’s explore some of the cheap holiday destinations Europe beach for summer.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria is one of the cheapest countries to travel in Europe, with a low cost of living and affordable prices for accommodations, food, and activities. The country is known for its stunning mountains, beautiful beaches, and historic cities. Budget-friendly transportation options include trains and buses, while accommodations range from hostels to apartments. Well, Bulgarian cuisine is hearty and filling, with many affordable options for dining out.
Hungary
If you are looking for cheap European vacations for families, Hungary could be a great option. Hungary is another great budget-friendly destination in Europe, with beautiful architecture, thermal baths, and delicious food. The capital city of Budapest is a must-visit, with affordable accommodations and a vibrant nightlife scene. Transportation options include buses, trams, trains, while food and drink options range from street food to fine dining.
Portugal
Portugal is a beautiful country with stunning beaches, historic cities, delicious cuisine. While some areas can be expensive, there are many budget-friendly options for accommodations, food, and activities as well. Transportation options include buses and trains, while local cuisine is affordable and very delicious.
Poland
Poland is a great destination for budget-conscious travelers, with a low cost of living and many affordable options for accommodations, food, and activities. The country is known for its beautiful cities, stunning countryside, and full of rich history. Well, Transportation options include buses and trains, while local cuisine is hearty and filling.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is another budget-friendly destination in Europe, with beautiful architecture, delicious beer, and affordable accommodations. The capital city of Prague is a must-visit, with many free and low-cost attractions. Transportation options include buses and trains, while local cuisine is hearty and filling. It is one of the cheapest and safest places to travel in Europe.
One important thing to have in mind before visiting any of these countries is new travel regulations. Set to be launched in 2024, ETIAS will enable Canadian nationals to visit the EU/Schengen Area countries (except Ireland). It will be possible for up to 90 days with just a pre-issued digital travel permit, valid for three years.
Budget-Friendly Tips for Traveling in Europe
- Use budget airlines and public transportation to save money on transportation costs.
- Stay in budget-friendly accommodations such as hostels, vacation rentals, or budget hotels.
- Look for affordable food and drink options such as street food, local markets, and budget restaurants.
- Take advantage of free or low-cost entertainment and activities such as visiting museums, parks, and historic sites.
- Use discount cards and coupons to save money on attractions and activities.
Honorable Mentions
Europe is a treasure trove of cultural and historical wonders, but it’s no secret that it can be an expensive place to visit. Fortunately, there are plenty of budget-friendly destinations that offer just as much beauty and charm without breaking the bank. In addition to the top 5 cheapest places to travel in Europe, here are some honorable mentions that are definitely worth considering:
Krakow, Poland
This charming city is filled with history and culture, including a beautiful Old Town and the iconic Wawel Castle. With affordable accommodations, delicious local cuisine, and low-priced entertainment, Krakow is a great choice for budget-conscious travelers. Krakow is one of the cheapest and best places to travel in Europe.
Vilnius, Lithuania
Vilnius is known for its stunning Baroque architecture, charming cafes and restaurants, and vibrant cultural scene. Despite being the capital of Lithuania, it remains a hidden gem and offers some of the lowest prices in Europe for food, accommodations, and entertainment. It is one of the cheapest places to travel in Europe in the summer.
Sofia, Bulgaria
This Bulgarian capital boasts a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving arts and culture scene. With affordable accommodations, delicious local cuisine, and plenty of free activities, Sofia is a great destination for budget travelers. It is one of the cheapest places to travel in Europe from Canada.
Bratislava, Slovakia
Well, This small but charming city on the Danube River is full of historic landmarks, picturesque streets, and plenty of affordable accommodations, food, and entertainment. With its close proximity to Vienna, it’s also a great alternative to the more expensive Austrian capital. Slovakia is one of the cheapest and most beautiful places to travel in Europe.
As mentioned above, ETIAS is going to be necessary in order to visit most of European countries after 2024. You can check ETIAS requirements on this website. Applying for ETIAS authorization from Canada is a simple procedure, taking you less than 15 minutes.
Riga, Latvia
Riga is a hidden gem in the Baltic region, with a stunning Old Town, unique architecture, and plenty of cultural attractions. The city is also known for its affordability, with cheap accommodations and delicious local cuisine. It is one of the top 10 cheapest places to travel in Europe.
In conclusion, traveling to Europe on a budget is achievable with the right planning and research. By considering budget-friendly destinations like Portugal, Poland, and Croatia, are cheap places to visit in Europe and travelers can save money on transportation, accommodation, food, and entertainment. Additionally, it’s important to travel during the off-season or shoulder season, like Cheapest places to travel in Europe in August, Cheapest places to travel in Europe in May, Cheapest places to travel in Europe in July, Cheapest places to travel in Europe in February to avoid high tourist crowds and prices. Canada-based travelers can take advantage of low-cost airlines and affordable flights to European cities. Ultimately, the best and cheapest places to travel in Europe 2023 will depend on individual preferences and interests, but with these recommendations, travelers can explore Europe without breaking the bank.
