Europe is a dream destination for backpackers across the globe. Be it the fascinating history, picturesque locales or the mouthwatering cuisines, this continent has it all. So, if you’ve decided to travel across Europe for your next trip, then you’re in for an experience of a lifetime.
While traveling can provide both pleasure and relaxation, there are some factors to be careful about so you can have a safe and enjoyable trip. Among many others, there are two important considerations that you need to keep in mind. The first is your trip budget and the second is your safety. To find out how you can have a memorable experience without burning a hole in your pocket and return home safely after your vacation, read on!
Tips for Saving Your Euros
The simplest way to save a lot of money and have a great time without much compromise is by planning ahead. Here are four penny-pinching tips to note before you go backpacking across Europe:
Cash in on the Season
The first step in planning your trip is to decide the destinations you wish to visit in Europe. But while doing this, you need to keep in mind the season during which you will be traveling. For example, during summer, the best places to visit are the Slovenian mountains and the Balkan coastline as the weather is usually cool and pleasant.
If you are traveling in springtime, Netherlands and France are very affordable and as the days are long, you can make the most out of your stay. Alternatively, you can also plan your trip during off-season and perhaps even get discounts on accommodation, travel and shopping. This way, you can avoid the crowds too!
Train Vs. Flights
While you will need a flight to get to Europe, once you get there, it is a wise option to choose trains to travel across the entire continent. Ditch the flight and catch a train from one city to another to save money.
Taking an overnight train will also help reduce your cost of accommodation. The best way to plan this is to take a flight that lands in one corner of Europe so you can catch long trains to the other corner.
Sort Your Accommodation
When it comes to accommodation, there are multiple options to choose from. You can stay in hotels, hostels or even opt for homestays. The selection you make will impact your budget largely as a majority of travel expenses depend on where you stay.
In Europe, hostels and homestays are economic options that you can go with if you would like to save a lot of money, especially if you have a long trip planned. But remember, no matter what your choice is, book your stay well in advance so you don’t suffer due to last-minute price hikes or booking issues!
Choose Food Wisely
You need to eat a minimum of three times a day, excluding your snacks. This makes food the next most expensive part of traveling. The best option is to go local and try the large variety of European delights, be it croissants for breakfast, a bowl of fresh fruits for a snack or a Blini for lunch!
Always eat on time so you don’t stay hungry for long periods of time; stock up on snacks from a grocery store nearby and try to cook a few of your own meals if you are staying in a hostel. While you should occasionally splurge on local delicacies, you can balance your extravagant cravings with one low-cost meal per day.
Safety Comes First
One of the most important facets to traveling is to ensure that you return home safe and sound. This does not merely mean making sure that nothing happens to you, but also that nothing happens to your cash or to your belongings.
One of the best ways to keep your cash safe is to put it in different places rather than all together. Do your research about the most pick pocketing-prone spots in Europe so you know which areas to avoid.
Another tip is to never lose track of your belongings no matter where you go. Carry your identification cards with you and always keep an eye out when you are at the ATM. Identity tags on your luggage can be of help too in case you lose them.
When it comes to personal safety, the best way to stay protected throughout your journey is to have a travel insurance policy. With travel insurance, any loss of luggage, change in flight schedules and medical contingencies will be taken care of by the insurance company, thereby assuring the safety of not just yourself but also whatever you own.
Packing Up…
At the end of the day, besides making your trip budget-friendly and ensuring you are secure, you need to remember to have fun too. So, let your hair down, proudly wear your backpack on your shoulders and get ready to create new memories on your trip-of-a-lifetime!